How is Michigan preparing for MSU? Head butts and practicing 'controlled anger'
While his teammates have other tactics, the only motivation Mike Martin needs is to line up across from Michigan State. In this photo, Martin (68) tries to take down running back Edwin Baker during the Spartans' 34-17 win last season at Michigan Stadium.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
While Robinson still is searching for the key to settling his nerves, center David Molk has found what works for him.
He head butts a freshman.
"To get his anger out," defensive tackle Mike Martin said Wednesday. "When he goes out there, he can't have bad snaps. He has to execute. ... I don't know. Dave's crazy.
"They can’t get away from it. I think he likes to grab (sophomore) Curt Graman, and it’s just something that’s going to happen."
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He'll need it Saturday when his No. 11 Wolverines (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) take on No. 23 Michigan State (4-1, 1-0) at noon Saturday on ESPN.
The Spartans have three running backs who will get time, especially in the power-run game, and also feature a fifth-year quarterback in Kirk Cousins who can hurt Michigan if given time.
The defensive line will play a key role against the Spartans.
"I get excited when we run into a team that wants to run," he said. "Defensive line, you have to thrive on that. You have to be excited about a team saying, ‘We’re going to run at you every single and play and we’re going to see if you can stop it.’"
Martin is a senior from Redford. He grew up watching this rivalry, and rooting for Michigan. He knows how much it means to the program and the people of this state that he beats the Spartans.
Only, he doesn't know what it feels like to beat them. Not yet. Michigan State has won the past three games in the series.
"When you come to Michigan, your legacy is how you do in big games against your rivals and how you do in the league," he said. "Saturday is a big step for us."
Martin said he relishes the fact the test will come on the road, in front of a crowd "that hates him."
"I absolutely love that," he said.
Not that he needs that any extra motivation. Not for this game.
"If you need motivation for this game, I feel bad for ya," he said. "I’ve been a Michigan fan my whole life. This has always been a big game for me — if I was 8 years old watching it, or now if I’m playing."
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
ChelseaBob
Thu, Oct 13, 2011 : 10:38 a.m.
AAbob43- The Schembechler era teams were the epitomy of good sportsmanship and always had class. This team has class too. Not sure what you are referring to?
Lorain Steelmen
Thu, Oct 13, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Bo's teams were the epitomy of class, and as was his practice, and so will Hokes' team act with class. You are the one the reversed the comment. Nice try. Incidentally, Bo inherited that practice, from his mentor, WW Hayes. Woody would be appalled by the culture in columbus, these days.
Lorain Steelmen
Thu, Oct 13, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.
AAbob43. I am a Wolverine from Ohio, proud of it, and I can tell you flat out, that the osu - um game is THE biggest rivalry, in college football. Sorry Charlie, but it's the truth. They call that one 'THE GAME' I was a freshman in AA in '65, so I spent 4 of 5 undergrad years (Mech. Engrg), watching Bump Elliott's teams, and I certainly remember the great msu teams of the the mid 60's. I was in Spartan Stadium in the middle of the msu student section, in '69 with a roommate, when Bo's 'first team', got beat by the Duffys. And ya know what?...osu is STILL, the bigger rivalry. Always will be. But this game IS a big one, and UM, DOES want to win it, again. But to say that Bo was arrogant, is NOT factual. That just wasn't in his DNA. Actually, it says much more about the low, self esteem, of our opponents than anything else. But that's a weight that you have to carry, and I'm not going to help you with it. Over the years, we've witnessed a succession of msu coaches, all fail to resurrect your program. Dantonio has come the closest, but sadly, even he seems to be consumed with some obsessive hatred, of UM. His silly tirade vs. then senior, Mike Hart, only displayed what a 'little man' looks like. Hart certainly had no place, calling msu 'our little brothers', but Hart was only a 20 something kid. Dantonio on the other hand, was supposed to be 'the adult'. I lost what little respect I had for Dantonio, and the msu program, right there. I can tell you this, Hoke will not, nor will any, of Hoke's players, make any derogatory remarks, this year, or any year, as was the pracrtice, when Bo was here. And unfortunatley for msu, the UM program will look, and perform, more like those old Bo teams, than any since Bo retired in 1989. And you KNOW, what that means. I'll be up there again saturday, and will look forward to UM going to 68-31-5. Go blue! Lets' see if Dantonio used the two weeks off, to keep his Spartans from the usual assorted personal fouls.
bluenella
Thu, Oct 13, 2011 : 12:10 a.m.
"The unmitigated arrogance of the Schembechler era turned me off." AAbob43, that's entirely your prerogative -- after attending both schools, I suppose it would be difficult to choose. However, I applaud this young man's & the current team's motivation and, needless to say, I've never viewed the Schembechler era as one of "unmitigated arrogance." To cheer and be True to one's school is called L o y a l t y. It should not be confused with arrogance -- I would expect the same loyalty of MSU grads or anyone from "that school down south" ...in Ohio. Rivalries are a part of college football and a part of what make it great. A Wolverine should be "Wolverine-centric." Bo was a great, decent man & a fine head coach. Go Blue!
MRunner73
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
Brady Hoke has brought back the meaning of Michigan Football. That means the players have a much better understanding of what the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is all about. Couple that with three straight losses to Sparty, add a countdown clock, a 6 and 0 start and Hoke's goal of "Winning the Big 10 title" and you get one focused and fired up Wolverine team. It will boil down to how well Michigan can execute on both sideis of the ball. They are ready. They have been often underestimated and this game is no exception. Better to be the underdog. Oddly, Vegas has Mich -2 1/2. GO BLUE!!!
AAbob43
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
"He knows how much it means to...the people of this state that he beats the Spartans." Wow. This is a little Wolverine-centric. I've lived in Michigan my entire life. I have degrees from MSU and U of M, so I think I have a point of comparison of the two schools. If the Wolverines never beat the Spartans again, ever, that's ok with me. The unmitigated arrogance of the Schembechler era turned me off. True champions know how to be good winners as well as good losers. The Wolverines have had a historical problem with being gracious winners. Maybe that'll change after a few years of losing.
riverraisin
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 11:52 p.m.
Maybe you could give an example of this "unmitigated arrogance of the Schembechler era"? You feel that the team has been guilty of this. What in particular makes you believe that? Other than the comment by Mike Hart, which was not the Bo era, I don't know what you're talking about. I always felt it was the fans doing all the trash talking, with the players being more respectful of each other. I do, however, remember MSU being gracious winners against Notre Dame a few years back by attempting to plant their flag on ND's logo. I do hope that UM can live up to MSU's standards come saturday.
Hebner
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 11:22 p.m.
The past Bo teams were confident because they we good. Bo coached to beat Ohio, and knew if Michigan was good enough to win that game every other team along the way would get steam-rolled. UM fans just like other fans can sometimes get a little overconfident. I think the past 3 years have changed perspectives for fans, as we have witnessed how bad it can get and did get. I respect MSU, and know they are tough. When we beat MSU, I will be gracious because any win over a quality opponent improves our program. Trust me, I have learned not to be an arrogant fan living around gator fans. I must say I am really enjoying them loosing... only because of their arrogance the past couple of years.