Michigan beats in-state rival MSU as the QB carousel continues to spin

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan will have local bragging rights for another year.

After another change at quarterback and a sluggish start, the Wolverines turned their fortunes around and outlasted rival Michigan State on Saturday, winning 24-17 in front of a prime-time crowd at Michigan Stadium.

Former backup Davis Warren got the start and played a turnover-free game, while backup Alex Orji provided variety in the running game. A 23-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colston Loveland made the difference for the reeling Wolverines (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten), who snapped a two-game losing streak and regained possession of the Paul Bunyan Trophy .

Michigan was outnumbered and lost the possession battle by more than 14 minutes, but failed to commit a penalty or lose the ball for the first time since last year's win at Nebraska. The Wolverines took advantage of their red zone drives, going three-for-three inside the 20, including a 64-yard touchdown drive before halftime.

They also forced a crucial turnover with edge rusher Josaiah Stewart picking off MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles, which helped lead to Michigan scoring a field goal before halftime. MSU got off to a fast start, rushing for 135 total yards in the first quarter, but managed just one touchdown – coming up empty on its first drive after kicker Jonathan Kim pushed a 25-yard field goal attempt just wide of the net.

An 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by a two-yard run by Orji early in the second half gave Michigan a two-point lead, which it used to hold off the combative Spartans. MSU (4-4, 2-3 Big Ten) earned an impressive 32-20 win over Iowa last Saturday.

Nate Carter led MSU with 118 rushing yards and two catches for 56 yards and shredded the Michigan defense for two 30-yard plays. Despite a 163-119 advantage on the floor, it wasn't enough for the Spartans.

Warren finished 13 of 19 for 123 yards and a touchdown, while Orji rushed six times for 64 yards, more than any other ball carrier at Michigan. Last week's starter, seventh-year veteran Jack Tuttle, was sidelined prior to the game with an injury.

Course of the game: Josaiah Stewart continued his run as Michigan's most disruptive defensive lineman this season, with his strip sack against Chiles another example of that. Chiles was known for his turnover problems, but has had them under control in recent weeks. Not only was Stewart able to force the football, but he also put the Wolverines in position to take the lead and turn the momentum around. That's exactly what it did.

Next: Michigan hosts No. 1 Oregon in Ann Arbor next Saturday, Nov. 2, while Michigan State hosts No. 13 Indiana in East Lansing. The Wolverines are seeking bowl eligibility for a fourth straight season.