National ranking, undefeated seasons give this Michigan-Michigan State game more juice
Mike Martin grew up liking Michigan. From the time he was a boy living in Redford, through his high school career at Detroit Central Catholic and to the day he arrived on campus in Ann Arbor, it was always the same.
He preferred blue. In everything.
“Never wavered from the blue,” the Michigan junior defensive tackle said Monday. “I never really liked the color green.”
Every year, anger and dislike circulates between Michigan and its green and white-clad in-state rivals. But this year might be a bit different. Michigan and Michigan State are both 5-0 and ranked in the top 25 entering Saturday’s 3:36 p.m. ABC telecast, accentuating what is an already-intense game.
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez (left) and Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio shake hands at midfield after the Spartans' 26-20 overtime win in East Lansing last season.
AnnArbor.com file photo
It is one of only two FBS games between undefeated teams this weekend -- Thursday’s Nebraska-Kansas State game being the other -- and is one of a handful of games between ranked teams across the country.
Add in the rivalry and the familiarity most of the players have with each other and it led Rodriguez to pish-tosh the notion that the Michigan-Michigan State game doesn’t mean as much to the Wolverines as it does Michigan State.
Sure, the easy argument is Michigan has a sure-fire bigger rival in Ohio State and both Michigan and Michigan State consider Notre Dame a rival, but the significance of this game hasn't been muted by Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said the rivalry he hears most about from fans depends on where he travels. If he heads toward the Lansing area, it is Michigan State. The west side of the state often chirps about Notre Dame.
And nationally, well, Ohio State is the obvious answer.
“Ten years ago, 15 years ago, 20 years ago, I can’t speak on that,” Rodriguez said. “But the past couple years this has been just as important to me and my players as it was to them. They just won the last two games.
“To portray some kind of perception otherwise, I think that’s just a lot of talk.”
If anything, it may mean more to Michigan for many reasons.
First, the Wolverines haven’t beaten Michigan State under Rodriguez. Second, the Wolverines haven’t beaten an opponent left on their 2010 schedule since a 27-25 upset of then-No. 9 Wisconsin on Sept. 27, 2008.
Also, Michigan’s 26-20 overtime loss to Michigan State last year started a collapse of the Wolverines, who lost the rest of their Big Ten games in 2009. Michigan hadn’t lost entering the game. It didn’t beat an FBS opponent the rest of the season.
So Michigan hasn’t had much to boast about the past couple of years.
“That’s part of our motivation,” fifth-year senior linebacker Obi Ezeh said. “To get our bragging rights back and be the best team in the state.”
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball 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
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.
Mr. Murrow, I think you will find MSU fans are very similar. Bobby Williams and John L Smith incurred the wrath of the fan base, but fans still showed up. Narduzzi (DC) has taken heat this year for our secondary... but the past two weeks has earned a little breathing room. To me... this week and March Madness are the two best sporting events that exist. I love to throw stuff out to Wolverines... and just get them worked up in a lather. It's part of the rivalry. Heck... yesterday... my nephew finally broke down to... Yeah, UM's student section is bigger than all of Spartan Stadium... and my retort being... Yeah the girls at UM are uglier than MSU's football players. And on Saturday evening, one of us will be calling the other to pile on big time! And I'm well aware of your stance on RR. It's the same as mine. I haven't been quite all summer...why would I start now... I actually have stated that the Big Ten needs UM to be good to increase the brand... and I don't believe RR's overall coaching method will help the UM brand. It's rivalry week! I love to see the comments and such. This is just pure entertainment for me! I'll be here next week... come "rain or shine". State by 10!
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 1:09 p.m.
Win, I'm a 40 year old State Alum, went to my first game at Spartan Stadium when I was 5, had a great college experience at MSU, and love the school... but this ain't my first Spartan/Wolverine week rodeo. I love to get the UM faithful riled up. I love to see the various angles and views of the game. My humble opinion... MSU has the better overall team this year. They have a balanced offense (I didn't say more explosive), better defense, better special teams... and I will take Dantonio over RR every day. The only thing I can't guarantee is that Darn QB that UM has! He's the wild card, and any Spartan that tells you they aren't afraid of him is lying. You will see me on here next week (it will be Monday, as I'll be traveling on the weekend). I have learned when you dish it out, you take it. Now... when MSU wins, I expect everyone on here to suck it up... and no "Tater Excuses" about the refs, an injury, blah, blah, blah....
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 12:59 p.m.
Jameslucas, OK. MSU gave up 31 points. Ridiculous on their part. It's all going to heck! I'm assuming that 3 point difference in defense between MSU and UM with ND in your post meant something then.
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.
Thosewhostay, Really a personal attack on Murrow? More of a play on his name. RR invented his offense? Invented???? HOLY CRUD! He's like the Japanese with the Car industry in the 70s. He saw something he liked, and improved on it. He didn't invent it. Do a little research... and the spread has been around since the 1920's. He didn't invent it. He improved on something he saw. And don't compare Dantonio's records to RR's. Dantonio took over a depleted squad at MSU that was 3-9 or something before he took it over. He took a team that was beaten mentally and talently overmatched... and has gone to three bowl games in a row with the talent he was given. HE COACHED THE TEAM! RR only took a team that hadn't missed a bowl game in some 30 or 40 years, and had losing seasons in the Big Ten, probation, etc. He immediately said, I don't have players that match my system. He waited until he had players for the system "that he made from scratch"... and didn't coach the talent he had. Heck of a good coach! Heck... Dantonio turned around Cincinnati and took them to a bowl game. Cincinnati had a historically bad record, and hadn't been to a bowl game in forever prior to Dantonio. The talent he recruited, was the basis for Kelley's run at Cincinattie. Greg Robinson... how was his record at Syracuse as a HC? And his record at UM so far? Heck, UM used to have winning records in football.... does that mean they were good the last two years also. His super bowl rings mean nothing anymore. And... I gave UM the advantage of offense. Don't know how I'm being hypocritcal. Just making the point that MSU's defense is tighter than what UM has faced so far. And MSU's offense is not a schmuck offense (which most people on these posts are discounting), it's better than what UM has faced so far. If you can't see that for what it is, I can't argue with your impeccable logic.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.
"I would typically agree, that lack of depth is not an excuse for why you beat your opponent" Ok... except I didn't even say that. That is entirely a strawman argument. Crist getting knocked out definitely hurt ND's chances of winning that game. It would be ignorant to say it didn't (2 interceptions without Crist). What I said is that Michigan is responsible for knocking Crist out of the game and thus it should not be counted against them. That fact is a merit of Michigan's defense, not a vise. "But... Tater has posted on one of today's article..." Who cares? Am I Tator? If MSU knocks Denard out of the game and Michigan ends up losing, that wont be an excuse. Michigan runs a scheme that is VERY dangerous for its quarterbacks. That's why we have three QBs we feel we can win with. That's the point. The sad thing is, I wont be able to come back and rub it in your face if you end up being dead wrong and Michigan wins because you will disapear from this entire forum. That's typical. The difference between Michigan students and MSU grads is that we know that anything can happen during a rivalry game so we know not to make wild predictions about who will win or, even more dangerously, what the score will be. It's not predictable. College football isn't quantifiable. There are too many lurking variables like passion, nervousness, and momentum. Anyone who actually makes an accurate prodiction is simply lucky, not skilled.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 12:27 p.m.
Yelmonian... You attempt to discredit someone's argument by asserting that they are merely using personal attacks. Then, the very next sentence, you attack his character! It's shocking how hypocritical you are. As for the "facts" you propose: "Coaching: Advantage MSU" You had me until this point. You were very clear about the advantage/disadvantage breakdown and you gave reasons for your judgements... except this one. I wonder why? Dantonio has been in the hospital for the past week and certainly isn't going to be as focused this week. Rich Rod is a GREAT coach. He is an innovator in the game of football. He invented his own offensive scheme from scratch (zone read option spread) and implemented it to great success. What has Dantonio done? Seriously, the best record he has ever had in his entire career as a head coach is 9-4. That is the peak of success for this guy. The next best thing? 7-5. He has never won a bowl game (0-3) His greatest achievement is beating Michigan during a rebuilding process a couple times? Congrats! Rich Rod's bowl record? 2-3, 3-3 if you count the 2007 season (which he coached the entire year except the bowl game 11-2 record). Who is the better coach? Easily Rich Rod. "I don't see a free for all like [Michigan's offense} did against Bowling Green." I don't think anyone is advocating that position but... ok! Michigan will have a slightly better offensive day than @Notre Dame. MSU's defense is equal to ND and this game is @Michigan. That means roughly 30-35 points on longer, sustained drives. "MSU's offense already has more offense a game than UM's defense" What's your point. Michigan's offense is TWICE as efficient as anything MSU has seen thus far and MSU is a couple of yards more productive than what Michigan has seen. Honestly, your posts are mostly baseless assertions like, "Greg Robinson is an awful defensive coordinator." Except he won 2 superbowl rings as a defensive coordinator... but yeah... he's HORRIBLE. How many superbowl rings have ANY of the MSU coaches won? Just wondering... It's like logic and reason hold zero value when you formulate your opinions. Who WOULDN'T lose to MSU under your idea of reality? Yep... 2010 is the year MSU goes undefeated and wins a National Championship. Right... "But you keep up the pride! Geesh...." DOUBLE HYPOCRISY! WAH HOO! DOUBLE HYPOCRISY ALL THA WAYYYYY! so intense....
win
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.
yelmonian, promise you will come on here and post something after Michigan wins! I'd love to hear your "reasons" and "assessments"
jameslucas
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.
Yelmonian, I agree we should not count any of the overtime points, so that means Michigan State could not beat Notre Dame in their own house.
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.
Thosewhostay, I would typically agree, that lack of depth is not an excuse for why you beat your opponent. But... Tater has posted on one of today's article, that the only reason that MSU beat UM last year was because Tate was injured. So which way do we go... MSU won fairly last year (with no UM excuses)... or Crist being out was the only reason UM won? And if MSU knocks DR out of the game... I don't want to hear that excuse from you. Just checking. MSU by 10!
Jon Saalberg
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 11:46 a.m.
UM's defense will be just good enough; MSU's defense will not be able to contain UM's offense. It will be a shootout, and UM will win.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 11:39 a.m.
"MSU did not have the benefit of Crist missing a half a game" ~Yelmonian That logic would be flawless if Michigan wasn't on the road, in south bend and if Michigan wouldn't have forced Crist out of the game by hitting him hard every chance they got. Michigan forced Crist out of the game, forced 3 interceptions, and took control in an extremely hostile envirenoment and beat the Irish in regulation. Underestimate the Wolverines at your own demise. Yours truly, ThoseWhoStayUofM UM Student
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 11:09 a.m.
JamesLucas, Hmmm.... MSU went one point over 30... and that field goal was kicked in OT. UM kept them at 28, with Crist out for half a game. Montana was excellent in replacement! State by 10! But you keep up the pride! Geesh....
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.
Hey Ed M, As a Spartan Alum and fan, we got you this year. We all know it and see it. We know you see it. I've seen your spouts about RR's failings as a coach. I've seen you blather on about his defense. And now... all you got is MSMoooo! Heck of a journalistic approach. When you have no facts to support anything... you go on personal attacks. You are now down to checking spelling? No wonder you're the ghost... just a shell of the man. MSU is coming this Saturday, and their ain't nothing ol' RR can do about it. MSU by 10!
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 10:53 a.m.
Basic categories... Offense: Advantage UM (UM #2 in country 565 yds/game, MSU #23 460 yds/game) Defense: Advantage MSU (MSU #41 in country 328 yds/game, UM #102 433.6 yds/game) Special Teams: Advantage MSU (your kicker is 1 of 6... that will cost UM you a game down the line) Coaching: Advantage MSU UM's offense rolls up more than 200 yards a game more than MSU's defense gives up. MSU will more than likely give up more than their average, but I don't see a free for all like they did against Bowling Green. MSU's offense already has more offense a game than UM's defense (one of the worst in the country) gives up on a regular basis. What makes anyone think that UM's defense can stop MSU's offense? They haven't stopped anyone all year? UM can't kick a field goal. (Sorry... they can kick one... ) Greg Robinson is an awful defensive coordinator, and MSU's offensive coordinator has shown that he will be a big time head coaching candidate after this season based on his performance the last two weeks. MSU's coaches have shown they will be creative and daring when they need to be. MSU is deeper, has a better all around team, and will slow down DR enough to score more points. MSU by 10. GO STATE!
Yelmonian
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 10:36 a.m.
Skipit, According to Tater, having the QB injured is not a reasonable excuse for winning. See Tater's whining on why MSU won last year. Tater, What was the excuse for the year before. THE SPARTANS ARE COMING!
Sean T.
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 9:51 a.m.
We need Denard to pull off one more big game to be bowl eligible and it will be tough. MSU looks tough this year and I think their defense is better than ND and Indiana's. So Denard will have to go to the air to try to back off that good run defense. We need to be able to throw deep to have balance. Denard, so far this is the biggest game.....kick some butt!
TrueBlue90
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.
I'm a MIchigan fan, but there's no way UM will win with their crappy defense! Get rid of Greg Robinson already!
Jeff Butler
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 9:28 a.m.
Big Game usually means big nerves and expecting to see penalties and turnovers in this one. I also think that both defenses will play better than expected. Did I really just say that? lol Just a gut feeling obviously NO evidence that would support that one. Each week we ask ourselves can Denard keep it up? Last week proved a lot about him performing in the clutch and expect the same in this one. BIG BLUE 29 SPARTY 24.
leathercouch
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 4:19 a.m.
so when is the fire millen chant gonna start Saturday? It has to be on air during a penalty or something...early in the game so millen wont know what to do about it trying to announce the game.
Skipit3
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 3 a.m.
@stunhsif, Keep on dreaming! You'll eventually wake up this Saturday!
Skipit3
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 2:49 a.m.
"This just in: Dayne Crist was knocked out of the entire first half..." Trivia question: Who knocked Dayne Crist out of the game? Answer: The Michigan Defense! That was easy, wasn't it?
elhead
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 1:47 a.m.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh this is gonna be GOOD on Saturday! Can State win on the road? At Michigan Stadium? State allowed ND to score how many points at home? MSU is going to have to bring one hell of a pass game to Ann Arbor to beat Michigan. DRob is going to torch the MSU D. UM 49 State 35.
jameslucas
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 10:57 p.m.
Cousins had two picks last week and three touchdowns, he could better that to three picks and four touchdowns, but rushing touchdowns will remain at zero.
Jed I Knight
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 10:27 p.m.
Who gives a Wolverine's behind about who did or didnt keep ND under 30? Pointless discussion. UM has the better jab, MSU the smash mouth. UM will count on the O to win, MSU possession and defense. Who said UM is good against the rush? You're kidding right?
H.
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 9:45 p.m.
The only way WIN that Stae scores 24 points if Cousin tosses three picks. 35-42 points is my guess. They couldn't keep Indiana under 35. ERM Ghost - I suspect you are a Walmart Wolverine.
3 And Out
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 9:43 p.m.
What is the over under on the number of couches burned at Cedar Village this Saturday night??
Sean T.
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 9:37 p.m.
Good stuff "Ghost"!
win
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 9 p.m.
Michigan will beat MSU 28-24. Defense will stop MSU to end the game! Mark it down.
stunhsif
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 8:51 p.m.
Here's your sign mICHIGAN fans. MSU 38 MI 21. D Rob will have his wings clipped this weekend!
3 And Out
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 7:56 p.m.
This just in: Dayne Crist was knocked out of the entire first half after leading his team right down the field vs. Michigan's D and came back in the 2nd half with blurred vision.
jameslucas
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 7:47 p.m.
Teams that kept Notre Dame under 30: 1. Purdue @ Notre Dame Stadium 2. Michigan @ Notre Dame Stadium 3. Stanford @ Notre Dame Stadium Teams that could not keep Notre Dame under 30: 1. Michigan State @ Spartan Stadium 2. Boston College @ Alumni Stadium
3 And Out
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 6:58 p.m.
Like Bo said after he was hired and promptly lost his first game vs. MSU: Around here you soon find out that you'd better beat Michigan State, or you will hear about it. Rodriguez may not be able to "speak" about the last 10 or 20 years..but he'd better recognize it and start beating Michigan State.
81wolverine
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 6:48 p.m.
ERM's Ghost: Too funny. You're right. Our spelling-challenged MSU friend should go back to grade school (MSU) for a graduate degree.
Yelmonian
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 6:44 p.m.
jameslucas, MSU did not have the benefit of Crist missing a half a game. UM's defensive stats are inflated because of that. Spartans by 10. Go State! Yours Truly, Yelmonian '93 Alum of MSU
Mick52
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 6:20 p.m.
I tend to agree with H but I doubt MSU can hold M to under 30. Defenses are so scared of DRob, they overplay him opening up pass routes. If MSU can connect on the passing game, they have a better chance. Michigan'd defense is better at stopping the run. Indiana's passing was superb. Excellent passing and the receivers caught the ball. It will be interesting to see where Ind finishes if they can maintain that performance.
jameslucas
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.
Michigan State could not even keep Notre Dame under 30 points in Spartan Stadium.
H.
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 5:48 p.m.
If State holds Robinson to under 30 points, State will roll. U-M defense will give up 5 TD's.