By Allison Curby
Staff Writer

“We are good friends, minus one day a year.”

These are the words of Associate Provost Tim Detwiler. He and Associate Professor of Bible Andy Smith have both enjoyed rooting for University of Michigan and Notre Dame football teams, respectively.

Ever since 1991, the men have recorded wins, losses and one tie on a plaque and a football.

These items are traded every year depending on which team wins the game that year.

Smith started keeping the tally many years ago on a small plastic football. He wrote in white-out, but the football soon became too small.

Now every year Smith records the win on a plaque that is currently in his office.

Michigan and Notre Dame are among the two best teams in college football so the rivalry is not a stale one.
The two men discovered by accident that they both rooted for separate teams and their longing to see their team beat the other has only gotten stronger.

This rivalry and tradition is in its 19th year.

Both of the men have many reasons why their team is the best.

“How can anyone root for a secular state school? Notre Dame is a faith based community of scholars,” joked Detwiler.

Smith’s son grew up a Michigan fan, however, after working at Notre Dame, he has “converted to a full blown fan of the Irish.”

“There is hope for his family now,” Detwiler said.

This year’s game took place on Saturday, Sept. 12. Powering through the doubts against them, Michigan walked away with the victory, with a score of 38-34.

The football and plaque have found their home in Smith’s office for the year.

That game was the 37th game played between the two teams since 1887.

The longest period of time that the two teams have played, uninterrupted, was a ten-year stretch from 1985-1994. From 1943-1978, the teams did not compete at all resulting in a 45 year hiatus.

Despite their college football rivalry, Detwiler and Smith have never watched a game together.

“Maybe next year,” Detwiler said.

They agree.

“It is a lot of fun seeing our teams win and getting the bragging rights for the year.”