5 things we learned from Michigan football win over Michigan State

In a lot of ways, the 2024 Michigan football season was always going to come down to the Michigan State game.

Beating Ohio State is still a possibility, especially after watching Nebraska nearly upset the Buckeyes on Saturday. Michigan football was probably never going to win a national title or a Big Ten title with the quarterback room as is, which was much worse than anyone expected.

Beating Michigan State was always a huge goal for this team and even if it was ugly at times, the Wolverines found a way, 24-17.

Michigan State dominated the first quarter and late in the second, you wondered if Michigan would ever look like a functional offense.

Then, Davis Warren found a grove. Michigan was still held under 300 yards. The Wolverines only rushed for 119. They lost the rushing battle to Michigan State but still won the game.

The defense forced a key takeaway to get Michigan a 9-7 halftime lead. Then, an Alex Orji touchdown, plus a Donovan Edwards TD pass put U-M in front 24-10 before a late defensive stand sealed the win.

Here are five things we learned from Michigan football's win over Michigan State.

Colston Loveland is a Michigan legend

Not only has Loveland been part of two Big Ten championship teams, as well as a national championship team, but he scored more touchdowns in the past three seasons against the Spartans than the entire Michigan State offense has scored against the Wolverines.

Loveland didn't have a reception as a freshman against Michigan State but over the past two seasons, Loveland has 10 receptions for 140 yards and four touchdown receptions. The Spartans have only scored two touchdowns over the past three games against U-M.

And just like Mike Hart and Chase Winovich, Loveland put the "little brother" moniker on Michigan State and it was hard to blame him after their behavior in a loss again.

Straight up, the dude is a Michigan legend and he cemented that on Saturday.