Michigan State's LJ Scott: Michigan football is 'our little sisters'

Kirkland Crawford | Detroit Free Press

It's a tale almost as old as time, or so it seems.

Michigan and Michigan State, talking smack since the beginning of their football rivalry.

The latest salvo – not counting fans and followers on social media, of course – was fired by MSU running back LJ Scott.

During Big Ten media days in Chicago, Scott fielded questions about his dealings with U-M.

"It's just like we get no respect from them," Scott said about the rivalry. "And I pretty much learned that freshman year."

After recalling that trip to Ann Arbor — the 2015 game that ended with the Jalen Watts-Jackson fumbled-snap touchdown — he was asked about why he thinks there's a lack of respect from the U-M and their fans.

"I don't know, probably because they're our little sisters, I guess," Scott said.

Comparing the opponent to a younger sibling dates back to 2007, when Michigan running back Mike Hart famously dubbed MSU "little brother" after rushing for 110 yards in the Wolverines' 28-24 win.

More: Couch: For LJ Scott, a big senior year means ending his mother's struggle

Two days later, MSU coach Mark Dantonio replied with perhaps a prophetic quote that included: "I find a lot of the things they do amusing. They need to check themselves sometimes. Let’s just remember, pride comes before the fall."

Since then, the Spartans have won eight of 10 against the Wolverines, three Big Ten titles, a Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl and reached the College Football Playoff.

Michigan has had no such success.

Before Scott's comments, it seemed that U-M linebacker Devin Bush was in the lead for "Bulletin Board Material of the Year."

A Twitter user named @SpartyDigital posted a comment and video on July 11 that showed MSU lineman Luke Campbell knocking over Bush during last year's game.

Here's how Bush responded that evening:

Lil bros talking? they must be out of timeout now — Devin Bush ll (@_Dbush11) July 12, 2018

The Wolverines visit the Spartans on Oct. 20.

Contact Kirkland Cawford: kcrawford@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @HiKirkHere.