Michigan State Fans' Perspective on the Upset Loss to Michigan

Much to our surprise, we lost the game against our in-state rivalry, the University of Michigan, by just 7 points. Although it was an upset, it's not as surprising as it might seem. Michigan was heavily favored by 5.5 points, with a spread of 25.5 points, predicting a significant advantage. The loss was a tough pill to swallow, but we cannot deny that we put up a good fight and outperformed them in terms of yardage gained.

The recent clash between Michigan State and Michigan marked a continuation of a long-standing and fiercely competitive rivalry. Both institutions are renowned for their academic excellence, with Michigan University boasting a long history as an educational powerhouse. While respect between the two universities exists in academic circles, the athletic arena presents a different narrative. Michigan’s fight song exalts them as "the leaders and the best," describing their teams as "conquering heroes." In contrast, Michigan State's fight song emphasizes the team's resilience, with phrases like “their teams are never beaten,” calling for sustained effort and determination.

Historical Context and Competitive Spirit

The history of these two institutions explains the stark difference in their attitudes and approaches to football. Founded over 200 years ago, the University of Michigan positioned itself as the academic center of the state. However, when Michigan State was established in 1855, the older university tried to convince the state legislature that another state school was unnecessary.

The Morrill Land Grant Act, passed in 1862, aimed to create colleges for agricultural and technical education. Michigan University lobbied to receive the land grant for establishing an agricultural school on their campus, while Michigan State ended up receiving the funding. For over a century, Michigan University worked to prevent Michigan State from establishing departments in medicine, engineering, and law, as well as joining the prestigious Big Ten conference. It was only through prolonged battles that Michigan State obtained these academic opportunities.

Football Traditions and the East Michigan Rivalry

Historically, Michigan demanded that their football games against Michigan State be played in Ann Arbor. These contests were rare and often fraught with logistical challenges. One such instance was the first Big Ten football game in Ann Arbor in 1950, where our locker room was flooded, making it unusable. Over the decades, the rivalry continued to intensify, with a more even distribution of games between East Lansing and Ann Arbor. Michigan has won more games (41-32-2) over Michigan State, but the competitive spirit remains undiminished.

The loss to Michigan serves as a reminder of the intense rivalry, but it also strengthens our resolve. We may lose, but we do not fall into defeatism. Instead, we grit our teeth, work harder, and aim to puncture the arrogance of our rivals.

Conclusion

While the rivalry might be fierce, it fosters a strong sense of unity and shared passion among Michigan State fans. We may not win every battle, but we vow to continue competing with grit and determination. The game may be over, but the spirit lives on. Go Green!