EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio doesnt act all that surprised these days when the Spartans beat a big-name opponent on the road.Theyve now done it three times in last 12 months -- against rivals Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame.Were not going to win every football game, but were competitive. I think we understand what were doing, Dantonio said Tuesday. Were able to sort of lift ourselves up sometimes. Right now weve got a culture which expects success. When you have that culture that expects success, good things tend to happen.The eighth-ranked Spartans may expect to win games like these, but there are still plenty of doubters whenever Michigan State takes on some of the top opponents in its region. Michigan was favored by about a touchdown over the Spartans last year, and Ohio State was favored by around two TDs. Notre Dame was favored by about a touchdown Saturday night, but Michigan State won 36-28.Last weekends victory may look like less of an upset as the season progresses, but the Spartans (2-0) went into the game against Notre Dame with some significant questions. Michigan State hadnt been particularly impressive in its season-opening win over Furman.By the third quarter against the Irish, though, the Spartans had served notice that they should not be overlooked as they try to defend their Big Ten title. Michigan State led 36-7 before a late rally by Notre Dame set up an exciting finish.Next up for the Spartans is their conference opener Saturday, at home against No. 11 Wisconsin.Coach D said it I guess best in meetings: You dont get a ring for beating Notre Dame, quarterback Tyler OConnor said. Nonconference games are great, and obviously in a big atmosphere its great, but it really kicks off -- our motto is `back to back and you cant do that without starting out (Big Ten play) 1-0.This is OConnors first season as Michigan States starter after he waited his turn behind Connor Cook. He threw an interception in the second quarter Saturday but finished 19 of 26 for 241 yards and two touchdowns.Michigan State outrushed Notre Dame 260-57, and the receiving corps was solid after the Spartans entered the season with some uncertainty there. Freshman Donnie Corley caught four passes for 88 yards and a TD, and R.J. Shelton had eight catches for 80 yards and a score.He was a recruited tailback. We moved him to wide receiver after we saw him catching the football, Dantonio said of Shelton. He made himself a wide receiver over the course of time. You sort of blossom in that respect. Well continue to do that with all of our players as we go. Were going to always test them and say, `Hey, lets try this guy over here, this guy over there, lets see if he can do this or that.On the other side of the ball, linebacker Jon Reschke stood out with a forced fumble and an interception.Jon had a great game. I think he was the player of the game, no question, Dantonio said. Right now hes hitting his stride. I think last year he played very well, as well. Based on this last game, he stepped up in a big game in a prime-time situation and played extremely well. So were looking for more good things from him.After Cook used up his final season of eligibility last season, the Spartans appeared to have a big challenge ahead if they wanted to repeat last seasons success.Last weekend was their first big test, and they passed in impressive fashion.As far as where were at as a program, we took a big step I think this past weekend, Dantonio said. Now we need to get ourselves back locked in. I think I must say -- how many hundreds of times? -- I think we need to move forward. Thats the basis of who we are. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Sam-Huff-Jersey/ . With the first unit struggling of late and Amir Johnson - one of the teams iron men - hobbling on an injured right ankle, Patterson knew he could get the nod in a challenging matchup against one of the leagues up and coming players at his position. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/ . Once again, DeLaet finished tied for second at a PGA Tour stop on the weekend, this time at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The pride of Weyburn, Sask. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Trent-Murphy-Jersey/ . The Barrie Colts defenceman, who impressed many with his play for Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, is the top-ranked skater in the February rankings. He has 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 45 games with the Colts this season. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Chris-Thompson-Jersey/ . As the crowd erupted, Davis knocked the ball off the glass and back into his hands. With 1:14 to go in overtime, Davis sixth block also became his 17th rebound. That, along with his 32 points -- which tied a career high -- proved too much for Denver to overcome, and the Pelicans held on for their third straight victory, 111-107 on Sunday night. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Ryan-Grant-Jersey/ . Thousands of fans at Mosaic Stadium will be cozying up to each other in an effort to stay warm in chilly temperatures and block the Prairie wind that locals say can knock your socks off. Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan admits polarising figure Andrew Fifita has some issues he needs to deal with and says the NRL club needs to closely monitor his welfare.Fifita will be remembered as the player who delivered the Sharks their first premiership after scoring the match-winning try in Sundays grand final win over Melbourne.But while the Cronulla prop basked in grand final glory on Monday, he remains the subject of the NRL integrity units investigation over his support of one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge.Flanagan was quick to praise his charge for the way he handled the saga since it broke six weeks ago, but admitted fearing for Fifitas welfare without the support of his teammates.Andrews pretty resilient when he gets into this group, the football group. They look after him, Flanagan said.But it must be hard for him when hes away from us, without the support of the playing group. We need to look after him because there are some issues there. The media does affect him.Hes a tough, resilient kid. Hes made some bad decisions but he knows that.Fifitas public show of support foor Loveridge could cost him a spot in the Kangaroos squad for their Four Nations tour in England later this month when it gets named on Tuesday.ddddddddddddTwin brother David, who returned from the Super League to watch Andrew at ANZ Stadium, said it would be a shame if Australia failed to select the in-form prop for the game.Fifita was controversially overlooked for the Clive Churchill medal as best afield despite tallying 191 metres from 23 carries, 11 tackle busts and 30 tackles.Im sure after that performance, going through the whole semis, and round 26 when he versed the Storm down there, hes the best prop going around, David said.I dont want to be biased or put anyone to shame, but they seen it tonight. Youve got the Kiwis captain there, hes the prop and he just put him on show tonight.With Kieran, I dont support what he did. 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