Jim Harbaugh suggests Michigan, Michigan State could ‘use a break’ from trash talk

The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State is often just a little bit more personal than your average game, but Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh just wants to keep his eye on the football.

Harbaugh suggested Monday that both teams would be better off ignoring the cliched trash talk ahead of Saturday’s matchup, a pivotal game for both teams.

Jim Harbaugh when asked if he tells his team to avoid the typical rivalry banter between Michigan and MSU players: "I think we could all use a break from the clichés that have been plowed so thoroughly on both sides."

— Dan Murphy (@DanMurphyESPN) October 15, 2018

The rivalry is usually filled with “little brother” quips and stake-planting. That’s especially true with both teams consistently being major contenders nationally over the past three years since Harbaugh’s arrival, even though the Spartans have generally been on the better end of the rivalry since Mark Dantonio took over there. Of course, the Michigan coach has been guilty of getting involved himself. Just not this week.