East Lansing — As Mark Dantonio was busy building Michigan State into a national power, it was often done with the proverbial chip on the Spartans’ shoulder.
It was a convenient tack to take considering many had trouble believing — even as it was happening — that Michigan State was a program that could be successful on a consistent basis, compete for championships and win on the big stage.
But Dantonio and Michigan State did just that, making nine consecutive bowl games, winning three Big Ten titles and reaching the College Football Playoff. It’s a run that has often left fans of rival programs wondering when Dantonio would drop the “chip on their shoulder” approach.