The Big Ten’s greatest trophy games

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As we move forward into a new-look Big Ten with the addition of the Nebraska Cornhuskers as the conference’s twelfth member, it is important to reflect upon the history of this conference and the journey that it has taken to reach its status in the collegiate football landscape. The Big Ten is widely known for the trophy games that its teams participate in against one another. These trophies have evolved over time into iconic symbols that have come to represent the tradition and pageantry of America’s oldest football conference.

Here is a ranked list comprised of the greatest Big Ten trophy games. The trophy’s uniqueness in appearance, history, and celebrity were each used as part of the judgment criteria. The rivalry between the two combatant schools was also taken into consideration.

12. The Land-Grant Trophy (Penn State leads the all-time series over Michigan State, 13-5)

Origin: Created in 1993 when Penn State first entered the Big Ten, the Land-Grant Trophy makes use of the fact that Michigan State and Penn State are among the oldest land-grant universities in the nation. Prior to Nebraska, the Spartans and the Nittany Lions were the two newest members of the Big Ten conference.

Ranking Justification: The Land Grant Trophy has to be considered as not only the worst trophy in the Big Ten, but probably in all of college football (especially now that the new Cy-Hawk trophy has been scratched). Not only is it enormous, but also haphazardly put together in a manner that even an elementary student might be apprehensive to claim as his or her own work. The Nittany Lion and Spartan figures make sense, but why is there an old bowling trophy placed right on top? Combine the unappealing hardware with a fabricated rivalry, and it is pretty easy to see why the Land Grant Trophy is so universally unpopular.

11. The Governor’s Victory Bell (Penn State leads the all-time series against Minnesota, 8-4)

 

 

Origin: The governors of both Minnesota and Pennsylvania established the Governor’s Victory Bell in September of 1993. It was created to celebrate Penn State’s inaugural Big Ten conference game.

Ranking Justification: I hate to peg the Nittany Lions’ two trophy games at the bottom, but it just has to be done. The Governor’s Victory Bell, though, ranks poorly for a different reason: It just does not matter to either team or fanbase. The trophy’s design itself is good, and obviously the “bell” is a great symbol to represent the state of Pennsylvania. Even so, its creation was to signify Penn State’s move to the Big Ten rather than recognize a true rivalry. The fact that the teams have played for the trophy merely twelve times does not help, either. If you need further proof of the irrelevancy of both of Penn State’s trophy games, look no further than the fact that neither of their “rivals” (Michigan State, Minnesota) are currently in the same division as the Nittany Lions, nor are either of the games assigned as a protective crossover.

10. The Old Brass Spittoon (Michigan State leads the all-time series over Indiana, 40-12-1)

 

Origin: The Old Brass Spittoon is originally from an old Michigan trading post and is supposedly as old as the two universities themselves. It was announced in 1950 as a travelling trophy game between the Spartans and the Hoosiers after being agreed upon by students of both schools.

Ranking Justification: How many people had to Google what a spittoon even is? It is pretty ironic that a trophy this awful was something designed to be spit into. Granted, the Old Brass Spittoon is, as the name suggests, very old and reeking of history. It is also, obviously, distinct in appearance and has an interesting origin and background story due to its longevity. The trophy does have meaning to the state of Michigan, after all, because it is from one of state’s earliest trading stations. However, it is just difificult to give in to a rivalry that has been so unmercifully one-sided since the trophy’s conception, especially when said trophy resembles a vase at someone’s grandma’s house.

9. Land of Lincoln Trophy (Illinois leads the all-time series over Northwestern, 2-1)

Origin: The Land of Lincoln Trophy was founded in 2008 after the NCAA deemed the previous travelling trophy, the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk, impermissible. Depicting Abraham Lincoln’s famous hat, the trophy reflects the state of Illinois’ motto as the “Land of Lincoln.”

Ranking Justification: To no fault of the schools’ own, part of the reason why the Land of Lincoln trophy ranks this low is because it is so new. The trophy’s shape and intention are logical, as the state is rightfully proud of one of its greatest inhabitants, Abraham Lincoln. The Land of Lincoln trophy does have a ton of potential as well due to the quality of this in-state contest, particularly in recent years. Illinois leads Northwestern overall 53-45-5, but Northwestern has won six of the past eleven contests. Now that their rivalry is protected in the divisional crossover game, expect to see some memorable battles in what will hopefully become one of the Big Ten’s best trophy games.

8. Heartland Trophy (Iowa leads Wisconsin, 4-3)

Originated: Even though the rivalry is over a century old, the Heartland Trophy is very new, originating in a 2004 game won by the Hawkeyes.

Ranking Justification: Much like the Land of Lincoln Trophy, the Heartland Trophy is in front of some the other matchups due more to the rivalry between the two teams than because of the actual hardware. The Badgers and Hawkeyes have a tied all-time series at 42-42-2, portraying highly competitive and evenly matched games throughout the years. This brass bull trophy’s appearance is pretty easy on the eyes as well, albeit not too original (Iowa sure is proud of its livestock). Due to the fact that it lacks the history that some of the others’ possess, it is difficult to place this trophy high up on this list. Also similar to the Land of Lincoln Trophy, the Heartland Trophy has much potential. It is just a shame that the two schools are now in different divisions.

7. Paul Bunyan Trophy (Michigan leads the all-time series against Michigan State, 34-22-2)

Origin: Presented by Governor G. Mennen Williams of Michigan in 1953, the Paul Bunyan Trophy honored Michigan State’s first full season as a member of the Big Ten. The trophy denotes the importance of the lumber and logging industry in Michigan history.

Ranking Justification: The Paul Bunyan Trophy is perhaps less recognized nationally among the two pieces of hardware dedicated to the mythological lumberjack. That does not mean that the rivalry is any less meaningful. This particular contest has seen long winning streaks on both ends, including the current three-game winning streak by the Michigan State Spartans. The trophy itself is straightforward, consisting of a four-foot figurine of Mr. Bunyan and a stand that is also a map of the state of Michigan. While not as old as some of the others in the Big Ten, the Paul Bunyan Trophy does represent an intense in-state rivalry between two schools that do not like one another and have played in some very memorable games, putting it above some of the other aforementioned contests. One aspect that hinders this game is that when the trophy is hoisted in the air, it sort of looks like a kid playing with a giant action figure.

6. Purdue Cannon (Purdue leads the all-time series against Illinois, 30-27-2)

Originated: Conjured up by Purdue students in 1905, the firing of the Purdue Cannon was originally supposed to be used to signal a Boilermaker victory. During a game that same year between Purdue and Illinois, Illini fans took the cannon before it could be fired. The Purdue Cannon was not used as a travelling trophy until 1943, when the idea was brought about as a way to re-invigorate the rivalry after it had been on a twelve-year hiatus.

Ranking Justification: First of all, the Purdue Cannon has a fascinating origin story that includes theft, fire, and an object legitimately meaningful to both parties. That fact alone places this trophy game reasonably high on this list. Add to it that the trophy’s main purpose was to make explosion noises, and you have a one-of-a-kind travelling trophy. The rivalry between the two universities has been highly competitive as well, with Purdue holding a slim advantage over their border rival. Without a doubt, the Purdue Cannon is a main contributor to the peculiar, yet highly captivating, aspect of the travelling trophies in the Big Ten conference.

5. Illibuck (Ohio State leads the all-time series against Illinois, 58-23-2)

Origin: The Illibuck was initially a live turtle that was given to the winner of the Illinois-Ohio State football game and designated to be taken care of by one of two junior honorary societies, Ohio State’s Bucket and Dipper and Illinois’ Atius-Sachem.  Since the turtle’s death in 1927, a total of ten wooden replicas have been used in its place. The Illibuck is the second oldest active travelling trophy game in the Big Ten.

Ranking Justification: The Illibuck would have earned more awesome points if it was still an actual live turtle, but the fact that it once was is still very interesting. Even more interesting is how the two honorary societies used to smoke a peace pipe to commemorate the passing of the trophy to the other team. Much like many Big Ten trophies, the Illibuck itself is beautifully simple: Solely a wooden replica of the original turtle with the scores of the games painted on its shell. As far as the rivalry goes, Ohio State owns a pretty substantial share of the victories, including winning 15 straight meetings from 1968-1982. Due to the Illibuck’s tremendous heritage and distinctive celebration, it is a great contribution to the Big Ten’s culture and ranks fifth on this list. Perhaps if the Illini had been more even with the Buckeyes over the years it would be placed even higher.

4. Paul Bunyan’s Axe (Wisconsin leads the all-time series over Minnesota, 36-24-3)

Origin: Made after the disappearance of the slab of bacon (college football’s first rivalry trophy) following a Golden Gopher victory in 1943, Paul Bunyan’s Axe was dedicated by the ‘W’ Club of the University of Wisconsin in 1948. The Axe’s handle keeps track of the scores of every game between Minnesota and Wisconsin, but needed to be replaced in the year 2000 after running out of room.

Ranking Justification: Paul Bunyan’s Axe, along with a few others, is what the average college football fan imagines when he or she thinks about a rivalry trophy. It is one of the most iconic in the Big Ten, and for that reason alone it must be considered as one of the greatest. Not only is the trophy an incredible image in and of itself, but the rivalry is also not too shabby, either. The series between Wisconsin and Minnesota is the most played matchup in the Football Bowl Subdivision, with the two programs meeting 120 times. Even though the rivalry is exceptional, there are a few things that are keeping Paul Bunyan’s Axe from being placed at the top of this list. It lacks some of the historical aspects and storylines that a few of the other trophies possess. Furthermore, Wisconsin has been hogging the Axe for the past 20 years, lessening the profile of the contest to outsiders when neither is a perennial national power.

3. Old Oaken Bucket (Purdue leads the all-time series against Indiana, 56-27-3)

Origin: Used during the Civil War, the Old Oaken Bucket was nominated in 1925 as the travelling trophy to be played for annually between Indiana and Purdue. The trophy is designed so that the winner of each year’s game receives a bronze block letter to attach to the bucket. Throughout its existence, members of both universities have frequently confiscated the Old Oaken Bucket and, on a couple of occasions, the Bucket went missing for so long officials proclaimed that it was lost, only for it to suddenly appear mysteriously.

Ranking Justification: As one of the most renowned pieces of hardware in college football, the originality of the Old Oaken Bucket and its significance to Indiana history makes this traveling trophy one of the best in the Big Ten. The trophy has also been stolen on numerous occasions and has tales of mystery, which just adds to its persona. It also gains bonus points for creativity in using an object that has meaning to the people in the state of Indiana, rather than your typical metallic trophy that is intended to be just that, a trophy. And although the game itself may be a bit stale currently and lack star power, it still is very imperative to both universities and the possession of the Bucket often signifies a successful season due to the intensity of the rivalry. To put it bluntly, it would be hard to envision an advertisement about the tradition of the Big Ten conference that did not contain an image of the Old Oaken Bucket.

2. Floyd of Rosedale (Minnesota leads the all-time series against Iowa, 40-34-2)

Origin: The story goes that in 1935, Iowa Governor Clyde Herring issued a statement that proclaimed that his Iowa Hawkeyes would defeat the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. This prompted Minnesota Governor Floyd B. Olson to make a bet with the Iowa governor that the loser of the Minnesota-Iowa game would have to give the victor a prize hog. Minnesota won the game 13-6 and, sure enough, Herring sent over a pig to the Minnesota state capitol. Floyd of Rosedale was subsequently born (Floyd obviously named after the governor of Minnesota, and Rosedale after the farm in Iowa from which the pig originated).

Ranking Justification: This trophy’s creation story has so many elements: Intense drama, friendly gambling, comedic relief, extremely gifted football players, pigs, threats, and allegedly even racism. All of the essential aspects of a top rivalry trophy are present in Floyd. It has the great history, the unique design, a great and evenly matched border rivalry, and national fame. In the opinion of some, Floyd is considered the greatest travelling trophy in all of college sports, and it is hard to argue that it is not. Nevertheless, I will try. First, originating in 1935, it is not quite the oldest rivalry trophy in the Big Ten. Second, although the all-time series between the two schools is very close, one program has not been a national power in fifty years, while the other arguably never has been one. This factor may equate to those outside of the Big Ten states being unfamiliar with the nuances of this border battle (such as the very existence of Floyd). That being said, Floyd of Rosedale is absolutely instrumental to the tradition of the Big Ten and depicts its very culture as a football conference.

1. The Little Brown Jug (Michigan leads the all-time series over Minnesota, 67-22-3)

Origin: In 1903, a Michigan student manager purchased the Little Brown Jug for $0.30 for the purpose of holding the team’s drinking water. Following a 6-6 tie, Michigan head coach Fielding Yost and his team forgot to take the container back to Ann Arbor, and a Minnesota custodian later discovered it. Yost wanted his jug back and wrote to Minnesota’s athletic director L.J. Cooke requesting its return. Cooke told Yost that “if you want it, you’ll have to win it.”

Ranking Justification: You want history? It is only the oldest college football trophy in existence. You want uniqueness? It’s a jug. They are playing for a jug. You want an interesting storyline? Its very creation stemmed from Michigan head coach Fielding Yost being so paranoid of the folks up in Minneapolis that he made the team buy their own jug for drinking water. Still not convinced that it is the Big Ten’s greatest trophy game? Well, just think about the things this little five gallon jug has seen in its lifetime! The two football programs have only combined for 17 national championships and 60 conference titles. The only argument that could be made against this trophy’s premier stature would be the one-sided nature of the rivalry, as Michigan has absolutely dominated (and even that is an understatement) Minnesota for the better part of four decades. However, the Little Brown Jug still resonates with even the casual college football fan as one of the most recognized trophies in the Big Ten, and it is the greatest representative of the Big Ten’s unparalleled tradition and customs.

Sources:

MGoBlue.com. “Rivalry Contests.” http://www.mgoblue.com/genrel/061709aaa.html

Minnesota Public Radio. “The Origin of Floyd of Rosedale.” http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/11/14_steilm_floydofrosedale/

University of Illinois Athletics. “Men’s Football All-Time Series.” http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/980929.html

Purdue Official Athletics Site. “Traditions.” http://oncampussports.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=79&action=edit&message=1

University of Iowa Official Athletics Site. “Iowa Hosts Wisconsin in Battle for Heartland Trophy.” http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101810aad.html

Michigan State Official Athletics Page. “Spartans, Hoosiers Battle for Old Brass Spittoon.” http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101307aab.html

University of Minnesota Official Athletics Site. “Paul Bunyan’s Axe – Minnesota vs. Wisconsin.” http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/bunyan-axe.html

GoPSUSports. “Land Grant Trophy History.” http://www.gopsusports.com/rivalry/excellence.html

GoldenGopherGridiron.com – Official Golden Gopher Football Page. “Gopher Traditions – Little Brown Jug.” http://www.goldengophergridiron.com/page/show/331052-little-brown-jug

 

 

 

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