Head coach Mark Dantonio shakes Michigan head coach Brady Hoke's hand Oct. 25, 2014, after the game against Michigan at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines, 35-11. Julia Nagy/The State News
Before No. 8 MSU (7-1 overall, 4-0 Big Ten) took on Michigan (3-5 overall, 1-3 Big Ten) on Saturday, U-M players took a metal tent stake and drove it into the ground at the 35 yard line.
MSU players said this gesture motivated them, and went into the decision to try to score a touchdown in the final minute of a game that was already well in hand.
Sunday U-M head coach Brady Hoke issued a statement apologizing for the incident.
"I want to publicly apologize to coach Dantonio as well as the players and supporters of Michigan State for our act of poor sportsmanship displayed pre-game yesterday," he said. "We believe in displaying a high level of respect at the University of Michigan and unfortunately that was not reflected by this action prior to kick-off."
Hoke said the stake was used by the team Friday as a motivational symbol of commitment and hard work in a tough environment. The stake was brought into the locker room Saturday as motivation and one of the team leaders brought the stake out of the locker room before the game.
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