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MSU secondary coach Harlon Barnett takes no issues with Xavier Henderson clapping back at UM

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Xavier Henderson didn’t forget all the chatter he heard from former Michigan players leading up to the Paul Bunyan Trophy Game on Saturday. And when the Spartans emerged with a 37-33 win, he had a little something to say about it.

“I don’t know what they’re talking about now,” Henderson said after the game, referring to the former Michigan players.

Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press captured the full quote after Michigan State’s victory, improving to 8-0 on the year. Henderson didn’t have any trouble holding back, either.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, secondary coach Harlon Barnett was asked for his thoughts on Henderson’s response to some of those comments. He took no issue with it.

Barnett said it “showed Henderson’s passion.”

Plenty was made about Saturday’s game, before and after. Michigan was looking to re-establish itself as “big brother” in the rivalry game, but Michigan State continues to hold the upper hand in the recent history of the series.

Mel Tucker became the first coach in program history to win his first two games over Michigan. Last year, the Spartans defeated the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, one of only two victories on the season.

That’s more than enough reason for Henderson to throw shade back at some of the Michigan alums talking trash before Saturday’s game.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB