Ad Disclosure
What Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio said at weekly press conference
Published:
Michigan State survived a Week 1 scare from Utah State on Friday night, but was able to hang on to a 38-31 win to start the year 1-0.
The Spartans had trouble keeping up with a fast-paced Aggies defense, despite a solid offensive effort. MSU needed a late touchdown and an interception from Joe Bachie on Utah State’s final possession to secure the win.
Now, Michigan State shifts its focus to Week 2 and Arizona State. Here’s what Mark Dantonio had to say in his weekly press conference:
On Saturday’s close victory:
Dantonio: "I think our football team got a dose of reality, in all honesty."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
Dantonio "I don't think we played our best football game by any stretch last Friday. But it's a starting point."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
Dantonio: "I just want to win a football game. We're 1-0."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
Dantonio: "Opening games are a challenge sometimes." Says MSU could have scored 46 points and not given up a TD. "But it is what it is. They played well and should be commended for that."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
Dantonio: "My perception is we can play better, we will play better."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
On the challenges of playing in Arizona heat and time change:
Dantonio says "it'll be exciting" to go to Arizona State. Expects a strong MSU fan contingent.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
Dantonio said MSU scrimmaged late during preseason camp as part of preparing for Arizona State and the time change.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
Dantonio says MSU's conditioning/hydration has changed since he arrived. Thinks 90 and humid in mid-Michigan will "help us get a little indoctrinated" to Arizona's 100+ temps.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
Dantonio says QB Brian Lewerke (from Phoenix) will be "a source of information for us" in how MSU can handle the heat in Arizona.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
On the running game:
Dantonio asked about getting Heyward more touches: "Right now, LJ is our No. 1 tailback, so we'll ride that horse right now….I'm gonna play whoever is pulling the load, basically." Felt Scott also played well.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2018
Dantonio says MSU "did some good things, but we set ourselves behind with some penalties, and we gotta protect our quarterback better and run better between the tackles."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 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