Michigan vs. Michigan State: A Fierce Rivalry
Michigan and Michigan State are two of the most prominent universities in the state of Michigan, USA.
Their longstanding football rivalry dates back more than a century, producing some of the most exciting and controversial games in college football history. In this article, we will take a closer look at the historical background of the rivalry, notable games, and players and coaches who made this rivalry unforgettable.
Historical Background
Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans have been fierce rivals since their first football game in 1898. The Wolverines dominated the rivalry until the 1950s, winning 33 of their first 38 games against the Spartans.
However, with the emergence of head coach Duffy Daugherty in the late 1950s, the tables turned in Michigan State’s favor.
Paul Bunyan Trophy
The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State is most celebrated for the
Paul Bunyan Trophy. This iconic trophy exchange between the two teams originated in 1953 when Michigan Governor G.
Mennen Williams proposed the idea. As the story goes, the trophy was named after Paul Bunyan, an American lumberjack, who was believed to have roamed the northern woods of Michigan.
Today, it remains one of the most prestigious and sought after trophies in college football.
Notable Games
Throughout the years, Michigan and Michigan State have played some unforgettable games that have left a lasting impression on college football. Here are a few notable games that deserve to be highlighted:
Clockgate – In 2001, Michigan met Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in what would become one of the most talked-about games of all time.
With the clock winding down, Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker threw a touchdown pass to give the Spartans an apparent win. However, the referees ruled the clock had expired, and Michigan was declared the winner, 20-17.
The controversy over the timekeeper’s position and whether the clock started on time continued for several years, leading to a review of officiating procedures. Spartan Bob Game – In 2005, Michigan State football program assistant, Bob Stehlin, inadvertently affected the outcome of the game.
With less than five seconds left, Michigan’s Chad Henne threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Mario Manningham to put Michigan ahead of Michigan State 28-27. However, the game would not end there.
Michigan State attempted a last-ditch play which resulted in Henne throwing his helmet into the air in jubilation, only to have the Spartan Bob Stehlin penalize Michigan for having 12 men on the field. The penalty pushed the Wolverines back five yards and pushed what should have been a chip-shot field goal to a 47-yard kick, which the kicker missed.
Michigan State won the game at the final buzzer, 34-31. COVID-19 Pandemic – As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the college football season seemed in jeopardy.
However, after several months of deliberation, the Big Ten Conference announced they would have a modified season, including only conference games. The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State was among those that remained on the schedule, although it was played without fans in the stadium.
Michigan won the game, 27-24.
Notable Players and Coaches in the Rivalry
Over the years, many players and coaches made the rivalry more exciting and memorable. Here are some of the most notable figures:
Fielding H.
Yost – Fielding Yost is one of the most prominent figures in the Wolverines’ history. He became the head coach in 1901 and implemented a revolutionary strategy known as the “point-a-minute” system, which saw his team score more than 1000 points in one season.
He became so successful that even after his retirement, he continued to support the team and had the football stadium named after him, adhering to Yost’s legacy. Jim Harbaugh – Jim Harbaugh was a quarterback for Michigan in the mid-80s and became the head coach in 2015.
A graduate of the University of Michigan himself, Harbaugh has a passion for the school and the team, making him a beloved figure. Despite controversy surrounding his time as head coach, he remains an important figure in Michigan football history.
Mark Dantonio – Mark Dantonio became the head coach of the Spartans in 2007. He led the Spartans to seven bowl games and three Big Ten titles, making him one of the most successful coaches in Michigan State history.
Charles Woodson – Charles Woodson was a standout cornerback for Michigan, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1997. He went on to become a first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in the NFL Draft and continues to be one of the most beloved and revered athletes in Michigan history.
Conclusion
The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is one of the oldest and most heated rivalries in college football. The rivalry has seen many unforgettable moments, including last-second wins, controversial calls, and exciting plays.
The teams’ historical background, the
Paul Bunyan Trophy, notable games, players, and coaches have helped make this rivalry what it is today. With both teams in the Big Ten Conference, the legacy of this rivalry is sure to continue for generations to come.
In conclusion, the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State is an important part of college football history. Their rivalry dates back more than a century and has produced some of the most exciting and controversial games.
Notable games include Clockgate, Spartan Bob Game, and the COVID-19 Pandemic game in 2020. The rivalry has featured notable players and coaches, such as Fielding H.
Yost, Jim Harbaugh, Mark Dantonio, and Charles Woodson. The Paul Bunyan trophy exchange is a highlight of the annual matchup.
The rivalry’s rich history and enduring legacy are a testament to the passion and loyalty of the fans and the teams.
FAQs
1. What is the history of the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State?
The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State dates back more than a century, with Michigan dominating the rivalry until the late 1950s when Michigan State emerged under head coach Duffy Daugherty. 2.
What is the
Paul Bunyan Trophy? The
Paul Bunyan Trophy is an iconic trophy exchange between Michigan and Michigan State that originated in 1953 and is named after Paul Bunyan, an American lumberjack.
3. What are some notable games in the Michigan vs.
Michigan State rivalry? Some notable games include Clockgate, Spartan Bob Game, and the game played during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
4. Who are some of the notable players and coaches in the rivalry?
Notable players and coaches include Fielding H. Yost, Jim Harbaugh, Mark Dantonio, and Charles Woodson.
5. What is the legacy of the Michigan vs.
Michigan State rivalry? The rivalry’s rich history and enduring legacy are a testament to the passion and loyalty of the fans and the teams.
The rivalry is an important part of college football history.