The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry has heated up over the last few years and reached a boiling point in 2018.

A pre-game scuffle during Michigan State’s field walk ritual sparked some heat before kickoff last season, and the result was Devin Bush stomping and kicking the Spartan head at midfield before the Wolverines knocked off MSU 21-7 in East Lansing.

Michigan also decided to celebrate on the field with the Paul Bunyan Trophy after the game, too.

Star defensive lineman Rashan Gary was recovering from a shoulder injury during the game and didn’t get the opportunity to take the field in the victory. While appearing on the Rich Eisen Show earlier this week, Gary said it was a game he wishes he could’ve played in.

Oh, and he took a shot at Michigan State, referring to it as Michigan’s “little sister.”

“That’s just a game I wish I was there for,” Gary said. “Every time you go play our little sister … little sister … It’s always the type of passion, the anger you have for that type of game. Just seeing my brother go out there with his emotions I would’ve had times a hundred, it hurts. But we came out with a win and we own Michigan. Period.

“Just so everybody knows out there, for you State fans, University of Michigan Wolverines, that’s our state. Period.”

Since Jim Harbaugh took over at Michigan, the series between the in-state rivals is tied at 2-2 with some epic moments. As both teams continue to climb into national prominence, the rivalry only continues to gain intensity.

Mark Dantonio seems to use Michigan’s mockery as added fuel for future seasons. It should be another excited rivalry matchup in 2019.