One thing worth noting...

...is that if you had compared the two programs in 1992, MSU, even in the midst of late-Perles malaise, would have obviously been the better program historically. But since 1993 Wisconsin has won over 70 percent of its games, has won multiple conference titles and major bowl games, and has had only two losing seasons. Of the 26 times Wisconsin has been ranked in the final AP poll, 17 have come since 1993. In the same period, MSU has been ranked in the final AP poll 9 times. Most of its ranked teams came under Duffy Daugherty.

MSU restored some shine under Dantonio, and his best couple of teams were better than any Wisconsin team from Alvarez to present. UW has never really contended for a national title and has played soft nonconference schedules and in the Big Ten's JV division. Still, Wisconsin has been a meaningfully better program for a generation. Both are good jobs, but I think Wisconsin is a bit more attractive.