ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The in-state rivalry pitting Michigan football vs. Michigan State is not for the faint of heart. It's more physical than most, and more chippy. In fact, there almost always seems to be some in-game (or postgame) shenanigans between the Wolverines and Spartans.
But it's something that Michigan cornerback Jyaire Hill can't wait to be a part of.
Hill has played in three iterations of the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, having not been a part of the travel party in 2023, but having played in the past three. He says that this game stands apart, because there's a different intensity to it than some others.
"Man, violent game, all four quarters," Hill said. "I'll be ready to go. See it right there, violent. Brotherhood, ready to play
for your brothers, all four quarters."
What makes it violent in Hill's eyes? He says that there's an honest hatred between the two teams, and that because of that, there can be some -- extracurriculars.
"Man, I feel like everybody's just mad at each other," Hill said. "You got some players might do something after the play, some try to get in your head. You've got to be real poised into the game, real dialed in. You can't get out your zone."
Michigan is preparing for that aspect, and is not looking to retaliate, but also wants to ensure that they have their brothers' backs.
But there have been questions about head coach Kyle Whittingham, given this is his introduction to the rivalry. It had seemed initially as if he was downplaying it -- much like he appeared to do with Ohio State. But Hill -- who's played under Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore before Hill -- says that he has liked Whittingham's approach thus far.
"He knows what he's doing," Hill said. "Like I said, he's real. It's like he's been here. So he did some history. He did some work on his game. So he knows what time it is."
For now, Hill is just excited to get out there. He's looking forward to the enhanced physicality, noting that it does happen for receivers and cornerbacks as well, and he is ready to take his game up a notch.
"Oh, yeah. I'm ready for that," Hill said. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Ready to twist some helmets. Yeah, I'm ready."
Kickoff is at 7:40 p.m. EST on Saturday, with the game set to be streamed on Peacock.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan CB Jyaire Hill calls Michigan State rivalry a 'violent game'
