Michigan 29, MSU 7: The Team vs. The Meme

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Both Mel Tucker and J.J. McCarthy had relatively spicy things to say to the ABC crew either before or during Saturday’s latest edition of the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry — particularly in comparison to what was a relatively tame week of talk leading into the game.

Before opening kickoff, ABC’s Molly McGrath revealed that McCarthy told her the following leading up to the game:

“A loss to Michigan State will not happen again. We want total domination in this game and will keep our foot on the gas no matter the score. We’re not playing to avoid a loss, we’re playing to dominate them.”

Meanwhile, here’s what Michigan State coach Mel Tucker told McGrath during halftime, which she made sure to emphasize he said “multiple times:”

“They can not cover our receivers. They can’t cover our guys. And that gives us a chance to win this game.”

There was very little left in translation for either comment. Both were confident. Both were direct. And that’s about where the similarities end.

McCarthy’s words proved to be prophetic. Tucker’s words proved to be pathetic.