Only it was his much-maligned offense coming up big.
Another opening-drive touchdown started the game, the Spartans’ third in four games, then the defense came up with three critical stops at the 1-yard line on Northwestern’s ensuing turnover-aided possession.
That set the tone for Dantonio to become MSU’s all-time winningest coach with a 31-10 victory over the Wildcats on Saturday afternoon at Ryan Field.