Jonathan Smith on Michigan rivalry as an outsider: 'I felt it upon arrival'

Jonathan Smith was an outsider to the Michigan State–Michigan rivalry, until he became the head coach of course.

In his first year in East Lansing, Smith will get to experience it in full when the Spartans travel to Ann Arbor to take on the Wolverines. With Michigan in the middle of, potentially, a rebuild or uneven season (they’re unranked this week), this game could be for the taking.

Smith and Michigan State just beat Iowa and are feeling pretty good at this moment.

“I definitely felt it upon arrival,” Smith said. “I think I got to ask about it even with my introductory press conference. And so no, I felt it since getting here, understanding this is an important game, most important regular season game we’ll play. And the passion for it, which I love being a part of, been (a part of) multiple in-state rivalries. No question it’s been well received on my end, that this thing is important.”

The rivalry between the two schools can reach a boiling point, that’s for sure. Heck, Smith had to hold back from stirring up some bad memories for the Wolverines.

“I seem to remember some highlights,” Smith said. “I remember a punter that, you know. Not going there … but that one stands out.”

Back in 2015, The Wolverines were 5-1 and ranked No. 12 while Michigan State was No. 7 and 6-0. Michigan led the Spartans all game until the final play.

That final play was when Michigan decided to punt and punter Blake O’Neill bobbled a low snap. It was recovered by the Spartans’ Jalen Watts-Jackson and he scored a touchdown to beat Michigan 27-23.

Michigan leads Michigan State in the all-time series 73-38-5 though. And, they’re winners of four of the last six games.

Can Smith and Michigan State turn it around after losses of 29-7 and 49-0 the last two years? 

“We got a huge week ahead of us,” Smith said. “We all know this thing is special — rivalry week in this state. This is what college football is about, so this is a big, meaningful game. I anticipate it being tough, physical. Big challenge Saturday night at their place, and we’re looking forward to it.”

The game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday night in Ann Arbor.