Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin reinvigorated Michigan in the first season with the new head coach, Dusty May. But that trio is now gearing up for a Friday night game in primetime that just means a bit more.

That game, of course, is the first installment this season of the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry. The Wolverines are especially playing a bit hungrier after getting swept by the Spartans last season and losing 5 of the last 7 in-state matchups.

So far this season, Michigan has looked like an entirely new program compared to the one left behind by Juwan Howard. The Wolverines hold a half-game lead over the Spartans entering Friday and are riding a 6-game winning streak to the top of the Big Ten.

As for the rivalry, Wolf and Goldin know this game is a bit different. While Wolf wanted to stop short of saying hate between the programs, he knows this one will be heated:

“Just try to paint a picture as to what this game means. You see comments made by coaches, former players on what this rivalry means,” explained Wolf. “I think ‘hate’ is a strong word but strong dislike from each side.”

As for Golden, he spoke to the beauty of the passion involving the two programs that extend well into the past:

“That makes it beautiful that both teams can be passionate about the past and about old games they’ve played against each other,” explained the former FAU big man.

“You’ve got to stay level-headed. You can’t let the emotions get the best of you. Emotions are a great thing, no matter the instance, but yeah — this game just means so much to so many people,” Wolf continued.

The Wolverines and Spartans regularly produce some heated showdowns, and this year should be no different with sole possession of first place in the B1G on the line. Michigan is entering as a 3.5-point home favorite per bet365, and the action on FOX should be must-see TV.