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Mel Tucker believes Michigan-Michigan State rivalry still has ‘respect factor’ despite mutual hatred
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Mel Tucker, Michigan State head coach, has now experienced a couple of Michigan State vs. Michigan games.
One observation that he has taken away is that the two teams have a sense of respect for one another.
"I believe there's a respect factor in the best rivalries," Michigan State's Mel Tucker said ahead of the game vs. Michigan.
"Even though there's an element of dislike and hatred." pic.twitter.com/cteR0gn8Ac
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 24, 2022
“I believe there’s still a respect factor in the best rivalries,” Tucker said. “Even though there’s an element of dislike and hatred.”
The two teams boast one of the greatest rivalries in college football, and Tucker believes that respect for one another has grown through that.
Though players might not admit it, Tucker sees the way the two opponents respect each other.
“There’s still an underlying respect,” Tucker said. “Just because of the rivalry itself and what it means to sports.”
Michigan State won last year’s matchup, but Michigan is highly favored heading into this Saturday’s game.