What Mark Dantonio said after the disappointing loss to Ohio State
That is not the kind of outing Michigan State was hoping for against Ohio State.
Hoping to play the role of spoiler, the Spartans welcomed the No. 10 Buckeyes to East Lansing for what was shaping up to be a great duel. For most of the contest, the game delivered on being a great defensive struggle.
Unfortunately, the game shifted following a confusing play. Facing a fourth down from their own one-yard line, the Spartans snapped the ball directly out of the end zone. The play appeared to be on purpose and resulted in a safety that made the score 9-6 Ohio State.
From there, the Buckeyes picked up steam and converted on multiple MSU miscues for a 26-6 win over the Spartans. Here’s what head coach Mark Dantonio had to say after the game:
Dantonio: “I thought their punter did an excellent job.”
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) November 10, 2018
Dantonio also confirmed that the safety was indeed on purpose:
Dantonio on the intentional safety, on @Spartan_Radio: "I just didn't think it was fair to put him (Przystup) in that situation."
— Zachary Swiecicki (@zachswies) November 10, 2018
At podium. Dantonio says, "The game was right where we wanted it." https://t.co/H1rZmdaau5
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 10, 2018
Dantonio says he thought Lombardi played well before having problems late. Says turnovers killed them.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) November 10, 2018
Dantonio: “The turnovers killed us in the fourth quarter…tough to win a football game when you have three turnovers.”
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) November 10, 2018
Dantonio: "We might have the most punter depth in the nation."
— Jon LeBlanc (@JLeBlanc_21) November 10, 2018
Dantonio said Haskins had too much time to throw in the pocket.
— Jon LeBlanc (@JLeBlanc_21) November 10, 2018
' "William Pszystup" is his name, in case anybody wants to know.' Dantonio on his fourth-string punter, wryly, and the decision to take the safety.
— Ryan Schuiling (@RyanSchuiling) November 10, 2018
Dantonio says the chance for the punt to be blocked and Przystup's inexperience led to the intentional safety. Had faith in defense.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) November 10, 2018
Dantonio: "We're on our fourth punter, he has never punted before this game. I thought he did a nice job punting. I thought he did an outstanding job."
— Kara Keating (@kara_keating26) November 10, 2018
Dantonio said Przystup asked him if he should catch the intentionally safety snap. Dantonio's response, "No."
— Jon LeBlanc (@JLeBlanc_21) November 10, 2018
Dantonio on Lombardi/Lewerke in fourth quarter, says Lombardi had some issues in the end zone. And then the lights just went off in the interview room. "That is par for the course. That'll make the internet.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 10, 2018
Dantonio: "I thought we played the quarterback situation as well as we could have, with respects to both quarterbacks."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 10, 2018
Dantonio: "It's not easy to call plays off the goal line. Such is life. But we gotta be able to run it. To do that, you gotta be able to win up front. And at the tight end. And the wide receiver. And running back. It's all-encompassing."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 10, 2018
