Trophy CSI

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But in August 1933, the trophy was back in the news--when another version mysteriously appeared. According to the Chicago Tribune, this one was found "in a clump of bushes near the medical building" (today's C.C. Little Science Building).

Yost then vouched for the authenticity of the new jug. "I hope that some day the person who had the jug the two years it was missing will write me a letter and tell me the story of what was done with it while it was gone," he told reporters. The Wolverines and Golden Gophers tied that season, leaving the jug in Michigan's possession. But the following year, the Gophers hammered center and linebacker Gerald Ford and the Wolverines, 34-0, to reclaim the prize.

Michigan leads the trophy series, 66-22, with three ties. The jug has been in Ann Arbor since 2006 and will remain here at least until 2011; due to a scheduling snafu, Minnesota and Michigan do not play this season or next. But don't go to Schembechler Hall expecting to see the famous vessel--the one on display is a replica. The trophy itself is kept in an undisclosed location.

No wonder that 100 years after Michigan and Minnesota first played for the prize, some still wonder whether today's official Little Brown Jug is the original or a fake.