The Michigan-Michigan State football rivalry is always personal. You're talking about two in-state schools that do not like each other. This rivalry can be so intense that it can divide families. That's not something Spartan receiver Nick Marsh has to worry about.
However, the game is personal for Marsh. He got a really good taste of it last year, when he had quite the memorable touchdown against the Wolverines.
Despite the memorable play, the Spartans blew a good opportunity and eventually lost 24-17. Marsh has the drive to not let it happen again. But he's going to have to have the game of his life.
Not only that, but Marsh has quite a responsibility, if he wants to stack up with the historic players at his position. Go back throughout the history of this rivalry, and you will find historic wide receivers on both sides. For Michigan State, there has been a who's who of receivers who have made a massive impact against the Wolverines.
Who can forget Derrick Mason's 1995 catch over Charles Woodson? Or Plaxico Burress' 250-yard game against Tom Brady and the Wolverines in 1999.
Or, more recently, Tony Lippett and even the 2020 Ricky White performance.
The Spartans are going to need Marsh to have a huge game if they want to avoid a fourth straight loss in the rivalry and Jonathan Smith falling to 0-2 against the Wolverines.
Not only would it be something special for Marsh, to have a great game on Saturday, but it would be a great way to shut up some of the crazy Wolverines on social media. He's heard plenty of talk about how he should transfer, and how he'd be crazy not to go and team up with Michigan's Andrew Marsh and get the ball thrown to him by Bryce Underwood.
Sorry to burst your bubble, Wolverines, but he seemed to have a message about keeping his loyalty to the green and white on Tuesday.
"I'm where my feet are at every day," Marsh said. "I would say that, for the most part, I'm continuing to play good, practice hard and be here for my guys."
Marsh knows how personal this game is, and no matter what the result may be on Saturday night, he is ready to leave it all out on the field.