As the seconds ticked down toward Michigan’s 27-20 victory over No. 14 Michigan State (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten), Chris Perry placed his hands on his knees and bent over in sheer exhaustion. Finally, Perry could rest — but only after he had been worked harder than any running back in Wolverines’ history.

Perry carried the ball 51 times, a school record, and racked up 219 yards as No. 8 Michigan (8-2, 5-1) knocked off the Spartans to move into first place in the Big Ten.

“I need a hot tub,” Perry said after the game. “And we’ve got one in our apartment.”

Michigan quarterback John Navarre supplemented Perry’s effort by completing 17-of-31 passes, including three touchdown tosses. The Wolverines never trailed in the contest and opened the scoring several minutes into the second quarter, when Perry capped a 10-play, 55-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run.

For the Wolverines, it was only their second road victory in the last 12 years of the in-state rivalry series.

“We dominated that game,” Michigan defensive back Ernest Shazor said. “Don’t let the final score fool you.”

The Spartans did make things interesting with a late-game surge, however. With just over six minutes remaining, Michigan appeared ready to build on its 14-point lead when Spartans safety Robert Flagg sacked Navarre, forcing a fumble that defensive end Clifford Dukes returned 65 yards for a touchdown.

In the final minute, Michigan State drove to midfield before ultimately falling short when quarterback Jeff Smoker’s desperation heave was intercepted in the end zone after hitting receiver Aaron Alexander’s hands.

Ohio State 21, Penn State 20: The No. 7 Buckeyes barely escaped with a victory in Happy Valley when Penn State (2-7, 0-5) kicker David Kimball’s last-second 60-yard field goal attempt fell just short and wide right. Having already connected on booming 42- and 48-yard field goals earlier in the game, Kimball evoked concern on the Ohio State (8-1, 4-1) sideline, even though the kick was the longest attempt of his career.