| The Old Brass Spittoon trophy is the unique | | | | the nature of the game is very prevalent in the |
| award given out annually to the winner of the | | | | sport. Due to the scheduling nature of the game |
| Indiana University versus Michigan State University | | | | of college football opponents almost always play |
| football game. The first time the somewhat odd | | | | each other only once a year. A scheduling format |
| trophy was given to the winning team in this Big | | | | that dictates playing once a year is ideal for a |
| Ten Conference rivalry game was in 1950 when | | | | traveling trophy like the Old Brass Spittoon. The |
| the Michigan State University (MSU) Spartans | | | | second reason that this particular concept is so |
| defeated the Indiana University (IU) Hoosiers in | | | | commonplace in collegiate football is because the |
| the first of many contests between the two | | | | exuberant youthful nature of college fans lends |
| accomplished schools. | | | | itself to the lighthearted trophy designs that are |
| While the exact individual responsible for giving the | | | | prevalent, i.e. the Old Brass Spittoon shaped |
| unique award its distinguished name remains a bit | | | | trophy. Finally the close physical proximity of |
| of a mystery college football histories say that | | | | many college rivalries fosters an environment ripe |
| the idea for the annual traveling trophy was first | | | | with rival attitudes towards neighboring states. |
| suggested by the Michigan State Spartans. The | | | | During the 53 meetings that have transpired |
| idea behind a traveling trophy is that each year | | | | between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Michigan |
| the trophy is effectively on loan to the team that | | | | State Spartans since the Old Brass Spittoon |
| most recently won the head to head competition | | | | trophy was introduced the Spartans have a |
| between the two schools vying for the traveling | | | | commanding series lead with 41 wins. The Indiana |
| trophy. Every season when the two teams meet | | | | University program on the other hand has roughly |
| for a rematch it is the responsibility of the | | | | a quarter as many wins as their rival with a total |
| previous season winner to bring the trophy to the | | | | of only 11. During the 53 games over a 59 year |
| game with the understanding that if the defending | | | | period there has only been one time. The tie |
| champion happens to lose the latest contest they | | | | occurred in 1977. |
| are required to relinquish the trophy to their | | | | The location of the annual rivalry game alternates |
| opponent until it is played for during the next | | | | between being played in East Lansing, Michigan |
| season. | | | | (home of the Michigan State University Spartans) |
| The concept of traveling trophies to | | | | and Bloomington, Indiana (home of the University |
| commemorate specific rivalry contests is an idea | | | | of Indiana Hoosiers). |
| that is not exclusive to college football but due to | | | | |