Michigan State Athletic Director comments on Michigan football rivalry

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Yesterday, certain Michigan State Spartans were invited to a major event in East Lansing, best known as “Spartan Dawg Con.” There, new MSU jerseys were unveiled, and many Spartans had a chance to speak, including Michigan State Athletic Director, Alan Haller, who made it crystal clear that the Michigan football rivalry is still a top priority for the Spartans.

Michigan State Athletic Director comments on Michigan football rivalry

The Michigan State vs. Michigan football rivalry has only been as heated as it is right now for a couple of decades. In fact, I would argue that the rivalry has never been more intense, especially after last year’s tunnel incident, as well as a recent insinuation of violence by a local radio host.

That said, the Michigan State vs. Michigan football rivalry is still one of the best in the game. During the Jim Harbaugh era (since 2015), the Wolverines and Spartans are deadlocked at 4-4 overall, with the most recent matchup going to the Maize and Blue (29-7). At last night’s event in East Lansing, Michigan State Athletic Director, Alan Haller, had some choice words about the Wolverines, further emphasizing that MSU’s rivalry with Michigan football is alive and well.

“It will never be over,” Haller said, crediting former Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, who breathed life into the rivalry over a decade ago. “… Like Coach Tucker mentioned, that game (against Michigan football) is the most important one on our schedule, and it always will be.”

Additionally, Michigan State guard Tyson Walker further emphasized that few things are more important than beating Michigan, stating, “It only took a few conversations with people from there (Michigan) to understand the rivalry.”

This fall, Michigan football will hit the road and head to East Lansing in mid-October, hoping to defend Paul Bunyan — something the Wolverines have not accomplished since the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Moreover, this year’s matchup will be a night game, further intensifying Michigan’s in-state rivalry with Mel Tucker and his Spartans.

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