Game 8: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | Michigan at Michigan State | Spartan Stadium | 7:30 PM
It is rivalry week in Michigan as the Wolverines travel to East Lansing to face the Spartans in a primetime showdown. While the gridiron battle divides the state, both universities share a long tradition of excellence in academics, research, and innovation that benefits the entire State of Michigan.
Did You Know?
Ann Arbor & East Lansing Connections
- The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech and Wayne State University form the University Research Corridor (URC), one of the nation’s leading academic research alliances. Together, these institutions conduct more than $3 billion in annual R&D, advancing discovery, entrepreneurship, and talent development statewide.
- From startups to Fortune 500 partnerships, both universities fuel business growth statewide. MSU’s research strengths in agriculture, packaging, and supply chain management complement U-M’s leadership in mobility, life sciences, and artificial intelligence.
- East Lansing and Ann Arbor are major talent pipelines for Michigan employers, with graduates fueling industries from automotive engineering to education and health care, making Michigan’s workforce one of the strongest and most versatile in the Midwest.
- While the rivalry runs deep, the two communities often collaborate through shared initiatives in sustainability, small business development, and innovation. Both are active members of programs like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s SmartZone network and participate in statewide entrepreneurship efforts.
- Despite the fierce competition on the field, U-M and MSU researchers regularly collaborate through the URC on statewide initiatives addressing Michigan’s biggest challenges, from freshwater protection to advanced manufacturing.
How Our Communities Compare
Ann Arbor and East Lansing may be less than an hour apart, but their regional identities offer two distinct slices of Michigan life.
Ann Arbor’s Washtenaw County boasts a population of just over 122,000 and a median household income of $80,603, making it one of the most prosperous and educated counties in the state. Nearly 77% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the city’s cost of living index of 99.6 is close to the national average.
East Lansing, located in Ingham County, is home to 47,741 residents with a median household income of $43,547. While more affordable overall with a cost of living index of 90.7, the area maintains a strong academic presence, with 67% of residents holding college degrees. Lansing’s role as the state capital further strengthens the region’s influence and job diversity.
Together, these communities represent Michigan’s balance of innovation and accessibility, where education, affordability, and opportunity intersect.
Comparing the Universities
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University are two of the most recognized public institutions in the country. U-M ranks among the top 5 public universities nationally and consistently earns top marks across engineering, business, and computer science programs. With more than $1.9 billion in annual research expenditures, U-M is ranked 4th nationwide in R&D investment.
Michigan State, with more than 51,000 students, is also a national leader in research and innovation, investing $844 million annually in R&D. MSU ranks among the top 50 public universities and is widely respected for programs in education, agriculture, supply chain management, and packaging, areas where its graduates make global impacts.
Both universities share a commitment to advancing Michigan’s future through research, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. The rivalry fuels excellence, pushing each to reach new heights in discovery and student success.
Beyond the Field
This weekend’s matchup reminds us that competition can be a catalyst for collaboration. Whether you cheer in green or maize and blue, both universities embody what makes Michigan strong: world-class education, groundbreaking research, and a deep love for their communities.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on our previous posts from this season:
Game 1: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. New Mexico
Game 2: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Oklahoma
Game 3: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Central Michigan
Game 4: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Nebraska
Game 5: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Game 6: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. USC
Game 7: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Washington
Want to learn more? Ann Arbor SPARK’s business development team can connect you with data, resources, and insights to support your business growth in our region.
