The Complete History of the Michigan vs. Michigan State Football Rivalry

The Michigan vs. Michigan State football rivalry is one of the most heated and storied in all of college football. The two schools are located just 60 miles apart and have been playing each other since 1898. The rivalry has been dominated by Michigan, who holds a 71-37-5 record in the series. However, Michigan State has had some success in recent years, winning four of the last six meetings.

The Great Lakes Rivalry: A complete history of the Michigan vs Michigan State football rivalry

by Peter Schinkai

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	779 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Early Years

The first meeting between Michigan and Michigan State took place on November 6, 1898, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game, 12-5. The two schools played again the following year in East Lansing, Michigan, and Michigan again won, 13-6. The rivalry quickly became one of the most intense in the country, and it has remained so to this day.

In the early years of the rivalry, Michigan had the clear upper hand. The Wolverines won 10 of the first 12 meetings between the two schools. However, Michigan State began to close the gap in the 1920s and 1930s. The Spartans won three straight games from 1923 to 1925, and they also won three of the four meetings from 1936 to 1939.

The Duffy Daugherty Era

One of the most successful coaches in Michigan State history is Duffy Daugherty. Daugherty coached the Spartans from 1954 to 1972, and he led them to two national championships (1955 and 1965). Daugherty also had a great deal of success against Michigan. He led the Spartans to a 5-3-1 record against the Wolverines, including four straight wins from 1957 to 1960.

The 1957 game between Michigan and Michigan State is one of the most famous games in the history of the rivalry. The game was played in Ann Arbor, and it was a close contest throughout. Michigan State eventually won the game, 9-7, on a last-second field goal. The win gave the Spartans their first victory over Michigan in Ann Arbor since 1925.

The Bo Schembechler Era

Another legendary coach in Michigan history is Bo Schembechler. Schembechler coached the Wolverines from 1969 to 1989, and he led them to 13 Big Ten championships and two national championships (1973 and 1978). Schembechler also had a great deal of success against Michigan State. He led the Wolverines to a 15-5-1 record against the Spartans, including seven straight wins from 1972 to 1978.

The 1973 game between Michigan and Michigan State is one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry. The game was played in Ann Arbor, and it was a close contest throughout. Michigan eventually won the game, 10-10, on a last-second field goal. The win gave the Wolverines their first Big Ten championship since 1964.

The Nick Saban Era

Nick Saban coached Michigan State for two seasons, from 1995 to 1996. Saban led the Spartans to a 12-2 record in his first season, including a victory over Michigan. However, the Spartans struggled in Saban's second season, and he left Michigan State to become the head coach at LSU.

The Mark Dantonio Era

Mark Dantonio coached Michigan State for 13 seasons, from 2007 to 2019. Dantonio led the Spartans to three Big Ten championships (2010, 2013, and 2015) and one College Football Playoff appearance (2015). Dantonio also had some success against Michigan. He led the Spartans to a 6-7 record against the Wolverines, including three straight wins from 2013 to 2015.

The 2013 game between Michigan and Michigan State is one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry. The game was played in Ann Arbor, and it was a close contest throughout. Michigan State eventually won the game, 24-21, on a last-second field goal. The win gave the Spartans their first victory over Michigan in Ann Arbor since 1990.

The Jim Harbaugh Era

Jim Harbaugh coached Michigan for seven seasons, from 2015 to 2021. Harbaugh led the Wolverines to three Big Ten East division championships (2016, 2018, and 2021) and two College Football Playoff appearances (2016 and 2021). Harbaugh also had some success against Michigan State. He led the Wolverines to a 4-3 record against the Spartans, including two straight wins from 2019 to 2020.

The 2021 game between Michigan and Michigan State is one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry. The game was played in Ann Arbor, and it was a close contest throughout. Michigan eventually won the game, 21-17, on a last-second field goal. The win gave the Wolverines their first victory over Michigan State in East Lansing since 2007.

The Future of the Rivalry

The Michigan vs. Michigan State football rivalry is one of the most heated and storied in all of college football. The two schools are located just 60 miles apart and have been playing each other since 1898. The rivalry has been dominated by Michigan, who holds a 71-37-5 record in the series. However, Michigan State has had some success in recent years, winning four of the last six meetings. The rivalry is known for its intense atmosphere and passionate fan bases. It is one of the most anticipated games on the college football schedule each year.

The future of the rivalry is bright. Both Michigan and Michigan State are expected to be competitive teams in the coming years. The rivalry is sure to continue to be one of the most heated and storied in all of college football.

The Michigan vs. Michigan State football rivalry is one of the most heated and storied in all of college football. The two schools are located just 60 miles apart and have been playing each other since 1898. The rivalry has been dominated by Michigan, who holds a 71-37-5 record in the series. However, Michigan State has had some success in recent years, winning four of the last six meetings. The rivalry is known for its intense atmosphere and passionate fan bases. It is one of the most anticipated games on the college football schedule each year.

The Great Lakes Rivalry: A complete history of the Michigan vs Michigan State football rivalry

by Peter Schinkai

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	779 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE