Rashan Gary calls Michigan State 'little sister,' says state belongs to U-M
Phil FriendTo quote Mark Dantonio, it'll never be over.
The latest chapter in the Michigan State-Michigan football off-the-field rivalry comes courtesy of former Wolverine defensive end Rashan Gary.
Gary, who's expected to be a first-round pick in next week's NFL draft, appeared on "The Rich Eisen Show" on Thursday and fired a shot at the Spartans at the end of the interview.
When Eisen asked about Devin Bush stomping on midfield before the Michigan State game this past fall, a 21-7 Wolverine win that Gary missed due to injury, Gary referred to the Spartans as "little sister."
Twice.
"That's just a game I wish I was there for," Gary said. "Every time you go play our little sister ... little sister ... It's always the type of passion, the anger you have for that type of game. Just seeing my brother go out there with his emotions I would've had times a hundred, it hurts. But we came out with a win and we own Michigan. Period.
"Just so everybody knows out there, for you State fans, University of Michigan Wolverines, that's our state. Period."
That's not the first time we've seen that phrase used. Former MSU RB LJ Scott used the "little sister" jab against U-M at the Big Ten media days in July 2018. It, of course, originates from 2007, when Michigan running back Mike Hart called MSU "little brother."
Since then, MSU has won eight of the past 11 games and the Spartan basketball team also went 3-0 vs. U-M this season. Both hoop teams were ranked in the top 10 all three times.
So whose state is it, really?
U-M went 2-1 vs. MSU during Gary's time in Ann Arbor, losing 14-10 in 2017 and winning, 32-23, in 2016.
The most recent online spat between the two football programs came in November when coaching staff Twitter accounts exchanged barbs regarding Chase Winovich and Kenny Willekes.
Contact digital sports reporter Phil Friend at 517-377-1220 or pfriend@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Phil_Friend.