While Penn State has blown out its fair share of competition, the Nittany Lions have also won a handful of close games this season. At least in one of those contests — against Pitt — it was a lot closer than the fan base expected it to be.

But according to Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, that’s not a sign of weakness, but strength. Dantonio complimented Penn State in his press conference Tuesday for closing out three games “when things started to get tight.”

Of course, Ronnie Bell dropping a touchdown in the end zone on fourth-and-goal for Michigan with two minutes remaining was a big help to Penn State in its 28-21 win this past Saturday.

Against Pitt, Penn State kept the Panthers out of the end zone late in that game while leading by seven as well. Instead of going for the tying touchdown like Michigan did on fourth down, Pitt elected to kick a field goal at the goal line, which the team missed.

Despite some help from opponents, though, Dantonio’s comments are still true. Also during his press conference, he praised Penn State wide receiver K.J. Hamler, who he says Michigan State wanted to land badly in recruiting.

Michigan State will host Penn State in East Lansing at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday.