Indiana–Michigan State football rivalry

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Indiana–Michigan State football rivalry

The Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon is the matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Michigan State Spartans. The Old Brass Spittoon trophy has been awarded to the winner since 1950, a tradition started by Eugene McDermott.

Key facts
- First meeting: October 28, 1922 — Indiana won 14–6
- Latest meeting: October 18, 2025 — Indiana 38, Michigan State 13
- Next meeting: 2027

Series notes
- All-time meetings: 72
- Overall series: Michigan State leads 49–20–2
- Trophy-series (games since the trophy began): Michigan State leads 49–16–1
- Largest victory: Michigan State won 54–0 in 1957
- Longest Michigan State win streak: 8 games (1950–1957)
- Longest Michigan State unbeaten streak: 9 games (1970–1982)
- Current win streak: Indiana has won the last 2 meetings (2024–present)

Big Ten context
- Before 2011, there were gaps in the series because the schools weren’t protected rivals in the rotating schedule.
- From 2011–2013, Indiana and Michigan State were cross-over rivals, playing every year.
- After 2014, both teams were in the Big Ten East, ensuring they meet annually as conference opponents.
- In 2015, Michigan State beat Indiana on the way to the Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance.
- With new members joining the Big Ten in 2023, Indiana and Michigan State were not kept as a protected matchup for 2024–2028, but they are scheduled to play in 2024, 2025, and 2027.

Recent note
- In 2025, Indiana defeated Michigan State 38–13, helping Indiana win the program’s third Big Ten title, a second straight CFP appearance, and its first national championship.