Mark Dantonio previews Pinstripe Bowl matchup with Wake Forest
Michigan State will indeed face off with a Power 5 opponent in the postseason.
With the bowl slate being unveiled on Sunday, news trickled out that the Spartans are heading to New York City for the Pinstripe Bowl. On the other side of the ball, Michigan State will be taking on Wake Forest out of the ACC. The game will be played in Yankee Stadium, traditionally a Major League Baseball venue.
Unfortunately, it will mark a fourth straight season without a New Year’s Six/BCS appearance after three straight from 2013-15. However, it should be noted that the Spartans have a shot to finish with a winning record for a third straight season since the 2016 disaster. It would also be the 11th time in 13 seasons under head coach Mark Dantonio that the team has finished with a winning record.
RELATED: Destinations, opponents for all 9 B1G bowl teams revealed
Following Sunday’s announcement, Dantonio took the time to preview the bowl matchup. Chris Solari with the Detroit Free Press shared Dantonio’s comments:
Dantonio asked about additional attrition before the bowl game: "It's unknown." Asked about players sitting out, he said he is coming off recruiting. "Don't anticipate that, but you never know."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
Dantonio on playing in cold weather: "I think we're conditioned for that at the very least." Plans to practice outside to prepare for Yankee Stadium.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
Dantonio: "What makes everybody happy is when you win the bowl game."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
Dantonio asked about bowl games as a springboard into next season: "I think you want to have momentum leaving your season." Said winning the 2012 BWW Bowl helped toward the 2013 Rose Bowl. "I just know that 7-6 is better than 6-7 and better than 6-6."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
Dantonio says MSU will begin bowl practice next Friday/Saturday. Spartans will leave for NYC on Dec. 23.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
MSU cannot take four QBs to the bowl game, Dantonio said, but plans to give younger QBs more "meaningful reps" during practice.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
In addition to his bowl comments, Dantonio also touched on the upcoming early signing period, staff evaluations, searching the transfer portal, and watching Saturday’s B1G Championship between Ohio State and Wisconsin:
Dantonio says he expects all of MSU's commitments to sign during the early period.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
Dantonio asked about staff evaluations, says it will take place after the season.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/chrissolari/status/1203806691285843970?s=20
Dantonio says he "took a step back in time" watching Ohio State-Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game. "It takes you back a little bit, as we need to continue to ride the horse toward that horizon."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 8, 2019
When it comes to the Pinstripe Bowl, kickoff against Wake Forest is slated for Dec. 27 at 3:20 pm EST. Coverage will be on ESPN.
