Michigan football team 'not worried' about playing Michigan State, more focused on overall improvement
The Michigan football team isn't happy about its losing streak to Michigan State, but it isn't obsessing over it either.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
During the first session of the Big Ten media days in Chicago on Thursday, coach Brady Hoke and his three player representatives were given multiple opportunities to express their thoughts on whether or not the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry has hit an all-time high in terms of intensity.
And virtually every time, the Wolverine contingent brushed it off.
"Right now, I'm thinking about winning summer camp, being the best I can be for this team right now," Michigan senior quarterback Denard Robinson said. "I'm not thinking about Michigan State. I'm thinking about being the best quarterback (I can be).
"I'm not worried about playing Michigan State."
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The Spartans won 11 games last season, played in the inaugural Big Ten Championship game and are led by coach Mark Dantonio -- who has gone out of his way more than once this offseason to stoke the already intense flame that is the UM-MSU rivalry.
The two schools are also the main favorites this season in the Big Ten Legends Division, and the Oct. 20 game in Ann Arbor is currently seen by many as one that will go a long way in determining the division crown -- if not the league crown.
But is the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry at an all-time high?
Hoke's not sure.
"I don't know," he said. "It's always been intense to me. You don't want (the losing streak). No one likes that. But I don't feel (it's more intense than it was in the past).
"It's intense because it's a great rivalry."
Last season, the Spartans more or less controlled the football game in a 28-14 victory, dominating the line of scrimmage and injuring Robinson in a penalty-laden contest.
Asked what went wrong last year, Robinson said it was a simple circumstance of his squad not being ready to play.
"I don't think we came out to play football, we didn't play Michigan football," he said. "We didn't come out ready. They came out ready and they were the better team that day."
Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan -- who was punched in the helmet by MSU defensive end William Gholston during the game -- echoed Robinson's calm response.
"We didn't come out to play that game," he said. "In the (past) four years of playing the way we have, that's not up to our standards."
Hoke continually talks about the Ohio State game as the most important date on the schedule. He also gives a great deal of respect to the Michigan State game, and often refers to it as the most physical game of the season.
But as of right now?
The Spartans aren't really on the minds of Michigan.
At least no more than normal.
"For us, that's always a big game because it's an in-state rival game," Hoke said. "They've been kicking our butts pretty good lately. That's something we don't like. That game, and obviously the Ohio game, are the biggest games on the schedule."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
SEC Fan
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.
Let's face it...you don't "obsess" over a game you have no chance of winning. let them focus on Appalachian State...they might give them a good game in a few years.
MSU79
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
Hey Billy Bob, I did look at the picture. All I see is last year's Heisman Hype getting sacked. Regarding colors, I'll take the Nike combat over the Adidas bumblebee any day. I know it has been a tough 4 years: first WJR signs with the Spartans, then the banker turned AD couldn't reach the Michigan Man at LSU, and is forced to hire Rich Rod, the losses...I could go on but I'll save some for later. Looking forward to October 20 at the Big House. You might want to tell Denard to tuck the ball when he is going down, he might fumble less. Thanks to AA.com, keep those pictures coming!
edjasbord
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
I think this headline is very misleading, as some have already pointed out. I lose a little respect for you guys every time you pull something like this just for attention, for the clicks that stirring the pot generates. Denard was clearly talking about what he is worried about NOW in regards to whether its MSU or not. He said he was worried about "winning summer camp, being the best I can be for this team right NOW..." This does not mean he will not be worried later about MSU. He was speaking temporally Nick. Yet - at the same time he may have been speaking comparatively; the statement does not mean that MSU is not emphasized - it simply means that he is more worried about spring camp and being his best than MSU right now. But perhaps what is more suspicious - you then state, "Right now, the Spartans are not on the minds of Michigan," with no real support for this statement other than your faulty interpretation of Denard's response. IN FACT, Lewan's and Hoke's responses could be interpreted in just the opposite manner - that MSU is ON the minds of Michigan for the reasons they stated (e.g., "That's something we don't like. That game, and obviously the Ohio fame, are the biggest games on the schedule."). Which might be exactly why a guy like Denard, who is team-oriented, is focusing so much on Spring practice to be all he can be for his teammates - BECAUSE we face opponents such as MSU, not REGARDLESS of facing opponents such as MSU. Stop obfuscating to generate clicks.
SEC Fan
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
I'm guessing braggslaw didn't make it past the first 3 words...
braggslaw
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
That was a very long post on MSU, explaining why MSU does not matter...
MRunner73
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
Good points, I read the article on focused on the meaning of what Brady Hoke said. You can take it two ways, but that's coach-speak.
SEC Fan
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
"I'm not worried about MSU"...yeah yeah yeah. and back in high school, they were saying "that's ok, I didn't want to go to the Prom anyway".
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
I've asked quite a few times, and have never heard the answer. Why has MSU stopped using real green as their color and gone to almost black? I don't get it. Really. We used to know State by their green. Now, they are hardly recognizable in their dark, dark colors. Look at that photo above. See what I mean? Does anyone have a clue?
SalineBob
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
The Spartan green varied through the years so the athletic department decided to pick a new and unique green and standardize it for all the teams. I like it. The photo above shows a special one-game only uniform. Green, black and bronze. Lots of that kinda wacky stuff going on lately. Check out Oregon and Maryland and try to figure out their "standard" uniforms. Good luck on that. Speaking of colors--hasn't the Michigan yellow gone a bit lemony lately? I like it--the old maize was a bit dull.
RocknRolla
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
Those were a one-time jersey designed by Nike, but overall the current green is darker than in years past. The green in the green and white has never been a set color, it has been changing with time. Same with the Spartan logo, it has changed over the years.
Scott
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
I think there is an elephant in the room- no one wants to talk about. That sparty mascot. Big buff guy in a skirt. Something is just not right at Moo You.
Tom
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
Wolverines on endangered species list. None left in Michigan. UM football program faces a similar fate. Where's the threat?
MRunner73
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
Great comments by Brady Hoke. I would love to know that there is a lot of locker material for the Wolverine players to feed off of and be a motivational tool regarding the Spartans. Hoke knows that MSU is not only an in state rivarly but a divisional team to beat as well. That's two good reasons to emphasize this game. A third is that MSU has a 4 game winning streak and that needs to end. As a fan-I respect Dantonio and how he has elevated the MSU football program. I am glad they are no push-overs. Whether MSU makes the Michigan match up THE biggest game for them, doesn't really matter to me. I take 'em a game at a time because upsets happen. GO BLUE!!
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
We have said for a long, long time around here that the one thing we know about Michigan-Michigan State games is that we don't have a clue until the game is over. Stack 'em any way you want, the reality is that when these two teams play each other, anything can happen. Love that game! Go Blue. (Oh, and stick to one game at a time, fershure.)
braggslaw
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1 p.m.
There are crazy things going on in the Bi 10. Penn State will be a MAC level team, Wisconsin has won or tied for the last two Big10 championships. If UM loses to MSU for the fifth straight time, a historical precedent will be set that may effect the long term view of MSU UM and the Big 10.
SEC Fan
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
@Scott...oohh..."1 or 2 in the nation"...yet still LOSING. face it..ummmmmmm is irrelevant outside the "big"10...and for the most part inside it too.
braggslaw
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.
I think the game this year is a watershed moment. At least from a historical perspective, MSU has never beaten UM five times in a row... not even in the 50's and 60's when MSU was a national power. I think they have a very good coach and while their recruiting is pedestrian they have found and developed highly productive players. It is interesting that their two corners are both all Big 10 caliber but were not highly recruited... same goes for a few linebackers, lineman etc. I think Gholston is one of the few highly ranked kids they were able to land. Leveon Bell is probably the best back in the Big 10 and nobody recruited him...
unclefred
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
MSU deserves credit for a 4 game streak. Lets put this in perspective. Michigan won 6 of the last 10. Any notion that a five game streak will "effect the long term view of MSU, UM and the Big 10" is hyperbole. Maybe MSU wins this year maybe we win this year. We have quality aggressive coaching back again. We are recruiting at the top level again. Clearly these coaches know how to "coach up" talent.
braggslaw
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
UM has always beat MSU in recruiting... this has not changed. I can't remember an MSU recruiting class that was ranked higher than a Michigan class. Winning the recruiting ratings does not replace winning the game.
Scott
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
Yah- like losing to MSU four years in a row has effected recruiting. Michigan is 1 or 2 in the nation; MSU is what? 40. I actually feel bad for sparties. You know the tide is turning despite your best efforts and some miserable years at Michigan.
Ted Bundy
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.
Kind of a misleading title. Hoke and company clearly tip their hat to msu, but the title of this article will surely feed the trolls. Good marketing though!
NorthMaple
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:04 p.m.
I know a lot of people will take this out of context. Denard clearly doesn't mean he thinks MSU is an insignificant opponent; he's stating that he's working "in the now" and is focused on summer camp. As soon as summer camp is over, he'll focus on 'Bama. After that, Air Force. And so on. So before anyone gets their undergarments in a twist about overlooking opponents, consider the quote in that context.
Kima Greggs
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
Plus what is he going to say - "yes we are very concerned about playing MSU, it's our biggest game"? He gave the generic sports response to a question that is trying to stir things up.
MRunner73
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
Yep, take 'em one game at a time.
JamesF
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 10:40 a.m.
Dont let Spartans hear that Michigan is 'not worried' about them. They'll blow it out of proportion and find ways to attack Michigan any possible way. Just like when Shane Morris impersonated Dantonio. Spartans need to get a life. They hinge their season on beating Michigan and only Michigan. Which is why they regularly attack a Michigan football forum and won't go on their own forum.
RocknRolla
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.
@ JamesF, I don't completely understand your worry for Dantonio and MSU. They have done nothing but bring consistency to the MSU program, which it was greatly lacking. Sure they have beat some historically bad Wolverine teams, but the Wolverines had a similar run against some very poorly coached MSU teams in the mid 2000s. I see a rebirth of a great MSU vs UofM rivalry. One similar to my 4 years, '99-'02, only without the MSU coach turnover. They split those years 2-2, and both teams were cranking out pro players. These are 2 well coached, talented, football teams. This should be very fun to watch for years to come. I am not worried in the least bit for MSU or UofM. They both look to be improving and bringing is quality talent. With that, Go Green!!! :)
JamesF
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
1998pa and Craig: I'm not saying there arent any Michigan fans being unreasonable. Every team has fans that are. However it seems MSU of late has turned things, not matter how small they are, into something blown out of proportion. As Michigan fan, I am worried about Dantonio and MSU. Heck you guys beat us 4 years in a row (3 in a row against Rich Rod who couldn't beat a Big Ten team to save his life). Just don't let those 4 wins in a row get to your head because it could bite you in the face soon. Aren't you guys afraid your offense may sputter some this year after losing Cousins, Martin, Cunningham, and Baker on offense? If any other team lost that many key players on offense you would probably be thinking they would be in trouble. For the sake of this argument, good luck on Oct 20, 2012. Hope your defense is up to the challenge this year of possibly carrying your team all the way. Especially if Bell gets stuffed like he did last year with only 20 yards and 7 carries. Average of only 2.9 yards per carry. And that was with a sub par defense in that game.
SEC Fan
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
@1998pa: huh? "unreasonable" um fans? nooooo. neverrrrr... Terry21, Mrunner73...say it isn't so :-)
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
Scott.... it's called annarbor.com. It's the same as the ohio forum.
Scott
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
State has their own forum? what's it called? I want to troll it.
1998pa
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:15 p.m.
I agree with you, Craig, but I don't think Michigan players and coaches are thinking Dantonio and MSU aren't the real deal. Some Wolverine fans may not be convinced, but I'd bet they're giving the Spartans their due at Schembechler Hall.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.
I'm no Spartan fan. But any Wolverine fan who isn't concerned that Dantonio is the real deal has their head in the sand. I'm afraid they no longer " hinge their season on beating Michigan and only Michigan." (not that they ever did). It's very reasonable for a Spartan fan to expect to beat Michigan and the only thin that will change that is if Michigan starts winning the game consistently again. The series has clearly swung in their favor under their 'new" coach. I find that unsettling.
1998pa
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 10:59 a.m.
Some Spartan fans are unreasonable, JamesF, but you're fooling yourself if you think there aren't any unreasonable Wolverine fans. As to the article, this Spartan fan thinks it's smart of them not to focus on MSU. I don't see any disrespect there. If you're going to beat MSU -- or any of your opponents, for that matter -- focusing on getting better incrementally is the smart approach. You can set a goal of winning the national championship, but that's not going to happen if you're focused on January 2013. It may be cliche, but there's a reason coaches/players talk about taking things "one game at a time."