The Enduring Legacy of the Old Brass Spittoon: Indiana vs. Michigan State
In the fiercely competitive world of Big Ten college football, few rivalries boast a trophy as unique and storied as the Old Brass Spittoon. The annual clash between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Michigan State Spartans, officially known as the Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon, is more than just a game; it's a testament to tradition, perseverance, and the shifting tides of athletic prowess. From its humble origins as a motivational tool to its place in an evolving conference landscape, this rivalry captures the essence of Midwestern gridiron battles, now with a dramatically altered competitive dynamic.
First presented in 1950, the Old Brass Spittoon was the brainchild of Michigan State class president Eugene McDermott, who sought to "fire up" his Spartans against Indiana. Purchased for a mere $25 from a Lansing shop, this antique brass vessel, dating back to a 19th-century Michigan trading post, quickly became a cherished symbol. Indiana's student senate eagerly accepted the challenge, formalizing a tradition that has seen the trophy exchanged 68 times since its inception. To delve deeper into the fascinating history and quirky origins of this iconic trophy, be sure to check out Old Brass Spittoon: The History of Indiana vs. Michigan State.
A Legacy of Green and White Dominance (and Early Scheduling Quirks)
The Early Years and MSU's Commanding Lead
The Indiana Michigan State rivalry technically began on October 28, 1922, with Indiana securing a 14–6 victory. However, consistent annual play only solidified with the introduction of the Spittoon in 1950 and Michigan State's later entry into the Big Ten. For much of its history, the series has been defined by Michigan State's overwhelming dominance. The Spartans hold a commanding all-time lead with 50 wins to Indiana's 20, alongside 2 ties. Within the Spittoon era, Michigan State's record is even more pronounced at 50–17–1.
This long-standing imbalance has, at times, tempered the rivalry's intensity compared to other Big Ten matchups. While Indiana has certainly had its moments – including a memorable 14–13 upset of defending national champion Michigan State in 1967, which helped clinch a share of the Big Ten title and the Hoosiers' only Rose Bowl berth – these were often seen as isolated triumphs against a consistently superior foe. Michigan State's journey to the Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff spot in 2015, which included a defeat of Indiana, served as a stark reminder of their historical pedigree.
Big Ten Scheduling: A Series of Pauses
Before the significant changes in Big Ten scheduling in the 2010s, the Indiana Michigan State series faced multiple stoppages. As non-protected rivals in the conference's rotating schedule, the teams did not always meet annually. Gaps occurred in 1971–1972, 1979–1980, 1999–2000, and 2009–2010. These interruptions meant that the continuity often vital for building intense rivalries was occasionally broken, making the renewal of the Spittoon battle an anticipated, though not always guaranteed, event for fans.
Big Ten Realignment: Forging an Annual Tradition (2011-2023)
The Crossover Rival Era (2011-2013)
The landscape of the Big Ten Conference began to shift dramatically in 2011 with its expansion. This led to the creation of two divisions, and while Indiana and Michigan State were placed in separate divisions, they were strategically assigned as "cross-over" rivals. This critical designation ensured that the Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon would be played annually, regardless of divisional alignment. For three seasons, from 2011 through 2013, this arrangement guaranteed that Hoosier and Spartan fans could consistently mark their calendars for this unique rivalry.
Geographical Alignment and Annual Renewal (2014-2023)
Further expansion of the Big Ten in 2014, with the addition of Maryland and Rutgers, led to a subsequent geographical realignment of the divisions. This proved to be a pivotal moment for the Indiana Michigan State rivalry. Both teams were placed together in the Big Ten East Division. This new divisional structure inherently guaranteed that the Hoosiers and Spartans would face each other annually as part of their divisional schedule. From 2014 until the most recent wave of realignment in 2023, the Spittoon game became a consistent, often late-season, fixture on both teams' schedules, strengthening the tradition and giving fans an unbroken stretch of competitive matchups.
The Hoosier Uprising: Indiana's Recent Resurgence (2024 and Beyond)
Shifting Tides: A New Narrative for Indiana Football
While Michigan State's historical dominance is undeniable, the narrative of the Indiana Michigan State rivalry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, particularly in the mid-2020s. The once "tempered intensity" has ignited into genuine competitiveness, largely fueled by a remarkable resurgence from the Indiana Hoosiers. In a striking shift, Indiana has won four of the last seven meetings, indicating a significant upward trajectory for the program.
The years 2024 and 2025 stand out as monumental for the Hoosiers. In 2024, Indiana delivered a resounding 47–10 victory over Michigan State. This was followed by an even more historic triumph on October 18, 2025, when Indiana defeated Michigan State 38–13. This victory propelled the Hoosiers to an undefeated 7–0 start, marked their first series lead against the Spartans in Bloomington since 2016, and, most significantly, paved the way for the program's third-ever Big Ten title, a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance, and an unprecedented first national championship. This incredible run fundamentally alters the perception of the Indiana Michigan State rivalry, transforming it from a lopsided affair into a high-stakes annual contest with national implications.
This recent success not only energizes the Indiana fanbase but also elevates the rivalry's profile. For Michigan State, it presents a new challenge: reclaiming dominance against a revitalized opponent. For both teams, these games are no longer just about bragging rights; they are crucial in the Big Ten standings and have a tangible impact on national rankings and postseason aspirations. The Spittoon, once a symbol of MSU's long-term edge, now represents a dynamic, unpredictable, and fiercely contested battle.
The Spittoon's Uncertain Future: Navigating the Expanded Big Ten
New Big Ten, New Scheduling Challenges
The college football landscape is in constant flux, and the Big Ten Conference is at the forefront of this change. With the historic additions of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington in 2023, the conference once again faced a significant realignment, necessitating a complete re-evaluation of its scheduling model. For the Indiana Michigan State rivalry, this expansion brings both uncertainty and opportunity.
The Big Ten announced its league football opponents for the 2024 to 2028 seasons, and in this new scheduling matrix, the Indiana Michigan State matchup was unfortunately not kept as a "protected" matchup. This means that the consistent annual renewal, which had become a hallmark of the rivalry since 2011, will cease. While the teams are scheduled to meet in 2024, 2025, and 2027, the absence of games in other years signifies a return to sporadic meetings, reminiscent of the pre-2011 era. This development raises questions about how the rivalry's intensity and fan engagement will be maintained without the guarantee of an annual contest.
For fans, understanding these evolving scheduling dynamics is key to anticipating future matchups and appreciating the significance of each game. For the programs, it means every opportunity to play for the Old Brass Spittoon becomes even more precious. The challenge for the Big Ten, and for long-standing rivalries like Indiana Michigan State, is to balance the demands of a super-conference with the preservation of cherished traditions. To learn more about how these changes impact the broader conference and individual teams, consult Big Ten Realignment: What's Next for Indiana-MSU Football?.
Conclusion
The Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon is a rivalry steeped in tradition, marked by periods of historical dominance and recent, dramatic shifts. From its quirky origins in 1950 to the ensuring annual fixture it became, the Indiana Michigan State game has always offered something special. While Michigan State's long-term record remains formidable, Indiana's stunning resurgence in 2024 and 2025, culminating in a Big Ten title and a national championship, has injected an unprecedented level of competitiveness and national relevance into the series. As the Big Ten continues to expand and evolve, posing new challenges to traditional scheduling, the Old Brass Spittoon remains a powerful symbol. It represents not just the history between these two Midwestern programs, but also the exciting, unpredictable future of college football, where the unexpected rise of a competitor can redefine even the most established rivalries.