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Harbaugh notes: Rivalry shouldn't boost play

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh discusses the Michigan State rivalry on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. Video by Mark Snyder / DFP

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has a reputation for approaching situations differently than conventional wisdom, such as de-emphasizing the Michigan State rivalry game Saturday (3:30 p.m., ESPN).

He has offered up significant respect for the Spartans, saying Monday night that "they are as good a college football team as there is." So the lack of emphasis is not a commentary on the rivalry, it's more an attitude of consistency he wants his team to have.