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ANN ARBOR, Michigan (Ticker) -- Michigan took out its frustrations on a demoralized Michigan State.

John Navarre threw three touchdown passes and rushed for another score as the 13th-ranked Wolverines rebounded from their worst home loss in 35 years to drub the Spartans, 49-3, in a Big Ten Conference contest.

It was Michigan's most lopsided win in the series since a 55-0 victory in 1947.

The Wolverines (7-2, 4-1), who suffered a 34-9 setback to Iowa last week, stayed in the Big Ten race and avenged last season's 26-24 "Clockgate" loss at Michigan State.

In that game, time appeared to run out on the Spartans, but the clocked stopped with a second left after Jeff Smoker spiked the ball at the Michigan 2. Smoker then tossed a game-winning TD pass to T.J. Duckett.

Saturday's contest never was in doubt as the Wolverines dominated after spotting the Spartans a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter.

"Last year left a bad taste in our mouth," Navarre said. "That's why we had a chip on our shoulder and we were crabby all week. Everybody had an attitude."

"Last year, they had a lot more fight in them," Michigan's cornerback Marlin Jackson said. "This year after the half, they didn't seem to have much fight left."

Navarre tossed a 39-yard TD pass to Ronald Bellamy early in the second period to give Michigan a 21-3 halftime lead, then found tight end Bennie Joppru for an 11-yard score that made it 28-3 with 4:57 left in the third period to make it 28-3.

Just over three minutes later, Navarre and Bellamy hooked up again for a 47-yard TD strike that extended the Wolverines' lead to 35-3.

"We felt we had to pay them back for the seniors from last year," Michigan State running back B.J. Askew said. "This game has been on my mind since last year and right through two-a-days. Then last week (the loss to Iowa), made it more important."

Navarre completed 16-of-27 passes for 229 yards, while Askew, who was moved from fullback to tailback, rushed for a career-high 149 yards and two TDs on 32 carries. Askew's one-yard TD run made it 42-3 with just over nine minutes remaining in the contest.

"I'm excited," Askew said. "I love it back there but I'll probably be back at fullback next week."

Cornerback Blake Nasif's interception return gave Michigan a first down at the Michigan State 10 with under three minutes remaining. Instead of running out the clock, the Wolverines struck again on Tim Bracken's five-yard TD with 1:05 to go.

The Spartans (3-6, 1-4) lost for the sixth time in seven games and remain riddled by turmoil as Smoker missed his second straight game due to a suspension for a violation of team rules. He was joined on the sidelines by defensive lineman Greg Taplin, who was hit with a one-game suspension early this week by coach Bobby Williams.

"There's not much I can say about this game," Williams said. "I'm totally embarrassed and very disappointed. This is the lowest point I've been at with this school."

"It wasn't a typical Michigan-Michigan State game," Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said. "I think we all recognize that they are shorthanded. Having a backup quarterback limits what you can do."

David Dowell, who got his second straight start in place of Smoker, completed just 15-of-34 passes for 178 yards. The Spartans were held to just 59 yards rushing on 30 carries.

"I feel like it's my fault but some things are out of my control," Dowell said. It's rough right now. We are going through some hard times."

Michigan increased its lead in the all-time series to 62-28-5. The Wolverines have won nine of the last 11 at home and have not lost to Michigan State at Michigan Stadium since 1990.