Ad Disclosure
‘Program game’ awaits Michigan State on Saturday, Mark Dantonio says
Published:
Finishing the season 6-6 was a long way from where expectations started when Michigan State kicked off the 2019 season. Many thought the Spartans could compete for a B1G title this year.
An early loss to Arizona State and a five-game B1G losing streak put a halt to those dreams, though. And while Michigan State still has a chance to secure a postseason berth this weekend, a simple bowl game doesn’t feel like a huge accomplishment for a lot of fans.
Mark Dantonio views it a lot different, though. As Michigan State returns home to host Maryland in its season finale, the longtime Spartans leader labeled Saturday’s game as a “program game.”
Dantonio talked about how getting a sixth win should be the minimum for a program, and that it’s no small feat to play in a 13th game in a season. The Spartans are 5-6 and need a win over Maryland to get to the postseason.
Dantonio calls Saturday a "program game," citing a six-win season as "the minimum" for the program.
— Chase Michaelson (@Chasemarino13) November 26, 2019
Dantonio also expects his team to play a little looser this weekend against Maryland, as MSU finally snapped that five-game losing streak and got its first win in two months. He said a huge weight was lifted off his players’ shoulders after the victory.
The head coach was also very complimentary of his players for “staying the course” and continuing to work at improving on the field.
Michigan State and Maryland have played 10 times, with the Spartans an 8-2 series lead. MSU has won the last two, with Maryland’s last victory coming in 2016.
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