ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan State finally beat Michigan.
And the Spartans had to overcome a blown call to do it.
Javon Ringer’s second touchdown Saturday broke a tie midway through the fourth quarter and Brian Hoyer’s third TD pass padded the lead, lifting the Spartans to a 35-21 win over the Wolverines.
“I’ll go on the record as saying this one counts as more than one,” Michigan State coach Mark Dan-tonio said.
Michigan State (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) had not knocked off its rival since 2001, when T.J. Duckett scored with a disputed second on the clock, and was winless at the Big House since 1990, when Desmond Howard was tripped in the end zone and no penalty was called.
Michigan (2-6, 1-3) tied the game in the first quarter when the replay official overturned a ruling on the field, giving Brandon Minor a TD because his foot hit a pylon.
The NCAA rule book, however, states: “A player or an airborne player who touches a pylon is out of bounds.” Referee Dave Witvoet recited the rule verbatim to a pool reporter about the call that was overturned by a replay official, but deferred further comment to the Big Ten.
“More than that, I can’t say anything else,” Witvoet said.
Michigan State ended up making the explanation moot. The Spartans outgained Michigan 473-252, their highest total in a win at Michigan Stadium in half a century.
“They deserved to beat us,” said Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham, who guaranteed a win.
Ringer ran for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries. Hoyer was 17-of-29 passing for 282 yards and a season-high three touchdowns. Blair White scored on a 61-yard reception to start the scoring and finished with four catches for 143 yards.
Steven Threet was 13-of-26 passing for 168 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. He scored on a third-quarter run, giving Michigan its only lead.
Minor ran for 55 yards and a touchdown and was credited with a 19-yard TD reception.
