THE BACKYARD BATTLE FOR THE BUNYAN BIRTHRIGHT. James MacGillivray first published the stories of Paul Bunyan in the Oscoda Michigan Press on August 10, 1906. Officially, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm proclaimed that the centennial of that date in the State of Michigan "Paul Bunyan Day;" but, according to Legend, August 10, 1906 marks not only the day these stories were first printed, but, also a day of TRAGEDY for Bunyan. Some may know Bunyan's "birth" was completed by the work of several storks; coincidentally, in the late 19th Century, Bunyan was visited by two (2) storks, one from the east, the other from the west - each cradling a baby boy. Both boys were near equal in strength and stature. The "Long-lived" Paul and His Wife took the boys in and raised them as their very own - the stepbrother sons of Paul Bunyan. They regularly enjoyed campsites all about the lovely State of Michigan; but, that fateful day in 1906, they were attacked by a Wild Bear. None could contend and the whole lot of them was killed. In the heavens, Bunyan engaged in a wrestling match with the gods to earn for the "earthly spirits" of his two sons a rightful place on equal with what should have remained of their earthly lives. Big Paul won the match and the gods concocted an "earthly spirit stew" from equal parts of the boys "eternal spirits." Big Paul insisted that these spirits dwell in places that are known for Traditions of Intellect, Integrity and Strength; therefore, the stew of one was poured over Michigan Agricultural College in East Lansing, MI... and the stew of the other was poured over the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI... The question was then posed as to which of the two would be entitled to Paul Bunyan's Birthright. The Bunyans and the gods spent a great deal of time deciding, but, concluded that the holder of the Birthright would be determined on an annual basis through a competition of sport. They decided it would be done on the football field and, in 1908, the first Battle for the Bunyan Birthright was held. Michigan State captured its first win of the rivalry in 1913 when the "Aggies" came into Ann Arbor and ruined Michigan's unbeaten season by a score of 12-7. Michigan State fans celebrated on the Wolverines' field for a half-hour after the game. Back home, the win prompted another celebration near the state Capitol and a building fire on campus that some suspected may have been set by rowdy celebrants, although that was never proven. This mysterious tradition is a recurring theme within this rivalry and its roots are still yet unknown. EXACTLY 40 YEARS LATER, in 1953, Michigan Governor G. Mennen Williams instituted a trophy which all those in heaven agreed adequately symbolized the Birthright's annual exchange. Notably, the Trophy was instituted to celebrate Michigan State's first year as a full Big Ten member - a move vehemently opposed by the Step-Brother Wolverine Nation. Check the history books and you will see so many more places where the fingerprints of the gods are plainly evident in escalating the earthly intensity of this rivalry. One very notable event was in 1907, where the leaders of the Michigan Agricultural College ("MAC") declared its full independence from the Michigan Intercollegiate Conference. Almost in perfect step, EXACTLY 100 YEARS LATER, Mike Hart the unwitting Mike Hart solidified the roots of this legendary rivalry with public statements that depicted MSU as UM's "Little Brother." It is well known that a BIRTHRIGHT traditionally goes to the eldest son, but, in this rivalry "age" is not the factor. As a result of the buzz surrounding Hart's statement, the title of "Big Brother" is uniquely endowed upon the newest holder of the birthright; unlike the traditional title bestowed upon one holding a birthright, i.e., "Eldest Brother." This title was cast directly into the national sports spotlight during the 2010 meeting of these in-state rivals when ABC Commentator Sean McDonough observed, "So much attention has been given to that Mike Hart quote in reference that Michigan State was their little brother, and right now, Michigan State is the Big Brother in that rivalry...and they're the Big Brother in football and basketball right now..." However, according to Mr. Mike Olds, an Undisputed Authority on Such Matters, this could have been stated more correctly, "U of M is a little stepbrother, from what I hear Spartans dont claim them as kin, Sean McDonough..." Thank you Mr. Olds. Michigan is Michigan State's STEP BROTHER and, Mr. McDonough would have been most appropriate to correct himself on National Television.
October 15, 2011 the Spartans pulled their 4th consecutive win in the rivalry by a score of 28-14:
BIG BROTHER 2011...
...LITTLE BROTHER 2011...
October 9, 2010 the Spartans grabbed the 3rd of 4 consecutive wins by a score of 34-17:
BIG BROTHER 2010...
...LITTLE BROTHER 2010...
October 3, 2009 the Spartans grabbed the 2nd of 4 consecutive wins by a score of 26-20:
BIG BROTHER 2009...
...LITTLE BROTHER 2009...
October 25, 2008, the Spartans grabbed the 1st of 4 consecutive wins by a score of 35-21:
BIG BROTHER 2008...
...LITTLE BROTHER 2008...