Jonathan Smith discusses importance of beating Michigan

One slight concern I had when Jonathan Smith became head coach was that he wouldn't know the importance of Michigan State football's rivalry with Michigan. As someone who has never been a part of the program, I had no clue what his feelings would be towards Michigan and if he would treat them as just another game or the most important game on the schedule.

We all know how important Mark Dantonio took the rivalry and how that importance translated to on-field success against the Wolverines. After losing to Michigan in 2007, Dantonio gave his classic quotes: ”Pride comes before the fall” and “It’s not over, it’ll never be over.”

And after saying that, Dantonio went an impressive 8-4 against Michigan in his final 12 seasons. Not too shabby if you ask me.

But now Michigan State has a new coach and someone who is brand new to the rivalry, so I'm sure we are all wondering how Smith will handle this game. Thankfully it sounds like he understands just how important the game is.

"In-state rivalries are one of the best things about college football. When we get to that point, we’ll have our guys ready to go."

- Jonathan Smith

Now Smith didn't come out and emphatically say how much this game means or that he hates Michigan, but that's probably for the better. He doesn't need to give the Wolverines any extra motivation this season.

I don't know if it's just me, but I sense that he does very much dislike Michigan in the undertone of this quote. I got the sense that he understands just how much it means to the university, alumni, and fans to beat Michigan, so I don't think he'll take this game lightly at all.

Will he handle the rivalry to the same extent that Dantonio did? Probably not because I don't know if anyone is able to get to that level. But Smith clearly knows the importance of beating Michigan, and I can't wait to see how his first attempt at doing so later this fall goes.