Yankee In Exile

Introduction 

Every die hard college football fan knows that there truly is no offseason when it comes to the sport we love. Now is about the time followers start getting invested in Spring practices, games, and press conferences. Anything just to catch a glimpse of what their favorite school’s team might look like by the time the regular season begins in late August. Is that new transfer quarterback really the guy to lead your side to the playoff? How will the defensive line improve with three starters returning? What if your team has a new head coach? Will he be the man to bring your program to the next level? All these questions and more are raised, debated, and discussed during this time of the year. However, these discussions simply amount to us dreaming about September, October, and November during the month of April. The fact is, by this time of the year, we miss college football and the rivalries that make it such a special part of our country. One of those rivalries is the yearly in-state classic between the University of Michigan and Michigan State. However, the game isn’t just about local bragging rights. These two schools also battle for a famous trophy of perhaps the most well known mythical man around: Paul Bunyan. Let’s explain further………..

The Tale of the Tape 

But, first, some general statistics………

First Meeting: October 12, 1898 

All-Time Series: Michigan leads 75-38-5

Trophy Name: Paul Bunyan Trophy (official name is The Paul Bunyan/Governor of Michigan Trophy) 

The Paul Bunyan Trophy 

Michigan and Michigan State have met each other 118 total times and the rivalry dates back to when MSU was known as the “Agricultural College of the State of Michigan.” They are the two largest institutions in the state. These two schools compete for the Paul Bunyan Trophy (officially known as the Paul Bunyan-Governor of Michigan Trophy) which was introduced in 1953. The trophy features a four foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan himself standing atop a map of the state of Michigan. This is a nod to Michigan’s logging history and lumberjack heritage. The trophy was incorporated to commemorate Michigan State’s first season in the Big Ten Conference and was originally handed out by then-Michigan governor G. Mennan “Soapy” Williams (later a member of the Kennedy and Johnson cabinets). Though the University of Michigan has enjoyed winning streaks of both 14 and 18 in this rivalry, the Paul Bunyan Trophy was first awarded to Michigan State, who won the 1953 game. 

The Rivalry In Modern Times

Even though the Big Ten eliminated divisions in 2024, this game is valued enough by the conference that it is still allowed to be played annually and routinely draws crowds of over 100,000. The aftermath of the 2007 game was especially notable when, after a Michigan comeback victory, UM running back Mike Hart compared Michigan State to a “little brother” who the big brother lets win at the beginning of the game, only to come back and steal his thunder in the end. At the time, Michigan was on another streak of 6 wins in a row. However, fueled by Hart’s comments, Michigan State went on to win eight of the next ten matchups and have one of the most successful stretches overall in program history. The 2015 game in which Michigan State won with a fumbled punt returned for a touchdown as time expired has gone down as one of the most exciting finishes in the sport’s history.  However, Michigan’s dominance may be returning as, at the time of writing, they have won the last four matchups. 

Conclusion 

The Michigan State-Michigan football rivalry is one that, to me, is often overshadowed by the much more advertised bout between Michigan and Ohio State. This is understandable, because UM has had more contests of importance with the Buckeyes than they have with the Spartans. However, I personally love the Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, and I have many memories of exciting games between these two schools in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Hell, I have even invested in a mini Paul Bunyan Trophy that sits on a shelf in my house (it doubles as a Christmas ornament). So, my opinion on this is very biased. Perhaps as you’re dreaming of the CFB season beginning again, you can spare a thought for November 7th in Ann Arbor: The next installment of this exhilarating, if somewhat underrated, rivalry.