New Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham addressed the intensity of the program’s rivalry with Ohio State during Big Ten Media Days this week, emphasizing competitive focus over personal animosity.
Core Facts:
- Whittingham, in his first season at Michigan after 22 years at Utah, called the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry one of the most important in college football but rejected the notion of personal hatred toward the Buckeyes.
- He framed the rivalry as intense and emotionally charged without requiring personal animosity, stating, "Hate's a strong word."
Context and Background:
Whittingham, who previously coached in Utah’s rivalry with BYU, acknowledged the unique scale of the Michigan-Ohio State matchup, often referred to as "The Game." He stressed the importance of focusing on the 11 games leading up to the rivalry game, while recognizing its significance in the Big Ten championship picture.
"I haven't learned really much more than I already knew. It's a national game. Everybody knows about it. It's 'The Game' as we call it. It's of great importance to both sides, obviously," Whittingham said. "But I'm an old-school coach. We got 11 games that we play before that, so we're not going to get ahead of ourselves."
He added that while the rivalry holds national allure, Michigan’s immediate focus remains on the games preceding it. Whittingham also expressed hope that the game could decide the Big Ten championship, calling such a scenario "ideal."
Perspective on Rivalry Intensity:
Whittingham’s comments came amid broader discussions about the emotional weight of the rivalry. He noted that while the game carries significant implications, he does not frame it in terms of personal hatred. "I want to win that game as badly as anybody in Ann Arbor," he said. "I think the best-case scenario comes down to that 12th game. That's for all the marbles in the Big Ten."
He also referenced interactions with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, calling him "a pretty good guy" and stating that he sees no need to manufacture personal animosity. "To sit here and say, 'I hate Ryan Day,' I'd be making crap up," Whittingham said.
Contrast with Previous Ohio State Approach:
The remarks follow statements from former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, who has openly discussed the personal hatred he felt toward Michigan during his tenure. Meyer, in a May interview, described the rivalry as deeply personal, saying, "The hatred I had for that school... I'll take that with me the rest of my life."
Whittingham, however, indicated he does not adopt a similar approach, emphasizing that rivalry intensity can exist without personal hostility. His stance reflects a shift in tone compared to previous Michigan coaching staffs, which have often framed the rivalry in more adversarial terms.
Implications for 2024 Season:
Whittingham’s comments come as Michigan prepares to face Ohio State in November, a game that could determine the Big Ten championship if both teams perform as expected. The rivalry has intensified in recent years, particularly after Michigan’s 2024 road victory over Ohio State as an unranked team.
The Wolverines, under new leadership, will look to build on that momentum while navigating a challenging schedule leading up to "The Game." Whittingham’s focus on process over rhetoric suggests a strategic approach to managing the high stakes of the rivalry.