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Are Michigan State Fans Too Unruly?

Author Anne Erickson
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 17: Jaelin Llewellyn #3 of the Michigan Wolverines dribbles against A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Crisler Arena on February 17, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State can get really heated. Not as heated as the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State, but it’s still a big one. I actually graduated from Michigan State, so I know first-hand just how wild it can get between the Spartans and Wolverines. But, are Michigan State fans too unruly at games? Some Michigan fans and players are saying the fandom is making them feel “terrible.”

Last weekend, the Michigan and Michigan State basketball games happened, both for men’s and women’s. In the end, Michigan State won both games. The men’s game was in Ann Arbor, and people watching at home noticed that he crowd was filled with green and white. It was a heavily Michigan State crowd, and they were a rowdy bunch. The Spartans won 73-63, and some think the crowd had something to do with it. Too unruly? Maybe not, but they were loud.

“It makes you feel terrible,” Michigan center Tarris Reed Jr. said via MLive.com. “Especially after the game, they’re all cheering and out-cheering our fans. But at the end of the day, we’ve got a game to play, we’ve got a job to do. We can’t really mess around and worry about the crowd. We were on the floor, locked in and focused.”

When Michigan State forward Malik Hall was asked if the game felt like it was in Ann Arbor, he said via MLive.com, “Not really, to be honest. I’m not going to lie. They might not like that. The whole game I heard ‘Go Green, Go White.’ I heard them trying to throw the ‘Go Blues’ in there, but it wasn’t the same, we all know that.”

Last weekend’s game marked the second time the two teams played each other this season. The game was also a sellout. But, it’s possible some Michigan fans with tickets decided not to go, because of Michigan’s difficult season. The Wolverines are currently in last place in the Big Ten. They probably won’t make the NCAA tournament, unless they somehow pull off the Big Ten Tournament title. Hey, the Wolverines won the national championship in football, so they should be happy with that for now. Let’s let the Spartans shine a little bit.

Ranking Every NFL Coach Hired for 2024

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  • 7. Brian Callahan, Titans

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  • 6. Jerod Mayo, Patriots

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  • 5. Raheem Morris, Falcons

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Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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