The Michigan Wolverines are seeking their fifth-straight win against the Ohio State Buckeyes with a chance to clinch a Big Ten title berth barring extra help around the league.
Speaking to the media Monday, coach Sherrone Moore is treating this game like a playoff game.
“Be the loudest, most ravenous, most energetic crowd we’ve had in Michigan Stadium — ever," Moore said.
Moore added that his players recognize what a win would do for the program but that if handled properly, the rest should take care of itself.
“This is a new team, new staff, new players, new coaches," Moore said. "They’re a different team and we’re a different team. All we can do is work to be successful on Saturday.”
Moore said should the Wolverines win, the on-field aftermath will be hardly identical to last season.
"We talked about that.. When we win a game we're going to go to our student section- shake hands," Moore said. "Cordial ending."
It seems apparent that Moore is tired of overselling his team and just wants to play football.
“I mean, I just think we’re gonna go prepare for the game. I don’t know what really outside the building — none of that really matters," Moore said. "What people think, what people say doesn’t matter. What matters is how we prepare, how we get ready for this game mentally, and that’s it. I don’t know about the mental edge piece. I just know that we’re gonna go prepare to win the game.”
Moore opted to take a swipe at other rivalries in sports, adding more fuel to the fire.
“This one is different," Moore said. "You can’t describe it. Literally, I could try to describe you the feeling of exactly what it feels like. ‘Oh, it feels like this, it feels like this.’ I can’t. Like, I remember last year, going on the field with Jaishawn (Barham), and we’re running out during warmups, and he’s like, ‘Oh, this is different.’ And Jaishawn don’t say much, so for him to say that… It’s a feeling that you can’t describe."
For those who have never been part of the rivalry, Moore said it's truly indescribable.
"It’s an intensity," Moore said. "It’s just an aura about it that you can’t describe until you get on the field, but it’s awesome to be a part of. It’s great to be a part of this. It’s the best rivalry in sports, in my opinion. It’s the funnest one to be a part of. It’s competitive. There’s nothing like it.”
Come Saturday, a new chapter in the rivalry story will be written. The question remains, whether Michigan will remain on top against its biggest rival, which would add an even greater narrative of dominance to rivalry, largely won by the Wolverines in the last few years.
We will find out soon enough.