Mel Tucker doesn't want Michigan - MSU rivalry 'reined in'
The Michigan – Michigan State rivalry has gotten nastier and nastier over the years, coming to a head last season when several Spartans players assaulted two Wolverines in the tunnel postgame. Ja’Den McBurrows and Gemon Green both suffered injuries and the MSU players were arrested after ganging up on them underneath Michigan Stadium, prompting some to suggest a “cooling off” period for the rivalry.
RELATED: Ryan Day wants discussion on moving Michigan – OSU from last game of the year
RELATED: Ohio State alum, NBC analyst Josh Perry: ‘Michigan certainly has the edge’ over OSU
Instead, the sides agreed to protect the game going forward and will continue to play annually. Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker was all about it, saying Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days it was never a consideration to take a break.
“No, that’s never going to happen,” Tucker said. “That’s not even a reality. Why would we want to do that?”
It seemed like a possibility after last year’s display, one that had Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh “sickened” after he saw the video.
“What happened in the tunnel was egregious,” he said days after last year’s 29-7 Michigan pounding of the Spartans. “Sickening to watch the videos … the ones that are on social media right now. There needs to be accountability. There needs to be a full, thorough, timely investigation. I can’t imagine this will not result in criminal charges. The videos are bad. It’s clear what transpired. This is very open and shut. As they say, watch the tape.
“I’m coming from this from a perspective of being a parent. These young men are entrusted to me by their families and to our program, and we have the responsibility to each player to treat them like our own. I take that responsibility very seriously. An apology will not get the job done in this instance. There should be serious consequences for the many individuals that are culpable.”
There were, resulting in several arrests and suspensions.
This year’s game will be played at 7:30 on NBC Oct. 21 unless another network decides to pick the game up, still a possibility. Tucker seemed defiant when asked if he expected to rein in the intensity this year after last year’s debacle.
Top 10
- 1Trending
Connor Stalions x Bryce Underwood
Photo ignites social media
- 2
Saban warns A&M
Jordan-Hare 'is haunted'
- 3
Vince Young calls shot
Horns legend predicts Kentucky game score
- 4Hot
Kiffin trolls Napier
Ole Miss HC texts Kirk Herbstreit to fire shot
- 5
College GameDay picks
Lee Corso dons Indiana helmet
“How do you rein it in? I don’t know how you do that,” Tucker said. “There’s not a day that’s gone by that I haven’t heard something about that game. I mean, every day of my life I hear about that game, so I don’t know how you rein that in. It just is what it is.”
Told of the possible starting time, he responded, “we’ll be there. We’ll be there.”
Media involved in the Cleveland.com has MSU picked fifth in the Big Ten East behind Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Maryland. Tucker, though, seemed bullish on his squad heading into the season.
“We have a hungry, determined, and very, very focused football team heading into preseason camp,” Tucker said. “Our players have worked extremely hard in this out of season and are very, very well prepared to start camp next week.
“We have competition at every single position, and probably no doubt the most talent that we’ve had top to bottom on our roster. We needed more quality depth on our roster, and we addressed that this out of season. I believe competition forces you to be at your best each and every day, and that’s how we’ll reach our full potential.”
