“November has been — sort of what we’ve tried to say around here is for contenders,” he said. “We understand where we’re at right now, but let’s see where we’re at in the end. Let’s focus on the next game, not worry about things too far in the distance.”

The Spartans face a daunting task in upsetting No. 21 Nebraska — a team that overwhelmed MSU 24-3 last year — but if they do, they become eligible for a postseason bowl game and depending on the performance of a few other teams in the conference, could keep their slim chances at winning the Legends Division.

A win against Nebraska would be the first in MSU’s history, as the Spartans are 0-6 against the Huskers all time, including a 50-10 rout in 1995, a game Dantonio — then a defensive backs coach under head coach Nick Saban — remembers vividly.

In fact, it was Dantonio’s first ever game on MSU’s sidelines.

“I remember a lot of red,” he said. “I remember Tommie Frazier and I think (Lawrence) Phillips going up and down the field on us. It was a tough first game.”

MSU’s chances at beating the Cornhuskers likely will grow with the improvements in junior tight end Dion Sims’ health. Sims has played a limited role in the past two games for the Spartans, with Dantonio estimating the Detroit-native was playing at about 80 percent full strength on Saturday while recovering from an ankle injury.

However, Dantonio said Sims should be ready to go against the Huskers Saturday, and he was listed at the starting tight end on MSU’s depth chart.

MSU also could be aided by the health concerns of Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead, who torched the Spartans for three touchdowns and 130 rushing yards in Lincoln, Neb. last year.

Burkhead has struggled to return from an injured knee this season, and Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini said the senior’s status for Saturday’s game is day to day as the week progresses.

Still, Dantonio didn’t put too much stock in whether Burkhead will be able to play against the Spartans this week.

“They’re still moving the football as evidenced by them statistically,” he said. “But I think he’s a tough-minded player, an emotional player from what I see.”

Although the Spartans have found some momentum with the win against Wisconsin, Dantonio said it’s important his team stays focused on the task at hand and not look too far ahead.

“I think we’ve got three good football games left to play and we can have an outstanding football season yet because we can do some different things,” he said.

“You never know how things are going to shape out. Our focus needs to be on the next football game, which is Nebraska.”