Mark Dantonio
Mark Dantonio
Mark Justin Dantoniois an American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at Michigan State University, a position he has held since the 2007 season, presiding over one of the most successful eras in the program's history. He's led the Michigan State Spartans to three Big Ten Conference championships, and seven victories over archrival Michigan in eight years. In 2013, he coached Michigan State to its first 13-win season and the program's fifth trip to...
ProfessionCoach
Date of Birth9 March 1956
CityEl Paso, TX
This will be their first game in this type of environment. I'm sure they'll be a little wide-eyed, but hopefully we've learned our lesson in terms of young players and how they prepare.
When we lost one receiver on signing day to North Carolina State, we made the decision then that if we found the right kind of guy, we'd take one. He's definitely that kind of guy.
We came in at halftime and we thought we were going to win the game.
We didn't affect the quarterback. We brought pressure but we didn't get to him. That left people on an island.
Our guys have worked hard this spring and we have had good competition at a lot of positions. I have been pleased with our effort most of the time, yet I know we need to get better in a lot of areas, too. I am looking forward to who comes out ready to play and compete on Saturday, and who plays with toughness and who plays fast.
I think the defense had a little bit to do with that. When the ball got out in space, they got there quick.
He has great eye-hand coordination. He's a big-body receiver who also played linebacker. He's just a great athlete, with great running ability after the catch. We're very, very excited to get him.
I don't think our confidence was shaken at all, I think we came out in the second half prepared to play.
He certainly played well in the fall. He's a guy with a lot of ability - a big, strong guy.
I think he can be a dominant player up the middle for us.
I think Kennedy has done a wonderful job and he has handled his situation very professionally, and even had some success. I support Kennedy 100 percent, but as to whether he should be hired I shouldn't answer that. That's up to the administration.
We couldn't put him out there vs. their wide receivers limping. He tried to go, but he just could not go. He will be back.
Well, it's no different than playing at Ohio State last year. Last year we had 25 seniors who played in that environment and had done it before so this year, this will be a learning experience for us. My advice to the players will be to enjoy the moment. Don't get uptight. These are the things you've dreamed about as a young person growing up. Enjoy the experience, live it and play hard.
We need to protect the passer and run the ball better on offense, but we did make some plays down the field with our tight ends. Defensively, we played pretty well at the point of attack, but gave up some big plays that hurt us.