Michigan State intent on proving it is Michigan's "big brothers" on the field

It’s one of the biggest rivalries in college football, Michigan and Michigan State.

No, it may not be on the level of the “the game” between the Wolverines and Ohio State” or the “Red River Rivalry”, but the annual game between No. 24 MSU and No. 6 U-of-M is massive in the state of Michigan — and this season it’s no different.

The Spartans (4-2, 2-1 B1G) play host to the Wolverines (6-1, 4-0 B1G) this Saturday in East Lansing and predictably, there’s been some smack-talk heading into the game. Specifically, Michigan State, fresh off an upset over No. 8 Penn State in Happy Valley, seems to be verbally amped up before the rivalry game.

Here’s a video from Michigan State on the Big Ten Network, highlighting fighting words from Brian Lewerke, Khari Willis, and LJ Scott:

“They don’t like us. We don’t really like them.” 👁

“We just always prove it by showing that we’re the big brothers on the field.” 👀

– @MSU_Football players didn’t mince words about the B1G in-state matchup coming up Saturday: pic.twitter.com/CsPd85Z4IT

— Michigan St. on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) October 18, 2018

We’ve all heard about the “little brother” crack from former Michigan running back Mike Hart, and that’s something that has stuck with this rivalry ever since it was said. Case in point, Michigan State teams years later are still referencing it, and it seems to be at the forefront of this contest as well.

Frankly, MSU hasn’t looked great so far this year, but the Spartans provide last week that they can beat anyone at anytime when they put it all together, and that’s something Michigan should be worried about — especially if the Wolverines truly want to make a playoff run.

Michigan State may be “little brother” this season in terms of overall record, but anything can happen in a rivalry game, and the Spartans are, of course, extremely motivated to take down Michigan.