East Lansing — “They all count as one.”
It’s a phrase Mark Dantonio has used over the years, echoing the thoughts of one of his predecessors, George Perles.
The idea is no game is bigger than another. A win on one particular day doesn’t assure you one the next. The same goes for a loss.
But there is one week a year Dantonio throws that mantra out the window, the same way Perles did. Michigan-Michigan State week.
And that week is here for the 109th time.
“You know, ever since I’ve come here, I’ve never shied away from this football game,” Dantonio said.