In their 18th season under head coach Duffy Daugherty, the Spartans compiled a 6–5 overall record (5–3 against Big Ten opponents) and finished in a tie for third place in the Big Ten Conference.
[1][2] Four Spartans were selected by either the Associated Press (AP) or the United Press International (UPI) as first-team players on the 1971 All-Big Ten Conference football team: running back Eric Allen (AP-1, UPI-1); offensive guard Joe DeLamielleure (AP-1, UPI-1); defensive tackle Ron Curl (AP-1, UPI-1); and defensive back Brad Van Pelt (AP-1, UPI-1).
[6] With Michigan State athletic director Biggie Munn in critical condition following a stroke,[7] the Spartans kept the game close.
At that point, Michigan's Butch Carpenter forced a fumble that was recovered by Mike Keller.
Michigan kicker Dana Coin converted three point after touchdown attempts and kicked a 27-yard field goal.