Two of college football’s biggest rivals are separated by a short strip of highway.
The hour drive between East Lansing and Ann Arbor is all it takes to separate the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. First played in 1898, this Michigan vs Michigan State college football rivalry has had over 100 meetings and plenty of big historical moments.
Below, we break down the Paul Bunyan Trophy history, with odds and trends from this Michigan vs Michigan State rivalry matchup:
Paul Bunyan Trophy 2022 Odds: Michigan vs Michigan State
The Michigan Wolverines are on a roll in 2022, winning their first seven games with an elite defense and dominant run game. In its most recent win over Penn State, Michigan had two rushers both pick up 160-plus yards on the ground.
The Michigan State Spartans aren’t having the same success this year. They have three wins but have fallen in basically every true test they’ve faced so far, including a 49-20 drubbing to Ohio State.
Heading into this year’s Paul Bunyan Trophy contest, Michigan is currently favored by more than one possession at Sportsbook:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | OVER/UNDER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | -8.5 | -385 | OVER 46.5 (-110) |
| Michigan State | +8.5 | +300 | UNDER 46.5 (-110) |
2022 Paul Bunyan Trophy: Players To Watch
Ahead of this year’s Paul Bunyan Trophy meeting, here are some star players to look out for:
- Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy
- Michigan RB Blake Corum
- Michigan DB DJ Turner
- Michigan State QB Payton Thorne
- Michigan State WR Jayden Reed
See Our Best College Football Sites
Michigan vs Michigan State History
Though the Wolverines have been a force in college football in recent years, it’s the Spartans who have owned this rivalry of late. Michigan State has won 10 of the last 15 meetings between these two state rivals.
However, in the long term, it’s still Michigan that regularly ends up on top. The Wolverines are 72-37-5 all-time in meetings with the Spartans. Here are the last 10 battles for the Paul Bunyan Trophy:
| Year | Sportsbook | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Michigan State | 37-33 |
| 2020 | Michigan State | 27-24 |
| 2019 | Michigan | 44-10 |
| 2018 | Michigan | 21-7 |
| 2017 | Michigan State | 14-10 |
| 2016 | Michigan | 32-23 |
| 2015 | Michigan State | 27-23 |
| 2014 | Michigan State | 35-11 |
| 2013 | Michigan State | 29-6 |
| 2012 | Michigan | 12-10 |
Michigan vs Michigan State 2021: Spartans Take Paul Bunyan Trophy
In last year’s Michigan vs Michigan State rivalry game, running back Kenneth Walker III, now with the Seahawks, dominated the Wolverines defense. The State RB rushed for 197 yards and five (yes, FIVE) touchdowns on just 23 carries, helping lift the Spartans to an upset win.
Where To Bet On The Paul Bunyan Trophy
You can find 2022 Paul Bunyan rivalry odds and all NCAA football weekly lines over at our recommended college football sportsbooks.
If you’re looking for futures odds, you can also find updated Heisman Trophy odds and national championship odds at most of these books.
Check out our recommended book, Sportsbook, and lock in your action today:
Picks by League
Paul Bunyan Trophy FAQ
What is the Paul Bunyan Trophy?
The Paul Bunyan Trophy is awarded to the Sportsbook of Michigan State vs Michigan football every year. It was established in 1898 and has been a coveted trophy between the Big Ten schools for decades since.
Who has won the Paul Bunyan Trophy the most?
Michigan has dominated the rivalry against Michigan State for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, historically. The Wolverines are 72-37-5 all-time in meetings with the Spartans.
Who has the Paul Bunyan Trophy now?
The 2021 Sportsbook of the Paul Bunyan Trophy was the Michigan State Spartans. They beat Michigan on the back of running back Kenneth Walker III.
