ANN ARBOR - Students at the University of Michigan saw foreign colors on their rock Tuesday.
Green and white paint plastered U-M’s rock in only the beginning of this week’s pranks and rituals sparked by the rivalry between MSU and U-M.
“I think it’s hilarious how much everyone gets into the game,” U-M senior David Rosner said Tuesday. “Me and some of my frat brothers will probably get MSU back some time this week,” he said. “Sparty better have great bodyguards.”
With Ann Arbor hosting the annual football game Saturday, students at both schools are vying for control in preparation for the gridders going head to head.
Although MSU gained control of the rock, U-M senior Eric Yaffe said it wouldn’t last for long.
“The (paint) is a little upsetting, but by tonight we’ll get it back,” he said Tuesday.
U-M sophomore Steve Krasman said the green and white paint on the rock didn’t bother him, knowing the football teams’ differing standings.
“If they want to paint the rock on our campus, that’s fine,” he said. “It’s not going to make that big of a difference (on the outcome of the game) considering MSU sucks anyway.”
Winning the football game between the longtime rivals is much sought after, and students such as Gillian Knoll are ready to show their loyalty to U-M.
“I’m really excited for the game on Saturday,” the U-M senior said.
“We have won every home game thus far, unlike our opponents, and no doubt we’ll persevere.”
MSU’s win at home last year left U-M students even hungrier for the victory.
“We lost last year, and it looks like we are going to get it this year,” said U-M senior Dana Freeman. “But regardless of who wins, this weekend is going to be amazing.”
Freeman said a lot of her friends from MSU who she doesn’t get to see often will come to Ann Arbor, which will make the weekend more fun.
With the game only a day away, many U-M students have been preparing all week.
“I have been wearing something blue and yellow every day,” said U-M senior Alexa Weil. “This is my last year here and with the game being at home, I want that win badly.”
U-M senior Jessica Theaman does not feel there is a reason for such superstitions.
“I don’t really feel like there is such a huge rivalry between the two schools,” she said. “My preparations for the game will end with me putting on (a U-M ) T-shirt prior to the game.”
Theaman, a New Jersey native, may not feel the tensions between the two because she didn’t grow up in Michigan, U-M senior Joe Funt said.
“I’m not from Michigan, and I’m not into this rivalry like a lot of my friends are,” he said. “Most of my friends grew up supporting our school, and it’s more fun for them.”
Funt said he feels more rivalry when U-M plays Pennsylvania State University, which is in his home state.
But even some Ann Arbor natives stay out of the competition.
“I think people take the game way too seriously,” said Matt Hurwitz, a sophomore at Community High School in Ann Arbor. “I don’t care about the game, and besides, I have better things to do.”
Ann Arbor resident Casey Brown agreed.
“I don’t care about sports because they are too frat-boyish,” he said.
But people who don’t care won’t keep U-M senior Noah Stern from having a good time Saturday.
“We’re going to get really drunk, go to the game, realize halfway through I should have watched the game at home on TV, and party at our place the rest of the night,” he said.
U-M sophomore Jamie Hertza has been preparing for the game all week. But not by partying or pulling pranks.
“The only thing I can do to have fun this weekend is study (all week),” Hertza said.
