Harlon Barnett offers simple take on loss to UM: ‘We got our butts kicked’

Harlon Barnett and Michigan State headed into Week 8 in search of a massive rivalry upset against Michigan. Unfortunately, the Spartans were no match for the No. 2 team in the country.

Immediately the Wolverines began overpowering Michigan State from the opening kickoff, racing out to a 14-0 lead. That was just a harbinger of things to come with Michigan posting the first shutout in the series since 2000 with a dominant 49-0 win.

After the game, Barnett was not mincing words about the outcome. He admitted Michigan was the superior team and said the Spartans “got our butts kicked” but also said the team must learn from it.

MSU interim coach Harlon Barnett: “They were a top 10 team. They were superior to us tonight. We got our butts kicked. We gotta learn from it, 24-hour rule still in place. And we got Minnesota up next.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 22, 2023

Barnett was also asked about the news of an NCAA investigation and allegations of sign stealing directed at Michigan during the week. He called the situation “complicated” but was not in the mood to talk about excuses.

Barnett on allegations against U-M and how MSU QB Katin Houser handled it: “Complicated. But as you saw earlier in the game, he was going to the sideline.” Says stealing signals in game is part of the game. “But that’s not an excuse. I don’t like excuses. We have to play beter.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 22, 2023

Next up, Michigan State must hit the road and face Minnesota in Week 9. The Golden Gophers are 4-3 on the season but most recently toppled Iowa in Kinnick Stadium.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.