SpartanMag.com - Hoke on MSU series: 'It's been an ass kicking'

June 13, 2012

Jim Comparoni
SpartanMag.com Publisher

SOUTHFIELD - Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio is usually the guy trumpeting Spartan success, spiced with jabs and bravado. But on Wednesday at a football camp and clinic in suburban Detroit, Michigan head coach Brady Hoke spread Dantonio's gospel for him.

While serving as a guest speaker at Day 1 of the Sound Mind Sound Body Camp at Southfield High School, Hoke mentioned Michigan's recent losing streak to the Spartans. "We have a great in-state rivalry with Michigan State, and they have kicked our ass for the last four years," Hoke said.

Michigan State defeated Michigan 28-14 during Hoke's first season at Michigan in 2011. Prior to Hoke's arrival, Michigan State beat Michigan 34-17 in 2010, 26-20 in 2009 and 35-21 in 2008.

Hoke's strong language drew a few laughs from the more than 600 high school football players from several states who attended the camp.

Hoke told the gathering at the Southfield High auditorium that he wanted his speech to have the feel of a players meeting at the University of Michigan. "You're in a team meeting right now," Hoke told them.

Hoke said when player meetings begin at Michigan, he often begins with basic questions, such as:

"How many championships?"

Hoke trained the campers to answer in unison: "42!"

"How many years?"

"133," as in this being the 133rd year of Michigan football.

And the third question is usually some form of, "Who are we going to beat?"

Answer: "Ohio," as in Ohio State University.

Hoke prefaced that third question by first giving respect to Michigan State and Notre Dame.

"We have three great rivalries," Hoke said. "One with the University of Notre Dame. We cherish that (rivalry) and that opportunity."

That lead into his salute of sorts to Michigan State.

Hoke quickly apologized to the campers for his language but added, "There is no other way of looking at it. It's been an ass kicking.

"Just being honest with you. Pardon me about my language, but it's the truth."

Dantonio will be a guest speaker at Day 2 of the Sound Mind Sound Body Camp on Thursday. But don't look for Dantonio to pile on. At last week's Detroit Economic Club meeting, Dantonio resisted sending any barbs Michigan's way, stating that "I promised my family that I wouldn't go there."

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