Throughout the past three years of attending Michigan State University, there is one thing that I learned for certain; University of Michigan and its fans are arch enemies.

Regardless of which team you side with, you typically don’t just like it - you’re an ultimate diehard. I have witnessed many instances of this rivalry throughout the years and it keeps getting better and better. Something that I admire about our true Spartan fans is their ability to sit, sleep, and stand guard of our famous Sparty statue as these games come closer. When I say, “stand guard,” I literally mean stand guard. Proud volunteers keep watch day and night over our statue so no conniving Wolverine will vandalize our mascot, and I am sure Michigan does the same to protect theirs as well.

There is always going to be an undeniable rivalry between these two great schools but when it comes time for us to show the other who is boss, both schools come through with determination and a lot of swear words.

Here’s what a few had to say about the rivalry:

“I’m a sophomore at Umich and honestly I don’t pay too much attention to the rivalry. It’s fun to get all pumped up about football and beating State but when it boils down to it. I have friends here and at MSU.” - Taylor Bradburn, Michigan

“Growing up a Spartan I’ve always loved the rivalry between us and U of M. It’s funny they call us ‘little brother’ when really the roles have reversed.” - Nicole Rauch, MSU

"I was born and raised a Michigan Wolverine. The rivalry with the MSU Spartans has always been ingrained in my blood. Being from Michigan, I have many friends at MSU. The rivalry makes things more exciting and it's all in good fun!" - Emily West, Michigan

"It's hard to compare Michigan State to our little sister, because, well, they are exactly that: our little sister. We are bigger, better, stronger and the best university out of the two. Sure, U of M has some brainiacs running around campus, but who won the Rose Bowl in 2014 then the Cotton Bowl in 2015? Michigan State. Who has a mascot that doesn't remind you of road kill but instead a great Greek warrior? Michigan State. Finally, who has more pride and school spirit? Spartans bleed green while U of M dons mismatched colors, one named after corn. Sorry little sister, but your big brother always has you beat. Sparty on." - Diana Nicoletti, MSU

So who wins in the rivalry between football and basketball?

MSU v. Michigan: Football

The first meeting of these two interstate rivals began back in 1898 when that other school shut our Spartys completely out with a 39-0 score in a football game that led Michigan to win the Big Ten conference championship. Outside of chasing the ‘W’, the teams were competing for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. This four-foot-tall statue is to represent the state’s major lumber-producing history. Every fall since then the two schools battle to win a years worth of bragging rights to win the Paul Bunyan Trophy. This year, the tables are turned as the Spartans head to The Big House to carry on our legacy in winning and succeeding the Wolverines.

I don’t want to admit it, but in regards to football overall, Michigan holds the better records with 11 national football titles and 43 bowl appearances, compared to our 6 and 25, respectively.

Michigan, you win this one.

MSU v. Michigan: Basketball

Students, alums, and fans unite as diehards during rivalry week - both on the football field and the basketball court. Few rivalries can tout such a strong rivalry and skill in both sports. Constantly competing in AP Poll rankings, Big Ten conference wins and march madness appearances, these two teams are some of the most well respected in NCAA basketball, especially in the Big Ten.

Michigan may have us when it comes to football records, but basketball is where we shine. Two national titles, 9 Final Four appearances, 29 NCAA tournament appearances, 4 Big Ten tournament titles, all beat the records seen by Michigan.

And if that doesn’t convince you, let this 2013 interview with Bleacher Report...

“Do I respect John Beilein? Tremendously. Do I respect Michigan? Tremendously. Do I like them? Not one bit. I don’t like anything about Michigan and they don’t like anything about us, and that’s the way it should be.” - Tom Izzo

Michigan State takes the win for basketball. #LongLiveIzzo

At the end of the day whether you are a Michigan Wolverine shouting “GO BLUE!” or a Sparty yelling “Go Green!” we are both die hards for our teams. And what’s the best way to put this spirit to the test? A challenge.

Grab your fellow Spartys and Wolverines and check out the Tough Mudder Michigan this September 26 & 27 at the Michigan International Speedway. The Tough Mudder features 16 crazy obstacles to challenge yourself, but more importantly, it's a meant to be a challenge that you get through with the help of others - even those rivals. It's not so much about your personal fitness prowess, but rather teamwork, and you will see that throughout the course, whether it is between teams or complete strangers that are running through the mud with you that is there to support and help their fellow Mudder.

The Odyssey has teamed up with Tough Mudder to get you registered for only $100! That’s a 50% savings off the current ticket price! Click here to request a special discount code!

And of course...GO GREEN!