How does the old adage go? “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

BTN flipped that on its head with a hilarious segment involving Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo and Michigan head coach Juwan Howard. The bitter in-state rivals are set for their first meeting of the 2021-22 basketball season Saturday afternoon.

In a Friday video, BTN forced the head coaches to find at least something positive to say about the rival program. Izzo picked an ingenious way to highlight Michigan’s colors while Howard picked Sparty for a comment.

“I’m going to struggle to say too many nice things, but I think they’re nice colors for those who cheer for Michigan,” explained Izzo about the maize and blue.

“Sparty is a handsome looking guy,” Howard said in reference to Michigan State’s mascot.

While that’s a nice little segment, Saturday’s contest will likely be far from cheery. Michigan State won the most recent matchup though the Wolverines have won 2 of the last 3. Going back to 2019, Michigan State has won 5 of the last 7 in the rivalry.

Saturday’s tip-off is set for 2:30 pm EST.