With coach Mark Dantonio watching from the press box, Michigan State used a balanced attack to beat rival Michigan 34-17 in a battle of unbeaten Big Ten teams.

The visiting Spartans (6-0, 2-0) broke open a tight game by scoring on five straight possessions. It was their third straight win over the Wolverines (5-1, 1-1).

No. 16 Michigan State was inspired by the return of Dantonio, who was back after missing two games following a heart attack.

Kirk Cousins threw for 286 yards and Edwin Baker (132 yards) and Le'Veon Bell (81 yards) fueled the Spartans’ running game with long touchdowns of 61 and 41 yards, respectively. Michigan State finished with 519 yards of total offense.

The Spartans defense kept Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson under control, though the Heisman candidate did finish with more than 300 yards of offense. No. 17 Michigan entered the game second in the nation in total offense (565 yards) and third in rushing (324.4). The Wolverines finished with 376 total yards and 163 yards rushing, 88 by Robinson. Michigan State also intercepted Robinson three times.

Michigan State is 6-0 for the first time since 1999. It has beaten Michigan three consecutive times for the first time since 1965-67.

Cousins completed 19 of 26 passes and had one touchdown, a 41-yarder to Mark Dell to make the score 24-10 early in the third quarter.