Michigan State will start its third-string quarterback against the University of Michigan this Saturday, claiming it doesn’t need starter Connor Cook to win this week’s rivalry game against the floundering Wolverines.
According to multiple reports out of East Lansing, true freshman Michael Hartley will be under center on Saturday. Hartley, a two-star recruit out of Alpena, was the fifth-stringer until last week when he was promoted after several impressive practices.
Although the move has shocked seasoned college football observers, the Spartans say they simply need to save their energy for more challenging opponents.
“Conner has a long season ahead of him,” Hartley said at a press conference this morning. “He needs to rest up for Ohio State the following week. It’s no big deal. I’m sure I can handle it.
“This is Michigan. And Michigan is kind of like our little brother. Sometimes we let them feel like they have a chance to win. But in the end they always go down. After all it’s not like we’re facing a quality Big 10 opponent like Minnesota or Maryland.
“I’ve never played a down in college football. But the truth is we could start my 12-year-old sister at quarterback and still win this game by 20 points.”
The Michigan - Michigan State rivalry has been played almost every year since 1910 and is one of the oldest in college sports. Although Michigan State has dominated Michigan in recent years, Michigan leads the all time series 68-33-5.
This year’s contest is on the verge of being uncompetitive, with the Spartans favored by a record 17 points as Michigan experiences one of its worst seasons in generations under coach Brady Hoke.
When asked if MSU’s personnel change will affect the Wolverines’ game-plan, Hoke responded with unflinching candor.
"I've gotta be honest with you, I'm not entirely aware of who either team plays at quarterback during the game. I'm not that type of coach. I leave the little things to my assistants and I'm sure Doug and Greg have everything under control.”
