Rutgers’ Ash: ‘No rivalry with Michigan yet’

Chicago – Rutgers coach Chris Ash is enjoying how enthusiastic Scarlet Knights fans have been, but he is not yet ready to jump on board in the rivalry they have created with Michigan.

Ash, entering his first fall coaching Rutgers, was asked Monday during Big Ten media days about his Scarlet Knights fans and their rivalry with Michigan.

“I’ll start by saying there’s no rivalry with Michigan yet,” Ash said. “They’ve done some things we have not been able to do.

“I think it’s great when fans get a chance in the offseason to talk about college football and have fun with college football. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and the job he’s done this year and the program they’ve had for several years.”

Ash said he hopes to develop rivalries with every Big Ten team Rutgers plays.

“It’s great the fans are involved and care and are passionate about what we’re doing at Rutgers,” Ash said.

The Rutgers fans’ rivalry with Michigan grew stronger over the summer when Harbaugh and his staff held a satellite camp at Paramus Catholic in New Jersey while Ash scheduled a camp the same day 30 miles away.

Players to watch on Michigan's 2016 schedule

A group of Rutgers fans called the “Order of the Bulls Blood” left Rutgers magnets on the 50-yard line of the Paramus field early in the morning before the camp.

The group of “elite student leaders” claimed in an email to NJ.com that they were protecting “our state” and placed a curse on the Michigan football program.

“Tonight sparked the beginning of the end for Wolverine football, and no longer will they return to their former glory,” the group wrote in a letter. “The Curse of The Bambino reigned for 86 years, Michigan’s will last for 28.”

Michigan plays Rutgers on the road on Oct. 8.