Going back to Big Ten media days he and Urban Meyer looked ultra-competitive and intense even when they didn't have to. Nothing was on the line and young players didn't have to be motivated. They were the champions going in so it definitely wasn't pressure about losing.
Dantonio looked like a one-man show against Michigan trying to will MSU to victory. There was a brief shot of some assistants in the booth and Mike Tressel is the defensive coordinator? None of them are big-name hires with million dollar contracts. Pat Narduzzi has not been there for a while. Dantonio couldn't do it by himself.
In his mold they played tough, dirty, and angry. They know they can win, and that is not something all coaches and players can say. State's recruiting is better than it used to be but, for whatever reasons, they've had a lot of turnover. This year they do not have the depth and diversity in terms of players on the field.
Their first drive was as close as they got. It was hard-fought and hard-headed. They did what they had to because to win the state is so big. It was planned and worked-for. Obviously running LJ Scott every play isn't going to last for the whole game.
Rashan Gary, Amara Darboh, Wilton Speight, Jabrill Peppers, De'Veon Smith, and Karon Higdon stood out in this one. Michigan has many other stars too. At some positions, such as running back and receiver, they are becoming a machine--someone is injured or disciplined and another player steps in with a different yet effective skillset.
Jourdan Lewis... Remember where that style of play started? Michigan State. They do a lot of pushing and hand-fighting, as well as in-your-face antagonism. They weren't strong enough for a lot of cheap shots this time. Michigan players responded well.
Brock Huard. What conference are you from if you say, "If you want high scoring watch the Big-12; this is about defense, violence, and incredible emotion?" Answer: Washington and the Pac-12. He is right and was excellent throughout.
Jabrill Peppers, we hardly knew ye. What was it about putting your face on the ball and tackling?
Today the first CFP rankings come out. It doesn't matter if you are one or four at the end of the season because you get to play for it. That is something new for Wolverine fans, the current top echelon. The season looks every bit like it could be more than thirteen games.
Last year Alabama played fifteen games. The season still went on after the bowls but it was the same old teams.
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