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EAST LANSING — Jonathan Smith had about 38 hours to digest the aftermath of his first indoctrination into the Michigan State vs. Michigan football rivalry, and the benches-clearing scuffle that ensued at the final whistle of the 117th meeting Saturday night at Michigan Stadium.
Smith, who played and coached at Oregon State, had strong words Monday afternoon.
“We will not forget Saturday night, I promise you that, OK,” Smith said. “But we’re moving forward.
“And so I can see. You hear about the former players and how much this thing means. After experiencing this thing one time, this thing is different. And that crystallized for me on Saturday.”
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MSU lost 24-17 to Michigan despite controlling much of the game, but the Spartans were stopped on fourth down from the Michigan 16-yard line with 1:52 remaining.
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith watches a play against Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
Smith said he immediately recognized a dislike for Michigan as soon as he stepped foot in The Big House.
“I think you just walk into the place, and there’s a genuine dislike,” Smith said of his experience. “And you could feel that from the get-go of pregame, from the crowd to the to the place, and then sharing the tunnel. And so that’s unique in a rivalry piece, to share that tunnel and be walking by these guys nonstop.”
Smith and his team aren’t scheduled to set foot in the stadium again until 2026; they’ll host the Wolverines next season.
The Spartans (4-4, 2-3 Big Ten) have another big test this week vs. No. 13 Indiana (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Spartan Stadium.
Contact Chris Solari: [email protected]. Follow him @chrissolari.
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-states-jonathan-smith-michigan-192719528.html
Author : Detroit Free Press
Publish date : 2024-10-28 19:27:19
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