Harlon Barnett reveals when Michigan rivalry became 'personal' for him

We have seen how much the Michigan–Michigan State rivalry means in years past. Recent years have gone testy between the two programs, especially as they have competed at the top of the Big Ten. The Spartans may be fighting an uphill battle heading into the 2023 matchup but it still means something to Harlon Barnett.

He might be from the state of Ohio but Barnett quickly learned about the rivalry during his days as a Michigan State player. He was asked when the game became personal to him and it was before he ever stepped foot on campus.

While Barnett did not have the best record against Michigan as a player — dropping three of four matchups — he still loves the intensity of the game.

“He got me fired up,” Barnett said about his former head coach, George Perles. “I’ve been that way ever since 1985, man. So, it is what it is.”

Barnett has been a part of plenty of wins as a coach, though. He joined the Michigan State staff back in 2007 and stayed in East Lansing through the 2017 season. After a stint at Florida State, he returned in 2020 and is now serving as the interim head coach after taking over for Mel Tucker.

Where Barnett has really seen the rivalry over the years is on the recruiting trail. When going after in-state players, everyone has a preference — Maize and Blue or Green and White. Barnett can tell where Michigan State stands based on their childhood fandom.

“I think it’s great for the state of Michigan,” Barnett said. “I really do. Because in this state, you grew up one way or the other. So whenever I got out recruiting in the state, I say ‘Who you grew up rooting for?’ Because they’re going to tell you one or the other. You’re going to get one or the other and you kind of know where they stand.”

Barnett has an opportunity to get a win over Michigan, even if it’s considered an unlikely chance. Being the interim head coach, taking down the Wolverines at Spartan Stadium would be a memory of a lifetime for somebody who has been so invested in the program.

It’s going to be personal from the get-go, with feelings from all the way back in 1985 pouring onto the field on Saturday. A cool opportunity ahead of Barnett as he leads Michigan State into the rivalry game.