Spring Break
The Daily OrangeLittle Brown Jug endures century
By Sandy Weintraub
Posted: 10/9/03, 1:21 AM EST Section: Sports
Later that season, Yost sent a note to Cooke asking for the jug back. Cooke refused and wrote back, "If you want it, you'll have to win it," beginning the rivalry and the use of the jug as a trophy.
"It's all about tradition," Minnesota coach Glen Mason said. "Nobody sits around and thinks, 'Hey, lets create this tradition.' It just happens. I love having the opportunity to be a part of it."
Since 1903, the two teams have played 81 times. Michigan has won 60, including the last 13 games, dating back to 1986.
Mason said he is especially excited for the game because Minnesota has its best shot of winning the jug in more than a decade.
The Golden Gophers come into the game 6-0, featuring an explosive offense led by quarterback Asad Abdul-Khaliq and four running backs, including Marion Barber III, who already has 13 touchdowns this season.
Michigan, coming off a 34-31 loss to Iowa on Saturday, needs a victory in the Little Brown Jug game to salvage any chance at winning the Big 10 Championship.
Quarterback John Navarre said Friday night's game will be the defining moment of Michigan's season.
"This is a championship game," Navarre said. "Minnesota is going to be sky high for it and we can't stub our toe again if we want to win (the Big 10) Championship."
For Minnesota, this rivalry game is one Mason said his team is gearing up for. A win would give the Gophers a 3-0 record in the Big 10 and put them in the driver's seat for a trip to the Rose Bowl.
The win would also allow Minnesota to repeat history and steal back the Little Brown Jug from Michigan for the first time in nearly two decades.
Said Mason: "I'd just like to see the thing one time before I die."
Border war
This weekend also features another historic rivalry game with major national championship implications.
No. 1 Oklahoma plays No. 11 Texas on Saturday for first place in the Big 12's southern division.
The game, known as the Red River Showdown, is played each season at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas as a centerpiece to the annual Texas State Fair.
"It's all about tradition," Minnesota coach Glen Mason said. "Nobody sits around and thinks, 'Hey, lets create this tradition.' It just happens. I love having the opportunity to be a part of it."
Since 1903, the two teams have played 81 times. Michigan has won 60, including the last 13 games, dating back to 1986.
Mason said he is especially excited for the game because Minnesota has its best shot of winning the jug in more than a decade.
The Golden Gophers come into the game 6-0, featuring an explosive offense led by quarterback Asad Abdul-Khaliq and four running backs, including Marion Barber III, who already has 13 touchdowns this season.
Michigan, coming off a 34-31 loss to Iowa on Saturday, needs a victory in the Little Brown Jug game to salvage any chance at winning the Big 10 Championship.
Quarterback John Navarre said Friday night's game will be the defining moment of Michigan's season.
"This is a championship game," Navarre said. "Minnesota is going to be sky high for it and we can't stub our toe again if we want to win (the Big 10) Championship."
For Minnesota, this rivalry game is one Mason said his team is gearing up for. A win would give the Gophers a 3-0 record in the Big 10 and put them in the driver's seat for a trip to the Rose Bowl.
The win would also allow Minnesota to repeat history and steal back the Little Brown Jug from Michigan for the first time in nearly two decades.
Said Mason: "I'd just like to see the thing one time before I die."
Border war
This weekend also features another historic rivalry game with major national championship implications.
No. 1 Oklahoma plays No. 11 Texas on Saturday for first place in the Big 12's southern division.
The game, known as the Red River Showdown, is played each season at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas as a centerpiece to the annual Texas State Fair.
