Fan Throwdown: U-M Vs. MSU

By Christy Strawser
CBS Detroit Managing Editor
Why did the U-M grad cross the road? Because he heard someone on the other side of the street didn't know where he went to school.

That's right, it's the time of year when Michigan State Spartans and University of Michigan Wolverines trade barbs. Well, it's basically always that time of year, but it gets especially heated the week leading up to the U-M vs. MSU football game.

The big game happens at noon Saturday at Spartan Stadium. Listen to it live on WWJ 950. And remember to circle the date on your calendars, Spartans. We know most of you will forget it when you're distracted by something shiny.

Ah, the joys of the trash talk.

But which team really, fundamentally, deep down, has the most loyal, die-hard, all-around best fans? Let us know below.

While you're mulling that question, take into account the perspectives from staff at 97.1 The Ticket, who blogged their thoughts leading up to the big game. See all the blogs here.

Mike Stone of the Stoney and Bill show wrote, "This football game is all about arrogance vs. inferiority...(U-M fans) think that they are better than MSU supporters, because, after all, if the Spartans were smart enough they would be in Ann Arbor."

Ouch, are you going to take that, Spartans?

He went on to say, "MSU has a gorgeous campus and is also a great university, yet they constantly worry about how they stack up against Michigan. I have met many Spartan fans who were happier that Michigan would lose a game than if the Spartans actually would win...The bottom line for me is I can't figure out who is more pathetic, the arrogant Wolverine or the woe-is-me Spartan."

Mike Valenti of the Valenti and Foster show thinks he knows who is more pathetic.

Basically, everyone is more pathetic.

"There is no compromise. There is no discussion," Valenti wrote of the rivalry. "Two sides, two views, no middle ground. No point to any of it. What used to be humorous has turned maddening."

Karsch and Anderson show producer Khang takes a more moderate approach, saying his favorite team is whichever one is winning.

"I will usually root for the team with the best chance for a national championship no matter what the sport," Khang wrote. "And if neither school has that chance there's one thing that I always root for ... an exciting, entertaining and memorable game."