Ad Disclosure
Dantonio looking for Spartans to ‘respond,’ believes season will still be a success
Published:
A season filled with high expectations and the hope of competing for a B1G title turned to a year of fighting for warm-weather bowl game for Michigan State. And on Saturday in Lincoln, there was more disappointment.
Following a 9-6 defeat to Nebraska in the final road game of the year for Michigan State, the Spartans dropped to 6-5 on the season and have dropped two straight games. But head coach Mark Dantonio still believes the 2018 can be a successful one.
“Right now, what I’m looking for is a response,” Dantonio said at his weekly press conference. “When you get knocked down, you get back up. That’s the game of football.”
Michigan State has been knocked down plenty this fall, primarily due to a slew of injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Receiver Cody White missed time this season; Felton Davis’ career came to an abrupt end after an injury against Michigan. The offensive line has been depleted. Brian Lewerke has battled a hurt throwing shoulder.
Dantonio doesn’t like to make excuses, but there are plenty of reasons why the Spartans haven’t met those sky-high expectations this season. But with a home game against Rutgers ahead and a bowl game to be played, Michigan State can still hit eight wins on the year.
“I firmly believe this year will be a success,” Dantonio said.
As Michigan State prepares for the final regular season game of the year, the head coach also urged fans to show support at Spartan Stadium Saturday. He’s hoping fans give the senior class a proper sendoff.
“We’re looking for fans this weekend,” Dantonio said. “I don’t ask for much. This is a moment for our seniors. This is a chance to celebrate them and all they’ve accomplished.”
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