The Truth About the Michigan vs. Michigan State Rivalry

The attitude of the Michigan players is always so passive-aggressive and snobby that it is so easy to get Michigan State on the edge. Whether it be their body language, their interviews or how they portray themselves on the field, there is an air of superiority that fumes people the wrong way. It is not merely confidence but a type of smugness that drives the rivalries and creates the passionate reactions of the rival fanbases. To Michigan State fans, this is the same attitude as pouring gasoline on a fire and the fan emotions every time the two teams meet are heightened.

Consider, as an illustration, the “Michigan trouble with the snap” moment that happened again during their recent game. No matter what the game eventually turns into, such an error turns out to be an immediate legend among MSU fans. It is not so much about the play, it is what it is. It serves as a wake-up call that regardless of all the hype, all the recruiting victories, and all the national publicity, Michigan remains vulnerable. These are the moments which are cherished by Spartan fans since they cut through the noise and reveal the cracks on the polished front of the Wolverines.

The Michigan Michigan State rivalry has never left me without recollection of those rich kids boasting about their riches and showing off to me what their parents have worked hard to achieve like as though it was their achievement. It has an air of entitlement that runs through the Michigan fanbase, the program at times. They have the notion that they were born to be successful, and they do not need to work in the field to get it. There is inherent friction between this dynamic and Michigan State, a school that is in most cases forced to struggle more in getting to know, respect and resources. Because of a combination of reasons, including budget, branding, and old-fashioned prestige, high school stars often prefer Michigan to Michigan State. The Wolverines possess the larger stadium, the more glitzy uniforms, and the national media. Their scheme has been regarded as the more glamorous of the two especially to recruits who want to enhance their chances in the NFL. Logistically speaking, it is logical. Michigan has more finances, more exposure and a bigger list of alumni in the pros.

But the point is as follows: it is still Michigan State that has beaten Michigan on numerous occasions despite all of that. And to my mind that tells a lot about the character of this rivalry. It has nothing to do with talent or facilities, it has everything to do with grit, heart and execution. Michigan State has always somehow struck above its size, had to break the script, and show that recruiting stars and rankings do not guarantee success. That is what makes this competition interesting. It is not a predetermined conclusion. It’s a battle.

The asterisks that surround the success of the Michigan football team are so numerous that they are laughable. It can be controversies or even vacated wins or the failings of the team when it comes to playing big games but there is always something that puts a darker shade on their achievements. At all the discussion of tradition and excellence, the outcomes are not necessarily commensurate with rhetoric. One thing is to say that you are superior, it is another to support it over time, particularly when it comes to you as opposed to your in-state opponent. These inconsistencies are not forgotten by the Michigan State fans. They recall the over-entity, the swagger and the subsequent disappointments. They recall the years they should have conquered with Michigan but were defeated. It is these recollections that drive up the fire and give a matchup more emotional complexity. It is no longer a game it is a statement. The victory over Michigan would be even greater due to all the factors that surround the program: the attitude, the expectations, and the media attention.

And though Michigan might be winning the resources and recruiting battle, Michigan State is winning the perseverance battle. The Spartans have a chip on their shoulder, a hunger attained by being underscored. The field is a manifestation of that energy, most prominently in the rivalry games where the level of emotion may shift the scale. MSU does not play to win, they play to make a point. And even when they do it, it is not only a win, but also vindication.

Ultimately, the Michigan Michigan State rivalry is not just about football. It is concerning the identity, pride, and conflict of cultures. It is about the one who is an underdog, who does not give up and the one who is a favorite who has to prove that he deserves to be there. It is sloppy, emotional and very personal to both sides of the fans. That is what makes it one of the most interesting college sports rivalries.