The rivalry comes from proximity, with groups of siblings, parents, friends, colleagues and acquaintances having varying loyalties to Michigan’s two largest institutions. The rivalry has taken an ugly turn of late as the Spartans are embroiled in controversy, both over a fight in the tunnel at Michigan Stadium in 2022, the last time these teams met in Ann Arbor, and over the sexual altercation of the Former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker’s misconduct scandal. The Wolverines, meanwhile, won a national championship in 2024, embroiled in controversy over a sign-stealing scandal.

As the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy takes place in Ann Arbor, here are sights and sounds from the lead-up to the rivalry game.

Michigan Stadium before the UM-MSU game

A look inside Michigan Stadium as the Michigan State Spartans come to Ann Arbor to play the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 rivalry game

Fans of the UM-MSU rivalry game

Fans of the Michigan and Michigan State football teams walk through Ann Arbor’s Michigan Stadium before the rivalry game on Oct. 26, 2024.