[2][3] The Spartans' prospects were diminished when their best back, Leroy Bolden, was injured in the early in the 1954 season.
[4] Michigan State tackle Randy Schrecengost was selected as a first-team player on the 1954 All-Big Ten Conference football team.
In the annual Indiana–Michigan State football rivalry game, the Spartans defeated the Hoosiers by a 21 to 14 score to give Daugherty his first victory as head coach.
In the Notre Dame rivalry game, the Spartans lost by only one point, 20-19, to a Fighting Irish team that finished the season ranked #4 in the final AP Poll.
[7] In non-conference play, the Spartans routed Washington State by a 54 to 6 score,[8] and concluded their season with a 40-10 victory over Marquette.