Michigan OL on MSU rivalry: 'We truly just hate each other'
Michigan football graduate offensive tackle Ryan Hayes has seen plenty of rivalry games in his time in Ann Arbor. During the 2018-19 season, Michigan took care of its business against the rival Michigan State Spartans.
Over the last two years, the results have gone the other way. That has left a sour taste in the mouths of several Wolverines.
Even with Michigan State struggling out to a 3-4 start to the 2022 season, there is still plenty of juice for Saturday’s contest (7:30 p.m., ABC). The Spartans showed signs of life in an Oct. 15 win over Wisconsin at home that came with some different looks on both sides of the ball.
“We don’t know exactly what we’ll get,” Hayes said on Monday afternoon. “We know from studying all their games. They definitely played things a bit differently against Wisconsin. But we’re ready for that and our coaches are doing a great job scouting all of that. We trust them to put us in the right spot.”
MSU and Michigan games can get a bit chippy. It does not seem all that complicated as to why that is.
“Every time we get out there, it’s just a dogfight,” Hayes said. “We truly just hate each other. It really comes down to that.”
Hayes said that at this point, there is not much of an education needed when it comes to the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry. It is woven into the fabric of the program and players see it from the day they step onto campus.
“It seems ingrained, especially after the last two years of us not playing how we want to play,” Hayes said. “Everyone in this building wants it just as much as the guys from in-state. That’s clear [to me].
Hayes shares Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry memories, what to accomplish next
Hayes is a Traverse City, Michigan native and knows the importance the rivalry holds in-state. This one is different than an Ohio State-type rivalry. Michigan fans walk out the front door every day and interact with the other side.
Hayes’ dynamic was no different.
“Family members from both sides that would root against each other,” he said. “I was more of a Michigan guy growing up. It was always talking back and forth and remember all of that. I’ve known the rivalry since I was a little kid.”
Michigan set four goals as a team this year. Beat Michigan State. Beat Ohio State. Win a Big Ten Championship. Win the national title.
All of it is still in front of them. Hayes has not seen MSU losses as a major knock against the body of work, but they are still locked into the Spartans.
“I haven’t thought it that way, but the last two years are super disappointing things for us. So I wouldn’t say it’s the only thing we haven’t accomplished because we want to accomplish a lot more. This is a big one for us and we’re going to do everything we can to win this game.”
