Michigan State has had to fight with Michigan for the city of Detroit. Ann Arbor is significantly closer with a larger fan base, which — along with their history against each other — is perhaps why the “little brother” comments started.

Well, it’s clear that the spirit of Detroit is all MSU.

The actual 26-foot Spirit of Detroit statue was dressed up with a gigantic Michigan State football jersey in leu of the Cotton Bowl matchup with Alabama:

It’s the first time the statue has worn a Michigan State jersey. It was even the first time the statue represented a college team.

The Spartans joined the club of Detroit-based teams that got the honor. The Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock all had their jerseys draped on the Michigan monument.

Michigan State will square off with Alabama in the College Football Playoff on New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m. ET.