In their sixth season under head coach Charlie Bachman, the Spartans compiled a 6–3 record and lost their annual rivalry game with Michigan by a 14 to 0 score.
In inter-sectional play, the team defeated West Virginia (26–0), Syracuse (19–12), and Temple (10–0), and lost to Santa Clara (7–6).
[1][2] Halfback John Pingel was selected by the Associated Press (AP), International News Service (INS) and Detroit Times as a first-team player, on the 1938 College Football All-America Team.
[16] Sophomore halfback Paul Kromer, appearing in his first game for the Wolverines, scored both touchdowns.
Michigan's first points were scored after Fred Trosko intercepted a John Pingel pass at the end of the first quarter, giving Michigan possession at the Spartans' 47-yard line.