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The fourth installment of this week’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us to 1995. This series has a long history of giving first-year head coaches rude introductions to the rivalry. The Michigan State Spartans continued that tradition. They gave Michigan coach Lloyd Carr a greeting that was as cold as the chilly, snowy day in East Lansing. 

It started out well enough for Michigan. Remy Hamilton kicked a 35-yard field goal to put the Wolverines up, 3-0. Special teams play became a give and take proposition. Derrick Mason returned a punt for a 70-yard touchdown in the second quarter. That play turned the momentum in the Spartans’ favor. It’s always a challenge to trail Michigan State on the road in a rivalry game. 

Still, the Wolverines fought gamely as the struggle went back and forth. Quarterback Brian Griese connected with Mercury Hayes for a 22-yard touchdown pass. This play gave the Wolverines a 4-point lead. However, Michigan State still had 3:38 to work with. That was more than enough time. Then the ghosts of Paul Bunyan games past went to work. On a 4th down and 11 yards to do, Tony Banks connected with Mason along the Michigan sideline, and got the first down on a controversial spot. That play breathed new life into Michigan State. Michigan started missing tackles and Michigan State enjoyed some very fortunate bounces.  Finally, Banks connected with Nigea Carter, who twisted and turned his way into the end zone for the winning score, as Michigan State beat Michigan, 28-25. 

Michigan went on to finish the season with some excellent victories. However, on this day, the Spartans reminded Lloyd Carr of the challenges. It’s not easy for a newcomer to win in this rivalry.