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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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Oct 30, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

2021:  Kenneth Walker III runs wild

Wrapping up the list might be one of the biggest matchups in this storied rivalry due to the implications. Both teams came in undefeated and ranked in the AP top 10. They were both in the conversation for a trip to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship and beyond.

And the game certainly didn’t disappoint.

Kenneth Walker III had one of the more dominating offensive performances in recent memory against a loaded Michigan defense. He ran for 197 yards and five touchdowns, literally carrying this Spartan team on his back to a 37-33 win. This was also after Michigan State was down 30-14 in the third quarter. Even though he wasn’t invited to New York as a Heisman finalist, this performance alone should’ve landed him there.

There have certainly been some wild moments any time these two teams link up. Here’s hoping we get more of the same this Saturday.

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