Tom Izzo shares expectation for rivalry atmosphere in East Lansing for visit from Michigan

Tom Izzo knows the heated in-state rivalry between Michigan State and Michigan is a bit more tense coming out of the 2022 football season. A lot of that stems from the brawl following the 2022 football game in Ann Arbor, but Izzo made it clear those actions better not have any carryover on the basketball court.

Asked about Saturday’s rivalry matchup in East Lansing, Izzo said he hopes the Breslin Center crowd is the craziest and toughest crowd ever assembled. But he also said he expects the crowd to do things the right way with class.

“I hope we’re the craziest, toughest, best crowd that was ever assembled in Breslin,” said Izzo per Chris Solari with the Detroit Free Press. “With class, respect and handling ourselves the way we should… Do I think it’s gonna be ugly? It better not be.”

Izzo on what he expects the atmosphere vs. Michigan to be like Saturday: “I hope we’re the craziest, toughest, best crowd that was ever assembled in Breslin. With class, respect and handling ourselves the way we should. … Do I think it’s gonna be ugly? It better not be.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 5, 2023

Izzo also says a lot of the rivalry remains the same as one rivalry that is usually respected on both sides.

MSU coach Tom Izzo on Michigan: “A lot of things have changed, but the rivalry is the same. … It’s just the nature of the beast. It’s usually respected. Not always, but usually respected. For us, winning the battle of the state means the world to me.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 5, 2023

Saturday’s rivalry game is set for a 2:30 pm ET tip on FOX.