Michigan State Spartans
Football has a long tradition at Michigan State. Starting as a club sport in 1884, football gained varsity status in 1896. MSU's traditional arch rival is the University of Michigan, against whom they compete for the Paul Bunyan Trophy; MSU has a 23–34–1 record in the annual trophy game. The Spartans have won the trophy five of the past six years, as of 2013 season.
Michigan State basketball has been selected for 16 consecutive NCAA tournament bids from 1998 to 2013, making six final fours during that span. This span has provided every four-year player under Tom Izzo the opportunity to play in a final four. Overall, Michigan State has made it to the final four eight times and has made 26 NCAA Tournament appearances, winning the National Championship twice in 1979 and 2000.
Michigan State basketball has been selected for 16 consecutive NCAA tournament bids from 1998 to 2013, making six final fours during that span. This span has provided every four-year player under Tom Izzo the opportunity to play in a final four. Overall, Michigan State has made it to the final four eight times and has made 26 NCAA Tournament appearances, winning the National Championship twice in 1979 and 2000.
