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Michigan football is sent off in a 24-17 win over Michigan State

Michigan football is sent off in a 24-17 win over Michigan State

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In Michigan football, what mattered wasn't how the Wolverines started — or who they started at quarterback — but rather how they finished.

After a mostly lethargic 28 minutes to start Saturday's game against Michigan State football, the Wolverines (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) scored nine points in the final 29 seconds before halftime and then added a touchdown on the first drive of the second half half to take command and ultimately defeat the Spartans 24-17.

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With expected starter Jack Tuttle sidelined due to injury, former backup Davis Warren – who had started the first three games before turnover issues forced him to the bench – found his footing in the Wolverines' two-minute drill. Warren got the Wolverines into the end zone in the final minute with a 10-yard pass to tight end Colston Loveland. But there were problems trying to score an extra point, and the Wolverines appeared poised to enter halftime trailing 7-6.

But as Michigan State (3-4, 2-3) tried to get into field goal range, edge rusher Josaiah Stewart sacked MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles — his 13thTh turnover this season – and Kenneth Grant recovered and put UM in field goal range. Dominic Zvada then hit a 37-yarder to give the Wolverines a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Warren finished the game 13 of 19 for 123 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Meanwhile, backup Alex Orji scored the touchdown to open the second half with a 2-yard run, capping an 11-play, 75-yard drive.

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The Wolverines scored their third TD of the game on a trick play early in the fourth quarter, with Donovan Edwards finding Loveland for a 23-yard TD on a halfback option pass, resulting in a 24-10 lead.

UM had to fend off a late MSU comeback when Chiles found freshman receiver Nick March for a 20-yard TD to take a seven-point lead with 6:12 left. After a three-pointer, UM hit the ball back to MSU with 4:34 left.

But the Spartans couldn't take advantage of their last chance.

Michigan now faces a tougher challenge in green as No. 1 Oregon comes to Michigan Stadium next Saturday (3:30 p.m., CBS). Michigan State, meanwhile, hosts Indiana, which will likely be a top-10 team when the polls are released Sunday afternoon.

This story will be updated.

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