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Michigan State Football: Michigan ‘Hate Week’ is a time to be thankful

By Stephen Robb

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans leads his team onto the field before a college football game against the against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Spartan Stadium on November 12, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans leads his team onto the field before a college football game against the against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Spartan Stadium on November 12, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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It’s ‘Hate Week’ in the state of Michigan. It’s the annual Michigan vs. Michigan State football rivalry game. However, it is also a time where the fans of both schools can be thankful as well.

Despite all the pomp and circumstance the state of Michigan wins this rivalry week. It does not matter the color of the team you support in your household, because the state ultimately is the winner. Why? In this day and age of conference realignment and rivalry games being postponed for scheduling conflicts this rivalry continues to happen each year.

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This game in particular has brought me some fantastic memories as well as heartache. The good has always outweighed the bad. Whether it was “trouble with the snap” or the epic “Bully Game” of 2013 or even witnessing Larry Caper scamper into the end zone, this game has been a blessing. Even in the difficult years when Michigan State lost, I always looked forward to this battle for the state of Michigan.

The University of Texas no longer plays Texas A&M. That rivalry was bitter and fans still refer to the other as “that school” and always score board check to make sure their school is upping the other. Those two teams that belong on the field to play each other. It was one of the special rivalries in college football and it is a shame the game is no longer played.

Nebraska lost such great games that they played against Oklahoma and Texas. Notre Dame now puts it’s rivalries on hold like Michigan, Purdue and MSU. Teams in the Big Ten do not always play each other. Rivalries made college football special and it is disappointing to watch the direction things have taken in recent years and will likely be going.

In a day and age where money does all the talking, it is the fans who end on the losing side. It is an honor and privilege to have this rivalry against the Michigan Wolverines. Hate week it is, but my heart is filled with thanks to both schools for having this game and giving us, the fans, the opportunity to watch great football.

Next: MSU Football: 5 bold predictions vs. Michigan

Cheer on your favorite team this Saturday and no matter what the score is be thankful that MSU and Michigan still play each other. On this day the state of Michigan wins.

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