The Paul Bunyan-Governor of Michigan Trophy is the prize awarded to the winner of the annual matchup between the American football teams of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The winner retains possession of the trophy until the next year's game at which point it is up for grabs again.
The naming of the trophy after Paul Bunyan reflects Michigan's history as a major lumber-producing state. The trophy was first presented in 1953 by then-governor G. Mennen Williams, and is a four-foot high wooden statue on a five foot high base.
The University of Michigan has held the trophy since 2002. Most recently, the team retained it in a thrilling triple-overtime game on October 30, 2004. Braylon Edwards sparked a 17-point comeback in the final nine minutes of the 4th quarter to lead the Wolverines to a 45-37 victory.
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