Michigan State Upsets Michigan 15-6 in Ann Arbor
Tullis rushes for a career-high 86 yards as the Spartans snap a six-game losing streak against the Wolverines.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Football
Michigan State defeated Michigan 15-6 at Michigan Stadium on November 8, ending a six-game losing streak. Freshman-era backup Tullis carried 25 times for a career-high 86 rushing yards.
Why it matters
The win gives Michigan State its first Big Ten victory under Pat Fitzgerald and ends a five-year drought without beating its rivals. It lifts the Spartans to 3-6 on the season.
Tullis's 86 rushing yards on 25 carries was a career high, up from 53 yards across four prior games. Michigan State's seventh drive covered 79 yards over 17 plays in 10 minutes and 41 seconds.
The players
Pat Fitzgerald
Pat Fitzgerald is the head football coach of Michigan State, earning the program's first Big Ten win under his leadership with this victory.
Tullis
Tullis is a Michigan State running back from Dallas, Texas, who stepped into the lead role after injuries sidelined other backs.
The details
Tullis's workload grew as injuries thinned the backfield, with Kenneth Williams managing a lingering injury and carrying 10 times for 41 yards. Michigan State's ground game controlled the clock through a methodical seventh drive that ate up over ten minutes.
Timeline
November 8, 2026: Michigan State defeats Michigan 15-6 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Season Trajectory
The Michigan-Michigan State series has been decided by rushing yards in 87.5% of games since 1969, and this result continues that pattern. The win gives Michigan State momentum after a season spent largely on the losing end of the rivalry.
The victory improves Michigan State's record to 3-6, which matters for bowl eligibility math as the season closes. Fantasy managers tracking Tullis should note his 25-carry workload if injuries keep the backfield thin.
The takeaway
Injuries forced a backup into a starring role, and he delivered the best rushing day of his career in a rivalry game. Depth at running back can decide a season's most important matchup.
Further reading
For more on the rivalry's history, browse Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The State News.
