Getty Image / Michael Miller
While most think of Ohio State and Michigan as the rivalry that contains the most hatred in the Big Ten, Michigan and Michigan State are pretty close behind. Both teams and fan bases completely despise the other, and things can get pretty heated.
After a brawl in the tunnel at The Big House in 2022, things got heated between the two teams again this year on the field. But, The Big Ten has decided not to hand out any discipline related to the incident.
In 2022, things totally went off the rails. Michigan Stadium famously only has one tunnel that both teams use. After the game, there was an incident in the tunnel that resulted in seven Spartan players being criminally charged and eight players being suspended by the Big Ten. It was a really ugly incident, to say the least.
Seven Michigan State players have been charged with criminal assault in connection with a tunnel brawl with Michigan players on October 29.
(via @mattcharboneau)pic.twitter.com/NpEPkXjUwe
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 23, 2022
ESPN captured tunnel video of the Michigan State incident with Michigan after the game on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Woq3UDl8Xj
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 31, 2022
On Saturday, the Wolverines beat Michigan State, 24-17. At the end of the game, a scuffle broke out.
Loveland starts the scuffle with a headbutt, but the media will tell you that Michigan State did pic.twitter.com/FUgeDRtK2U
— Justin Miller (@justinmmiller27) October 27, 2024
Michigan State lost the game and wanted to pick a fight with Michigan
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) October 27, 2024
Pretty ugly scene, though a lot tamer than the scene two years ago. Still, not a good look for anyone involved.
But, according to the Detroit News, there will be no discipline handed out. The conference had this to say.
The Big Ten Conference thoroughly reviewed video of the incident that occurred at the conclusion of Saturday’s Michigan-Michigan State football game,” the statement read. “Amidst the confrontation student-athletes from both teams were on the ground and surrounded by so many individuals that both players were completely obscured from view.
“The video review was inconclusive as to whether individual discipline was appropriate for anyone in the immediate vicinity of the two players who were on the ground, While the confrontation was a disappointing conclusion to the contest, the Conference appreciates the efforts made by staff from both teams, security personnel, and game officials to rapidly de-escalate the incident, as well as the responses by both head coaches. The Big Ten discussed the situation with both institutions and determined that no further action will be taken.
Both teams will need all the help they can get this year, as it’s been a rough year for each.