The rivalry between The University of Michigan Wolverines (U of M) and Michigan State Spartans (MSU) started as early as 1945. Until the rivalry game, both teams went undefeated and ranked in the Associated Press (AP) top ten for the first time since 1964. Nearly 75,000 fans attended the game at MSU’s Spartan stadium. 

The teams first played each other in 1898 and have played 114 times since. The winner between the two colleges received the Paul Bunyan-Governor of Michigan award. This award of the four-foot lumberjack was first presented in 1952 to the victor of the rivalry game.

Some families head down to the stadium as early as six in the morning to start tailgating and to meet up with friends and family. Some bring griddles and grills to prepare a breakfast-style tailgate. 

“I drove down to the game with a friend of mine from Grand Valley State University (GVSU),” senior Kiersten Lapa said. “We left at 7 a.m. to get to East Lansing where we met up with my parents and family friends to tailgate at our usual spot by the Red Cedar. Kickoff was at noon so we got to enjoy some breakfast before the game started.” 

On Oct. 30, the game was played on MSU’s home field of Spartan stadium. Both the Spartans and Wolverines had a 7–0 record before heading into the game. 

“The game was awesome,” senior Jilian Roberts said. “It was a very well-matched game and ended with a well-deserved Spartan victory. It was amazing to see Michigan State beat their rivals.”

Michigan was the first to score a touchdown in the first quarter but ended up losing to State by four points, the end score being 37–33. Michigan had more passing and total yards than Michigan State, but the Spartans had more rushing yards. 

“I was super nervous when the Spartans were down 14–30 in the second half,” Lapa said. “As soon as Walker scored his fourth touchdown to tie up the game, the energy in the stands got insane. It was the most nerve-racking game I’ve ever gone to.” 

After the game, State fans were raving about their running back Kenneth Walker III possibly being a candidate for the Heisman trophy. During the game, Walker had 197 rush yards and five touchdowns. Walker was a major contributor to the Spartans win, his five rushing touchdowns being the most Michigan has ever allowed in a single game. 

 After this game against Michigan, the Spartans will have to face Penn State and Ohio State to advance to the Big Ten Championship and college playoffs. 

The Spartans and Wolverines play this upcoming Saturday, Nov. 6; Michigan State will play the Purdue Boilermakers at Purdue and The University of Michigan will go up against the Hoosiers of Indiana on their home field.