In their second season under head coach Jim Crowley, the Spartans compiled a 5–1–2 record and played to a scoreless tie in their annual rivalry game with Michigan.
In inter-sectional play, the team defeated Colgate (14–7) and North Dakota State (19–11) and lost to Georgetown (14–13).
[1][2] The 1930 Michigan State team played "iron man" football with few substitutions.
[12] The game marked the end of a losing streak for the Spartans against the Wolverines dating back to 1916.
[12] Michigan had crossed the goal line near the end of the first half, but the play was called back on an offside penalty; the first half ended before Michigan could conclude the drive.