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What Mark Dantonio said at Michigan State’s weekly press conference
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It was a disappointing Saturday out West for Michigan State, dropping its Week 2 matchup to Arizona State 16-13. The Spartans had plenty of opportunities to put points on the board but struggled to find the end zone.
Michigan State now goes into a bye week after the loss and will travel to Bloomington on Sept. 22 to play a currently 2-0 Indiana team.
Dantonio talked plenty about the team’s loss Saturday and areas it needs to improve before entering conference play in two weeks.
Here’s what Dantonio had to say Tuesday:
Dantonio: Third down, red-zone offense hurt MSU in loss, "Tough deal. We regathered ourselves on the way home."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 11, 2018
Dantonio: "People can get pulled apart or come together" after a loss. "If you work together, it forges unity, solidarity and, most importantly, action."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 11, 2018
Dantonio: David Beedle and LJ Scott not long-term issues. Left Tyriq Thompson at home "because he got into a situation." Said the LB rejoined the team Monday.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 11, 2018
Dantonio: MSU had chance for 28 points "and you come away with 13." Wants team to understand "this is all of our issues, not just one particular group."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 11, 2018
Dantonio says he felt MSU "was somewhat in control" of the game and "it got away from us."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 11, 2018
Dantonio said MSU "is trying to make Tyler (Higby) a center." Said junior could not control the center box, which is making it tough to run the ball. Felt Matt Allen "played better, was more firm in there." Position has to be figured out, he adds.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 11, 2018
Dantonio says Lewerke could have avoided two fourth-quarter sacks and threw the ball away. Only ones MSU allowed.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 11, 2018
Jake Hartbarger out 6-8 weeks with bone bruise and possible fracture. Rocky Lombardi or Tyler Hunt to punt.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 11, 2018
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB