Michigan State Football: Weekly Press Conference

EAST LANSING — Mark Dantonio walked into the press room (clearly fired up) one win away from tying Duffy Daughtery as Michigan State’s all-time winningest head coach.

Although, he didn't approach the podium as if he was one game away from making school history. Instead, he was verbally frustrated with his football team, specifically, the offense.

“We’ve got some things to clean up on offense. Too many mistakes,” said Dantonio. “Too many situations where we start in the hole right off the bat.”

The Spartan offense struggled throughout their home opener, committing far too many penalties (cited by Dantonio over and over again), offensive line struggles, and their inability to run the football successfully.

“Whether it’s public or not, I’m sure nobody appreciates us running the ball for 67 yards, especially the guy in charge,” said Dantonio.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Did he stop there? Not even close. This press conference was clearly about sending a message. In his mind, now is the time for somebody to step up.

“Football is a game of effort, toughness, and knowing what to do. Half of our team figured that out, half of it didn't. We will make sure that other half gets figured out this week,” said Dantonio. “That’s my message to our football team.”

Dantonio was disappointed at every turn, even taking it as far as to call out his teams level of effort.

“I’m going to call it as a see it up here right now so I can send a message to our football team...I was disapointed in the effort when I see guys running routes that are not at full speed. I see guys blocking at the point of attack and just throwing their shoulder in there and not addressing a defender. It can’t happen.”

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

What do you guys think about Dantonio’s comments? Was it about time? Or did he take it too far? Let us know below.