Greg Mattison: Michigan State has had Paul Bunyan Trophy 'for too many years'

After enduring four straight losses to the Spartans, Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison spoke of his program's inability to bring the coveted Paul Bunyan Trophy back to Ann Arbor, as reported through the team's official Twitter account on Tuesday.

Mattison stated that the Bunyan Trophy has been housed in East Lansing for "too many years," and pointed out how thoroughly his team was demolished in last season's meeting. Expected to be more than ready for a vastly different Michigan State offense this time around, the veteran coordinator is eager to return to a position of dominance in the rivalry similar to his previous stint in Ann Arbor in the early-to-mid-'90s.

Last victorious in 2007 with quarterback Chad Henne and tailback Mike Hart leading the charge, the Wolverines have been outscored by an average of 12.8 points per game by the Spartans in the last four meetings. Although Michigan recently owned the series with six consecutive wins from 2002-06, Mattison and company will be desperate to shift the momentum in the rivalry come Saturday.

"All I know is they've had that Paul Bunyan for too many years." - Mattison

— Michigan Football (@umichfootball) October 16, 2012