​It appears the latest mantra coming out of Ann Arbor is that “The Game” is just that, another game, however that won’t be how the rivalry is suddenly seen by the fanbases. Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was asked recently how the Ohio State matchup differs from others on the Wolverines’ schedule, and his response may have come as a surprise to those who follow the rivalry. “It’s just another game,” Underwood said. “Just, we’re guys in a different color. That’s how I see it.”Asked Bryce Underwood about The Game. Here is what the Michigan QB had to say: pic.twitter.com/Gi7s4KCGby— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) August 11, 2026Underwood’s words come after newly hired head coach Kyle Whittingham has generated his own controversy about the rivalry’s intensity. Whittingham appeared at Big Ten Media Days and mentioned that a rivalry can be emotional and intense without a “hatred factor,” adding he believed that hate did not have a place in it.The tone coming out of Ann Arbor is hard to ignore. Michigan’s quarterback calls it another game and the new head coach says the hatred is unnecessary. Neither statement is inherently wrong, but the Buckeyes won’t need any sort of extra motivation when Michigan visits Ohio State. Whittingham and Underwood will have their chance to prove their perspectives on Nov. 28. Until then, fanbases of both teams will reasonably wonder if Michigan’s newest leaders fully understand that the Buckeyes are never just “guys in a different color.”Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Sunny on X:@thesunnyvThis article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Michigan QB Bryce Underwood Downplays Ohio State Rivalry