Earlier today, we took a look at what Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said about the Spartans and his team’s rivalry with Michigan State football.
Now it’s time to look at what Mel Tucker has to say going into a rivalry game he has yet to take a loss in.
Below, you can find some key quotes from Tucker’s pre-Michigan game press conference.
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On this being not just another game
MSU coach Mel Tucker at the podium reiterating that Michigan week "is not just another game for us."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 24, 2022
On the preparation process
Tucker: "We know what we have to do within our process to prepare. We need to be tough, disciplined and selfless."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 24, 2022
Tucker on the week off
Tucker on the week off before the Michigan game: "We didn't roll out the bulletin board material and videos until this morning. Even though it's already out there."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 24, 2022
Tucker on the bye week: "We used the time to get healthier and hopefully get some guys back. That's what the bye week is for, and we certainly used it for that."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 24, 2022
Tucker said MSU used the bye week to introduce the Michigan game plan.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 24, 2022
On the Spartans still having their best football ahead of them
Tucker: "Our best 60 minutes is ahead of us. We haven't played our best game yet."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 24, 2022
On playing in a sold out Big House
Tucker on playing at a packed Michigan Stadium (2020 didn't have fans there): "That's what big-time college football is about. It's not for everyone. This is what we love to do." Says it is why players come to MSU, for games like this.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 24, 2022
Tucker on JJ McCarthy
Tucker says JJ. McCarthy is a good player with good players around him, a good scheme and good coaches and that's why they've been successful.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) October 24, 2022
Tucker believes there is respect within rivalries
Tucker says even in intense rivalries, he believes there's an underlying respect.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) October 24, 2022
Tucker on the hype
Tucker said he "made it clear to the players" that they should talk about preparation and things they can control to "not get ahead of ourselves" for the rivalry game. "You don't want to add to the hype. There's gonna be enough hype organically with the game itself."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 24, 2022
