DETROIT (WWJ) - A battle of words flying between Ann Arbor and E. Lansing months before the kick-off of the state rivalry.

It seems that Michigan State University head football coach Mark Dantonio stated that he felt Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was a 'tragic hero' and the tweets started flying shortly after.

Most notably commenting on the 'tragic hero' musing was University of Michigan radio broadcaster and former Michigan offensive lineman, Jim Brandstatter:

"When is lying to your boss, to the NCAA heroic. Is it heroic to teach young men that wrong isn't wrong unless you get caught? Gimme a break," tweeted Brandstatter.

Brandstatter earlier tweeted, "Sorry...but tragic hero remark about Tressel is wrong on a lot of levels," twitted Brandstatter.

According to the Detroit News Dantonio responded to the tweets with, "I don't even know who that guy is ... as far as I'm concerned, he's never coached one day of college football or had a relationship with college players, a real meaningful relationship."

"But I know I'm going to be criticized. I figured I would be, but that's OK. It wouldn't be the first time," added Dantonio.

Sounds like the start of lingering tweets until we have the chance to toss barbs before the MSU-UM match-up on October 15th.