From San Diego, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press / LSJ MSU beat writer Chris Solari analyze the Spartans' 42-17 Holiday Bowl win over Washington State and what it means for MSU going forward. Graham Couch / Lansing State Journal
SAN DIEGO — Here’s what Michigan State players and coaches had to say about their 42-17 win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl on Thursday:
MSU coach Mark Dantonio: “A program win in every respect. Especially the fact that it's our 10th win this season, which is what we came out here (to do). We came out here on sort of a mission, and our players did an outstanding job I thought — in the San Diego community, bed check, all the things you have to do in the bowl games. And they kept their focus in meetings and kept their focus in practices. We got great practices out here, and I think we showed up tonight.”
QB Damion Terry on Dantonio in the locker room after his 100th win at MSU: “Unforgettable. I don’t think I’ve ever seen coach D cry like that. I’m glad we could send him out happy. I think it was him just remembering everything we went through and just how happy he is. It’s kind of a relief to him.”
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MSU QB and offensive MVP Brian Lewerke on the offense finding its rhythm: “It took a little bit to kind of get rolling. We only had a minimal amount of plays in the first quarter, and that didn’t help. It just took a little while to get our feet back. … I feel like today was one of the most complete games we’ve had, and the offense played very well, too.”
MSU LB and defensive MVP Chris Frey on his last college game: “I got back to the locker room and I was talking to Shane Jones, and I don't want to take this jersey off. I'm going to take as much time as I can in my jersey. The future is bright for this team. I'm excited to continue watching this team grow because we have so many young guys that have the ability to be great and with the work ethic I know they have that they showed in the off-season. The sky is the limit for everybody on this team.”
Dantonio on the Spartans’ turnaround 10-win season: “I think the biggest thing you learn as a young person or as a coach or anybody is to get up after you've been knocked down. Whether you're in a corporation or whether you're in a sport or whether you're a coach, the ability to stand up and continue to persevere when things don't look so well for you. Our football team did that.”
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