At the midpoint of the Big Ten schedule, Michigan State, Michigan and Nebraska are 9-1 in conference play to tie for first while No. “Rivalries are always rivalries but rivalries when both teams are good are more important rivalries and bigger rivalries,” Izzo said. It is that way this year and that’s great.”Izzo, now in his 31st season leading Michigan State, has a 36-21 all-time record against Michigan with four straight victories. “You guys are awesome, too, because every year you want me to tell you how much I hate ‘em,” Izzo said with a laugh. I had my time when I hated ‘em and didn’t respect ‘em and it cost me, so I got smarter in younger days.