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Jonathan Smith identifies supreme importance of Michigan State-Michigan rivalry

Mark Kern

By Mark Kern

Published:

Jonathan Smith and the Michigan State Spartans got back on the winning track last Saturday as they knocked off the Iowa Hawkeyes. Smith got to coach in the rivalry between Oregon and Oregon State, but he is now getting his first taste of Michigan State’s rivalry against Michigan.

When talking to reporters, Smith talked about getting to learn about the rivalry, while also saying his team is ready for the game. He went so far as to say it’s definitely the most important game in the regular season for his program as a major in-state rivalry.

“I definitely felt it upon arrival,” Smith said. “Understanding that it is the most important regular season game we’ll play. I don’t have any doubt our guys will be excited and ready to go Saturday.”

As the Spartans are preparing for Michigan, they will not know who the quarterback is as Sherrone Moore declined to say who the starting quarterback will be. The Wolverines have used 3 starting QBs so far this season with mixed results for each.

Smith said all they can do is watch film on all of the guys they can.

“You prepare what you see on tape, and we’ve got tape of all the players we’ve seen offensively,” Smith said.

The Spartans have a tough schedule coming up the next couple games, as the schedule goes Michigan, Indiana and Illinois in the next 3 weeks.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Big House, and the game will be on the B1G Network.

Mark Kern