HBO has produced an excellent documentary about the UM/OSU rivalry. I just watched it and thought it was extremely well-produced. It goes through the history of both football programs and the roots of the rivalry between the two schools. They even trace it all the way back to the two states fighting over Toledo (who’d fight over Toledo??). It also explains that part of Michigan’s elitism stems from the rise of the auto industry and the wealth that brought to the state. I thought the documentary was fairly balanced - although they did seem to (accurately) paint UM as the better snobbier school and OSU as the redneck school with the crazy obnoxious fans. ;)

There are a lot of times when I take for granted the rich history and traditions that come with a UM degree. Having attended grad school at Michigan, this stuff was all around but it was hard to soak it in when I was so engrossed in our little academic program. I think it was hard to see the big picture of what it really meant to walk by the Big House everyday. It was pretty cool to watch something like that on TV and not only recognize the buildings I was seeing but also know that I’ve walked through them (”hey! that’s the law quad!”).

Oh and now I know why there’s a Yost Arena and a Crisler Arena (I figured they were named after somebody but now I know who).