Spartan nation celebrated Michigan State’s 27-24 upset over No. 13 Michigan in October, bringing home the coveted Paul Bunyan trophy and marking Mel Tucker’s first win over our in-state rival. It was also the latest reminder for football fans that the 2020 season was anything but predictable. The four-foot-tall wooden statue of Paul Bunyan, or the Governor of Michigan Trophy, has been presented to the winner of the MSU versus U-M football game since 1953.
AS FOR THE OTHER RIVALRY TROPHIES...
OLD BRASS SPITTOON
This trophy was purchased for $25 in 1950 in hopes of firing up the Spartans before their contest with the Hoosiers. Found in a Lansing antique shop, the Spittoon is believed to date back to the early 1800s. Indiana currently holds the trophy after a Nov. 14 loss to the No. 10 ranked Hoosiers.
LAND GRANT TROPHY
This trophy honors Michigan State’s and Penn State’s unique places in history as the two pioneer land-grant institutions in the U.S. The trophy came about in 1993, when the schools started a run of playing season finales against each other. Penn State took home the trophy with a win on Dec. 12.
MEGAPHONE TROPHY
The Spartans and the Fighting Irish have competed for the Megaphone trophy since 1949. Introduced by the Alumni Clubs from both schools, one side of the trophy is blue, while the other side is green. The last match up was in 2017. Notre Dame currrently holds the trophy.
