Old Brass Spittoon: The Enduring History of Indiana vs. Michigan State
In the rich tapestry of American college football rivalries, few possess the peculiar charm and storied history of the
Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon. This annual clash pits the
Indiana Hoosiers against the
Michigan State Spartans, two venerable members of the Big Ten Conference, vying for a trophy as unique as its name suggests. Far more than just a piece of polished metal, the Old Brass Spittoon encapsulates decades of gridiron battles, surprising upsets, and the ebb and flow of collegiate athletic fortunes, making the
indiana michigan state game a fixture on many fans' calendars.
The Genesis of a Quirky Trophy: How the Spittoon Began
The Old Brass Spittoon isn't just any trophy; it's a piece of history that adds an undeniable quirkiness to the
indiana michigan state rivalry. The tradition officially began in 1950, when Eugene McDermott, then Michigan State's class president, presented the trophy. However, the true genesis lies with a group of enterprising Michigan State students. Seeking to ignite their Spartans after a significant victory against Notre Dame, they scoured Lansing shops for a suitable symbol of defiance and motivation. Their quest led them to a 19th-century Michigan trading post, where they found an antique brass vessel, which they purchased for a modest $25.
This artifact was then dubbed the "Old Brass Spittoon" and proposed as a trophy for the annual game against the Indiana Hoosiers. The Indiana student senate, through a spirited telegram, readily accepted the challenge, formally embedding the spittoon into the rivalry's fabric. Since that pivotal year, the victor of the
Indiana vs. Michigan State contest has proudly taken home this distinctive prize, a symbol of bragging rights for the next 365 days. It’s a testament to the creativity and enthusiasm of college students that such an unassuming object could become such a treasured emblem of athletic competition.
A Series Defined by Conference Dynamics and Shifting Schedules
While the Old Brass Spittoon tradition cemented the rivalry in 1950, the series itself predates it significantly, commencing on October 28, 1922, with Indiana claiming a 14-6 victory. Yet, for many years, the consistency of the
indiana michigan state matchup remained at the mercy of conference scheduling. In the early days, before the Big Ten became the massive conference it is today, meetings between the two were sporadic, with only four contests between 1922 and 1940.
Prior to the sweeping Big Ten expansions of 2011, the two teams weren't designated as protected rivals within the rotating schedule. This led to frustrating stoppages in the series, with no games played in periods like 1971-1972, 1979-1980, 1999-2000, and 2009-2010 – gaps that undoubtedly dulled the rivalry's continuous flame. These breaks highlighted the challenge of maintaining long-standing rivalries in a conference focused on rotation and competitive balance.
The landscape shifted dramatically with the Big Ten's divisional split starting in 2011. Despite being placed in separate divisions (Indiana in the Leaders, Michigan State in the Legends), they were wisely assigned as "cross-over" rivals, guaranteeing their annual encounter through the 2013 season. The subsequent additions of Maryland and Rutgers in 2014 prompted a geographical realignment, placing both the Hoosiers and Spartans into the Big Ten East Division. This strategic move ensured that the
Indiana Hoosiers Michigan State Spartans rivalry would be renewed annually, much to the delight of fans who cherished the tradition of the Old Brass Spittoon and the continuity it represented.
Key Moments and a Resurgent Indiana in the Spittoon Era
Historically, the
indiana michigan state series has been dominated by the Spartans, who hold a commanding 50-20-2 overall record. In the Old Brass Spittoon era alone, Michigan State boasts an impressive 50-17-1 advantage. This long-standing imbalance has, at times, tempered the rivalry's intensity compared to some other Big Ten matchups. However, it also means that Indiana's victories are often monumental and deeply cherished.
One such moment etched into Hoosier lore came in 1967, when Indiana, against all odds, edged out then-defending national champion Michigan State 14-13. That pivotal win not only secured a share of the Big Ten title but also punched Indiana's ticket to their only Rose Bowl appearance in program history – a testament to the power of rivalry upsets and the sheer unpredictability of college football. Fast forward to 2015, and the Spartans showcased their prowess, defeating Indiana en route to a Big Ten Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff, underscoring their consistent competitive strength.
Yet, the narrative of consistent Spartan dominance has begun to shift in more recent years, suggesting a promising new chapter for the Hoosiers. Indiana has demonstrated a notable resurgence, capturing four of the last seven meetings, including pivotal back-to-back victories. In 2024, the Hoosiers delivered a decisive 47-10 defeat to Michigan State. This momentum continued into 2025, where on October 18th, Indiana again triumphed, besting the Spartans 38-13. This latter victory not only extended their undefeated start to a remarkable 7-0 but also set the stage for a historic season, culminating in the program's third-ever Big Ten title, their second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance, and ultimately, a fairytale first national championship. These recent outcomes underscore the rivalry's potential for fierce competitiveness and high stakes, proving that while historical records speak volumes, the present and future are always open to new narratives for the
Indiana vs. Michigan State battle. To explore how this rivalry has shifted recently, consider visiting
Indiana vs. Michigan State: The Spittoon Rivalry's Recent Shift.
The Evolving Landscape of Big Ten Football and the Spittoon's Future
The relentless churn of college football conference realignment means that even established traditions like the
Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon are subject to change. With the impending additions of powerhouse programs like Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington in 2023, the Big Ten announced its league football opponents for the 2024 to 2028 seasons. In this latest iteration of scheduling, the
Indiana Hoosiers Michigan State Spartans matchup was notably not retained as a "protected" rivalry.
This decision means that while the teams are scheduled to meet in 2024, 2025, and 2027, their annual clash is no longer guaranteed moving forward. This shift introduces an element of uncertainty for a rivalry that had enjoyed annual continuity for over a decade. Fans of both programs will undoubtedly watch future scheduling announcements closely, hoping that the quirky tradition of the Old Brass Spittoon continues to find a regular place on the Big Ten calendar. It highlights the delicate balance between preserving historical rivalries and accommodating the strategic and financial imperatives of an ever-expanding conference. For a deeper dive into the implications of these changes, you can read more about
Big Ten Realignment: What's Next for Indiana-MSU Football?
From its humble beginnings as a motivational prop purchased for $25, the Old Brass Spittoon has grown into a cherished symbol of the enduring
indiana michigan state football rivalry. While the series has seen its share of ebbs, flows, and conference-induced interruptions, the quirky trophy and the passion of the Hoosier and Spartan faithful ensure its continued relevance. As the Big Ten continues to evolve, the future schedule of this particular clash may become less predictable. Yet, the history made, the upsets delivered, and the tradition of battling for an antique brass spittoon will forever define this unique chapter in college football lore, reminding us all that sometimes, the most peculiar trophies hold the deepest meaning.