Michigan State's heroes from Saturday's upset of Michigan have been recognised by the Big Ten, with cornerback NiJhay Burt named Defensive Player of the Week and kicker Liam Boyd named Special Teams Player of the Week.

The pair starred as the Spartans stunned their in-state rivals 15-6 at Michigan Stadium on Saturday night, reclaiming the Paul Bunyan Trophy for the first time since 2021 and earning Michigan State's first Big Ten win of the season.

Burt stars on defence

Burt was a menace throughout for the Spartan defence in the 15-6 victory. He finished the game with six tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as Michigan State held Michigan to just 192 total yards.

The Spartans forced four turnovers and recorded five sacks, with defensive coordinator Joe Rossi's injury-hit unit producing its finest performance of the season. Michigan State outgained the Wolverines 298-192 and held a 110-54 advantage in rushing yards.

Boyd kicks all 15 points

Boyd was equally important to the upset, scoring every one of Michigan State's points. The kicker was five-for-five on field goal attempts, tying his season high, in a performance that proved the difference in a game without a Michigan State touchdown.

His third field goal capped a 17-play, 78-yard drive that took more than 10 minutes off the clock in the third quarter, underlining the Spartans' control of the game. It was Michigan State's first win without scoring a touchdown since a 2-0 victory over Kentucky on 7 October 1944.

Boyd's five field goals included a long of 49 yards, and his perfect night from the tee proved decisive in a game where Michigan State never reached the end zone. The win was Michigan State's first over Michigan since a 37-33 victory on 30 October 2021 in East Lansing.

A first for Fitzgerald

The victory was a landmark moment for first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who was coaching his first game against Michigan as Spartans boss. It ended Michigan State's six-game losing streak, gave the programme its first Big Ten win of the campaign, and kept slim hopes of bowl eligibility alive.

Michigan, coached by first-year boss Kyle Whittingham, avoided being shut out for the first time since 2014 when Savion Hiter scored on a one-yard run with 1:35 remaining, but Tommy Carr was sacked on the two-point conversion attempt to seal the defeat.

Michigan State, now 3-6 overall and 1-5 in Big Ten play, return home to host Washington on Saturday, 14 November at Spartan Stadium. Michigan drop to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in the conference.

Sources: Spartans Wire / USA Today and Michigan State University Athletics.