Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is like a wise old owl, dropping knowledge and amazing lines anytime he has media availability at practices. His latest media availability was centere around the upcoming matchup against rival No. 3 Michigan this upcoming weekend.
The Spartans and the Wolverines will meet again on the hardwood, and it is set to be another electric matchup as No. 3 Michigan is coming off a huge win over No. 5 Nebraska earlier in the week. The No. 7 Spartans are also coming off a big win when they took down Rutgers in an overtime matchup where Michigan State was able to outscore the Scarlet Knights 15-6 for their seventh straight win.
When speaking on the matchup against Michigan, Izzo gave the reporters what they wanted by speaking on the hate between the two teams, which is obvious. However, there is one key thing Izzo has learned that needs to be present in a rivalry, no matter what.
"I hate them, of course I hate them, they hate us," Izzo said. "Its the way it is, guys, it's no different than any other way in America. The keyword is respect, and I respect them a lot, so that's all that matters."
"Of course I hate them (Michigan). They hate us. The key word is "respect," and I do respect them a lot."
— Owen Oszust (@Owen_Oszust) January 29, 2026
Tom Izzo spoke on Michigan State's rivalry matchup with Michigan. @wilxTV pic.twitter.com/pqpRbx1I3v
Izzo may hate Michigan, but he will always respect it because he wants to be respected as well. There can be hate along with respect, and Izzo will always hammer that home with his team when it comes to Michigan.
No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 7 Michigan State could set the Spartans up for a Big Ten regular season title
Michigan State is currently tied at the top with Michigan and Nebraska with only one loss in Big Ten play. Nebraska recently fell to Michigan for its first loss of the season, giving the Wolverines the edge over both teams as the Spartans, in turn, fell to Nebraska earlier in the season.
If the Spartans can take down the Wolverines in this upcoming matchup, it could set up another regular-season title in the Big Ten for Izzo and Michigan State. There is still a lot of basketball left to be played this season, but a win of this caliber could set the Spartans up to have a lot of momentum going forward.