One of the most captivating aspects of college football is that it goes beyond just the teams on the field. Every Saturday, the matchups represent traditions that have spanned generations of players, alumni, coaches, and fans.
Take the Little Brown Jug, awarded to the winner of the Minnesota vs. Michigan rivalry. It holds the distinction of being the most frequently exchanged rivalry trophy in college football and is the oldest trophy game in FBS history.
Only the Territorial Cup, contested between Arizona and Arizona State, is older, dating back to 1899. Yet, unlike the Little Brown Jug, the Territorial Cup didn’t become a traveling trophy until 2001. The Jug, steeped in history and lore, continues to capture the essence of what makes college football so much more than just a game.
What Is the Little Brown Jug?
The Little Brown Jug, a humble earthenware jug, holds a place of honor in one of college football’s oldest and most cherished rivalries, dating back to 1892. However, while the competition between Michigan and Minnesota began in the 19th century, the tradition of the Little Brown Jug itself traces its roots to a game in 1903, a contest that ended in a hard-fought 6-6 tie.
Before that game, Michigan, concerned about Minnesota’s hospitality, brought along a five-gallon jug of water, just in case. When the final whistle blew, Michigan left the jug behind.
The story goes that the next day, Minnesota custodian Oscar Munson stumbled upon the jug and handed it to Athletic Director Louis “Doc” Cooke. Not long after, the jug was marked with the final 6-6 score, a symbol of the battle that had unfolded on the field.
When Michigan coach Fielding Yost sought to retrieve it, what could have been a forgotten piece of history became something far more significant. The two schools agreed to transform the jug into a traveling trophy to be awarded to the winner of each future matchup.
And so, the Little Brown Jug began its journey through the decades, exchanged in celebration and rivalry, and forever entwined with the history of Michigan and Minnesota football.
The Michigan-Minnesota rivalry, which first took the field on Oct. 17, 1892, when Minnesota claimed a 14-6 victory, has since evolved into one of the most storied matchups in college football.
Over the course of 105 meetings, the two teams have battled for the coveted Little Brown Jug, a symbol of pride that has defined their history. Michigan leads the all-time series with a commanding 77-25-3 (.748) record, and in the trophy series, the Wolverines hold an even more decisive advantage at 72-23-2 (.753).
Among the rivalry’s defining moments, Michigan’s largest margin of victory came in 2011, with a resounding 58-0 win. The Wolverines also notched their longest win streak, dominating 16 consecutive games from 1987 to 2004. Currently, Michigan rides a four-game winning streak, including their most recent triumph — a 52-10 victory on Oct. 7, 2023.
But as with every great rivalry, the next chapter is always just around the corner. On Sept. 28, 2024, these two teams will again take the field in Ann Arbor, Mich., where history and tradition will collide again.
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