Jesse Minter details why Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is special

The Michigan–Michigan State rivalry often lives in the shadow of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, but it’s still one of the most important Big Ten rivalries. It’s also a rivalry that Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has yet to experience, with this being his first season in Ann Arbor. Still, he already knows that this game is special.

While speaking to the media, Jesse Minter explained how much he’s learned about the rivalry and how much he’s been taught about it.

“It’s something the guys have talked about a lot,” Jesse Minter said.

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“I think you approach every game with a high level. One thing I’ve been impressed with is our guys’ ability to approach every week, whether it was a non-conference schedule, the Big Ten schedule, with that same intensity.”

That’s some good coach speak about approaching every game the same way. At the same time, he also admitted that the Michigan State game means just a little bit more.

“But, I think rivalries are a part of college football. They’re really fun. So, it’s–there are certain teams that you think about more. You think about them in the offseason. You prepare for them, maybe, different times of the year. So, I know this is a game that both programs circle, and looking forward to the first opportunity to play them,” Jesse Minter said.

Interestingly, Jesse Minter wouldn’t be coaching at Michigan or have any affiliation in this rivalry if it wasn’t for the connection between Jim and John Harbaugh.

Current UMass head coach Don Brown had been Jim Harbaugh’s long-time defensive coordinator at Michigan. However, following the 2020 season, both parties needed a fresh start. So, Michigan hired Mike MacDonald, a Baltimore Ravens assistant under John Harbaugh. He left after one season to become the Ravens’ defensive coordinator. In return, Jesse Minter came to Michigan from Baltimore’s staff.

What Jesse Minter and Michigan are preparing for

Going into the Michigan State game, Jesse Minter is expecting the Spartans to throw anything and everything at the Wolverines. That includes things like tempo, trick plays, and more.

“Practice it, prepare for it, anticipate it. Have a really good focus on when they substitute vs. when they don’t substitute. It’s something we’ve worked a lot this year. We haven’t been perfect in that regard, but definitely just prepare and practice for that stuff and know they’re going to attack us that way,” Jesse Minter said.

“When they go tempo, a lot of times you shorten your menu, plays you’re running, certain things you’re trying to do. That’s what they want us to do. We’ve just got to try and combat that. When you stop it, a lot of times it doesn’t show up as much. So … that’s the goal.”