Mark Dantonio Did Some Coaching From Hospital On Saturday

Despite being stuck at the hospital and forced to watch the Michigan State-Wisconsin game on TV, Mark Dantonio did manage to coach a bit on Saturday. His coaching was obviously indirect, but thanks to text messaging, he was able to stay in contact with the coaches at the game and even offer his suggestions for some important call.

Pat Narduzzi said Dantonio was in constant contact with coaches in the box and was offering suggestions and approvals, but Treadwell made those calls.

I'm sure the doctors would prefer that Dantonio take it easy and try to not think a whole lot about football, but let's be serious, you know that wasn't going to happen. Dantonio is Michigan State's football coach, whether he is on the sidelines or in the hospital. Although the final call on plays was made by Don Treadwell, who has taken over Dantonio's duties, there's no doubt who the head coach of the Spartans is, even when he's absent physically.

Michigan State Coach Mark Dantonio Congratulates Team From Hospital

Michigan State kicked off its Big Ten season with an impressive win in East Lansing, 34-24, over Wisconsin on Saturday. Head coach Mark Dantonio originally intended to work the game from the press box, but after a blood clot was found in his leg on Thursday, he was advised to stay away from Spartan Stadium.

Dantonio couldn’t resist congratulating his team after its big win, however, giving a post-game speech in unusual fashion. According to senior linebacker Jon Misch, the coach spoke to his players by speakerphone.

From ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg:

“He said, ’I’m so proud of you guys, unbelievable win,’” Misch said. “People were yelling, ‘I love you, coach! That’s for you!’ and things like that. It was honestly so hard to hear it, but I made out those few words.”

Click over to read the rest of Rittenberg’s article, where he writes that the Spartans are finally learning to play through adversity, helped in part by offensive coordinator Don Treadwell’s bold play-calling.

Michigan State Wins Big Ten Opener Over Wisconsin, 34-24

East Lansing, MI (Sports Network) – Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes, leading 24th-ranked Michigan State to a 34-24 victory over 11th-ranked Wisconsin in the Big Ten opener for both schools.

Cousins completed 20-of-29 passes for 269 yards and was picked off twice for Michigan State (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten), which won its first five games for the first time since 1999 despite playing without head coach Mark Dantonio. Dantonio, who suffered a heart attack two weeks ago, was expected to be in the press box on Saturday, but was re-admitted to the hospital Thursday with a blood clot in his leg.

Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell guided the team in Dantonio’s absence, and the Spartans racked up 444 total yards of offense in the key victory. Edwin Baker ran for 87 yards, while Le’Veon Bell garnered 75 yards on the ground. Mark Dell caught six passes for 91 yards and a score for MSU.

Scott Tolzien struggled for Wisconsin (4-1, 0-1), completing only 11-of-25 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. The Badgers, who scored a school-record 70 points in a win last week, recorded only 292 yards of total offense, with most of that coming from running backs James White and John Clay, who recorded 98 and 80 yards, respectively. White ran for two touchdowns in defeat.

Michigan State Leads Wisconsin At Halftime, 20-10

Special teams have been the difference thus far in East Lansing, as Michigan State has a 20-10 halftime lead over Wisconsin.

Keshawn Martin made the breakout play midway through the second quarter when he returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown and a 13-10 lead. The Spartans added to the lead with 28 seconds remaining in the half on an eight-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Mark Dell. Cousins had thrown two interceptions in the first half.

Le’Veon Bell has 53 yards rushing on nine carries for Michigan State. John Clay leads Wisconsin on the ground with 43 yards on 11 carries.

Michigan State Vs. Wisconsin: Preview

(Preview from The Sports Network)

GAME NOTES: A pair of undefeated and ranked Big Ten clubs come together in East Lansing this weekend, as the No.11 Wisconsin Badgers square off against the No.24 Michigan State Spartans in the league opener for both programs.

In their final tuneup before the start of Big Ten play, the Badgers were dominant, tallying a 70-3 victory last weekend over Austin Peay, a FCS program.

"During the course of the week, what we really preached to the kids was to play the game the way it needs to get played," stated head coach Bret Bielema. "It doesn't matter what your opponent is. Respect all, fear none."

The 70 points set a new school record, eclipsing the previous mark of 69 set in a triumph of New Mexico State in 1962. The win helped Wisconsin move into Big Ten play without a blemish for the seventh consecutive year. Things though, are about to get a whole lot tougher following a less than impressive non-conference schedule.

As for the Spartans, they too posted a convincing victory over a FCS opponent in their final warm-up before the Big Ten schedule, taking a 45-7 decision over Northern Colorado last weekend. Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell ran the show in place of head coach Mark Dantonio, who was recovering from a mild heart attack.

"Let's begin with certainly a win is a win," said Treadwell. "Certainly excited as a Spartan fan to be 4-0. There's no question about that. Our hats off to our boss, Coach Mark Dantonio. We are hoping that he was able to watch the game, in I don't know if I can use the word peace or not."

The Spartans, who are gunning for their first 5-0 start since 1999, won't likely have Dantonio on the sideline this weekend, though he should be more involved.

"I would expect to be in the box on Saturday," said Dantonio at a press conference on Tuesday. "I just think walking around out there for three hours might be a little bit tiring. But that would be my initial plan at this point."

With regard to the all-time series, MSU holds a 27-21 edge over Wisconsin, although the Badgers posted a 38-30 victory in Madison last season.

The Badgers scored a TD each of their first nine possessions, didn't commit a turnover for the second straight game and had only one penalty in dominant performance against APSU last weekend. Furthermore, the Badgers totaled 618 yards of offense, including 346 on the ground, in the rout.

Freshman RB James White got a chance to showcase his stuff with the game well out of reach, as he toted 11 times for 145 yards and four TDs.

"James is a very gifted football player with great speed and, again, because he's not out there every down, he comes in with those fresh legs and it really benefits everybody," said Bielema.

The reason why White doesn't get more carries is Wisconsin has one of the top backs in the nation in John Clay. The bruising runner had 118 yards and a TD on 15 carries last weekend, extending his streak to 10 straight games with at least 100 yards on the ground. He now has 501 yards and six scores on the season, pacing a Wisconsin ground attack that is managing a healthy 257.5 ypg.

QB Scott Tolzien hasn't had to air it out too much with the success on the ground, but when given the chance, he has been extremely accurate, converting 76.2 percent of his pass attempts. Just like most of the starters, Tolzien enjoyed a big game last weekend, passing for 217 yards and three TDs on 15- of-17 throws. Lance Kendricks was his main target with six receptions for 103 yards and a score, and his 299 receiving yards for the season are more than double any other player on the roster.

Wisconsin's defense also turned in a terrific effort last weekend, holding APSU to just 157 total yards. The unit gave up just 42 yards on the ground, and the Badgers have been stout versus the run this year, permitting just 94.5 ypg and one TD. The defense however, could stand to make a few more big plays, as the unit has just three takeaways and eight sacks to its credit.

Louis Nzegwu, who wasn't much of a factor last weekend, currently leads the defense with 17 stops and two sacks, to go with four TFLs. He has played a big part on third downs, helping Wisconsin limit opponents to just a 27 percent conversion rate in such situations.

Much like Wisconsin, MSU likes to get the job done on the ground and the team enters the weekend averaging 231.5 rushing ypg. The Spartans gained 201 of their 532 total yards on the ground last weekend, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in the win over Northern Colorado.

"It was phenomenal," said sophomore TB Edwin Baker on the team going over 200 rushing yards once gain. "We have to keep that going, keep that motor going. We need to stay hungry and keep doing our job."

Baker had 59 yards and a score on 11 carries in the win, while Le'Veon Bell led the charge with 92 yards and three TDs on 11 totes. The duo have been tremendous for MSU thus far, averaging over eight yards per carry, while combining for 845 rushing yards and 12 TDs.

Kirk Cousins has benefited from the ground game's success and he has completed 67.0 percent of his pass attempts, with six scores and two INTs. Last weekend, Cousins was nearly flawless, as he hit on 16-of-20 throws for 290 yards and two scores.

MSU's defense was stout last weekend as well, with the unit holding Northern Colorado to only 266 total yards. The Spartans came up with four INTs, while limiting Northern Colorado to just a 9-of-28 effort on passes. It was certainly a nice effort from a unit that has struggled against the pass, allowing 252.5 ypg and eight scores through the air thus far. MSU, though, has been tough against the run, permitting 85.2 ypg and one TD on the ground, and this group will certainly be challenged by Wisconsin's attack.

All-American candidate Greg Jones currently leads the Spartans in tackles with 33 and he also came up with a team-high two INTs last weekend. Add in a sack and three forced fumbles for the season and Jones has proven he can make big plays.

This is a big test for both clubs, as neither has faced a ranked opponent up to this point. Go with the Badgers, as they appear to have more experience and a little better running game as well as defense.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Wisconsin 30, Michigan State 27

Michigan State Vs. Wisconsin: Battle Of Ranked Teams

This Saturday's game between Michigan State and Wisconsin is a big one for both teams. Although Big Ten play is just getting started, both teams have a chance to pick up a huge win in this battle of ranked teams.

The Spartans, ranked 24th in the nation, have won their last two home games against Wisconsin. The 11th-ranked Badgers have won six of the last nine games in the series, however.

Here is the pertinent info for Saturday's game:

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ABC/ESPN mirror
  
• Location: East Lansing, Michigan
  
• Stadium: Spartan Stadium

Wisconsin enters this game with a 4-0 record that includes a win on the road against UNLV and a victory at home against Arizona State. Here is a full look at their four wins so far:

at UNLV - Won, 41-21

vs. San Jose State - Won, 27-14

vs. Arizona State - Won, 20-19

vs. Austin Peay - Won, 70-3

If Michigan State wins on Saturday, it will be the team's first 5-0 start since 1999, when the Nick Saban-led Spartans won their first six games of the season.