For Dantonio, putting the prefix “Co” in front of champions wasn’t something he felt like repeating after last season’s debacle — when MSU missed out on a BCS bowl because it shared the conference with Wisconsin and Ohio State.

So it wasn’t until the Spartans trotted off a rain-soaked Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill., with a 31-17 victory that Dantonio burst into his team’s locker room and started his own celebration.

“We worked to stand alone at the top,” said Dantonio, who faced the media with a gaping smile on his face. “We talk about finishing everything that we do, and this is a great example of that. You wonder why I’m excited … because it’s so much better when you do it this way. It means so much more to everybody.”

The win also allows MSU to maintain its momentum heading into a rematch with Wisconsin — the first game going to the Spartans 37-31 on a last-second Hail Mary pass.

Unlike last season, when BCS standings ultimately decided their fate, the Spartans get to play for a trip to the Rose Bowl. However, with a loss, the Spartans could very well be in the same position they were last year: on the outside looking in.

With Michigan defeating Ohio State, it’s likely the Wolverines will be the second Big Ten team to earn a BCS bowl berth, not the loser of the Big Ten title game. But Dantonio didn’t say his team was at a disadvantage.

“I was excited at the beginning of the season about having the chance to settle it on the field,” Dantonio said.

“So that’s where we’re at. Why change our mentality now? We were expecting that, so you can’t worry about what you can’t control.”

Pickelman’s first half
Kevin Pickelman isn’t known for his high amount of tackles.

Few defensive tackles are, as their responsibilities usually are to fill gaps and eat up double teams. But against the Wildcats spread offense, Pickelman turned his attention to eating up the ballcarriers.

The senior recorded eight tackles and a sack — all in the first half — nearly matching his total amount of tackles on the season (11).

“I like playing spread teams (with) that fast tempo. ” Pickelman said.

“Some people get tired, but I like to just dig down deep and keep playing.”

Making a switch?
Coaches originally planned on converting redshirt freshman Tony Lippett, who has doubled as a cornerback and wide receiver this season, to full-time offense.

However, in sophomore cornerback Darqueze Dennard’s absence, Lippett has stepped up to take on a starting role on the defense.

Against the Wildcats he had another solid game, with five tackles and a team-high three pass breakups.

With each game, Lippett makes it harder on his coach to switch him permanently, and after the game, Dantonio changed his tone and said Lippett still will make cameos as a defender.

“I’ve said before I think he’s got a knack like Chris Gamble had a knack at Ohio State,” Dantonio said. “There’s no question in my mind next year he can play both.”