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Stock up and stock down in the Michigan vs. Michigan State game

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. down-in-the-michigan-vs-michigan-state-game.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 15:14 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Stock‑Up and Stock‑Down: The 2025 Michigan vs. Michigan State Showdown

The 2025 rivalry game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans was a masterclass in football storytelling, delivering the kind of back‑and‑forth drama that keeps fans glued to the ballpark and on their screens. The Wolverines, under first‑year head coach Jim Harbaugh, entered the matchup on a five‑game winning streak, riding a wave of optimism after a triumphant season opener against a top‑ten opponent. The Spartans, coached by Mark Dantonio in his thirteenth season, were equally determined, fresh off a conference win that put them in the top twenty of the College Football Playoff rankings.

The game itself was a tight, low‑scoring affair that saw both teams trade punts before a pivotal 3rd‑and‑goal play on the first quarter set the tone. Michigan’s offense, led by freshman quarterback Cade McNamara, faced a stout Michigan State defense that had been a nightmare for the Wolverines’ former coaching era. Yet, in that first 3rd‑and‑goal, McNamara dropped back, scanned for open receivers, and launched a 32‑yard touchdown pass to senior wide‑receiver Jalen Williams, sparking the Wolverines’ initial surge. That drive was highlighted by a slick block by offensive line star T.J. Williams, who opened a lane for the ball to travel through.

Following the touchdown, the Spartans responded with a methodical 11‑minute drive that ended on a 48‑yard field goal by kicker Zach Mielke, tying the game at 7‑7. The early exchange underscored the defensive intensity that both teams had built around: Michigan’s defense forced three sacks in the first quarter, while Michigan State’s defense forced a turnover on downs in the second quarter when the Wolverines attempted a risky fourth‑down conversion at the 10‑yard line.

In the second quarter, Michigan capitalized on a forced fumble by Spartans’ linebacker Brandon Smith on a broken tackle in the backfield. The ball rolled into the hands of Michigan’s running back T.J. McManis, who powered it 27 yards for a touchdown, putting the Wolverines up 14‑7. The Wolverines’ offense was in sync, as the offensive line was praised in a post‑game interview by coach Harbaugh, who highlighted the synergy between the line and McNamara’s decision‑making.

Michigan State's next possession was a short drive that concluded with a 23‑yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen to wide‑receiver Chris Galloway, narrowing the deficit to 14‑13. The Spartans' defense, however, had a bright moment when safety Justin Hill intercepted a McNamara pass in the end zone, setting up a short field that allowed Michigan to secure a field goal on the final play of the half, pushing the lead to 17‑13.

The third quarter saw both teams’ defenses step up. Michigan State’s defensive line, led by senior defensive tackle Daniel Brown, forced a crucial fumble on a Michigan drive that was recovered by defensive back Isaiah Smith, who returned it 38 yards for a touchdown. This play turned the game into a 23‑17 Spartans lead, a pivotal shift that had fans on the edge of their seats.

In the final quarter, the Wolverines mounted a counter‑offensive effort that was characterized by a 70‑yard drive capped by a two‑point conversion, a bold decision that paid off and gave Michigan a 25‑23 advantage. The drive featured an audacious play, a no‑huddle half‑back pass from McNamara to T.J. McManis, who caught the ball in the end zone and sprinted home, showcasing the play‑calling ingenuity of Harbaugh's new regime.

The Spartans attempted a late comeback, with the defense stifling Michigan's ball‑carrying offense. A 32‑yard run by running back Kevin Brown on the 4th quarter's 3rd down kept the Spartans within striking distance. However, a critical 4th‑and‑1 decision by Michigan’s defensive coordinator to hold the line resulted in the ball being held, allowing the Wolverines to secure the final possession and run out the clock. The 25‑23 victory was a testament to the Wolverines’ resilience, and the game was praised as a quintessential example of “stock‑up” and “stock‑down” moments – the big plays that turned the tide in each half.

The implications of the result were far‑reaching. Michigan's victory propelled the team into the top ten of the College Football Playoff rankings, while the Spartans’ loss kept them outside playoff contention, but secured them a spot in a major bowl game. Statistically, Michigan finished the game with 375 total yards of offense, 28 first downs, and three sacks, while the Spartans accumulated 312 yards, 21 first downs, and two sacks. The final score of 25‑23 is remembered as one of the most exciting games in Michigan football history, demonstrating that even in rivalry games, the narrative can pivot on a single play.

For more on Michigan's season outlook, visit the Michigan Athletics website, and for a deeper dive into Michigan State’s defensive strategy, check out the Spartans’ 2025 defensive profile on the University’s official site.