The rivalry between Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Michigan (UM) is one of the most intense and storied in college football, with a history spanning over a century. The two teams, known as the Spartans and the Wolverines, respectively, have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1892, making their rivalry one of the oldest in the sport.
Historical Context
The first game between the two teams was played in 1892, with Michigan emerging victorious. The early years of the rivalry were marked by dominance by the Wolverines, who won 14 of the first 15 games. However, the Spartans have since become a formidable opponent, and the rivalry has become increasingly competitive over the years.
| Year | Michigan Record | Michigan State Record | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1892-2022 | 71 | 38 | 5 |
The Rivalry’s Significance
The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is significant not only because of the proximity of the two schools but also due to their shared history and cultural similarities. Both universities are among the largest and most respected in the state, and their football teams have become an integral part of the state’s identity.
The rivalry has also been fueled by the fact that both teams have experienced periods of success, with Michigan being one of the winningest programs in college football history and MSU having its own share of Big Ten championships and bowl game appearances.
Notable Moments in the Rivalry
Over the years, the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry has produced its fair share of memorable moments. Some of the most notable include:
- The 1990 game, in which MSU upset #2 Michigan 28-27, snapping the Wolverines' 13-game winning streak against the Spartans.
- The 2007 game, in which #5 Michigan defeated #16 MSU 28-24, in a matchup between two ranked teams for the first time since 1990.
- The 2013 game, in which MSU defeated #4 Michigan 29-6, marking one of the biggest upsets in the series.
The Paul Bunyan Trophy
The Paul Bunyan Trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual game between Michigan and Michigan State. The trophy is a symbol of the rivalry and is kept by the winning team until the next year’s game.
- The trophy was first awarded in 1953.
- It is a representation of the rivalry's history and tradition.
- The trophy is kept by the winning team until the next year's game.
Future of the Rivalry
The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry shows no signs of fading, with both teams continuing to compete at a high level. As the Big Ten Conference continues to evolve, the rivalry is likely to remain a central part of the college football landscape.
What is the origin of the Paul Bunyan Trophy?
+The Paul Bunyan Trophy was first awarded in 1953 to commemorate the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State. The trophy is a symbol of the rivalry and is kept by the winning team until the next year’s game.
Which team has won the most games in the rivalry?
+Michigan has won the most games in the rivalry, with a record of 71-38-5 against Michigan State as of 2022.
What is the significance of the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State?
+The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State is significant due to the proximity of the two schools, their shared history, and cultural similarities. The rivalry has been fueled by the fact that both teams have experienced periods of success and have become an integral part of the state’s identity.
