Few people know the Michigan State Spartans–Michigan Wolverines rivalry quite like Nicole Niemiec, who spent three years as the university’s iconic mascot, Sparty, all while keeping her identity a secret.

The Sparty statue was a destination for many fans of both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan on Friday afternoon -- and there was an overall buzz all over campus.

Today’s study is the brand new Michigan State football uniform that they plan to wear this weekend at Penn State (3:30 p.m. Saturday -- ESPN). The Michigan State Football twitter handle unveiled the uniform in a video Thursday morning -- please review closely:Now answer the question:I say no -- no this is not trash, far from it. Of course, we love to see “Gruff Sparty” in on the action -- he’s never been on the football helmet, according to SpartanJerseys.com. Over the decades, Michigan State’s football helmets have featured different variations of the Spartan logo, the block “S” logo, player numbers, or nothing but a stripe. The Spartans actually wore winged helmets wayyyy back in the day.

EAST LANSING, Mich. Michigan State University says the school's Sparty mascot will no longer participate in most parades due to concerns about heat stroke or other health issues for those wearing the costume. School spokeswoman Emily Guerrant says in an email the MSU Alumni Office made the decision "due to health concerns for Sparty and his team." The Lansing State Journal says Sparty still is expected to participate in MSU's annual Homecoming Parade in East Lansing unless the weather conditions pose health risks.