It’s going to be tough. As Ohio State fans, we are supposed to hate everything about Michigan, especially the head coach. To be honest, the first two regimes made this very easy to do. Jim Harbaugh and Sherron Moore both made Buckeye Nation unbearable. Not because of the four-game winning streak, but because they finally won four games and they’re playing like they’ve been doing it for years. Constantly crying at referees, taunting fans from the sidelines, and allowing players to display classless behavior with flag plants makes it second nature to dislike the leader of the Maize and Blue.
But now, one of the most endearing characters in college football over the past 20 years will be walking the sidelines in Ann Arbor. During his introductory press conference today, Kyle Whittingham was asked a variety of questions about his team’s plans and goals. A reporter got right to the point and asked him what he thought of Ohio State. In complete contrast to his predecessor, Whittingham answered in a way that made him feel more like a lovable Labrador retriever than an annoying adversary, saying, “I guess that’s it now,” to laughter from the room.
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It sounds like the new Wolverines head coach understands the seriousness of the rivalry, but also recognizes the need for respect. He went on to say that watching Ohio State and Michigan play as a youngster helped him fall in love with football. Just listen to his response below to see how much Whittingham admires Ohio State, as he coached with Urban Meyer at Utah and served as Meyer’s defensive coordinator.
It’s really hard for OSU fans to hate Kyle Whittingham. Maybe that will change as the season goes on. I mean, the dark side has a way of making the best of people become the villains of the story. Until then, Buckeye Nation, we have to do our best not to like this guy… I guess.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: New Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham talks Ohio State rivalry
