It’s Michigan-Michigan State. It’s state bragging rights on the line in a rivalry that goes back ages. And it’s a chance for both teams to gain some much-needed life on what have been disappointing seasons so far — the Spartans standing at 4-5 in the Big Ten after starting the season top-5 in the AP Poll and the Wolverines at dead last in the conference.
Since the Juwan Howard era began in 2019, the rivals have split their season series each year, with the home team winning each contest. Howard is well aware that he hasn’t won in East Lansing entering the game, so much so that he opened his Monday press conference with a joke suggesting he needs a little extra help ahead of this one.
“It’s a rivalry game, of course we have extra (reporters here). Welcome welcome, these guys always ask me questions, I got a question for everyone: how can y’all help us beat Michigan State?” Howard said with a chuckle. “I’ll take down some notes.”
Howard committed to the quip, even flashing his notepad at the camera, but when it came time for reporters to talk, none offered advice on beating the Spartans. Instead, questions served as a painful reminder to Howard that he’s leading a team in as bad a position as ever in his tenure ahead of the big road game.
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