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Michigan Wolverines football, Michigan State Spartans football, American football, Big Ten Conference

Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans Football: A Historical Rivalry

A Tale of Two Teams

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans football rivalry is one of the most storied and heated in all of college football. The two schools are located just 60 miles apart in the state of Michigan, and their fans are as passionate as any in the country. The rivalry began in 1898, and the two teams have played each other every year since 1903. The Wolverines hold a slight edge in the all-time series, with a record of 71-38-5.

The Early Years

The early years of the rivalry were dominated by the Wolverines. Michigan won the first six games of the series, and they went on to win 11 of the first 12 games. The Spartans finally broke through in 1903, and they went on to win the next three games. The rivalry continued to be close in the early years, but the Wolverines gradually began to pull away.

The rivalry reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, when both teams were national powers. The Wolverines won the national championship in 1950 and 1964, while the Spartans won the national championship in 1952 and 1965. The two teams met in the Rose Bowl in 1953, and the Wolverines won 21-7. The Spartans got their revenge in the Rose Bowl in 1956, winning 17-14.

The Modern Era

The rivalry has continued to be competitive in recent years. The Wolverines have won six of the last 10 games, but the Spartans have won two of the last three games. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in 2023, and the game is sure to be another classic.

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans football rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate rivalries in all of college football. The two teams have played each other for over 100 years, and the games have always been close and competitive. The rivalry is sure to continue to be a source of excitement and passion for fans of both teams for many years to come.

Key Matchups

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans have played some of the most memorable games in college football history. Here are a few of the most notable matchups:

• 1903: The Spartans finally broke through and defeated the Wolverines for the first time, winning 6-0.
• 1953: The Wolverines and Spartans met in the Rose Bowl, with the Wolverines winning 21-7.
• 1956: The Spartans got their revenge in the Rose Bowl, winning 17-14.
• 1966: The Wolverines and Spartans played to a 10-10 tie in East Lansing.
• 1997: The Spartans upset the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, 28-22.
• 2007: The Wolverines defeated the Spartans in East Lansing, 28-24.

Impact on the Big Ten

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans football rivalry has had a significant impact on the Big Ten Conference. The two teams have combined to win 23 Big Ten championships, and they have both played in the Rose Bowl multiple times. The rivalry is one of the most intense in the conference, and it always draws a large crowd.

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans football rivalry is a great example of the passion and excitement of college football. The two teams have played some of the most memorable games in the history of the sport, and the rivalry is sure to continue to be a source of excitement and passion for fans of both teams for many years to come.