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Aidan Hutchinson weighs in on unifying state of Michigan with comments on UM-MSU rivalry
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Adian Hutchinson is the pride of Michigan. He’s a native of Plymouth, went to high school in Dearborn, and eventually elected to continue his playing career in Ann Arbor with the Wolverines.
Now as a member of the Detroit Lions, the rookie defensive end understands that the Motor City faithful has both Michigan and Michigan State fans rooting for him on Sunday. Naturally, he wants to keep the peace when it comes to discussing the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy this upcoming Saturday.
Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson on Saturday’s Michigan-Michigan State game:
“I don’t think I can speak too much of it. Now that I’m a Lion, I feel like I unite Michigan and Michigan State fans, so I’m not gonna speak too much on it. But I’ll be tuned in. That’s for sure.”
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 27, 2022
Hutchinson’s Wolverines haven’t taken home the Paul Bunyan Trophy since 2019. During the COVID-19 season in 2020, Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi went scorched earth, throwing for 323 yards and 3 touchdowns en route to a 27-24 upset.
Last season in East Lansing, running back Kenneth Walker IIII introduced himself to the B1G with a 5-touchdown, 197-yard performance on the way to a 37-33 victory.
Michigan ended up winning the B1G last December and represented the conference in the College Football Playoff. This season, the undefeated Wolverines look locked in as a favorite to repeat as back-to-back champs, though Ohio State might have something to say about that come Nov. 26 in Columbus.
Hutchinson, like many that call the “Great Lakes State” home, knows that even in down years, the Spartans will keep things close. Since 2008, Michigan State has owned the series, going 10-4 in the process. Since being hired in 2015, Jim Harbaugh has a losing record against the Spartans, going 3-4 in 7 games. He’s also 0-2 against current MSU coach Mel Tucker.
Kickoff Saturday is set for 7:30 p.m. E.T.
Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.