The Michigan Wolverines will square off with the Michigan State Spartans
on Saturday and in order to prepare for the Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, former offensive lineman Jon Jansen spoke to the team about the rivalry’s significance.Jansen is one of the program’s most accomplished players, captaining Michigan to the 1997 national championship, taking home All-American and All-Big Ten recognition, and being named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1998.
There isn’t a better option to hear
from than Jansen, who can speak firsthand on the importance of the intense rivalry. The hostility and physicality that comes with this rivalry is very unique, which was a part of Jansen’s speech to the team.
“(Jansen) said it’s going to be a physical game for four quarters,” tight end Hogan Hansen told the media on Tuesday night. “Buckle up your chin straps. No matter the records, once the ball is snapped, people are playing their tails off, so protect yourself and be ready to go.”
“He told us how hostile it is, told us experiences that he had and put into perspective how big of a rivalry game it is,” defensive tackle Trey Pierce said. “It’s an opportunity for our team to go out and show we can do a big stage.”
Jansen also detailed how much the rivalry means to the state and why it’s always considered a must-win game. Both programs pour so much into the bitter rivalry because bragging rights and state supremacy are at stake this week.
“You understand what the rivalry means to everybody across the state,” tight end Eli Owens said. “It’s a game you have to win from both sides. It’s a game they have to win, but it’s a game we’re going to win. That’s just the mindset we have.”
“This is the biggest game that we’ve played all year,” Pierce said. “We’re going to remember this game for the rest of our lives. The impact it has on the state and fan base, we’re going to remember this one. We stress that a lot.”
Being an offensive lineman himself, Jansen knows the rivalry game between Michigan and Michigan State often comes down to who wins the rushing attack. There’s no doubt that the program has emphasized being the more physical team.
“It’s a battle for the state, and Michigan football is about running the ball,” offensive lineman Evan Link said “We’re going to play hard, we’re going to play physical, and he just reminded us that this is the offensive line’s game.”
Michigan has won four straight games in the rivalry, and dominating the line of scrimmage has been a big reason why. In order to keep the winning streak against Michigan State alive, the Wolverines must continue to control the trenches.
“Whoever wins the rushing battle, wins the game,” Link said. “Throughout the years, we’ve had great offensive lines here and they’ve had great defensive lines so he just reminded us we’re the guys that have to make us win this game.”
With a lot of new faces on the roster and coaching staff, it’s important to know the gravity that comes with the rivalry. Jansen speaking to the program is more than just teaching the rivalry’s history, it’s about showing the magnitude of it.
“Having someone like him talk to us, you respect it,” Hansen said. “You think about the history and magnitude of it. This is the state championship, and not much needs to be said so everybody in our building knows what we need to do.”
