Michigan State Football Head Coach Mark Dantonio Comments on Today's Scrimmage

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio:

“Our intensity level was very good throughout the scrimmage. We’re really excited about the way the defense played this afternoon. The first-team defense looked very sharp, pressuring the quarterback, running to the football and tackling in space very, very well. The defense got off to a quick start and really took control after the big pick by Tony Lippett that he returned for a touchdown. Defensively, Max Bullough played very well. From ground level, it sure looked like Max made a lot of plays. Jeremy Langford (six tackles, including one for a 3-yard loss, and one pass break-up) made some plays too (for second-team defense).

“Offensively, we can’t beat ourselves. Penalties really put us behind the eightball. Offensively, we must eliminate the unforced penalties. Collectively, the tailbacks all played pretty well. They ran hard, broke a couple of nice runs and took care of the football. With windy conditions like today, the receivers need to catch the ball on a more consistent basis. The quarterbacks threw crisp passes right on the money, but dropped passes killed some drives. The balls will flutter some in these windy conditions, but the receivers have to make the play.

“We thought our guys came out here with a purpose today. The guys played with intensity and toughness. We got 50-to-60 snaps each for the ones and twos and got another 40 snaps for the threes, so we got a lot accomplished.

“We’re really pleased with the attitude of our football team. You’re never going to be perfect, but you keep striving for perfection. We’re very excited about our toughness and how hard our guys play. With our players’ willingness to work, the execution will come.”

Additional notes and quotes: The first 105 plays of today’s 183-play scrimmage took place inside Spartan Stadium. Head coach Mark Dantonio described the new natural grass surface as “firm and fast.” Dantonio added the natural grass playing surface “looked and played great.”