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Our favorite photos from Michigan's win over Michigan State

Our favorite photos from Michigan's win over Michigan State

4 minutes, 58 seconds Read

ANN ARBOR – Michigan football won the Paul Bunyan Trophy on Saturday, fighting back from two road losses and defeating its in-state rival in a hard-fought contest that ended in a short-lived midfield brawl.

The Wolverines started Davis Warren at quarterback and reverted to an early-season game plan in which they replaced Alex Orji for several run-oriented plays. Michigan State built an early lead with a long opening drive that put its rivals behind, but when the Wolverines pushed into MSU territory for the first time in the final minutes of the half, Warren connected with Colston Loveland for Michigan's first touchdown. Just moments later, the Wolverines were ready for a field goal that gave them a 9-7 halftime lead.

Orji scrambled into the end zone on the first drive of the second half, further extending Michigan's lead. Sparty responded with a 46-yard field goal to make it a one-score game. Early in the fourth quarter, Michigan called a trick play in which running back Donovan Edwards nailed a 23-yard pass to Loveland — the veteran is now 4-for-4 and has rushed for 131 yards and two touchdowns in his Michigan career. Warren hit Loveland again for the two-pointer that gave Michigan a 24-10 lead.

READ MORE: Michigan runs several trick plays to beat Michigan State

The Spartans responded with a lengthy drive that ended with quarterback Aiden Chiles making a 20-yard pass to Nick Marsh. Trailing by 7 points, Michigan State tied the score with four minutes left, but the Wolverines stopped their rival in the red zone and ran out the clock.

As the final seconds of the game ticked away, Loveland and MSU defender Anthony Jones exchanged words and then headbutts, prompting both teams to rush to midfield to exchange blows. The players were quickly separated and coaches Sherrone Moore and Jonathan Smith shook hands before the Wolverines lifted the trophy.

MLive photographers were on hand to capture everything. Check out some of our favorite photos below or click on the gallery above to see 150 images from the game.

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) celebrates a touchdown as Michigan football hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Ann Arbor.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) jumps high as he is hit by Michigan State Spartans defensive back Malik Spencer (43) during a first down run on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor the sideline makes. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan and Michigan State players battle at midfield after Michigan football defeated Michigan State 24-17 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan winner Josaiah Stewart collects the Paul Bunyan Trophy after the Wolverines earned a 24-17 victory over Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan fans celebrate after Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) scores on a rushing touchdown Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore cheers on the student section as Michigan football hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, October 26, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines defensive player Kenneth Grant (78) hangs onto the jersey of Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) as he escapes, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) catches a touchdown pass as Michigan football hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Ann Arbor.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Davis Warren (16) runs out of the pocket as he eyes a pass to tight end Colston Loveland (18) on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Davis Warren (16) celebrates in front of the student section as Michigan football hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh (6) catches a pass and scampers away to break multiple tackles on his way to the end zone for a touchdown Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor. Marsh scored a touchdown on this play. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

The Michigan Marching Band plays in the stands as Michigan Football hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, October 26, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) and Michigan Wolverines defenseman Rod Moore (9) celebrate after Michigan football defeated Michigan State 24-17 at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 in Ann Arbor.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan State Spartans running back Nate Carter (5) passes the ball on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) addresses fans as Michigan football hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Ann Arbor.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh (6) catches a pass and scampers away to break multiple tackles on his way to the end zone for a touchdown Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor. Marsh scored a touchdown on this play. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) leaps forward for positive yards on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi (58) celebrates with tight end Colston Loveland (18) after Loveland caught a pass in the end zone for a two-point conversion on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Ann Arbor . The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 24-17.(Jake May | MLive.com)

Michigan Football hosts Michigan State

Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore and Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith shake hands after Michigan football defeated Michigan State 24-17 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

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