Wolverines face Spartans at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 for Paul Bunyan Trophy

The University of Michigan and Michigan State University will meet on Saturday, Nov. 7, to determine the holder of the Paul Bunyan Trophy. The kickoff for the in-state championship game is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with the broadcast airing on Peacock. This scheduled time allows the Wolverines to shift their focus from their recent road trip to the rivalry matchup at Michigan Stadium.

Michigan enters the contest following a 28-21 victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Oct. 31. The game took place at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Players from the Wolverines indicated they would take time to celebrate that win before turning their attention to the Spartans. The road win sets the stage for the annual battle for regional dominance.

The Wolverines have won the last four meetings against their in-state rivals. In the 2025 season, Michigan defeated Michigan State 31-20 in East Lansing. A victory on Nov. 7 would give Michigan a five-game winning streak against the Spartans. The team has not achieved a five-game streak in this rivalry since a six-game run between 2002 and 2007.

The all-time series between the two schools stands at 75-38-5 in favor of Michigan across 118 meetings. In games specifically contested for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, the Wolverines lead 42-29-2 through 73 matchups. The return of the rivalry to Ann Arbor places the home advantage with the team currently holding the trophy.

Michigan State will attempt to end the Wolverines' recent dominance and reclaim the hardware on its rival's home field. The Paul Bunyan Trophy is the specific prize awarded to the winner of this annual in-state contest. The 7:30 p.m. start time provides a late-evening slot for the national audience watching the game.