“We want to be in charge of this division,” Dantonio said at his weekly press conference Tuesday. “We want to be the one champion — not sharing a co-championship or anything of that nature, so we want to make a statement to that effect.”

If the Spartans win Saturday, they’ll have earned 20 wins in two season — another statement Dantonio is looking to make in his fifth year as head coach.

But to make any statements or to continue achieving their goals — which include the conference championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl — Dantonio said they’ll have to finish November with the same intensity they’ve had in previous years.

Despite MSU already clinching its place in the conference championship game, the team will have to close out the regular season with its 10th win and not take any shine off the division trophy — which MSU would have to share with Michigan if the Spartans lose this weekend and the Wolverines win.

“(The) best indicator of how you finished — regardless of what your final record is — (is) how did you finish in November?” Dantonio said. “We do take I think great pride in sort of checking off our goals … and understand that dreams do come true. If you work hard, you can make dreams come true.”

Nard-dawg moving up
Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi was named a finalist for Defensive Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com. He is joined by U-M defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, Alabama’s Kirby Smart and LSU’s John Chavis.

This season, MSU’s defense has been recognized as one of the nation’s best. The Spartans currently are ranked third in total defense, fifth in passing efficiency defense and are in a three-way tie for ninth in interceptions.

Additionally, CBSSports.com ranked Narduzzi No. 7 in the top 10 fastest-rising assistant coaches — increasing Narduzzi’s demand by other programs.

“He’s done an outstanding job with our defense, and I think it’s becoming nationally known,” Dantonio said. “So do I expect people to come after him? Absolutely.”

Dantonio said beginning in February, MSU’s assistant coaches will receive raises, and although he would not give a specific amount in terms of money set aside or what the individual increases will be, he said the raises should put MSU in the top three in the conference.

“A head coaching position — I would think — would be the next step for Pat Narduzzi, but who knows?” Dantonio said. “They are paying astronomical money some places for coordinators, so I can’t say.”