The Big Ten is full of great rivalry matchups and there’s no doubt Michigan-Michigan State is one of the best in the league. But where would it rank compared to the many other rivalry games in the conference?
Big Game Boomer — a popular college football social media account and analyst — put together a list of the top rivalries for each power five conference this past week. In his list, he has the Spartans and Wolverines’ annual in-state matchup as one of the best in the Big Ten.
See where Big Game Boomer ranks Michigan-Michigan State in his top Big Ten rivalry matchups list below:
10
Iowa vs. Wisconsin
Iowa and Wisconsin annually play for the Heartland Trophy — which is typically a hard-hitting fun matchup. I personally would have this rivalry higher on this list due to the fact that both of these schools are traditionally upper-tier programs in the league.
9
Michigan State vs. Ohio State
Michigan State and Ohio State don’t play for any trophy but these two bordering state programs have played some great matchups over the years. Recently, Ohio State has dominated the series, but that can also be said for many other teams in the Big Ten as well.
8
Iowa vs. Minnesota
Who doesn’t love a couple of teams who hate each other playing for a pig? Iowa and Minnesota annually play for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, which is a bronze pig. This is one of my favorite rivalry trophies in the country and also is typically a great matchup.
7
Illinois vs. Northwestern
Illinois and Northwestern annually play for the Land of Lincoln Trophy and for bragging rights in the state of Illinois. This rivalry has gone back and forth over the years, but Illinois appears to be in a position to dominate for years to come.
6
Iowa vs. Nebraska
This is one of the Big Ten’s newest rivalries but it is rightfully ranked above others due to the true hate in this rivalry that is annually played on Black Friday. Just this past year, Nebraska pulled a stunner to keep Iowa from winning the Big Ten West Division. There should be plenty of fuel added to the fire for this year’s matchup.
5
Indiana vs. Purdue
Indiana and Purdue annually wrap up the regular season with their in-state rivalry matchup. The Hoosiers and Boilermakers play for the Old Oaken Bucket — which is a sneaky good rivalry trophy, in my opinion.
4
Ohio State vs. Penn State
The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions isn’t a traditional rivalry but it’s one hell of a game every year and has become a fun matchup annually. So it’s not only fair to call Ohio State-Penn State a rivalry game but to rank it near the top of this list.
3
Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
The other notable Paul Bunyan-related trophy in the Big Ten is what Minnesota and Wisconsin play for — Paul Bunyan’s axe. The Badgers and Gophers annually play for this massive wooden axe and is by far one of the best rivalries in the conference (if not the country).
2
Michigan vs. Michigan State
There is plenty of hate in the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry so to no surprise this one comes in at No. 2 on the list. The Wolverines have a sizable lead in the all-time series but Michigan State has experienced more success in the rivalry recently, winning 10 of the last 15 matchups.
1
Michigan vs. Ohio State
To no surprise, Michigan-Ohio State is the top rivalry in this list. The Wolverines and Buckeyes annually play one of the most heated rivalry games in the country and this upcoming year it should be no different with both teams expected to contend for a National Championship once again.
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