The Michigan State Spartans and Coach Mark Dantinio look to the 2011 season as the opportunity to solidify their place in the upper echelon of the Big 10. The Spartans will compete in the Legends Division of the Big 10 Conference this season. The Spartans officially recognized football as varsity sport in 1896. The Michigan State teams of the 1950's and 1960's were known as football factories due to their dominance. Overall, the Michigan State Spartans hold 7 Big 10 Championships, and 7 National Championships. The Spartans play numerous rivalry games including verse Michigan Wolverines for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, verse the Penn State Nittany Lions for the Land Grant Trophy, the Indiana Hoosiers for the Old Brass Spittoon, and against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Make sure to purchase your tickets the Michigan State Spartans continue to retake the Big Ten.