Michigan State's Aaron Burbridge may find motivation in Michigan snub

Michigan State and the University of Michigan's ferocious in-state rivalry is known to incite a high level of emotion. But Saturday's game likely means even more for one Spartans receiver reportedly spurned by the Wolverines three years ago.

Junior pass-catcher Aaron Burbridge is from Farmington Hills, Mich., the same school Wolverines standout receiver Devin Funchess and defensive end Mario Ojemudia attended.

His final two choices coming out of high school were the Spartans and the Wolverines. However, SB Nation reported the Wolverines stopped recruiting him late in the process. 

"You know I thought about it, they're up next,'' Burbridge said after the No. 8-ranked Spartans beat Indiana 56-17 in Bloomington.

One has to assume Burbridge is happy with his decision after the No. 8 Spartans lost just one game en route to the Big Ten championship in 2013. In 2014, they've lost one game and look poised to repeat as champions. 

Meanwhile, Michigan's program has gone in the opposite direction over the past season and a half.

Burbridge trails only senior Tony Lippett in receptions among wide receivers on the Spartans, having caught 13 passes for 158 yards and a score.

"It feels good to help this offense out,'' he said. "The coaches trust me, Connor (Cook) trusts me, all the receivers trust me."

Burbridge caught six balls for 51 yards against the Wolverines two years ago, but he missed last year's 29-6 beatdown on Michigan due to a hamstring injury.