Dantonio Says Overcoming Fourth-Quarter Issues Strengthens Spartans
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - This weekend Michigan State faces Indiana, a team not considered particularly formidable given its record of 3-3 and the Spartans' general dominance in recent years.
The Hoosiers did knock off No. 18 Missouri in the second week of the season, though, and Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio made it clear at his weekly press conference that the Spartans (5-1) have too much to lose to take Indiana lightly.
Besides, Michigan State gave up 14 points in the fourth quarter Saturday against Purdue, just one week after the Spartans allowed 19 points in the fourth quarter in the previous game against Nebraska.
"In the end, I feel like we overcame it," Dantonio said. "In the end, everything that seemingly is a weakness for you, at some point in time strengthens you. I firmly believe that. Everything you go through, the adversity that you go through, the anxiety that you have, will inevitably strengthen you if you look for it to strengthen you. If it allows you to crush your spirit, then you've got problems, but I don't think that's where we're at."
Dantonio started his weekly press conference with a look to the future, speaking about Detroit native Tyriq Thompson, a linebacker from Martin Luther King High School in Detroit who signed with Michigan State this week.
"Tyriq is extremely explosive, has the ability to run, has a great get-off, and is an outstanding blitzer with the ability to tackle in space," Dantonio stated in the team's press release about Thompson. "He was a primary focus of our recruiting efforts because he's a complete football player who fits well in our system. He's an incredibly intelligent player who can probably play any of our three positions at linebacker."
Dantonio added Tuesday that he believes Thompson will benefit from spending the spring semester at Michigan State, noting that early enrollment gives an upside to players who are mature and have their grades in order.
"All indications are that he would be able to play as a true freshman," Dantonio said. "It'll be exciting to watch him as we move forward."
