Devin Funchess quote epitomizes “The Michigan Indifference”

The Devin Funchess quote in the Freep article today by Mark Snyder made me ponder: “It’s a ballgame… “They’re the defending Big Ten champions, Rose Bowl champions. (But) it’s just another ballgame to me,” said Michigan’s reigning No. 1

And you know what? That degree of “The Michigan Indifference” (to the Michigan State rivalry) — even if it is just “presser speak” — has been a huge contributor, in my opinion, to “flip flop” the rivalry. Yes, indeed, this has been a rivalry of “streaks” — from 1970 thru 1989, Michigan State won a mere three games. And prior to MSU’s current 5 out of 6 domination, Michigan had it’s run of 6 consecutive Ws that ended after the 2007 tilt. But all that still being said, in most of those duels, Michigan State has always seemed to take the intrastate rivalry a lot more serious than their brethren 63 miles down the road. When MSU had less caliber personnel, that edge didn’t matter that much. But now the Green & White have the upper hand in not only quality of players and coaching, they also have the national limelight. Michigan 2014 media notoriety is limited to its misfortune — Concussion-Gate and Dave Brandon student protests for dismissal.

If the approach for the Maize & Blue on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in East Lansing is that this is “just another game” — well, expect nothing less than a Spartan beat down of the Wolverines, making 5 of 6, turn quickly into 6 of 7. Michigan needs to make Michigan State its “No. 1 RIVAL” !!!