How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Michigan State

Game 9: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Michigan vs. Michigan State | Michigan Stadium | 7:30 p.m.

It's rivalry week in Michigan! The Wolverines and Spartans meet under the lights at the Big House on Saturday for the 119th meeting between the two programs, with the Paul Bunyan Trophy and plenty of state bragging rights on the line.

Michigan enters the matchup 5-3 after a 28-21 victory over Rutgers, while Michigan State (2-6) looks to turn its season around. But as any Michigan football fan knows, records only tell part of the story when these in-state rivals meet.

On the field, it's maize and blue versus green and white. Off the field, Ann Arbor and East Lansing are two of Michigan's most important centers for talent, research, and innovation. Their universities have distinct strengths, but both play an essential role in moving Michigan's economy forward.

So, how do these two college communities compare, and what do they contribute to Michigan's success?

Ann Arbor & East Lansing Connections

• Putting the Rivalry to Good Use: Just in time for Saturday's game, U-M researchers are hosting The Piss Off, a game-day initiative collecting urine from tailgaters to turn into sustainable fertilizer. The recycled nutrients will support field trials at U-M and MSU, including MSU's Kellogg Biological Station. It's an unexpected example of how even a heated football rivalry can fuel research collaboration!
• Rivals on the Field, Partners in Innovation: U-M and MSU are partners in the Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund, a statewide initiative launched with $5 million to support university startups and help turn research discoveries into growing Michigan businesses.
• A Shared Research Powerhouse: U-M and MSU are both members of Research Universities for Michigan, an alliance of four leading research institutions that collectively generated a $51.4 billion economic footprint in 2024, equivalent to 7.1% of Michigan's GDP. Through research, innovation, and workforce development, these universities help drive economic growth across the state.
• Two Jerseys, One Team: The rivalry takes a back seat when it comes to patient care. Through their ongoing health care partnership, U-M and MSU collaborate on neurological care, neonatal intensive care, and medical training, helping expand access to specialized services for mid-Michigan residents.
• Different Strengths, Statewide Impact: MSU Extension brings university research and practical resources to businesses, farms, families, and communities across all 83 Michigan counties, including supporting Michigan's statewide 4-H youth development program. U-M contributes through its extensive research and innovation ecosystem. Both universities help translate research and expertise into opportunities that benefit Michiganders well beyond their campuses.

On the Field

Michigan and Michigan State will meet for the 119th time on Saturday, with the Wolverines holding a 75-38-5 advantage in the all-time series. Michigan has won the last four meetings, including a 31-20 victory in East Lansing in 2025.

The rivalry dates back to 1898, but the Paul Bunyan Trophy wasn't introduced until 1953. Since then, the teams have battled for one of college football's most recognizable rivalry trophies, with Michigan leading the trophy series 42-29-2.

Saturday's matchup is also Michigan's Blue Out and Military Appreciation Game, adding to the atmosphere of a primetime showdown at the Big House. The Wolverines will look to extend their winning streak against the Spartans to five games, while Michigan State hopes to bring the trophy back to East Lansing.

Off the Field

Ann Arbor and East Lansing are both shaped by the presence of major public research universities, but each community brings different strengths to Michigan's economic landscape.

The universities are remarkably similar in size. U-M enrolled 52,855 students in fall 2024, while MSU enrolled 52,089, a difference of just 766 students. Together, they educate nearly 105,000 students, providing a substantial pipeline of talent for Michigan employers.

Both institutions are also major research engines. In fiscal year 2025, U-M reported approximately $2.16 billion in research expenditures, while MSU reported a record $992.3 million, a 6.5% increase over the previous year. Together, their research investments exceeded $3.15 billion, helping drive innovation and economic activity across Michigan.

Their academic strengths reflect the breadth of industries they support. U-M ranks No. 3 among top public universities, with highly ranked undergraduate engineering (No. 6) and business (No. 4) programs. MSU ranks No. 30 among public universities and stands out for its graduate education programs, including No. 1 rankings in elementary and secondary teacher education, along with a No. 8 ranking in biological and agricultural engineering.

Beyond the rankings, the universities contribute complementary expertise to Michigan's economy. U-M has particular strengths in medicine, engineering, mobility, and advanced technology, while MSU's land-grant mission and expertise in agriculture, food systems, education, and applied research connect university resources with communities and industries throughout the state.

The Bigger Picture

Ann Arbor and East Lansing demonstrate how two university communities can strengthen Michigan's economy in different but complementary ways. Their combined talent, research, and industry partnerships help support innovation, business growth, and opportunities across the state.

Leave it to Michigan and Michigan State to turn a decades-old pissing match into an opportunity for scientific collaboration.

On Saturday night, though, collaboration takes a back seat as Michigan looks to keep the Paul Bunyan Trophy in Ann Arbor for another year. Can the Wolverines make it five straight against their in-state rivals?

Go Blue!

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