P.J. Fleck says people should be surprised when Michigan beats MSU, not vice versa
Many were surprised when Michigan State upset No. 7 Michigan in the Big House.
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck is not one of them. For evidence, look no further than his response when he was asked about the Spartans win in Ann Arbor,
"I think they've beaten them 8 out of the last 10 times so I don't think you can be surprised at all," Fleck said during his Tuesday press conference. "I think it would almost be the other way. If Michigan beats Michigan State you should be surprised in these times."
New Gophers coach P.J. Fleck came to Minneapolis this offseason after a five-year stint at Western Michigan. That stint included two games against Michigan State and Mark Dantonio, in 2013 and 2015.
As the former Western Michigan coach pointed out, MSU has had plenty of success against their rivals to the south, but that hasn't seemed to change the national perception of the rivalry.
It's a sometimes-frustrating fact for Spartan fans, but also what often motivates Mark Dantonio and his teams.
Fleck went on to say he believes Dantonio is a Hall of Fame coach and one of the best in the country.
"Being where Michigan was ranked 7th that's a big win for the Spartans," he said. "A big win for their program and where they are in 2017 and where they will continue to go. Any time you have a big win like that with a young football team, that's what creates that excitement, that enthusiasm and really propels you into the future."
No. 21 Michigan State (4-1) travels to Minnesota (3-2) on Saturday. Kickoff from TCF Bank Stadium is set for 8 p.m. The game will be televised on Big Ten Network.
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