The rivalry between two teams is a strong bond, and it is no different for Michigan State University. The Spartans have a number of rivals, but one stands out among the rest as the biggest.
 |
Bet on Basketball $1,000 Welcome Bonus A+ Rating Review 25+ Years Online |
Join now! |
Rivalries with Michigan and Ohio State
The most obvious rival of Michigan State is the University of Michigan. Michigan and Michigan State have had a competitive rivalry since 1898. This rivalry is known as the “Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy”, and it is played annually in the fall and is a heated battle for bragging rights. The Wolverines have won the series more often than the Spartans, with a total of 68 wins to Michigan State’s 37.
Ohio State University is another big rival of the Spartans. The two universities have been competing since 1899, and the Buckeyes have come out ahead in the series with a total of 68 wins to Michigan State’s 37. This rivalry is known as the “Battle of the Bricks”, and it is a fiercely competitive game that has been known to get heated and even violent at times.
Rivalries with Other Big Ten Schools
Michigan State also has rivalries with other Big Ten schools. The Spartans and the University of Minnesota have played each other since 1900 and have a heated rivalry that is known as the “Border Battle”. Minnesota has won the series more often than Michigan State, with a total of 55 wins to the Spartans’ 36.
The Spartans also have a rivalry with the University of Iowa, which is known as the “Cy-Hawk Trophy” series. This rivalry dates back to 1897 and has been fiercely competitive over the years. Michigan State has won the series more often than Iowa, with a total of 54 wins to the Hawkeyes’ 37.
The Spartans also have a rivalry with the University of Wisconsin that dates back to 1896. This rivalry is known as the “Cheese Bowl”, and it is a fiercely competitive battle that has seen Wisconsin come out on top with a total of 58 wins to Michigan State’s 36.
Rivalries with Non-Big Ten Schools
Michigan State also has rivalries with schools outside of the Big Ten. The Spartans have a rivalry with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish that dates back to 1897. This rivalry is known as the “Old Brass Spittoon”, and it is a heated competition between the two universities. Michigan State has won the series more often than Notre Dame, with a total of 51 wins to the Fighting Irish’s 30.
The Spartans also have a rivalry with the University of Pittsburgh that dates back to 1896. This rivalry is known as the “Backyard Brawl”, and it is a fiercely competitive game that has seen Michigan State come out on top with a total of 60 wins to the Panthers’ 28.
Conclusion
Michigan State has a number of rivals, but the one that stands out as the biggest is the University of Michigan. Michigan and Michigan State have been competing since 1898, and the Wolverines have come out ahead in the series with a total of 68 wins to Michigan State’s 37. This intense rivalry is known as the “Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy”, and it is a heated battle for bragging rights. Michigan is Michigan State’s biggest rival.