Dantonio Press Conference: Sept. 15, 2009

Spartan Head Coach Mark Dantonio:
September 15, 2009  Press Conf.

Whats important to remember is that these are the same players that were in the Spartan uniforms two weeks ago. They haven’t changed; they are as talented as we all thought they were, one game does not a season make. They will regroup and come back.  You get punched, then get back up.

From Coach Dantonio’s press conference today, some good points were made.  They are going forward…

Points and Comments made:
http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=msu&media=139192

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• Need to push forward, focus on the future which is Notre Dame. Can’t look too far down the road.

• This is an outstanding rivalry and tradition with Notre Dame. This is a memorable contest every time we play.

• Notre Dame coming off a tough loss themselves…
    o No interceptions in the last 3 games, no sacks this season, they are a fundamentally sound team, they will go up top, and they will run as well.
    o D- they will bring pressure .

• There are so many things that you can go back and to the CMU game. It was a team loss; all we can do is ask ourselves what we can do better. These players are resilient. We are a family, and as a family we will look inward and try to get better. As a family we win and lose together, and your a supportive member of the team and family and support us or just a detractor and a  “hanger on”…. 

• Give credit to CMU, they won. They played well. It is what it is. We will move on.

• The past success we’ve had playing at Notre Dame comes down to playing strong fundamentals, blocking and tackling. Sound fundamentals have helped win.

• Trenton Robinson: starting at Free Safety on the dept Chart.  He had an outstanding spring, but is short on experience. He has been a more active football player. He has risen up the depth chart.

• I’m just happy to win. I don’t look at the 6 wins as a streak. The six Straight Road wins at Notre Dame, it’s not really what to focus on, it’s a clean slate as we head down there this week. This is a good rivalry, and we’ve had players that have gone down there to that venue. They will be up for the game.
 
• Playing at Notre Dame: There are allot of Spartan Fans will make the trip, this stands out to me.

• ND has outstanding receivers; Floyd, Tate, Kamara, Rudolph.  Clausen is an outstanding QB and knows where to put the ball. They will throw it deep and throw it up. It’s a challenge any time the ball goes up in the air, you have to go up a ladder and go get it.

• Next 3 weeks are important: Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Michigan. But, we will play them one game at a time.  That’s the best for our players to focus on one game of a time, and not look forward.

• Its important for our Defense to pressure the Quarterback if we are to affect the game.

• MSU Quarter Back situation is Status Quo.

• Running back experience is an asset that will grow and they will continue to get better.

• There are some true leaders on the team, the emotional state is good, and the work ethic is good. These players are resilient and they will bounce back.  This is a life lesson and we’ll move forward.

• Need to have a balanced attack against the Irish.  If we can run for 100 – 150 thats balanced, 200 would be excellent.

• I am spending time with Defense. This is my expertise, the secondary;.  I am going to watch the film defensively. I do spend time with the offense, but I will make sure what is said to the Defense I am in agreement with.

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