Kyle Whittingham is trying to bring stability to Michigan, a program that's been ensnared in scandal for years. While the culture change the former longtime Utah head coach is overseeing appeared convincing at Big Ten media days in Chicago last month, Whittingham's remarks about the Wolverines' longstanding series with Ohio State gave a faction of the maize and blue faithful some pause.
"I just think that a rivalry can be intense and emotional without the hatred factor on it," Whittingham said on July 30. "I don't think there's any place for that, personally."
That response was amenable and arguably refreshing, considering the storied showdown has recently been characterized by personal animosity, chiefly among the teams' head coaches. But a contingent of fans seemingly wanted more from Whittingham. When asked about that flak during Monday's news conference, Whittingham clarified that he's "not trying to downplay" the matchup.
That same day, an interview, in which his quarterback uttered a line that arguably does just that, started its spread across the internet.
Wolverines sophomore signal-caller Bryce Underwood described "The Game" as " just another game" in a 1-on-1 with NBC Sports' John Fanta.

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