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Mazi Smith, Ryan Hayes talk significance of ‘state championship’ against MSU

Related Topics: Ryan Hayes, Michigan, Mazi Smith

For one week a year, battlelines are drawn between co-workers, friend groups and even families in the state of Michigan. From Marquette to Downriver, you’re expected to pick a side even if you don’t follow either team — hell, even if you don’t care about sports.

It’s Michigan-MSU week, and Mazi Smith and Ryan Hayes know it well all too well having grown up in the Mitten State.

“You look at the history of the games we’ve played and the history of the teams, you look at the rivalry and you see why players play hard in this game,” Smith, a native of Grand Rapids, said.