Michigan State HC previews first rivalry game vs. Michigan: 'This is what college football is about'

The Michigan State Spartans are 4-3 and seventh in the Big Ten, so it doesn't seem like the College Football Playoff is in their future this season. They've also won just one of their last four games. 

But that victory came last weekend against Iowa — and it was an important one. MSU now has a chance to build some real momentum in head coach Jonathan Smith's first season in East Lansing. 

In order to do so, the Spartans have to travel to Ann Arbor to take on their in-state rival, the Michigan Wolverines.

Michigan is the defending national champion, but things are different this season under new head coach Sherrone Moore. The Wolverines are arguably rebuilding, which means this game could end up being very close.

However it shakes out, it's bound to be intense. Smith may be new to the rivalry, but he told the media on Tuesday that he felt the tension of it when he took the MSU job.

“I definitely felt it upon arrival," Smith said (h/t On3). "I think I got asked about it even with my introductory press conference. And so no, I felt it since getting here, understanding this is an important game, most important regular season game we’ll play. And the passion for it, which I love being a part of, been (a part of) multiple in-state rivalries. No question it’s been well received on my end, that this thing is important.”

Not only is this a big game on paper, but it's going to be under the lights in the Big House. Scheduled for a 7:30 pm ET kick, this has all the makings of another big-time rivalry game between Michigan and Michigan State.

“We got a huge week ahead of us,” Smith said. “We all know this thing is special — rivalry week in this state. This is what college football is about, so this is a big, meaningful game. I anticipate it being tough, physical. Big challenge Saturday night at their place, and we’re looking forward to it.”