Mark Dantonio explained why he went for two-point conversion
Hindsight is 20-20.
If Michigan State converted a two-point conversion to take a 18-17 lead against No. 2 Ohio State, Mark Dantonio would’ve made “the call of the year.”
But that’s not how it worked out. Tyler O’Connor threw an interception, MSU never tied it up at 17-17, and the Spartans couldn’t muster a go-ahead rally late.
As expected, Dantonio was asked about his gutsy call. His answer summed up what many 3-7 coaches would’ve done in that spot.
“All week long I said if we get close at the end of the game, we’re going for two, we’re going to take an aggressive approach and play to win the football game rather than tie a football game at the end,” Dantonio said. “That’s what I felt like we wanted to do.”
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Michigan State got into the end zone by feeding L.J. Scott. But the Spartans went away from their lead tailback and drew up a passing play.
Still, Dantonio stood by his call. He said he had faith in the defense to hold the Buckeyes and at least give them a chance.
“I felt like we still had an opportunity with four minutes to go that the risk would be that if we stopped them, that we still had the opportunity to get the ball back, kick a field goal and win a football game,” he said. “…I felt like either way, we had a chance to win the game.”