Mel Tucker on MSU-UM rivalry game: 'It's important to everyone'

Mel Tucker knows the importance of this weekend’s game.

The Michigan State coach is gearing up for his second game against Michigan, to which he refers as “that school down the road.” But he knows this year isn’t like last year.

Both programs are undefeated this year, marking the first time they’ll face each other as unbeaten teams. The game will certainly have big implications in the B1G East.

All that aside, though, Tucker said he knows how big of a deal Michigan-Michigan State is every year. He discussed it in his weekly “Monday with Mel” press conference before the big game.

Mel Tucker: “We understand this is not just another game. We get that. …We need to eliminate distractions and focus on what really matters.”

— Colton Pouncy 🌴 (@colton_pouncy) October 25, 2021

Mel Tucker: "We all know this is a big week and what this is all about, playing the school down the road for the Paul Bunyan Trophy."

— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) October 25, 2021

Tucker on the rivalry: "Obviously, it's bragging rights. And it's important to everyone who's associated with the game. People talk about it daily."

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 25, 2021

All eyes are on East Lansing this weekend for the Top-10 showdown. College GameDay and FOX Big Noon Kickoff will both be in attendance, meaning Spartan Stadium is getting the full national television treatment.

Kickoff is set for Oct. 30 at noon ET on FOX.