In their fourth season under head coach Clarence Munn, the Spartans compiled an 8–1 record and were ranked No.
[2] In intersectional play, the Spartans beat Oregon State (6–0), William & Mary (33–14), and Pittsburgh (19–0), but lost to Maryland (34–7).
3 in the country, opened the 1950 season playing against Michigan State College in Ann Arbor.
On the next play, Ortmann dropped back to pass but fell to the ground and was unable to return to the game.
Michigan tied the score in the third quarter on a touchdown pass from Don Peterson to Fred Pickard.