Here you have it. The stake that now is in rivalry lore. RT @zimme1me: @joerexrode pic.twitter.com/SQQzqDPMZr
— Mike Wilson (@MikeWScout) October 26, 2014
Michigan State walked over Michigan as expected Saturday, with a 35-11 win. Brady Hoke's coaching coffin apparently wasn't the only thing that had something driven into it, as a Michigan player planted an object described as either a stake or a spear in Spartan Stadium before the game.
That would be junior linebacker Joe Bolden contributing to the Spartans running up the score late, according to the Spartans. Jeremy Langford scored a five-yard touchdown run with 28 seconds left to make it 35-11.
Apparently Michigan planted a spear on the field right before kickoff. Connor Cook said "the disrespect" was why Spartans scored late.
— Dan Murphy (@DanMurphyESPN) October 25, 2014
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio was not happy with the incident.
Dantonio with some strong words on Michigan, "Coming out like they're all that," with spear/stake incident.
— Dan Kilbridge (@MSUDanK) October 25, 2014
"Them putting a spear in a field before the game is not a product of their team but their program." - Dantonio on the UofM Pregame spear.
— Rico Beard (@RicoBeard) October 25, 2014
When asked about the final score, Dantonio said "It just felt like we needed to put a stake in them at that point."
Brady Hoke was unclear as to how much he actually knew -- not an unfamiliar situation.
Someone mentioned to Hoke that a UM player planted a "spear" before the game. Hoke says he’s aware, but not "fully aware."
— Joshua Henschke (@JoshuaHenschke) October 25, 2014
Update, 10/26: Hoke has released a statement.
Official statement from Brady Hoke on the pregame spear. pic.twitter.com/AKA3bYbYNC
— Joshua Henschke (@JoshuaHenschke) October 26, 2014