Rivalry

'The Michigan Game' is what we call this game. No matter what sport. The feeling of knowing that there are Wolverines in town gets my blood boiling a little bit. It's all I can think about all day leading up to tip/kick off. It makes me think about all past games I can remember. TJ Duckett's 5-second-one-second-on-the-clock-Touchdown. The Flintstones' last home game. The Comeback at Crisler in '04. The Pro Combat Game that made it 4 in a row. Will tonight be another one to remember?

To me, the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is more than "I hate U of M." Because as much as I say that, (and I DO say it a lot) it's about the competition. It's about the give and take of victories. It's about the heartbreaks and the blow outs. I don't think there's ever been a MSU-UM game that I didn't enjoy, win or lose. I have fun watching games, especially with friends who are Michigan fans. I mean, what's sports without a 'bad guy?' A heel that you love to hate. To me that heel is Michigan. As much as I hated the 'little brother' comment, Mike Hart kind of had it right. But I don't see it in that derogatory insulting way. I see it as more of an underdog story. And yes, Michigan wins in football WAY more, but tonight is about basketball, where the Spartans have the edge.

This rivalry may not mean much to the Wolverines (so they say) as it does to the Spartans, but its a rivalry nonetheless. And it makes it more intense when its a meaningful game, meaning that this could possibly be a tie breaker for seeding in the B1G Tournament.

The Michigan Game is always one that I circle on my calendar. I make sure I am free. Although I am stuck in the office till 9 when the game starts, I have DVR.

Tonight's matchup between Michigan State and Michigan has more at stake tonight than bragging rights. So, naturally, I am nervous to watch. And coming off of another overtime loss, Michigan is gonna come out focused and desperate for a win to avoid two in a row. I'm not going to make a prediction because clearly this is a biased blog. But you best believe I'll be watching and scaring my cat with loud screams.


As always,
Jonny

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