Everyone in the state of Michigan knows what the Michigan State vs. Michigan rivalry means to the players, the programs, and the fans. Michigan and Michigan State are both now led by men who are from outside the state and outside the rivalry, but it seems clear that at least one of those men understands the significance of the game.
On Monday, Pat Fitzgerald made it clear that he gets it. He even said, quite clearly, regarding the Michigan game, "I get it. I get it completely." Not exactly surprising to hear from a man who once helped lead Northwestern to two historic wins over the Wolverines. One as a player in 1995 and one as a coach in 2008, with both wins coming in Ann Arbor.
It was refreshing to hear, as Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham
was a little more coy, and even a little flippant, describing the rivalry, which he referred to as MSU's 'Super Bowl'.
You can watch Fitzgerald's full comments below:
Fitzgerald on the UM game: I get it. I get it completely. pic.twitter.com/kwKdTCJwf6
— David Harns (@DavidHarns) November 2, 2026
Fitzgerald says he wants to have Paul Bunyan in East Lansing. pic.twitter.com/B0S800zbTU
— David Harns (@DavidHarns) November 2, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State football HC Pat Fitzgerald comments on Michigan rivalry
