For the Michigan State football team, Michigan is THE rival
EAST LANSING - His voice grew louder, more passionate.
When Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio began discussing the Michigan rivalry during his weekly press conference Tuesday, you could hear in his voice how important this game is.
“Every football needs a rivalry,” Dantonio said. “Every program needs a rivalry.”For Dantonio, at Michigan State, it is Michigan.
The two schools have played over 100 times - 101 to be exact - and the rivalry has been played continuously for 64 seasons.
Michigan leads the series, 67-29-5, but the home team has won the 12 of the last 17 games.
“I think the guys from Michigan understand what it’s like,” Michigan State left tackle Rocco Cironi said. “The help from the media, you guys boosting it up, helps us realize how important it is.
“This can make or break either team’s season. It’s a big deal.”
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein.
Comments
Blue1st
Wed, Sep 30, 2009 : 9:49 a.m.
I just hope it doesn't turn into another game where M has to outscore what the defense gives up. My heart couldn't take it!!;) The D needs to be ready. I think the O will take care of itself. GO BLUE!!
trueblue
Wed, Sep 30, 2009 : 3:13 a.m.
I will give Minnesota credit for being an honorable mention rival (because it is our jug), however I respect Minny fans. Minnesota fans do not spend the majority of their time trying to degrade UofM to convince themselves that their program is relevent.
MikeyP
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 11:44 p.m.
What, the rivalry with Minnesota is chopped liver? Alright, compared to the other three (OSU, MSU and ND) it is... but there's still The Little Brown Jug on the line. It should at least get an honorable mention amongst Michigan's rivalries.
J rodz
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 9:23 p.m.
I enjoy the MSU rivalry but i must say Dantonio has no class. His comments re UM last year were quite childish. I can understand the players talking that kind of trash, but the coach? When i hear the words "everybody has hatred for Michigan" coming out of players' mouths it shows coach Dantonio continues to tolerate and breed this kind of behavior.
azwolverine
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 8:41 p.m.
Michigan has three rivals, with OSU being THE rival, despite the last 5 seasons. I personally rank MSU second and ND third, just because MSU is not only in conference, but also in state. Usually at the time we play ND, neither team really knows how good they are, either, whereas when we play State, we both have a better idea what we're in for. Regardless, I can't stand any of the three. As for this week's game, I think State and Michigan are very evenly matched. We both played ND equally tough, and it's hard to say MSU sucks after losing to Wisconsin on the road. Similarly, it's hard to say we're world beaters after escaping at home against lowly Indiana. It should be a great game, I just ordered Big Ten Network today so I can actually watch it. I can't wait!
Michael Rothstein
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 4:55 p.m.
A2, This was something short I put up as the press conference was going on in East Lansing. Don't worry, there will be a lot more coming from East Lansing as the week goes along, including a bunch from both sides on this very topic.
A2
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 4:35 p.m.
not enough time? why the short article? am i missing something here? thats three questions, all will take more thought than the article.
MrBigHouse
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 2:35 p.m.
I love this game every year because both teams bring it. I really like UM chances this year but State is a much better team then their record shows and will be mentally up for it. For them, a win would turn their season around, with a loss, they would most likely finish at the bottom of the conference. GO BLUE!!!
kevinmil
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 2:04 p.m.
If they've played 102 times, why are there only 101 scores? (i.e., 67+29+5 = 101)
Freemind42
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 1:58 p.m.
OSU is and always will be our biggest rivalry, followed by ND and then MSU. The only thing Michigan hopes for when it comes to MSU is not being upset by Little Brother.
KeepingItReal
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 1:36 p.m.
Hey Michboy40. M already beat ND and I predict a victory for Michigan against MSU. The key to the game is going to be Shoelace.
michboy40
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 1:26 p.m.
UM still has OSU and ND, so it's big, but not that big in my eyes. I can see where Sparty is coming from, but for me it's ND, then OSU, then MSU. Of course, I'm not living in Michigan, so I may not be represetative of the majority.
PittsfieldTwp
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 12:21 p.m.
Let's be honest, Michigan fans. Based on the past record with OSU, Michigan State is THE rival as well. Also, with many people MSU and U of M alumns working and living side-by-side in SE Michigan, its also more of a fun rivalry
NorthMaple
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 12:10 p.m.
I gotta disagree, somewhat. Last year's 3-9 would have been way more tolerable had we won our rivalry games instead of the less meaningful ones.
clcraig
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 11:35 a.m.
It seems sad to me that one game can make or break a season. You see it every time Michigan wins, though. MSU goes into a slump. While rivalries are fun and make a game exciting, one game does not make a season.