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Posted on Sat, Oct 3, 2009 : 11:05 p.m.

Michigan State 26, Michigan 20 (OT): Your complete guide to our coverage here

By Pete Bigelow

CaperTD.jpg

Michigan State running back Larry Caper busts through a tackle and heads into the end zone for the game-winning score in overtime Saturday at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

For the third time this season, Tate Forcier took the Michigan football team on his shoulders and rallied the Wolverines to a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback.

This time, however, Michigan couldn't find its storybook ending.

Despite scoring two touchdowns in the final 4:03 of the game, the Wolverines couldn't sustain their momentum in overtime, falling to rival Michigan State, 26-20 in East Lansing.

Our coverage of Saturday's game starts below, and we'll be updating it throughout the evening.

STORIES

VIDEO

PHOTOS

INTERACTIVE

  • More than 2,400 readers followed our live chat during the game. Among others, you'll find these topics discussed in the archive: Denard Robinson's passing ability, the controversial decision to fake a fourth-down punt ... and the best pizza in Ann Arbor. Join us for the Iowa game next week.

STATISTICS AND STUFF

AROUND THE BIG TEN

Comments

1998pa

Tue, Oct 6, 2009 : 8:53 a.m.

No kidding, BMG. There are some truly blind, thoughtless imps in the world. I love sports as much as anyone, but to fawn over one team to the point where they can do absolutely no wrong? My God, even groupies have more self-respect.

saginaw

Mon, Oct 5, 2009 : 10:08 a.m.

I think that Tommy A did some good recruiting in basketball while at UM. Obviously Bielien is a better coach overall.

GoBlue2009

Mon, Oct 5, 2009 : 5:43 a.m.

@ John Galt: Hockey's even? State was absolutely god-awful last year, and I enjoyed every second of it. They will be hard-pressed to not finish last in the CCHA again this year. If anything, basketball has finally emerged from the Dark Ages and is ready to challenge Izzo for recruits. We basically gave State recruiting for 10 years with the sanctions, and they will no longer have an easy time of things.

psaume23

Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 6:37 p.m.

Has UM's defense really improved from last year? It seems that we are still having difficulty tackling on a basic level, and are giving up way too many yards. On the other hand, the offense is very exciting to watch and it is heartening that our offensive line seems to be doing better this year. There is still plenty of games to fix the D and surpass expectations.

LakeErieMaize/Blue

Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 5:13 p.m.

That's funny Theo212.And as for playing off the WR's I say play up on them SOMETIMES!!Challenge them down the field and see if we can run with them b/c giving them first downs on 3rd and a million isn't working for us either!!Let's mix it up on D!!Defense is suppose to DISRUPT, not be obvious!!!GO BLUE!!

jpatch32

Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 3:54 p.m.

After five games I can't believe that Michigan's defensive coordinator or coach Rod can't see that if it is third down with five to go the Db's can't play ten yards off of the ball. Lets just give the offense the first down. It's the most frustrating thing to watch. I know we have some secondary issues but they can't be that slow. The zone defense is terrible, knowbody knows what they are doing. We don't have any interceptions and the Db's havent batted any balls away from the recievers. C'mon Michigan fix it.

TXteacher

Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 10:16 a.m.

Fight, Fight, Fight, Team, Fight, victory for M-S-UUUUU!

David Wallner

Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 6 a.m.

The amazing thing is that these KIDS provide such great entertainment. I think both teams have a lot to be proud of.

saginaw

Sat, Oct 3, 2009 : 11:29 p.m.

Michigan is a better team in 2009 than 2008. But, nearly all of this improvement is due to Tate Forcier. Other players really need to come through. Michigan State outplayed us for 55 minutes -- and by a wide margin. The Iowa defense is more physical than MSU. We must step it up now.

LakeErieMaize/Blue

Sat, Oct 3, 2009 : 10:14 p.m.

When we get better secondary this won't be much of a rivalry!I mean MSU gut-punched us all friggin' gm and we still almost won!!Enjoy this Sparty cause it will end soon!!!Thank GOD for Tate,cause NOBODY else wanted to show up today!Let's get ready for next week and GO BLUE!!

John Galt

Sat, Oct 3, 2009 : 9:10 p.m.

As a State Alum, I'm feeling good about the win. But at a 2-3 record, the MSU football season is essentially a wash. UM has a chance to right the ship and finish strong. The Basketball program goes to State. Hockey is about an even match-up. Football is still UM. State needs to keep building. But the Spartans have been making some progress the last couple years under Dantonio. Despite almost losing at the last minute (again). At least this game is starting to resemble a real rivalry once again.

braggslaw

Sat, Oct 3, 2009 : 8:52 p.m.

Objectively, the best team won. Michigan was physically manhandled most of the game.

David Wallner

Sat, Oct 3, 2009 : 6:36 p.m.

Michigan State has blown a lead and lost the game so many time I've lost count. For once they held tough and made the big play when it counted.