5 memorable times Michigan State football captured the Paul Bunyan Trophy since 2000
![EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: AJ Arcuri #76 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with the Paul Bunyan trophy with Sparty the Michigan State Spartans mascot after defeating Michigan Wolverines 37-33 at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: AJ Arcuri #76 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with the Paul Bunyan trophy with Sparty the Michigan State Spartans mascot after defeating Michigan Wolverines 37-33 at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2cab5e9a1beb0a59b8004dd52fecd6bd29a8855edbf3ca77ecbb1077b9474d72.jpg)
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:
— Dalton Shetler (@DaltonShetler) October 3, 2023
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
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.