Former Michigan QB Chad Henne Respects Ohio State but Calls Michigan State ‘A Little Dirty’
Former Michigan quarterback Chad Henne recently opened up about his experiences playing in one of college football’s most heated rivalries, acknowledging his respect for Ohio State while taking a pointed jab at Michigan State. Henne, who played for the Wolverines from 2004 to 2007, described Ohio State as a “hard-nosed, disciplined team,” but when it came to Michigan State, he didn’t hold back, calling their style of play “a little dirty.”
A Rivalry of Respect: Michigan vs. Ohio State
While Michigan’s rivalry with Ohio State is often considered the most intense in college football, Henne made it clear that, despite the animosity, there was always a level of respect between the two programs.
“Ohio State, they were tough, they were physical, but they played the game the right way,” Henne said. “There was always that deep-rooted rivalry, and we didn’t like each other, but there was mutual respect. You knew you were getting a battle every time you stepped on the field against them.”
Henne had his fair share of battles against the Buckeyes, facing off against them four times during his college career. While he was never able to beat Ohio State, he recognized the level of competition and the talent they put on the field. The matchups were physical and intense, but in his eyes, they never crossed the line.
Michigan State: ‘A Little Dirty’
When it came to Michigan State, however, Henne’s tone changed. The in-state rivalry between the Wolverines and the Spartans has always been nasty, but Henne suggested that Michigan State’s style of play often went beyond just hard-hitting football.
“They were a little dirty, to be honest,” Henne said. “You always expected a little extra after the whistle, some late hits, some cheap shots—it was just part of the way they played.”
This sentiment isn’t new among Michigan players. Over the years, the Wolverines have had multiple heated incidents with the Spartans, including the infamous “Little Brother” comment by former Michigan running back Mike Hart in 2007 and the pregame altercation before the 2018 game when Michigan State players walked through Michigan’s warm-ups, leading to a confrontation.
Henne’s remarks reflect the general feeling among Michigan players who have competed in the rivalry, where emotions run high and tensions frequently boil over. The physicality of the Michigan-Michigan State matchup often leads to skirmishes and post-game controversies, further fueling the animosity between the two programs.
A Career of Big Games
Henne played in some of the most high-stakes games in Michigan football history, going 3-1 against Michigan State but failing to secure a win over Ohio State. After his time in Ann Arbor, he went on to have a lengthy NFL career, serving as a reliable backup for multiple teams and winning two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Even years after his college playing days, Henne still carries strong feelings about the rivalries he experienced. His comments reinforce the idea that while Michigan vs. Ohio State is built on respect, the Michigan-Michigan State feud is fueled by bitterness, physicality, and, in Henne’s words, a little bit of dirtiness.
