Head coach Kyle Whittingham made comments on Michigan’s rivalry with Ohio State.

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When listing the best rivalries in college football, you cannot omit the one simply referred to as “The Game.”

In recent years, the sustained success of each program has added big-time implications to each installment of The Game, so emotions on each side are higher than ever. New Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham was asked about his understanding of the rivalry this week, and he kept it cool and respectful when talking about the Buckeyes.

“I’m certainly aware of it. It’s the biggest rivalry in the country in our opinion,” Whittingham said at Big Ten Media Days on Thursday. “It’s something that is in the back of my mind every day, but I am old school and I believe in taking it one game at a time.”

“We got 11 games to play before we get to that game, so we can’t obsess over it, at least not just yet.”

In another interview, he gave another calculated and cautious answer. “I think that a rivalry can be intense and emotional without the hatred factor. I don’t think there is any place for that personally,” Whittingham said.

While some fans may like these answers, most Michigan fans have stronger feelings towards the Buckeyes, and they won’t be thrilled. Michigan lost to the Buckeyes last year at home, which ended a stretch of four consecutive wins against the Buckeyes. Since 2000, Michigan is 7-18 vs Ohio State.

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