Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big Ten Basketball: 10 most polarizing figures in Michigan-Michigan State rivalry

By Joe Cook-Shugart

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Michigan Wolverines celebrates a teammates made basket from the bench during a 82-72 win over the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Michigan Wolverines celebrates a teammates made basket from the bench during a 82-72 win over the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Head coach Izzo of Michigan State. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Head coach Izzo of Michigan State. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. Tom Izzo

I chose the title of polarizing figures and not polarizing players for a reason, and Izzo’s inclusion in this countdown is that reason. Given that he’s been the head coach at Michigan State since 1995, limiting the characters to the past decade is inconsequential to Izzo’s inclusion in this countdown.

With all respect to the late Jud Heathcote and Duffy Daugherty, Izzo is the best coach Michigan State has ever had in the two major moneymaking college sports. Accordingly, he’s going to be lauded by the green and white faithful and loathed by the maize and blue. However, there is something more going on here, because (Spoiler Alert) John Beilein is not found anywhere in this countdown, and he will likely go down as Michigan’s best basketball coach of all time. So what gives?

Two words: Sideline demeanor.

Izzo has a passion for the sport, a passion for his players, and a passion for hollering at officials – the latter of which is often times merited. Nevertheless, it is the persistent anguished expressions and jumping up and down that cause such visceral reactions from each one of these rabid fan bases. Wolverines find it infuriating, while Spartans admire his spirited shows of emotion.

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