The Michigan State Spartans will take on the University of Michigan Wolverines. It is one of the biggest rivalries in Michigan and the winner brings home the "Paul Bunyon Trophy".
“I get excited about all the tailgating and the rivalry between students is pretty awesome,” said MSU student Cameron Babas.
“Once you're in that crowd with all those people and the chants and the different things going on its like nothing else,” said MSU student Andrew Hoak.
Many MSU students are pumped up and bleeding green a bit harder than normal, despite the team's struggle this season.
“We haven't been winning too much this season but its Michigan, so I think the team is going to turn out,” said freshman John Gartland.
Around the stadium crews worked tirelessly to set up tents for tailgaters, a normal tradition for games like this.
But at Demonstration Hall on campus, a third year tradition was underway.
ROTC cadets from MSU and the University of Michigan took turns running from Ann Arbor to East Lansing.
It’s all part of "Alex's Great State Race” which helps raise awareness for MSU's and U of M's Resource Center for Students with Disabilities
The event honors Alex Powell, a former MSU student who died from a rare and aggressive cancer.
“It’s really cool seeing both schools coming together, it’s an experience and it’s really fun,” said runner Tara Crown.
During their journey from Ann Arbor to East Lansing, the group ran by Mason High School where students there cheered the runners on.
After making it into East Lansing, the runners presenting the game day ball to MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis.
For these runners it's not the rivalry they're concerned about, they're uniting for one cause.
“At the end of the day we are all one team and one fight,” said Connor Sullivan. “Those are our brothers and sisters in arms that will eventually go into battle with us some day so we put this aside and come together to do one for the team and do one for America.”
The game kickoff is scheduled for Noon Saturday at Spartan stadium.
It’s scheduled to air on ESPN.
