ANN ARBOR, Michigan — The Michigan football team is back from a bye week in a rivalry game against Michigan State University. Jim Harbaugh I couldn’t be happier.
“I’m very, very, very happy to be back in ‘Game Week’ mode,” Harbaugh said on Monday, shortly after describing a football-free Saturday “as if we were out at sea.”
The Wolverines and Spartans have both gone their bye, but their seasons have gone their separate ways after the two programs finished in the top 10 last fall. Michigan is undefeated and #4 in the nation. Michigan State is 3-4 and has yet to win away.
The two programs will take place Saturday night at Michigan Stadium for ABC’s 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Michigan leads the all-time series with a 71-38-5 record, but he’s lost two in a row in intrastate rivalries. As of Monday morning, the Wolverines are ahead of him by 22.5 points.
Still, this is a game of rivalry, and Mel Tucker’s program has so far been up for the challenge during his tenure. His Spartans have narrowly beaten Michigan State in his 2020 and his 2021 years, and going 3-3 shows Michigan State is heading in the right direction under his leadership. It helps a lot to confirm.
“Our players really want to win this. I’m not going to lie to you. I really want to win it.
Since fall camp, Harbaugh and the UM players have said one of their four key goals for this year is to beat the Spartans. His three remaining are to beat Ohio State, win the Big Ten, and win the U.S. Championship.
Here’s everything Jim Harbaugh said at Monday’s press conference previewing the Michigan State game.
About the teams focused on Michigan throughout the goodbye week:
Yeah, we saw it throughout the week whether we were practicing, walking or lifting. And I thought our mates did a great job throughout the week.
On what stands out on the tape about Michigan:
A lot of things. Lots of really good things. A really good team. Dangerous in many ways. I think the quarterback is really good. A physical team that carries the ball well. Really good from play action pass. Probably the best receiving force we’ve played with.
Defense is very opportunistic. They have someone who has a knack for getting the ball out and making big plays.
A special team, more of the same. It’s a big challenge because the returner is outstanding. Our team knows it and has been preparing for this match.
On why the rivalry is so fierce:
I think everyone wants it badly. Everyone wants to win: the players, the coaches, the fan base. Yeah, it’s the highest possible level.
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