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Mark Dantonio says MSU needs to focus on itself entering matchup with Purdue
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Michigan State doesn’t have much time to recover after suffering a 21-7 loss to Michigan last Saturday. A red-hot Purdue team comes to East Lansing, fresh off a victory over Ohio State.
Mark Dantonio understands the challenge the Spartans face this weekend, particularly on the defensive side of the football. Purdue has been rolling offensively and quarterback David Blough has picked apart teams over the last five weeks.
While the Boilers present plenty of problems, Dantonio said his team needs to focus on itself moving forward.
“[Purdue] is a good football team. They’re playing hot,” Dantonio said Tuesday. “We got our work cut out for us on the defensive side of the ball, there’s no question.
“I think our focus needs to be on ourselves and how we’re gonna play. Our attention to detail and execution.”
Michigan State struggled to execute against Michigan, especially offensively. The Spartans totaled just 94 yards against the Wolverines and earned just 15 yards rushing, it’s lowest total since 2010.
The defense only surrendered three touchdowns against the Wolverines, and considering how often it was on the field, it wasn’t terrible. But Purdue’s offense is much more explosive, especially with running back D.J. Knox and receiver Rondale Moore playing extremely well.
Michigan State has been hindered by injuries this season and has been required to be very detailed in execution. Focusing on itself might be the best way to try and defeat Purdue on Saturday,
Both the Spartans and Boilermakers are 4-3 on the season.
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