I've seen several articles on the net as well as message board discussion about what level of Rivalry the MSU-Michigan game is for fans of both teams. I've also heard that the OSU-Michigan game means more to the Buckeyes than Wolverine fans etc.

Let me share my thoughts on the differences in state rivals vs other key annual games.

First of all games like UM-MSU are definitely strong rivalries. There used to be a great site called www.bitterrivals.com which was awesome back and forth by knowledgeable alums of both schools in addition to the general message boards, joke pages etc. Any state that has 2 competitive schools particularly if they are in the same conference will generate a strong rivalry not only in sports but regarding everything associated with the schools.

 

However by their geographic nature, just about everyone in  a family or certain within a circle of friends knows alums of the rival school. Most Michigan high schools send a ton of kids to MSU and half a ton to UM each year. Members of the athletic teams of both schools played with/against each other in high school.

 

The result is not only strong interest but good natured ribbing. Yes the week before and maybe right after the game there is some bad blood but unlike many other schools, we tend to get along better with each other regardless of the Victor. Example, my senior year we were at home, lost to MSU and ended up hosting several hundred Spartans at our fraternity party that evening along with UM students...no fights, but one of the best parties we had all year and certainly the best collection of ladies!

 

Let me just say that would not have happened if we lost to either Notre Dame or Ohio State (Buckeye co-ed are pretty hot as well)!

 

I would expect the same story holds true for Indiana-Purdue, Cal-Stanford, Penn State-Pitt (back when they played each year) and others.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Subway alum for EVERY school react more violently to losing these games than students, alums and parents of students/alums. And my theory might not hold water in the South, where a man shot his dog dead after his beloved Bama lost to Auburn.

So in summation, no Michigan fan wants to lose this game tomorrow cause they know they will hear about it many times over from friends and family! But of course if the Spartans (who should be favored in this game given the status of Hart and Henne not being at 100%) win, well their season is salvaged and the Perma-chip on the shoulder(some years it's more like a noose around their necks!) is removed for awhile.

I'll share more thoughts on other key Big Ten Rivalries over the next 3 weeks!