Michigan State's Mark Dantonio on Michigan: 'Where's the threat?'

Duncan Moore

Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 9:26 p.m.

As though Michigan needed any incentive already. I hope Dantonio is stupid enough to keep opening his pie hole. I'm sure Coach Hoke isn't losing any sleep over that squad in E. Lansing with a unproven QB, and all them 2 star recruits that Dantonio will "coach up", as all the msu fans like to squeal. The 4 yrs of what we will deem The Rich Rod experiment is over! Yes, I said 4, because basically Brady Hoke did not have the opportunity to recruit his own recruits with his late hiring in 2010. Michigan has 13 of the top ESPN 150. msu 0. I'll take our bright and promising Meechegan future over the 2 star "coach them up" course msu is on! Once again Michigan will dominate this series as it has in the past. OSU is still Michigan's rivalry game. Michigan is competing with OSU for recruits , not msu. I understand Dantonio's frustration. The fact is he was able to take advantage of a temporary down cycle for Michigan and winning the last 4. What does he have to show for it? A BCS Bowl? Oh scratch that. That would be the team in Ann Arbor. Has it transpired in recruiting? I guess msu can hang their hat on a top 35 recruiting class. LOL! The fact is no one, including the media is giving msu's program any props for what they have accomplished. They are being treated like ,for lack of better words, "the little brother" in the state!! If I was Dantonio, I would be livid too! GO BLUE

Tom

Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.

Duncan - Guess that you've never watched Dantonio's team play! His 28-7 B10 record over the past 4 seasons is a Big 10 best. Sparty led by 10 in the 4th quarter in 2007 before allowing 2 lates TDs...damn near 5-0. Dantonio is an ASTUTE judge of talent. Brian Kelly rode Dantonio's UC recruits to 2 BCS appearances and the ND job. Wake up and smell the coffee! How many back-to-back 11 win seasons has the team in Ann Arbor had? Last "M" B10 football championship was when....?? Where's the threat?

Tom

Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.

Roy - Jerald Robinson and Austin White need to need some immediate MSU Criminal Justice Dept. assistance. Pay attention!

george hoke

Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.

I hear that 1/2 of the football sparties are taking criminal justice. This they hope will keep the other 1/2 out of jail. It's a full time job you know.

Hound313

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.

Dantonio should feel that way about his program. They have defeated us 4 years in a row. They flat out hit us in the mouth last year. The fear factor is gone. Michigan has to suck it up and close their mouths on the field. That is the only way to Nyquil Spartan sickness. Loosing a game by allowing them to hold us on the 10 yard line isn't the way. Blow them out everytime we play them, that'll impose the fear factor and the threat once again, other than that, we have to deal with it. Go Blue!!!!

Zak Tillman

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:37 a.m.

He's just trying to turn this into our biggest rivalry. He's pissed that their #1 game of the year is #3 on our list. But I agree with one of the comments I read, I enjoyed the win over OSU and ending the streak but it didn't mean as much as if we beat a strong OSU team. I dont even talk trash to my OSU fans about that game. But MSU fans talk as if they beat Michigan when we were the top team in the country, we were 15-22 in 3 of those wins. Toledo beat us one of those years. Congrats you beat Michigan during the worst period in Michigan football history.....feel good sparty.....for now.

Tom

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.

You beat an Ohio State team that suffered its most losses since '97....1897! The M win vs. OSU didn't stop M fans from charging the field after a fluke win (last minute Miller to Posey throw for a certain TD was barely overthrown) vs. a team that really had nothing to play for but pride at that point. Your fans behaved like a bunch of 5th grade girls...as if they'd never been there! It was HILARIOUS to watch! Where's the threat?

AAGreen

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:15 p.m.

Since the writer of this article won't set the record straight, here it goes: Brian Bennett, the ESPN writer of this article, wrote an article today about you guessed it, Michigan. Nowhere in the article does he ask Coach Hoke what he thinks of OSU's recruiting or MSU or anything other than what's going on with his team. So why ask one coach, but not another? On his blog today, ESPN's Brian Bennett was asked about his Dantonio interview. Here is what he had to say: "Some people took that quote as arrogance, but that's not how it came across to me. They call rivalries bragging rights games for a reason, and Michigan State has a reason to brag a little when it comes to Michigan right now. It's clear the Spartans are comfortable with the state of their own program right now, and they should be" The reporter who was there vs. what was reported here. Just a little difference.

observer

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.

Dantonio is right, MSU has proven it on the field. Not to mince words, but they have beaten the maize and blue up, especially up front......sorry, but talk is cheap, and referring to ten years ago and the like is so Michigan......

Tru2Blu76

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.

During the 1960's Bump Elliot "recession" in Michigan Football, Michigan State went all the way to one national championship. During the Rodriguez "depression" in Michigan Football of the 2000s, MSU got three gimme's in a row (and so did almost every other Big Ten team) and one sorta-legitimate win last year. During the INTERVENING 50 years, MSU straggled behind Michigan Football by 22 games. That's the MSU Cycle: get lucky for a few years but fade into humble obscurity for 50 years at a time. Conversely, Michigan dominates MSU and the rest for 50 year stretches. THAT is where the threat is, Sparty Mark. But Dantonio CAN fix this: he just has to win the next 22 seasons to come up even with Michigan. Good luck with that Coach D!

Tom

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.

Wrong...the "gimme" was last year in East Lansing. Guess that you missed the game! Where's the threat?

ted

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:48 a.m.

This is great for the rivalry. However, on the recruiting front I do bring some bad news my fellow Michigan Men . It appears that Ohio State, led by their mastermind head coach, has signed another four star . This time a qb that fits his unstoppable and exiting offensive machine. I fear the dry spell we have come upon is because of the great surge from Culumbus.

Dennis

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.

You should check the numbers bro, Michigan has 4 or 5 of the top players in Ohio committed.

aarox

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.

hey, here's a stat I never saw before tonite. Suggest our crushing record vs lil bros may just be home field advantage. it says that our win record against them is almost identical to our home field advantage. does anybody know if this is true? Says we are 67-32 vs. MSU but home field is 70-34 UofM home games against MSU: 70 MSU home games against UofM: 34 Paul Bunyan Series 34-23-2 favor UofM Overall Series 67-32-5

Jaxon5

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.

"Where's the threat?" That's a little disrespectful. Brady Hoke should match this level of respect by calling Michigan State "Michigan".

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.

For those of you who haven't noticed...it's NOT JUST ABOUT THE 4 STRAIGHT WINS vs. Michigan! MSU had the best record in the B10 (7-1) in 2011! MSU has the best record (14-2) in the B10 over the 2010-11 seasons! MSU has the best record (24-8) in the B10 over the 2008-11 seasons! Wake up and smell the coffee! It's not going to change anytime soon! The MSU defense is LOADED...REPEAT LOADED...REPEAT LOADED! Maxwell was an Elite 11 QB after his senior year in HS....and a 4 star recruit (LOL)! He's had 3 seasons to learn the system...thank GOD he's no Tate Forcier or Denard Robinson! LOL! Don't 4 stars win B10 championships? That's what I've been reading here for the past 6 months! 28-14!

Tom

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.

Team on the decline? 22 wins over the past 2 seasons. Missedagain HAS NEVER had back-to-back 11 win seasons...NEVER! What sport are you watching?

Steve McQueen

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:51 a.m.

lol your only decent scholarship QB (well we dont know for sure if he is decent, cause he has hardly played) is injured...and you only have one other guy on the roster at QB. Such a big mouth for a team on the decline. 6 wins tops for sparty this year.

azwolverine

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.

I'm anxious to see what happens when the game is played. I truly believe that MSU has zero chance, and I can't wait for that to be proven on the field.

boo

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.

The only way to shut him up is to beat them in October. Otherwise he will keep running his mouth.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.

Why would you think so? 4 straight wins hasn't shut you jokers up. Why should Dantonio be any different?

aarox

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.

Shades of Mike Hart!

Hebner

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.

Where did this come from? Michigan is worrying about Michigan...MS who is worrying about Michigan. The four game win streak will never reach five...it is over. It will be interesting to see what this coach says after getting beat this year? Maybe he will keep referring to these past four years for years to come. It is over dude. The talent and physicality will be too much for your teams to overcome. Go Blue!

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2 a.m.

Richie - "The talent and physicality will be too much for your teams to overcome." Where is the physicality? You watched the game on October 15th didn't you? Just which game did UM play last year where they dominated another team physically? MSU POUNDED M in 2011! POUNDED! POUNDED! POUNDED! Are you talking about Minnesota? Digging a grave for yourself here!

Terry Star21

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.

Heb - I agree, I really don't think this years game will be that close; all Michigan !

Steve McQueen

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 11:06 p.m.

This guy is the most classless coach in the BT and one of the most classless in the country. Recruits notice those things, and it shows. Sparty's day is soon to end. Traditional 3 out of every 4 game beatdowns at the hands of the Winged Helmets will soon return. It will be so fun to watch the classless sparty coach melt down after these losses, just like he did back in 07.

Steve McQueen

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:50 a.m.

lol typical sparty...ifs and butts..you guys crack me up....do you want to say "if" for the other 70 or so games that you have lost to Michigan out of the 100 or so played? didnt think so. try again...btw you represent your coach very well, 2 of a kind... typical

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.

Were it not for a late 2 TD comeback in 2007 Dantonio would be 5-0! Classless? Was Bo classless? He had the biggest mouth in the history of the B10....and you guys LOVED IT!

Terry Star21

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:39 a.m.

Well, seriously - I could see him melting own. Right now he is under a lot of pressure, mostly brought on by himself. He did beat Michigan, but M had a better record, got a better bowl, won a BCS bowl and was higher in final coaches poll - that stings ! By his cutting off our recruiting coach speaking at the B10 conference and his reaction when asked about M - his wick is quickly burning down. A loss or two by M, and he may pull a woody hayes...

perfectlyflwed

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.

Everytime someone from the MSU base comments or speaks,for some reason it always sounds like that annoying little brat, "Why does Michigan get ice cream, we want ice cream too!!!!!" For someone that was so offended by the overused #littlebrother comment, Dantonio is showing real class with his comments over the years. (Large portion of sarcasm on the side)

RON

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.

Michigan still leads the last 10 years. 6-4.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.

It's 7-6 over the past 13. Michigan had dramatic, late come from behind wins in 2004 (Stanton knocked out of game in 2nd quarter. Spartans led by 17 in the 4th and lost in 3OT), 2005 (JLS couldn't find a PK...MSU missed a short FG late. M won in OT on a 35 yarder)...by the way, 2007 Groza winner Thomas Weber sat on the MSU bench and watched as JLS struggled to figure things out and 2007 (10 point MSU lead midway through the 4th). Hey...I loved Mike Hart at Michigan. He backed it up! So does Dantonio! Hoke beat one Top 25 team in 2011...the #23 Fuskers. What's all the fuss about? If you believe the polls, MSU was 2-1 vs. the Top 10 and beat UGA, a certain Top 5 in 2012. Apparently you guys didn't have the guts to watch the inaugural B10 championship game. If you did you saw an OUTSTANDING MSU team outplay, but lose to an OUTSTANDING BADGER team. New mascot in AA is the ostrich! Wolverines are nearly extinct in more ways than one!

Huron 74

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.

Just the facts: "U of M holds the series edge at 67-31-5"

aarox

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:06 a.m.

our crushing record vs lil bros may just be home field advantage. our win record against them is almost identical to our home field advantage. we are 67-32 vs. MSU but home field is 70-34 UofM home games against MSU: 70 MSU home games against UofM: 34 Paul Bunyan Series 34-23-2 favor UofM Overall Series 67-32-5

braggslaw

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.

UM will be back, but knowledgeable football fans know that MSU will not wilt while Dantonio is there. This is a new era of parity, I don't see that changing. MSU had more players on the all-Big 10 team last year than any other team, and most of them are returning including a defense that will be very difficult to score on.

Huron 74

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.

First of all, Marky, WHY did you beat us 3 of those 4 years? RR. We fixed that mistake. I have to say, I'm sure glad we have Brady Hoke instead of a windbag like you.

ESprout

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:18 p.m.

First, a win's a win. Do you not count your wins against Eastern? Does App. St. not get to count it's win against U of M because they had an off day? Of course not. Second, Dantonio - 1. Hoke - 0. Next...

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:11 a.m.

You mean Jenny Craig?

J1946

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.

md's favorite team is osu

AAGreen

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.

Did you UM fans actually read the article cited? The reporter seems to ask Coach Dantonio about Michigan's recruiting class and all the press it's getting. He responds 'yeah, we're laying in the weeds', as if to say they are getting the press, but they still have to play us on the field. Then he says we beat them the last 4 years and asks a rhetorical question ' where's the threat'. IN OTHER WORDS when you beat a team 4 years in a row, are they a threat to you, OR are you a threat to them? If you read the rest of the article, this writer seems to think the Spartans are in for another big year. After all, the article is about them, not Michigan, whom I 'm sure this ESPN writer will also feature in an article. The world does not center around UM; for those of you who think MSU is headed for a fall because UM is on the rise, you are simply delusional. Did UM's rise in basketball come at the expense of MSU? Hardly. It may be hard to fathom, but UM's success doesn't necessarily come at the expense of MSU, or any other school in the Big Ten. After UM gets their 20-25 recruits early this year, that leaves HUNDREDS of really good players left for all the other schools to sign. You can hate Dantonio and the Spartans all you want, but before you elevate Coach Hoke , who I happen to admire and respect, to diety status, remember he has a bit of work ahead of him. Coach Dantonio's career head coaching record is 62-39 (.620), Coach Hoke's is 58-52(.527). Coach Dantonio's record includes 5 years as a Big Ten coach and the remainder at UCinn. Coach Hoke's record includes one year at UM, the remainder at Ball St and SDSU. In 4 or 5 years we will see what type of sustained program he has built at UM. Coach Dantonio has done that and MSU will be fielding some really, really good teams for the next few years to come.

AAGreen

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.

Blue Marker, thanks for the acknowledgement. I would have agreed with you 10 years ago when the majority of MSU's recruits came from Michigan and Ohio. But their success and program has allowed them to get their share of players from these 2 states, plus widen their recruiting reach. So far, their early verbal commits are from Wisconsin (2), Ohio (2), Texas, Pennsylvannia and Michigan (2). And they're doing it as Coach D says "laying in the weeds". Press is nice, results are better.

Blue Marker

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.

A solid post written with more thought than emotion. I think you make some good points. But a possible flaw in your logic is recruiting. MSU relies much more on the Midwest, particularly Michigan and Ohio. UM has not done a great job recruiting those states the last 5 years or so (yes, I'm including the end of Carr as well). This staff is focused on those two states and that's going to hurt MSU. I didn't say that would "kill" MSU but I do believe they'll have a much harder time. I don't like him but I think Coach D is the best thing to happen to MSU football since Saban. Good luck to you and the MSU faithful. Go Blue!

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.

Center around Michigan? Dantonio is looking at the mess in Ann Arbor through the rearview mirror, Bro!

AAGreen

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.

Steve McQueen, must have lost you on the first sentence of my post. The AA News staff does a great job of skewing headlines and content to get the faithful all worked up. Judging from your posts, it works.

Steve McQueen

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.

lol...well D-Tonio's world centers around Michigan... and so does your apparently.

Marcus Ray was Right!

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.

I look at this way. MSU had a good little run in the late 1980s. I believe it was 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989. Then they went back to what they are. A second tier program at a second tier school. Now they had another good little run in the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. Now they can go back to what they are. A second tier program at a second tier school and wait another twenty years for another good run. Until they can match a 40 year run, they don't even rate a second thought. Accomplishing just 1/10 of what their rival (in MSU's words, not Michigan's) has done and gloating about it, says volumes of how highly they think about themselves and how low their expectations are.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:17 a.m.

MSU has the 3rd most wins in B10 football history but has only been a member of the conference for 60 years. Michigan has one co-MNC since Truman was in the White House. Michigan was consistently good...but rarely great...over that 40 year run. Bo was a disgrace in the Rose Bowl...and a lot of other ways!

Angel

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.

He can say really whatever he wants since he's won 4 years in a row. What's interesting to me is the fact that he got so uptight when Hart made the little brother comment years ago, but he's starting to behave the same way. Any other coach in regards to a rivalry, would say something like "every year is not the same," "we have great respect for them..." while at the same time saying something like "we have tons of confidence in our team with our success against them in the past, and we do expect to win against them every year..." I'm not a coach though, just my thoughts... I'm not sure though how he can be so arrogant when all he's done in his tenure at MSU on a national scale is win 1 decent bowl game.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.

He's got back to back 11 win seasons. It's never happened for the team in Ann Arbor. He was the DC for the last B10 team to win a national championship. HE'S A GREAT COACH! BUT HE HAS 2 LESS BCS BOWL WINS THAN RICHROD HAD AT WVA! Dantonio's B10 won/loss record speaks for itself....

Randy Dean

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.

Superior talent with anything close to even coaching will win out every time. Starting this year, U of M will have better talent and it appears that this will continue as long as Brady Hoke is the coach. In fact, it appears that the recruiting divide is growing. I'm willing to bet Mr. Dantonio that Michigan wins the next 7 out of 10. Further, I'm also willing to be that Michigan will have less felons and lawbreakers on their team. Don't be surprised if Dantonio gets caught in some significant NCAA issues, he learned from Tressel and my belief is that Dantonio learned a lot of tricks from Tressel.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:25 a.m.

Your comments are ignorant. Where do you think UM will have better talent this year? Defense? Absolutely not! Special teams? Absolutely not! WR - Toss up. MSU has 8 or 10 outstanding athletes at WR; by mid-year they will be a force. TE - NOT! Sims is a beast. RB - MSU. Bell beat out 2010 first team All Big 10 RB (and Michigan killer) Edwin Baker and drove him off to the NFL. Bell is a STUD! OL - MSU QB - Denard is mediocre; was 9 of 24 vs. MSU in 2011. Most overrated player in the country. I'll take my chances with Maxwell. He fits the MSU system perfectly.

leaguebus

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.

We found out what kind of coach Dantonio is last year, after he let his team "New Orleans" Michigans players with cheap shots and the like. You do not kick a sleeping Wolverine and expect nothing to happen the next time they play.

Matt Patercsak

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.

He is very disrespectful. "pride comes before the fall" he had better remember his own words. His lack of respect for a rivalry opponent is really upsetting, especially when Brady Hoke has nothing but respect for MSU Football, even if he personally didnt respect them he makes it a point that you should always respect your opponents.

Jacob Bodnar

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.

Dantonio has yet to learn the art of being humble and keeping your mouth shut. I guess it takes more than three years of winning to learn that trait.

JGS

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.

Funny how this rivalry has had its ups and downs. Also funny how soon the spartan faithful and coaches forget about the 6 game losing streak from 2002-2007. 2008-2011 was owned by michigan state. Right now, the better team is michigan state - can't argue with that. However, keep looking over your shoulder #littlebrother because we're coming for you...

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:29 a.m.

Bring it on...don't inhale too much exhaust as you chase Sparty from behind! It's bad for your health!

A2Sparty

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.

So no one takes this as a "been there, done there(4 times)" comment and that he's taking the focus of the season off the one irritating team Spartans have to play. Bigger fish to fry than a bunch of sniveling insecure whiners. So what if we lose, it's just another game.

azwolverine

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.

Mentally preparing for the loss already, I see.

Blue Marker

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.

"So what if we lose, it's just another game." ....with a special count-down clock. Yep, just another game.

MRunner73

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.

Scuze me but every game in the divisional race is important to every team. Therefore, there are no bigger fish to fry. MSU's title hopes goes through Ann Arbor in October. Likewise, Michigan has a big hurdle to clear as well by beating MSU at home. The pressure is no less for the Maize and Blue team versus the Green and White (brozne) (I did show some respect in my post above to the Sparty fans) There are some very respectful MSU fans out there for Michigan and it to those I will return the favor.

Terry Star21

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.

The msu coach sounds frightened and he's disappointed, scared and all he can talk about is the past. He interrupted our coaches talking about recruiting @ the B10 conference from his own disappointment and failures. Watch next year as he says, "we've won four of the last five", and the next year "four out of six"....he should enjoy himself and smack talk the next few months, for he was on thin ice for four years - and Michigan has turned up the heat. MgoBlueForTiM....Michigan heat scorching the dantonio..

7718

Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.

Tom, star21 never let's the facts get in the way of his his posts.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:32 a.m.

It was a meeting of HS coaches...hardly the B10 conference! Terry - Where did you go to school?

MRunner73

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.

Yep, it will be 4 of 5 then 4 of 6...that one will be sweet because it will be in East Lansing.

tim

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.

"Pride proceeds destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall"

A2Dave

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.

Whistle past the cemetary. End of season, he'll be whistling in the wind. And, such charm. All the charm of an open grave. Go, Hoke! Go Blue!

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:32 a.m.

Will Michigan beat Appalachian State in 2014?

Haran Rashes

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.

Has Michigan posted a big "Where's the threat" sign in the locker room yet? I love trash talk bulletin board material! Now lets just hope that Coach Hoke makes sure his players don't give MSU (or anyone else) such prime bulletin board space.

Steve McQueen

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.

Come October, D-tonio will be asking "Where is the THREET?" in a dazed voice. The RR Error is over, my friends. Stay Thirsty.

MRunner73

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.

Dantonio is acting very smug. Can't argue or play down their 4 consecutive wins. We know that his team will come to play with passion at the Big House come October. The difference is that, Michigan will be ready. If anything, I would respect the MSU defense but I think the Michigan defense will be as good or better. I look for a low scoring game with Michigan coming out on top. In Hoke (and staff), we trust.

JDed

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.

The article on ESPN is not about recruiting, basically it says everyone is talking about Michigan's spring success and Dantonio doesn't care. It is actually focusing on the upcoming season.

The1Cool

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.

Some of that success is recruiting. As the article states in the first sentence: "Michigan has garnered a lot of positive attention this offseason thanks to its Sugar Bowl victory and success in attracting highly-ranked recruits to Ann Arbor."

Rob Lee

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.

2005: Michigans recruiting class was 6th in the nation according to Rivals 2006: Michigan has the 13th best recruiting class according to Rivals 2007: 12 best recruiting class 2008: 10th best How did 2008, 2009, and 2010 turn out for michigan?? Yes michigan is getting good players and that cannot be denied, however, it does not result in guaranteed success. Not to mention, the recruiting rankings of players is so questionable. Michigan States Recruiting Class finishes? In the past five years their best finish was 18th according to rivals. Dantonio is one of the best evaluators of high school talent and it shows with his success. While I agree michigan is on the rise, Dantonio and the Spartans are going nowhere and the success will continue!

Tom

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.

AZ....dominating? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! I guess that you and I have a different view of dominating. You beat Nebraska....ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! MSU had the best record in the Big 10 (7-1) in 2011. MSU has the best record in the Big 10 (14-2) over the past 2 seasons. MSU has the best record in the Big 10 (24-8) over the past 4 seasons. Dantonio is 4-1 vs. Missedagain...and it took 2 late TDs in 2007 for Missedagain to overcome a 10 point 4th quarter deficit. Rodriguez's teams played Sparty MUCH MORE COMPETITIVELY than the dazed, aMAIZED and confused Wolverines played on October 15th in East Lansing! Nice 59-0 win vs. Minnesota...that was a dominating performance! Denard played one good series at QB all season...he pulled one out in the closing seconds vs ND. Congratulations! Do you consider the 184 yard Splenda Bowl performance vs. a mediocre ACC runner-up team to have been DOMINATING? You team averaged 1.6 yards per carry in that game! Do you think that VTech could beat Wisconsin? LMFAO! MSU averaged 7.5 yards PER PLAY vs. the outstanding UW BADgers in Indianapolis and that was NOT ENOUGH to win a Big 10 championship. Your team IS NOT EVEN CLOSE! Where's the threat?

azwolverine

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:04 a.m.

Tom, Hoke won at Michigan. Ask Notre Dame. Ask Nebraska. Ask OSU. Hoke won, and will continue to win at Michigan. Your statement is as ignorant as a UM fan saying, "Dantonio won at Cincinnatti...LOL!" You're right though. Hoke did win at Ball St...and San Diego St....and now he is dominating on the biggest stage of them all at Michigan. Still laughing out loud?

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:50 a.m.

Terry...where did you go to school? You seem not to be very forthright about that fact! By the way...Rodriguez's teams won BCS bowl games in 2005 and 2007....and they didn't beat stiffs like Virginia Tech. Bandwagon jumping "M" fans like you heralded his hiring! He did well before he camp to AA and he will do well in Tuscon. Hoke won at Ball State...LOL!

Blue Marker

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.

It's true, recruiting is not an exact science and who know what will happen. But you have to start the process with getting talent and Michigan is doing that. I don't think there's much to this statement. Web sites trying to get hits. But it wasn't that long ago MSU was getting the bulk of the top talent if the state and that's just not happening now. We'll see how that affects MSU in the next season or two.

Serene Wolverine

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.

You are absolutely correct when you stated, "Dantonio and the Spartans are going nowhere".

Terry Star21

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.

Ah yes, but look who was coaching those three years.....coaching makes the difference as all will see, as Michigan rises to the top and dantonio is exposed for the fraud he has been...

Bmore_Wolverine

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.

@Rob Lee:RR ran off most of that talent. The mass exodus, plus horrible coaching, killed those teams. Oh, and BTW, Michigan was a Tate Forcier interception in OT away from beating MSU, in East Lansing, so don't make it seem like Michigan didn't even belong on the same field as the Spartans. With terrible coaching and few players left on the team, we still almost beat you.

MRunner73

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.

Agreed; it about how these players are coached up or developed in college. Dantonio has done well but I think what Hoke and staff has done with Rich Rod's players ('08, '09 and 10) is quite amazing. Therefore, expect the Brady Hoke coaching staff to do likewise with their own recruits and players.

ArthGuinness

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.

I agree with ... meddler76. Results matter, and MSU has them, regardless of whether Michigan was in a 'dark period' or not. That said, his comments smack of a little exasperation - what exactly does he have to do to get the national attention that Michigan does? You can kind of feel for him (if you really try). Anyway, this rivalry isn't as monumental as the one with Ohio is, but it's still a critical one to our success, and I would guess that Hoke has the next game circled on his calendar. I don't think anybody wants to go down 5 in a row.

Nic schweigert

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.

I tried. Don't feel anything like that. He's gonna stick his foot in his mouth after this years game and won't want to come out from under his rock once he realizes his past success is due to rr failures as a coach

The1Cool

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.

Dantonio is an interesting character. I wonder what the msu program would be today minus RR. Oh, well. Spartans know their success is tenuous. There are no highly rated, undercoached recruits. No ignoring 2/3rds of the game (special teams and defense). So, while the rivalry will be pretty even for the next year or two, it will return to what it has always been. UofM dominance with the occasional msu success.

The1Cool

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.

What comment are you reading? Well, you already made up your own reality and responded to it so what's the point in me telling you you are waaaaaaay off in your response.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:36 a.m.

Ignoring 2/3 of the game? What are you talking about? MSU had the best special teams in the conference in 2010 (by far) and 2011 and the best defense in the B10 in 2011. What games have you been watching?

Uber_Jones

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.

He reminds me of a little kid trying to get his dad's attention.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:36 a.m.

Is Mattison old enough to be his dad?

GoBigBlue

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.

Ha! I love that!

Robert Granville

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.

I have a question for fellow Michigan fans. How many of you really take pride in last year's OSU win? I certainly don't. That wasn't the OSU that had been beating us repeatedly. I wish they had been at full strength. I wonder why State fans don't feel the same way about their wins over Michigan. The wins came during the darkest period in Michigan football that I've lived through. Does that really not cross Dantonio's mind? If roles were reversed, I believe Hoke would say something like this, "Yeah we've won the last four but we know State has been down. There's nothing great about beating a guy when he's down. This year will be the real test. What our men do on the field this year will show who's really ready to take charge of the Big Ten."

Tom

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.

The Cool 1...Spartan fans ONLY care about Pasadena. Hoke got on ESPN yesterday and called 2011 "a failure"...because "our goal at Michigan is to win Big 10 championships". Ya gotta make it to Indy to win one. MSU was 2-1 vs. teams that played in BCS games last year...but the system says that they don't belong? GET REAL! LMFAO!

The1Cool

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.

Esprout: I disagree with MSU's inability to land in a BCS bowl having something to do w/ the flawed system. The BCS system sucks, but not b/c teams that lose fall in the rankings like MSU did. Even if you argue Michigan shouldn't have been in a BCS bowl, MSU still would not have been chosen b/c they fell to far in the rankings.

ESprout

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.

AndAre you saying that Michigan was down last year? That they had a bad season? That their Sugar Bowl appearance was a fluke? We (by we I mean MSU) beat a pretty good Michigan team last season. We (again, for those of you not paying attention, MSU) screwed the pooch by not beating Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship game, which we should have done. The BCS, I think we can all agree, is a stupid system and MSU got screwed. Good for U of M, but if things were reversed, you'd be frustrated by it too. Anyhow, to discount your loss last year, trying to chalk it up to a down, dark period in U of M history, is to basically slap Hoke in the face. He did a great job with what he had and put Michigan back on the competitive map. C'mon Michigan fans! Give your team a little more credit!

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:46 a.m.

I was spending my evening counting the number of back-to-back 11 win seasons in the history of UM football. Dantonio has gotten it done in 2010-11. As an FYI - It's equal to the number of wins vs. MSU since 2007. sMile at that!

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.

Be careful what you wish for, Robert! By Bo Schembechler standards, Dantonio is an altar boy!

Blue Marker

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.

After 7 straight losses, a senior class who had been through the worst period in modern Michigan history and in front of the home crowd and you didn't take pride in the victory over OSU? You and I look at things very differently my friend.

Bmore_Wolverine

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 5:01 p.m.

@SMC - Ummm, I hate to inform you, but last season was Coach D's FIFTH SEASON! How many years does it take to rebuild with the same guy? Oh, and also, Michigan was rebuilding TWICE during that stretch, once with RR and once under Hoke.

The1Cool

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.

MSU being in a "down period" describes most of their existence. That is the norm for Spartan football. Not for Michigan. OSU is normally strong (helped by cheating) so beating them last year wasn't as enjoyable as if they were better. But, MSU isn't a strong program. They have to take what they can get. And when they aren't used to winning they will take beating UofM when the program is abnormally bad b/c they don't honestly expect to win consistently under normal conditions.

SMC

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.

MSU's program was/is still in its rebuilding phase, from the Willams/Smith era. Michigan's wins over MSU during that stretch still count.

Robert Granville

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.

First I was like..... but then I lol'd. This year's home game won't even be close. The QB position at little brother u is currently filled with a question mark. Without Crybaby Cousins they have literally no shot of even competing with Denard and Co. Dantonio can keep pretending that he's not frustrated with his position but, just like Saban before him, the writing is on the wall. No matter how much success one has coaching little brother, they will always play second fiddle to Michigan. Even after 4 straight wins, Michigan has reloaded with the best talent and the best coaches. Those wins did nothing for the Sparty. They didn't bring more talent to the team, they hardly changed the rivalry record because it is so one-sided and they didn't even make it to a BCS game. Dantonio will understand and fear "the threat" come October... can't wait for my front row seat. Go Blue.

golions34

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:19 a.m.

i seem to remember devin gardner out there running backwards and throwing after he crossed the line of scrimmage for about a quarter or so

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:42 a.m.

Funny...Denard had 9 completions vs. MSU in 2011. Your leading receiver had 2 catches in Nawlins...your long snapper had one! REALLY FUNNY!

Nic schweigert

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.

He made it thru las year lion fan. Even with te head twisting pansy move by ghoul-ston. Be ready for ur skirt wearing spartys to get thumped this year

golions34

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.

denard was 9-24 for 123 yards, 1 score and 1 int vs state last year. i'd say that's a bit of a question mark... msu owns shoelaces, maybe this year he'll actually make it through the entire game

Adam DiBartolomeo

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.

The ultimate Napolean Complex poster boy strikes again. Still trying to shed the "little brother" stigma. See ya in Ann Arbor (minus Cousins)...GO BLUE!!!

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:40 a.m.

Cousins running backward would play better than Robinson and your offense did in East Lansing last year. Spartans lose 2 starters on defense and get 2010 starter, 6'7", 295 lb DL Tyler Hoover back...yeah that defense that POUNDED on your team on October 15th and had 17 tackles for loss vs. SEC East Champs UGA. Was it 9 sacks or only 8 last year? What...Spartan fans worried? NO! You guys are delusional!

meddler76

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.

Unfortunately, he's earned the right to talk like this. Not until M reestablishes dominance can we expect him to close his trap. We're counting on you Team #133!

The1Cool

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.

The very first line of the article says "Michigan has garnered a lot of positive attention this offseason thanks to its Sugar Bowl victory and success in attracting highly-ranked recruits to Ann Arbor." So this question was, in part, regarding recruiting.

JDed

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.

the article on ESPN is not about recruiting, basically it says everyone is talking about Michigan and Dantonio doesn't care

The1Cool

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.

No he hasn't. This is in regards to recruiting which doesn't instantly impact the team on the field. Usually the impact is felt much greater in 2 or 3 years. If he's assuming his success will continue then that's his prerogative. Getting outrecruited (according to rankings) by a coach who didn't prioritize defense or special teams is one thing, doing the same against Hoke and Co. will not work so well.

SMC

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.

Michigan's steady stream of top-tier recruiting classes have led to a string of national titles over the last decade, and there's no reason why this won't continue. Oh wait, I just made that up completely. Judging a team's future performance based on the ranking of a recruiting class is only slightly less accurate than predicting the weather. Using tea leaves.

ethanblue

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.

Who is judging simply on recruiting? Just because UM's getting highly touted classes and because fans are excited, it is not solely on the recruits alone. The high-rated commitments is icing on a 10-win Sugary cake that is but washed down wish Spartan tears of wanting to sit at the big boy's table. Mattison is a great coach, and he's getting a plethora of talent to work with. That's what makes me believe in UM being back. That, and: "This is Michigan."

The1Cool

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:57 p.m.

Well it's not just recruiting. It's recruiting AND coaching. Offensive, defensive and special teams coaching. Winning a mythical national championship takes more than talent and coaching, but beating MSU does not.

Robert Granville

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.

Really? Who has been winning those NCs... Oh it's Alabama. They haven't been recruiting well though so I guess you're right. Go find a NC winning team made up of a recruiting class like State's last few. Just a hint... you won't find one in the last decade.

GoBlue2009

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.

Oh, Sourpuss face. How I will enjoy Michigan beating you up and down the field in October!

Tom

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.

Michigan is moving up? There was only one way to go. MSU has a Big 10 best record of 24-8 over the past 4 years...Sparty has ALREADY moved up! Where's the threat?

GoBlue2009

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.

In psychology, they call Dantonio's comments "denial."

mookienation

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:15 a.m.

Tom. Seriously? Dream on? I mean, maybe Michigan State wins again this year, but come on. Michigan is definitely moving up. And fast. The Spartans better win this year because it might be the last good chance they'll have for a long time.

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:36 a.m.

Not gonna happen unless Hoke finds some players THIS YEAR! The UofM offense will be shut down in its tracks again on October 20th! Dream on.....

Blue Marker

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.

To barrow a line from Coach D "Pride comes before the fall". What can he say really? He's getting stomped on the recruiting trail and he has to save face. Hang on to those last 4 years as long as you can.

peg dash fab

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:49 a.m.

I never understood that phrase

GeeWhiz

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.

Looking forward to Dantonio's facial expressions and post-game news conference on Saturday October 15th, 2012!

BigD7660

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.

Well, don't hold your breath... Considering October 15th, 2012 is the Monday BEFORE the Michigan game, I'm sure he'll be talking about how they beat Iowa and how he's looking forward to Michigan week...

Nic schweigert

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.

Ya the look on his face after a butt kicking and knowing that's in store for him as long as he is at moo u and hokes leading the greatest school in history is gonna be priceless

Theo's Brother

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.

Ol Marky, You are in for a ruuuuuuuuuuude awakening!

JamesF

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.

MSU better start keeping their comments to themselves. The past success against Michigan were when Michigan was down and under Hoke's first year of rebuilding the Michigan football program. That feeling of winning for MSU against Michigan is not going to last long. It's time to get back to reality MSU. Enjoy those 4 wins and past Big Ten success while you can.

81wolverine

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.

He wouldn't be saying this stuff if he wasn't worried. The fact is that within a few years Michigan is going to out-talent MSU at almost every position. Their winning streak is over. The series will return back to U-M domination starting this fall, and Dantonio knows it.

7718

Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.

A few years? Why does hoke get a few more years?

Tom

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.

What makes you think so? That 1.6 yard per carry "bruising" performance vs. VaTech in the worst BCS game ever played? At least after watching that "dog" the BCS hierarchy took note! 5th one is gonna be the easiest one yet!

John of Saline

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.

It's not too smart to be so dismissive, especially publicly.

Hailmary

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.

It's nice to see that coach Dantonio has a sense of humor.

a2girl

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.

Yes, but I'm not sure he is that smart. :)

JimB

Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.

Drawing the line in the sand.

Michigan State's Mark Dantonio on Michigan: 'Where's the threat?'

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