5 memorable times Michigan State football captured the Paul Bunyan Trophy since 2000

EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Larry Caper #22 of the Michigan State Spartans runs with the football during the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 24, 2011 in East Lansing, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Chippewas 45-7. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)

2009: Larry Caper’s overtime walk-off touchdown

This game might not come to mind for many people at first, but it sure had it’s share of drama. Michigan State found themselves up 20-6 in the fourth quarter, but Michigan fought back late to score two touchdowns in the last four minutes of the game.

This included the game-tying score with two seconds remaining to force overtime.

OTD in @MSU_Football History:

On October 3, 2009, Larry Caper would score the game winning TD in OT against rival Michigan, 14 years ago today. pic.twitter.com/lqmtZM6Apf
— Dalton Shetler (@DaltonShetler) October 3, 2023

Freshman Larry Caper found the endzone from 23 yards out to give MSU back-to-back wins against Michigan for the first time in 42 years. It was early on in the Mark Dantonio era and he would continue to have that type of success against the Wolverines throughout his tenure.