Mark Dantonio’s, Spartans’ Disappointment Shows During Post-Game Media Comments

On paper, Michigan State did well against Notre Dame in Saturday's 38-18 loss save for some costly errors. The Spartans dominated the clock, holding the ball 34:04 minutes of the game opposed to ND's 25:57. The Green & White bested the Fighting Irish in the total yardage battle as well with 496 yards compared to 355 yards for Notre Dame. The turnover battle, however, marked the most telling stat of the game.

Michigan State turned the ball over three times, each resulting in a Notre Dame touchdown. LJ Scott's 2nd quarter goal line fumble stung especially hard for MSU and Scott himself, who had ball security issues during the season opener against Bowling Green.

Mark Dantonio seemed disappointed in the turnover margin but recognized Scott's efforts to get to the goal line in the first place on the 14 yard run.

Brian Lewerke, who threw a pick-six on the Spartan's opening drive and fumbled two drives later also let his frustration show though ultimately trying to stay positive.

Aside from the turnover battle, Notre Dame's offense proved itself to be much more capable than the Spartans expected. Until today, Notre Dame QB Brandon Wimbush had relied more upon his legs than his arm. The Fighting Irish continued their red zone scoring efficiency and pushed the ball downfield.

Dantonio felt that MSU did not run the ball as well as it should have and that Notre Dame won the battle up front.

Sloppy penalties cost the Spartans as well.

"They come from playing physical," co-captain Brian Allen said during his post-game comments to the media.

Overall, the Spartans hope to learn from this loss as the young team goes through its growing pains. A 3-1 Iowa Hawkeyes team coming off of a heartbreaking last minute loss against Penn State comes to East Lansing this Saturday to start MSU's Big Ten schedule.

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