[Tuck4Bama]

EAST LANSING -- If shrugging responsibility is a universally despised character flaw, then Michigan State came back from its lost weekend strong in at least one area.


The Spartans were all about being accountable for what they did, or failed to do, during their confidence-bruising 48-41 overtime loss to Northwestern.

"It starts with me and runs throughout our entire program," Dantonio said at Monday's news conference. "We need to be responsible for it from the top to the bottom, from the guy who didn't play a play to the guy who coached the football team."

The Spartans had a chance to pull the game out right up to the final play despite the fact they tackled poorly, had an extra point and a punt blocked, committed untimely penalties and allowed 520 yards and five touchdowns through the air.

Dantonio admitted that Sunday was one of those days when "you don't want to get out of bed. For 24 hours, boy, I was hurting, as was everybody, because you see opportunities slip by you. It was a very tough day emotionally for us.

Coach, players take blame for loss