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Why Mark Dantonio's MSU exit stuck to his principles: 'You have to know what to do'

Mark Dantonio's five biggest wins at Michigan State, where he went 114-57 in 13 seasons (2007-19). Detroit Free Press

EAST LANSING — It was Nov. 27, 2006. Mark Dantonio walked across the elevated stage inside the Skandalaris Center, kissed his wife, Becky, and began to present his vision.

Before even mentioning bowl games and championships, he discussed “three intangibles that take no ability” that he felt needed to be instilled in Michigan State’s football program that “will carry us through.”

“To have a great amount of toughness," both mental and physical, was his first. “To have great effort at everything we do,” followed.