Wolverines expanding their tunnel after 2022 incidents with Michigan State

It's silly for something as small as an entrance to and from the field to cause issues for a program with the storied history of the Michigan Wolverines, but that was certainly the case in 2022.

After several "tunnel-related" incidents this past season, ESPN is reporting that Michigan is planning on removing 45 seats in order to create a wider tunnel for players and coaches to use on game days at "The Big House."

"The seats are all portable and ticketholders, who have been informed of the change, will be located to a different area of the stadium," ESPN wrote. "The adjustment comes in response to an incident in the Michigan-Michigan State game from last season, where a fan reached into the tunnel passage and touched Michigan State coach Mel Tucker's head as he passed through. Tucker swiped back and pointed toward the fan, who reportedly was later identified and banned from attending games."

ESPN's sources told the four-letter network that the fight that happened inside the tunnel between Michigan State and Michigan players after an intense 29-7 rivalry win by the Wolverines that led to one criminal charge and multiple suspensions for MSU players involved in the fight did not play into the decision to widen the tunnel. With that said, it makes sense that widening the tunnel will only help dissuade opposite-team interaction in the future.

There will be at least ample room for players of the opposite team to both enter the tunnel at the same time and not be close enough to lead to an incident.