Everyone points to the time that former Michigan running back Mike Hart referred to Michigan State as the “little brother” within the state. Ever since that statement, the Spartans have dominated the head-t0-head series.

The recent success for Michigan State has translated into recognition nationwide, as CBS Sports has recently pegged the Spartans, not the Wolverines, as the top program in Michigan right now.

Recently, CBS Sports selected the best team in every state, which is what led them to selecting Michigan State over Michigan. There weren’t a whole lot of surprises in B1G country, making the decision between the Spartans and Wolverines the only controversial decision.

Here’s what CBS Sports had to say on the choice to pick Michigan State:

It’s been clear-cut for several years now. Michigan State has owned its rivalry with Michigan lately, finished with a better record last season and would probably be favored against the Wolverines if the game were played today. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio played a lot of young guys during 2016’s disappointing 3-9 season, but in the long run, it appears to be paying off. Sparty enjoyed a seven-game swing in the win column in 2017 and several of those players are juniors and seniors now.

Michigan State has won eight of the last 10 meetings between the two programs, including last year’s 14-10 win for the Spartans in Ann Arbor.

Mark Dantonio also owns a 2-1 record against Jim Harbaugh.