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

By Jacob Babbitt

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) /
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Nov 2, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Devin Funchess (87) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Taiwan Jones (34) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 29-6. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Devin Funchess (87) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Taiwan Jones (34) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 29-6. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

2013: Utter defensive domination

I’ll be the first to admit, I’d take an offensive shootout over a defensive slugfest any day. But what Michigan State did in 2013 was a masterclass in defensive execution.

The Spartans tallied seven sacks on Wolverine quarterback Devin Gardner and held them to -48 rushing yards. Denicos Allen and Shilique Calhoun each had big days and led the defensive onslaught for one of the best defenses in the country that year.

They would go on to win 29-6.

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