MSU football's Pat Fitzgerald talks importance of UM rivalry game, 'just means more'

Pat Fitzgerald is new to the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry but he fully understands the importance of it.

Fitzgerald and the Spartans were at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, with a number of talking points and topics coming up throughout the day. One item in particular that came up of importance to Michigan State fans everywhere is the annual rivalry game with the Wolverines. When asked about that game, Fitzgerald didn’t shy away from talking about the “importance” of that particular matchup.

“I understand the rivalry,” Fitzgerald said (quote courtesy of On3’s Kenny Jordan). “Every game is important but that one just means more. That game will be built on respect from our side at least.”

The Spartans-Wolverines rivalry is always a talking point for a new head coach like Fitzgerald so it’s great to hear he understands the importance of that rivalry. This was something that fans felt previous Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith lacked and certainly played a role in his eventual dismissal as the Spartans coach.

Michigan State has lost four straight to the Wolverines, with three of those defeats coming by double-digits. The Spartans head to Ann Arbor, Mich. on November 7 in what will be the first rivalry matchup for both Fitzgerald and new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham. Hopefully, this year Michigan State is able to breakthrough and pull off an impressive upset to snap this lengthy losing streak to the Wolverines.

Fitzgerald on Michigan: “I understand the rivalry. Every game is important but that one just means more. That game will be built on respect from our side at least.”

— Kenny Jordan (@Kenny_Jordan5) July 29, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU football’s Pat Fitzgerald talks importance of UM rivalry game, ‘just means more’