Saturday’s game gave the Spartans their third consecutive win against the Wolverines for the first time since 1967.

Dantonio said it is special to be a part of something that hasn’t been done in 43 years. But he also said his team hasn’t done anything until it matches the way those teams of the mid-’60s finished their seasons strong, including some national championships.

So Sunday, when he briefly addressed the media at Skandalaris Football Center, Dantonio said he already is looking ahead to No. 13 MSU’s homecoming matchup against Illinois next Saturday.

“We’re moving on, we have to move on,” Dantonio said. “We have to move to the next challenge.”

Dantonio said he and his staff had a chance to look over the film from Saturday’s game, and everyone was pleased with what they saw.

But after going over the game again with the players, Dantonio said it is important the Spartans remain focused and don’t become complacent.

“We’re halfway through, and things are going very, very well,” Dantonio said. “But it doesn’t make the season.”

Focused on health

Along with his team’s improving, Dantonio said he still is focused on his health situation.

“I’ll do more than I did last week and continue to move forward,” Dantonio said. “But I’ll listen to people.”

Saturday’s win was Dantonio’s first game back with the team since suffering a heart attack Sept. 19.

He was on the field during pregame warmups and spoke to the team at halftime, but coached from upstairs in the box.

Dantonio went back to the hospital for a blood clot found in his leg Sept. 30 — two days before the Spartans’ win against then-No. 11 Wisconsin.

As he determines when he can return to the sidelines for a game, Dantonio said it will depend on when he will be able to walk on his leg for the duration of a game.

“I can do that in 15-20 minute intervals,” Dantonio said of standing on the sidelines. “But I don’t want to set ourselves back here. I continue to get better and stronger every day.”

Defense holding strong

At the halfway point of the season, Dantonio said he is happy with the way his team is performing all over the field, especially running and throwing the ball offensively.

But as MSU moves through the heart of the Big Ten season, Dantonio said it will be key for the defense to not take a single week off with all of the talent and different offensive styles in the conference.

“On the defensive side of the ball, we have to continue to play well against who we line up against,” Dantonio said. “Every offense is a little bit different, so a lot of times it’s about attention to detail and execution.”