Spartans show plenty of heart in beating Badgers

— The Michigan State Spartans huddled in the locker room around Don Treadwell’s BlackBerry not long after their 34-24 victory over No. 11 Wisconsin on Saturday, eager to hear a special message.

From his Sparrow Hospital bed a few miles away, Coach Mark Dantonio had been watching as his No. 24 Spartans (5-0) delivered their most complete effort of the season against one of the Big Ten’s elite. It was difficult for all in the 100-plus crowd to hear what he had to say, but the most important part came through loud and clear.

“He said, ‘I’m so proud of you guys,’” senior linebacker Jon Misch recounted. “That was the first thing he said. People were yelling back, ‘I love you Coach!’”

Dantonio, who underwent an emergency angioplasty on Sept. 19 after suffering a heart attack, planned to coach the game from the press box after doctors cleared him to return to the team. Last Thursday, though, a blood clot was found in his leg during a routine postoperative examination, and he returned to the hospital. Athletic Director Mark Hollis and family members who visited him said Saturday that he was doing well, and watching the game.

Coaches said he sent text messages during the game with his advice and a few play calls, but it was Treadwell, handling head coaching duties for a second consecutive week, who showed his mettle by making gutsy calls during the game.

Most noteworthy was his choice to go for it on fourth and goal at the Wisconsin one, with the Spartans ahead, 27-24. Kirk Cousins threw to B.J. Cunningham for the clinching touchdown with 2:43 to play.