It’s safe to say that the pregame incident between Michigan and Michigan State was not forgotten by the Michigan side after their 21-7 win over the Spartans.
The two teams scuffled before the game as Michigan players clashed with Michigan State’s pregame “Spartan walk.” Michigan alleged that the Spartans came out ten minutes late to interfere with Michigan’s warmups, and he took full aim at the Spartans and coach Mark Dantonio after the game, calling their actions “bush league” and saying that his respect for them had dropped.
Jim Harbaugh on Michigan-Michigan State pregame fiasco:
“Total bush league … apparently Coach Dantonio was 5 yards behind it all smiling.”
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) October 20, 2018
Harbaugh said Dantonio was 5 yards behind the pre-game shenanigans. Said MSU clotheslined two guys and ripped Lavert Hill's headphones.
"Total bush league."
— Brandon Justice (@BrandonBJustice) October 20, 2018
Jim Harbaugh said today changed the level of respect in the rivalry. Points back to the pregame incident. pic.twitter.com/NqXdGbvHOM
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 20, 2018
Dantonio was asked to respond in his own postgame press conference, and he wasn’t buying Harbaugh’s line of attack at all.
Dantonio on Harbaugh comments about MSU coach being behind pregame situation: "That's BS." Says, "You guys get your cameras out. I'm not gonna go to that. Go ahead, next question."
A few seconds later, Dantonio says unprompted: "Bush league? Mmmhmm."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2018
These are two coaches that have never particularly been fond of each other heading two teams that feel the same way. It’s even more true when this was only Michigan’s third win in the last 11 against the Spartans after historically dominating the rivalry. Michigan clearly wanted to make a statement, were motivated to do so, and were happy to say so after their two-touchdown victory.
