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Good Questions: Ideas for Bookshelves?
Hi, I just moved to a small apartment in Park Slope with adjustable shelving in the living room. We do have a lot of books, but would like a better, prettier solution to what is currently up. Can you help — I need ideas! Thanks, Elizabeth
Who has ideas for Elizabeth?
34 Comments
Thicker, nicer wood for the shelves in a darker stain?
What's your money and/or time budget for this project? A quick and easy DIY approach would be to line the wall behind the shelves with some appealing wallpaper/fabric ... maybe paint or stain the shelves (could even treat all the same so the shelves would "disappear" into the background) ... but if you wanted to spend more money there are tons of pre-made alternatives out there (have you searched AT's archives?) that would serve the same purpose in the same space...
Are you keeping the brick wall white? Are you on a tight budget? If so, your best bet would probably be to paint the shelves white so they blend into the wall and the books (and other objects you put on the shelves) become the focus. Or, even better, paint the shelves a bold color that matches or complements your living room furniture.
If you have money to spend, then by all means remove the industrial tracks and get a local carpenter to install built-in bookshelves, which would look beautiful and also make best use of floor-to-ceiling storage.
BTW, I'm jealous: Park Slope, a fireplace and brick walls... if only... OK, fantasy time done. Good luck in your new place!
if you have money, custom bookshelves on either side, nice mantle/shelf over fireplace, and either nice tv or some great Art.
If you have no money, welcome to the club, IKEA shelving units, they have lots of options, no mantle/shelf, and some DIY art over fireplace
You can paint those and they would look nice. Do what the others are saying and use some paper in the backdrop.
If you want to be even more bold, you can give them some texture with glued-on shelves, fabric, decoupage (my Memorial Day Weekend project!!!), or something else. Be creative, play around with it I say.
While this solution is not well suited for large quantities of books, It may give you the 'prettier solution' that you are looking for:
There are also many other sources for this type of do-it-yourself 'floating' or 'invisible' bookshelf.
I would paint that fireplace white, hang a nice painting over it (in a nice frame) and put two white bookshelves on either side. Or, some silver industrial shelving.
I'd remove the shelves and hardware from above the fireplace - They just don't belong there.
For the others, I'd take the existing boards and trim them out w/ 2" MDF strips along the front and sides so that they appear thicker and give them more strength and paint them white to match your brick walls. If they aren't already, cut notches in the back to accommodate the vertical rails so that they fit flush against the back wall.
I'd also paint the black brick white to match the rest of the wall, put a nice big large round silver-framed mirror above the fireplace, and a pair of matching credenzas on the floor in the niches below your shelves.
If you want to keep the shelving, I'd remove the shelving on the fireplace, make sure the shelves were symmetrical, add a strip of wood to the front of the existing shelves so they look fatter, and add some closed cabinets below. Your books will hide the industrial brackets and the whole thing will look more cohesive.
I don't mind the shelves now but the ones on top of the fireplace really detract from it's loveliness.
I'd paint the brackets and supports white, probably the shelf boards, too, although they might look good dark. I'd remove the supports over the fireplace and add an IKEA Lack shelf (actually I really did that in my house. They make nice mantles.)
If you want to beef the shelves up, you could nail strips of wood (lattice? what are those thin strips called??) along the fronts of the shelves before painting or staining them. Hang art or a mirror over the fireplace. Put furniture or more shelves to the floor under the existing sections. (Or maybe big plants). Once you fill the shelves with books and ornaments (arranged artfully, of course) they will seem much prettier than they do naked.
The Duraflame logs are worrisome. That doesn't appear to be a usable fireplace. Eek.
It's begging for symmetry, and a mantle of some sort.
You could consider salvaging some hollow core doors as a sort of slipcover over the unattractive existing shelves. Paint them to match the walls. Easy and inexpensive.
As for paint, I'd choose two tones similar in value... one with a little sheen for the fp either a shade lighter or darker than the wall color. Washable flat to tie together the new shelves, the brickface flanking the fp, and walls. Please, lose the black entirely. It makes no sense to see it painted like that.
A balanced (not necessarily matching) pair of reading chairs suited to your body types (assuming this is a real "WE"...) flanking the hearth, a substantial ottoman to share and hold a snack, and a pair of reading lamps. Art over the fireplace to reflect your interests. Goodbye ceiling fan, hello low wattage spotlight or pretty pendant.
You will have yourself a lovely library, lady.
I agree about removing the shelves over the fireplace, thickening the edges with molding, and painting the shelves white (or offwhite). You could also add another shelf to the one on the right and make the top shelf as long as the others, generally making the two sides symmatrical. When loaded you won't be able to see the standards.
Those kind of shelves provide a lot of support and are very useful for books. It's nice, too, to have some room beneath for cabinets.
do what bepsf said. it'll be great. Slope is wonderful, enjoy.
I agree with the other posters. Remove the shelving above the fireplace. When you repaint, paint the shelving in the same color. The brackets will disappear behind the books.
You could also install some little Ikea bookshelf spots (they come in sets of two) and run the wire along the corner of the wall.
I would also recommend changing the ceiling fan--the landlord wouldn't mind I'll bet.
Get rid of what you have on the walls now, sorry, but they are dreadful. Ikea is a good place to start. You can get adjustable shelves units in any size and they could be combined. If they could be floor to ceiling would be awesome.
It could be open shelves or maybe a combination of shelves and door units. Here is where the fun starts. The back of the units could be painted in a strong contrasting color. If they are white, use an intense color. If they are dark, a cool modern color like light green, orange, you get my point. Look around the stuff you're bringing to the room, it would be best if you can choose a good color from within the palette you have. The other thing you can do to bring character is to glue narrow mouldings to the shelves borders and crown moulding on top. It'll look custom made at a fraction. For above the fireplace go wild with something big, artwork, a mask, something ethnic, who knows....
I must agree with the others about removing those shelves. They cheapen the look of what could be a fantastic room. You could put in 2 bookcases, flanking the fireplace or keep the wood shelves, install wood brackets and just have a very clean look of wood shelves from floor to ceiling. No, they're not adjustable, but they allow the focus to remain on the fireplace. That black paint is throwing me off.....
Hanging shelves are actually really nice for larger collections: they alleviate the weight of all those books.
I agree with bepsf, but I would lower the shelves a little to human scale, rather than placing credenzas. One more shelf on the bottom, one less at the top, SYMMETRICAL layouts on both sides, and you're gonna have a beautiful setup once all the books are in. Good luck!!
Definitely take the shelves above the fireplace down and paint the black light gray or another lighter tone (including the detail just above it).
You might consider something like the customized RAKKS suspension shelves (with cabinets below) sold by The Shelf Shop in Manhattan (http://www.shelfshop.com/gallery.htm). They are handsome, and you could take them with you when you move. They would also frame the fireplace to make it seem less like it's sticking out into the room, and you could avoid installing anything in the masonry, which is hard.
Kitset storage cubes! Before you put them together put some pretty paper or a nice paint colour on the back panel to create a funky look. Buy kitset shelving units if you want a larger space (like for a lamp or something, just leave some shelves out) and just stack and screw them all together in a way that works with your stuff.
I've got this exact same layout in my lounge room! I've used forsted glass shelves instead of wooden ones in the alcoves, and I have a very large Gilda canvas print above the fireplace. Above each alcove are recessed lights in the ceiling, and when their on, they shine all the way through each of the shelves. You'd have to check how much weight you can put on each glass shelf, as mine have got things like paintings I've done and wine glasses... though I'd imagine thicker glass would take more weight...
Simple solution: fill those shelves with so many books you cannot even see the adjustable metal bits.
Also, Martha Stewart once did an article that included ideas for adjustable shelving. It suggested camouflaging the hardware in the back by painting it the same color as the wall and making the shelves themselves look a bit more substantial with wider trim pieces on all sides (which will also hide the metal brackets).
Ah, the affordable solution to all things shelving: IKEA. Billy bookcases to be specific ; then paint/decorate/ fill them to your hearts desire.
You can get a mantle shelf at someplace like Home Depot or Lowe's near the lumber area, but it would be fun and cool to go to a salvage place and find something suitable.
I'm on a 'recession budget' this would be my plan. Those shelves look like real wood, I'd stain them darker, then paint the brackets the same color as the wall. Take down that one random shelf above the fireplace, it looks silly. And try to find a real mantel instead.
But if you have real money decide to install something new either hire someone who knows what they are doing, or do a lot of research before screwing things into brick. You need the right kind of screws and the right amount of torque or you'll ruin your walls and your tools.
Remove the shelves and buy Ikea Billy bookcases. They are surprisingly sturdy. And you can use a pop of color on the back of the bookcases with fabric, wallpaper or paint.
Paint them white or stain them dark...don't listen to those saying ikea, ikea, ikea. I wouldn't lose them since they are very valuable storage space.
The slope is great.
I agree with many of the comments above. Here are some additional thoughts.
1. The shelves will essentially disappear when you load them with books. If you have enough to fill all the shelf-space, there shouldn't be any visual issues. This is the cheapest ($0) solution.
2. Is symmetry really that important? Maybe try having shelves on 1 side and not the other (?). I would put shelves on the far side and leave the window side free for whatever.
3. Paint the black portion white.
4. Remove the shelf and hardware above the fireplace.
Good luck!
In my old apt, I had essentially the same solution and didn't mind how it looked: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ooh_food/1355482235/in/set-72157601950420297/
I would replace that top shelf with one that's appropriately sized. If you don't think you can fill the shelves entirely (essentially causing the shelf itself to disappear) then take down one side. The symmetry won't matter much.
It really is a very valuable space-saving setup. If you want to make it disappear more, paint the shelves or use nicer (or double thickness) boards.
Oh, and I would remove the center shelf and replace with a large mirror or art piece.
1) Paint hardware and shelves all same color as white walls
2) If you can afford to, buy thicker shelves
3)remove shelving above fireplace
4) paint entire fireplace all the way to the ceiling high-gloss Black
5)Go to BBand Beyond or some space and buy 6 or 8 full length mirrors (about $10 each) and paint the frame white or remove frame perhaps.
6) evenly space out shelves and adhere mirrors to back of shelves which will a) hide more if the hardware and b) make your small apartment seem much sunnier and larger
7) and Yes, switch out that ceiling fan for something more appealing to you
8) I would either buy two trunks on castor wheels or 4 of those square ottomons with storage inside of them and throw pillows on top and place under the shelves- you can store your off season clothes and when friends come over they can pull them off the wall for instant entertainment seating. wahooo!
Will look forward to a great 'after' picture!
"don't listen to those saying ikea, ikea, ikea."
I agree - There's so much more to life than IKEA.
Finally someone who doesn't shout Ikea at first glance of a room - LOL. For the most part, their stuff is overpriced junk - bought an almost exact model of their Poang chair for half the price they have it listed for at Target (including shipping charge which Ikea doesn't include).
Just reread this thread - do think the mirror trick mentioned above would look nice on any shelf you have decorative items on. Just don't do it on shelves with books - a) would be much too easy for someone to push a book back on too hard and break it, b) you won't see it, and c) not worth the money to reflect back the closed pages of a book.


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In the second installment of our interview Linda talks about furniture, accessories for your BJD dollhouse, and shares some photo tips with us.
BJDmagazine: Your doll house has beautiful furniture. What are your favorite sources of miniature furniture?
Linda: I love the custom-made pieces the most because I love the originals. I love the REAC series of designer furniture too. The Eames Elephant is on my wish list. I bough one for my son in 1:1, and I hope to make a miniature version of his room one day.
BJDmagazine: You chose wonderful accessories for your BJDs to "play" with. What are your favorite sources?
Linda: Cellphone charms and keychain charms are my favorites! I find them on eBay and various online stores, but also in normal stores near where I live. I get a lot of gifts from friends and they find stuff everywhere too. You can just not get enough of miniature toys
BJDmagazine: What are your sources for wallpaper and rugs? Can you give us advice with regards to pattern choices?
Linda: eBay and The Doll House Emporium. You can find exciting stuff in the train hobby shops too. Especially if you're making a garden.
BJDmagazine: What are your inspirations for your dollhouses? Do you have favorite dollhouse creators?
Linda: http://www.flickr.com/people/anninja Annina Diston is my hero. Look at her work, it's so realistic! I love it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/10657188@N07/ Helle Gavin makes room boxes and can change interiors in the blink of an eye. She has thousands of miniature items, and updates her flickr stream on a weekly basis. I love seeing what her toys are up to. My main inspiration comes from the world of interior design and photography.
BJDmagazine: What advice would you give our readers for taking great photographs of their BJDs in their miniature world?
Linda: The lighting and lens are the key to taking great photographs. Play with the light. Use real light, desk lamps, candles. Use a tripod so you can take crisp photos with long exposure time in the evening. It's really nice to take small houses outside, to the forest, beach, or to a creepy alley. Let your imagination run wild. You can create very interesting photographs if you change the environment. And while you're at it, why not make a little stop motion film?
BJDmagazine: If you were to give advice to a first time dollhouse builder, what would it be?
Linda: Take your time finding and buying accessories for your house or you will run out of space very quickly and wish you had bought a bigger house. Enjoy the process of finishing your first miniature home since this is the most exciting part of the hobby. Read reviews keep track of the market value.
BJDmagazine: Is it more fun to have a dollhouse for your BJDs? Why?
Linda: Everyone needs a home It's a good place to store your dolls and miniatures, and to take photos. The dollhouses makes great backgrounds for toy photography. I'm very amused by the dolls in the house. It wouldn't be the same without them.
(All images are the property of Linda Gavin.)
You can find Linda Gavin on:
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jusum/
Her Photo Blog: http://www.mokona.org/
Her Toy Blog: http://www.jusum.com/blog/
Her Website: http://portfolio.jusum.com/
Please help us by linking, tweeting, and sharing this article with your friends.

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Orange City Firefighters were called to 508 Providence Avenue SE at 1:41 a.m. Wednesday.
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The Orange City Police Department, Orange City Ambulance and the Sioux County Sheriff's deputies also assisted in helping with the fire.


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CancellationToken.Equals Method (Object)
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Determines whether the current CancellationToken instance is equal to the specified Object.
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The other object to which to compare this instance.
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Mark Dantonio Weekly Press Conference Coverage
Dec. 17, 2013
Video: Dantonio | Narduzzi | Warner
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio held his weekly press conference Tuesday inside the Huntington Club at Spartan Stadium. Dantonio talked about the beginning of Rose Bowl practices as well as preparing for the top-five match up with Stanford, and was joined by assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi and co-offensive coordinator Dave Warner.
The following is a complete transcript from Tuesday's press conference:
COACH DANTONIO: First of all, I don't think we've had a press conference since the championship game, so I want to congratulate our football team on this opportunity to play in the Rose Bowl. It's an exciting time for us. You look at Stanford right now and they're a football team that's been in four-straight BCS games, so they've been to that mountain a little bit. They've been there. This is new for us.
I think that the most important thing that we have to do when we move to L.A. here a week plus from now is to handle success. That will be our mindset as we move forward and need to be ready to play and play with a lot of energy and those type of things. So it will be another tremendous challenge for us, but another great opportunity.
With that said, winning the Big Ten Championship is something that we've pointed to and dreamed about for quite some time since coming here. To win it outright and win it in a championship-type format, it's a goal attained. Now we need to go and win in a bowl game.
I think the best thing to do in these type of situations, because I really don't know what to talk about, so I'll take questions and go from there.
Q. One of the things you love most about bowl practice is experiments. Moving guys around, getting looks at guys. You haven't had a ton of practices, so what are your anticipations for where guys will get looks at?
COACH DANTONIO: We'll move some guys around from our defensive line to the offensive line and create some opportunities there. The two guys we especially want to look at is James Bodanis, an offensive linemen here in this postseason area, then also Brandon Clemons. Those are two of the guys we want to look at. Riley Bullough will be moving over to linebacker, so he'll get opportunities there, and we'll see if we can get him game ready or not. It would be nice to play him a couple snaps in the bowl game just because of the opportunities that may lie ahead for him. But we'll see how that all works out. Obviously, he's a fixture on our special teams.
Q. Not often that you get a top-5 match up in a game like this. Reading a lot about both teams, clearly you have senior classes that have accomplished a lot. Do you see some parallels between the two programs that have built from where you were to where you are today, two top-5 programs?
COACH DANTONIO: Yeah, I see a lot of parallels. When you look at Stanford, they're a football team that's going to get it done fundamentally. I think they play with a tough mindset. Their rosters are senior dominated. We have quite a few seniors, especially on our defensive side of the field.
Our offensive line, we have three seniors in there as well, and senior wideouts. But there are a lot of similarities in terms of how they play and how we play in terms of what's going on. It will be a game where you're going to see a fullback in the game some, and you could look a lot of different teams across the country right now, and they don't really have that type of match up. So you'll see that at times in both offenses; it will be a great match up though.
Q. What has life been like for you in the last nine or ten days since winning that game?
COACH DANTONIO: Yeah, it's been hectic. A lot of opportunities go with winning games like that. Darqueze Dennard was a finalist for the Nagurski Award, so I was in Charlotte for that. Max Bullough, a finalist up in New York City for scholarship athlete. I was back down to Orlando with Darqueze where he won the Jim Thorpe Award, which was very exciting for him. Then, obviously, just the going and coming. So it's been a fast week, week and a half that's gone by very, very quickly.
Q. Have you been able to enjoy it though? Enjoying it at home or with colleagues?
COACH DANTONIO: No, it's been pretty much back to business. Right now we're in preparation for Stanford, so there is really not a lot of time to sit back and say this is what we've accomplished. I think you do those things at the end of the season, and our season will end on Jan. 1.
Q. In this past week or so here, Pat Narduzzi had the opportunity at Connecticut and decided to stay here. Talk about what that means to your program that Pat will appear to be around another year and what he means to you guys?
COACH DANTONIO: First of all, we have outstanding coaches on our staff. When you look across the board and you really do want to go through our guys individually. You look at our defensive backs. How many football teams in the country have four defensive backs that are All Conference? Three First-Team All Conference and one Second. Harlon Barnett has done a tremendous job. Our linebackers, what has Max Bullough done? What's Denicos Allen done? How valuable has Taiwan Jones been? Our defensive line, what kind of difference did Ron Burton make with our defensive line?
Obviously, Pat Narduzzi is the coordinator and does a tremendous job. I think him staying here sends a message that things are good here. Things are very positive here and he'll leave for the right position at the right time and not before then. Because I think he enjoys the aspect of being here, his players, our players, the program and those type of things.
You look at the offensive side of the ball, what kind of difference did Jim Bollman make? Same with Dave Warner calling the plays. Then also Jeremy Langford, what a difference maker he was this year. Look at our offensive line and the number of sacks given up. Mark Staten has done a tremendous job. Our wide receivers are catching the ball, Terrence Samuel did an outstanding job. Brad Salem with the development of our quarterbacks, great job. I've already talked about Coach Bollman and what he's brought to the table.
Our guys have done an outstanding job, I think, across the board. You look at our special teams, same thing. You can point to the players who are doing things. I want to congratulate Mike Sadler on his First-Team All American. I think he's an ESPN selection. Shilique Calhoun, First-Team All American. Obviously, Darqueze (Dennard) has been named to almost every All American team.
But our staff has done an outstanding job. It's my hope we can keep our entire staff together. But with that being said, I also understand people look around and say `what are they doing at Michigan State?' So we're going to have guys that are going to be highly-sought after, and it's my intention to do the best we can to keep all of our staff and certainly going back to your first question, having Coach Narduzzi remain here is a big aspect for us. He's a good friend, very loyal, and also an outstanding coach, as I would say about every one of our coaches.
Q. You were talking about the assistants one by one. I wanted to ask you specifically about Dave Warner. Early in the season when we would interview him, it looked like he had a pretty tough job with the way you were moving quarterbacks in and out. Did you ever have to put your hand on his shoulder and say you're being graded on a curve right now. I know I'm moving quarterbacks, but it seemed the play calling had to change with every quarterback. It seemed that would have been a tough task for Dave.
COACH DANTONIO: He's an outstanding coach. I've known Dave since 1991, so we go back a long ways. Yeah, I understand. Players make plays, guys. Players make plays. I've said that many times in here. What we need to do is structurally be sound in what we're asking them to do, offensively, defensively and special teams. Then also put them in the best situation that their abilities allow, and that is coaching. In the end, the players make the plays. As long as we have a good, structured plan, a well thought out plan, as long as we're always critiquing what we do and trying to move forward with the plan, whether we're successful or not successful, hopefully we're learning things.
I've always had great faith in him as a coach. I've seen what he's done with Brian Hoyer and Kirk Cousins as a coach. There was no doubt in my mind he was going to be successful in what he was doing. I also said earlier, I think Brad Salem has done a tremendous job with our quarterbacks, and that was a position that there was transition in a very media frenzy way. So it goes with the territory.
Q. Coach, you talked about seeing if the players can deal with the success that they've had winning a Big Ten title. It seems all year there's either been the defense coming up with a big turnover to seal the win or with the last two months, Jeremy (Langford) getting kind of that nail in the coffin score. Have you really already seen the fact that at least in game they can deal with success and how does that translate now into the biggest game of the year?
COACH DANTONIO: I have seen that. We've seen that they're able to go and deal with success. To me it's about getting yourself ready to play in every game and being able to handle the adversity in that game - not being flat, preparing and not taking things for granted.
I think our football team is doing that. But every time you take a step forward, a big step forward, I think you have to evaluate where you're at and ask yourself, are we doing everything we can to get ready? What is the attitude? We coach attitude. So while our seniors may feel like they understand what the ramifications are there because they've been through some things, how are our younger players handling all of this? How are they handling it moving forward in their development as players too, and that's important. So far, so good.
Q. When you look back to where you took over the program, is there a lot of, maybe character or mindset changes that you had to do with the players that you're bringing in? How do you feel that the mindset and character of the players has changed over the seven years that you've been here?
COACH DANTONIO: Well, first of all, I had, we call them our `Eagles', but our leadership council today, and Kirk Cousins will be honorary captain for this football game. But more importantly, what I said to them was that everybody shares in this process; that this process started back in 2006 and 2007, so the Kaleb Thornhills, and the guys back then, the Javon Ringers and Travis Keys, those type of guys, the Ervin Baldwins. All these guys have had a place in my heart and they've had a part of this process, so they should enjoy in this as well, and that's my hope. Everybody that's come through here in the past seven years all has a part or a piece of this.
How has attitude changed? I think attitudes have changed basically with the young people. I think the world is a little different today than it was five or six years ago in terms of the social network, the way people go about their business. How have attitudes and the culture changed since I've come here? When I came here in 2007, that first spring, that first winter conditioning program, our players embraced it. Our players embraced it at that time. They knew it was tough and we started changing the way we went about thinking about things.
But there was nobody holding back from us. Everybody wanted to be successful. They wanted to be just as successful as the football team is right now. That's always been gratifying to me. They've given everything they've got, and I've always felt that.
Q. Have you gotten a sense of a change in outside perception about the program since the Ohio State win this season, or are you too much in a bubble here?
COACH DANTONIO:Yeah, I live in a bubble a little bit. So, no. I know there are a lot of things written out there, but your performance on the field, things that we go through, that changes perceptions, obviously. That doesn't make it reality. That just changes perceptions as we move forward. You know, we're moving up the chain. I don't think that that game by any means was a fluke if that's what people are asking. You can print that one.
Q. Kind of a follow up to your earlier question and your earlier response. Otis Wiley on the field after the Big Ten Championship game, he looked like he was still playing he was so happy. I think I said to him this is for all you guys that couldn't do it. I'm wondering, since that game, how many former players you've heard from or if you could share any conversations you've had in dialogue in the last eight to nine days?
COACH DANTONIO: Yeah, lot of former players, a lot of texts, a lot of just that overwhelming feeling like not just that this football team did it, but that we did it. That collective group that since 2007, so many players like Kaleb Thornhill and et cetera, I can go on and on about people making plans to be at the game. They're coming to the football game and doing this, doing that. So they're going to be there for this football game.
Again, you go back and look at what Stanford has been able to accomplish in the last four years - having BCS teams the last four years, they've got that. That's their standard right now. This has to become our standard. This is the first time we've been to a BCS game, but we've climbed a ladder. There is no question we've climbed a ladder and we've scratched to get there. That's what makes this a little bit of a unique story, I think.
Q. Does that go a long with building the culture?
COACH DANTONIO: We've been trying to build this culture. I feel like we've been on the cusp of this three out of the last four years. I feel like we were sort of looked past in 2010. I still feel that way, even though we didn't measure up in the bowl game. But that was a pretty good football team, and we were there in that environment. But the 2011 team was very close to being here in this same situation, and now we have the opportunity. The more times you get there, the more opportunities you have to get over the hump, I think, too.
Q. Coach, the balance of enjoying the bowl experience, and it's going to be an incredible experience, with getting your team ready and performing on the field. You seem to have figured it out the last couple years. What is the key to balancing those things?
COACH DANTONIO: I think we need to keep our players fresh. We have to have a fresh mind and fresh bodies. We have to be rested, no question about that, and we have to be prepared. We have to be able to handle adversity, and you have to understand you're playing against a very good football team. So you need to be able to respond on a big stage. I think we've done that. The championship game was a big stage. We've had some big stages, like I said, around here. But that's a part of it, so we're going to work on it.
Q. You talked about your staff being sought after by other people and when Mack Brown resigned on Friday, some people in the media floated your name as a candidate for that job if you were interested. I guess what is your reaction to that? Is that a sign of respect of where this program is that would see your level of success and say you could go on to bigger things?
COACH DANTONIO: I guess the way I'd answer that question is I see Michigan State as the destination, not a stop. That's how I see it. Flattering, but that's how I see it.
Q. With playing in a January game, it takes the window up to recruiting so close. You presently for the 2014 class do not have a committed quarterback. I know you told us in the past your desire is to have one per class. Do you anticipate pursuing one?
COACH DANTONIO: That's a good question. Basically, it depends on the pursue-ee, I guess you'd say. So we'll see how that all shakes out. I don't feel like that's a necessity. I feel like we have three outstanding quarterbacks right now. We may go in a different direction in terms of our numbers, the numbers of scholarships and those type of things and the needs of our football team.
Q. What about for you? Have you changed as a coach? Anything significantly, maybe even from a few years ago when you had the adversity? Have you changed anything significantly in that time?
COACH DANTONIO: I hope I've gotten better. I think you're always trying to get better as a person or as a coach. You hope that all these experiences shape you in a positive way, whether they're a negative experience or positive experience, you hope that you learn from them and you grow. But you'd have to ask my wife. She probably knows. She might not give you the right answer though.
Q. As a BCS Bowl setting, will you approach this somewhat differently than the past bowls you've been at that have been non BCS bowls?
COACH DANTONIO: I think that the bowls we've gone to, it's sort of like `what is the time you have out there,' `what commitments do you have with that time.' I think besides that, the police escorts, all those things, those are all at every bowl we've been to; they're outstanding bowls. There is a big time feel to all of the bowls we've been to. So I don't see that being much of a change. I think the day of the game, it may be a little bit different the day of the game. But I know there are going to be a lot of Spartans out there, so it will feel like home. So that's exciting for us.
Q. I know it's early in the preparation, but has it hit you yet that this is going to be the last time preparing for a big game with this senior class and guys like Max (Bullough), (Darqueze) Dennard, Blake (Treadwell) that have been here and climbed the ladder as you said, or is there no time to be sentimental and look at things like that yet?
COACH DANTONIO: No, there is time. We talked about that relative to our Senior Day out here and the emotional experience. We talked about that today again with that group that I talked to you about. When you take that uniform off, I don't care where you're playing. I don't care if it's high school or college, when you take your uniform off, that is a tough deal. When you think of the sacrifices, hardship and joy, and all the emotions that come around when you play football at any level. When you take that off, you just don't know what the future holds for you. Is it professional football? Maybe. Is it not? Is it a job? What is it? There is a void in your life that's going to occur at that point in time.
It has made me think, okay, Max Bullough Blake Treadwell, Darqueze (Dennard), Isaiah (Lewis) and all these guys that have been with us for four and five years that have sacrificed a lot and been through a lot with us. We've been through a lot together. That is part of life at this level. It's part of being on a college football team in this case, and we're going to embrace that. It's a special time. But when that time happens, we want them to take off their jerseys as a winner. It's important that we finish and finish in a positive way. I'm sure everybody points towards that as their individual program. That's what we'll attempt to do. It will be a great challenge and opportunity to do that on Jan. 1.
Q. Riley Bullough, when he moves back, how many of his reps will be at middle linebacker?
COACH DANTONIO: We'll have small opportunity periods within bowl practice structured for our young players this week. When we get out there, it's going to be business as usual. But this week, we'll do some of that. So he'll play either SAM linebacker or MIKE linebacker; we'll probably not put him at the star. We'll try to find a place for him in there. Shane Jones starts practicing again as well. Sean Harrington is a guy that's shown a lot of things throughout the years, so he'll have an opportunity as well a little bit in there to show some things. Then we already have a core of linebackers, obviously, that are coming back that are very good. But that's the plan.
Q. How about Dan France, is he going to be able to go?
COACH DANTONIO: Dan France, I think he'll be able to go. He's looking good. He won't practice today, but I think he'll go towards the end of the week. I think he'll be ready. But obviously, it's a statement saying, `are you going to be ready to play?' It's another statement saying, `are you going to be ready to play well enough?' Even if you're ready to play, you need to play better than the guy behind you too. So that's a part of this too, but I think he'll make the game. I think he'll be dressed, and I think he'll make the game.
Q. Forgive me about bowl distractions, you've been to enough bowl games to maybe learn some things from it. But doesn't a Rose Bowl take on a life of its own? Players are going to hear from high school friends they haven't heard from in years and family members. How do you guard against these distractions as opposed to embracing the whole experience?
COACH DANTONIO: I'm sure they're all going to hear from different people. They'll see some movie stars and things like that, that's all a part of this. We'll try to make life moments for our players, and I think this will be a life moment. So we'll embrace it.
At the same time they need to focus on the job and task at hand, too. That is the thing that they have to be able to do. That is called maturity and handling success. So we'll find out more about us as we move forward. That's always I think something special when we're going to grow. There is no question about that. We're going to grow. So Jan. 1, we'll see how we're growing. But it's going to be exciting.
Q. All the players are excited about this. But talk about Fou Fonoti, specifically, a guy who came in as a junior college guy. How quickly he bought into everything here and he talked about being able to bring his team back home. How excited is he right now?
COACH DANTONIO: Yeah, he's very excited. Fou is a tremendous person. When he made the decision to come here from California, to come here and become an immediate starter for us, it was a big sacrifice because he knew he was coming to a place a long way from home. He knew his family was going to have to travel to get here and see him play games. He's got a very close girlfriend that's been with him through the entire thing. So his family has done that. It's a huge sacrifice not just for him, but his family as well. He's paid that price.
Now to be able to go back and be at the Rose Bowl where his grandfather can see him play, you really can't put a price tag on it. It's an emotional thing. It's an emotional thing for his family. It will be something that I think all of our players are going to really embrace for him. So it will be a special time.
Q. Fou's position seems to be the spot next year that's maybe the biggest question mark. I guess if (Donovan) Clark moves inside and you have the other spot handled. Are (James) Bodanis and (Brandon) Clemons getting looks at that spot? Who are you looking at at right tackle?
COACH DANTONIO: I think that's too far. We're not far enough along in the future yet. We've got to see what they can do. But Kodi Kieler is also a guy that's a good player and as a young player he's shown good signs of doing some things. Obviously, (Jack) Conklin can move over and play right. Donavon (Clark)'s played left. So we have to see how it all fits in there as we move forward. Those decisions probably won't be made until sometime during spring or after spring.
Q. Getting the program to this point to a Rose Bowl this year before the new playoff takes hold where a Big Ten Championship may not lead to this direct path in the future, how important was that to you? Did you know it might have to be this year because that might not be the path?
COACH DANTONIO: I really didn't think about that. I just sort of thought about where was the Big Ten Champion usually going to go? In this case, he was going to go there either way. So that was our goal. Our goal was first to get to the championship game. I can't tell you how many times football teams across the country stick their hands in the middle of 100 people and say on three. We say on one, and they say Big Ten champions. That goes on across the country regardless what conference you're in. They just change it up. I can't tell you how many times we've done that over the past seven years. We put our hands in there like that and to be able to do that at the end of that football game last Saturday was as rewarding as anything maybe we've done, as any ring or anything that we've done.
The champion of that conference goes to the Rose Bowl, and that is the next step, win the Rose Bowl and be Rose Bowl Champions. But there is a big plaque out there on the side of that (Rose Bowl) stadium that has 2014 and who played in it, or 2010, and who played in it. I'm not sure how big they are, maybe the size of this table. But when I was out there this May, there was one out there from 1988 that had Michigan State on it. Our goal was to put Michigan State under that 2014 plaque, and that got accomplished. So that's a big accomplishment for our program, and something that we've tried to hammer home and we were able to do that.
Q. With finals finishing up, I wanted to make sure everybody was on pace. Did you lose anybody?
COACH DANTONIO: Not to my knowledge, no. We should be good in that area, very good.
Q. You talked about perception, maybe that perception isn't necessarily reality yet. I'm wondering about playing a non conference opponent like a Stanford as far as the measuring stick that it puts out there for Michigan State. Obviously there are critics in different regions of the country. How important is it to win this game for Michigan State to take that next step. Not just to be there, not just to make it, but to be able to compete with a four time BCS team.
COACH DANTONIO: I think it's very important. We're up there, and we want to show that we deserve to be up there. So it's very important. You're on a big stage. You get to the championship, and you're on a big stage. While we took care of business there and we showed that we belonged on that stage, now it's important to show that we belong on this national stage.
I heard today there's only one football team that's won more than 13 games in the Big Ten's history, and that was the 2002 championship team at Ohio State, which won 14. There's never been another team that's won 13. So these opportunities don't come around much. You've got to win 12 or more to get to 13. So you'd have to win 12 more next year to get to 13. We're a lot closer right now than we would be next year. So it's an opportunity to step up and show who we are. It's an opportunity to do our thing there. So we're just excited about it. I think our players are. Again, it will be a great challenge versus Stanford, and they're a proven football team. But we'll bring our guys out and see what happens.
Q. If you could talk a little more about Mike Sadler. How much of a comfort is it for you to have a punter of that quality? How difficult is it and can people understand how difficult it is for him to do what he's done in the classroom as well as on the field?
COACH DANTONIO: Yeah, Michigan State's had a history of great punters here. They really have. Aaron Bates when I first came here in 2007 became a starter for us for four years, and now Mike Sadler is in his junior year and will be a senior next year. He's done an unbelievable job. He is money putting it down inside the 10. He can hit them. You know, he's a left footed guy, so he'll turn the other way a little bit. He's done a great job really handling pressure situations, whether that's picking up a bad snap at Ohio State two years ago or whether that's running a fake. He's been a holder for us.
You really can't put a price on what he's meant to this football team. To do that without ever getting a B, ever; he's a straight A student here. He came in with 46 hours of advanced placement classes, so he was, I guess, almost a junior when he walked in the door. He's got his office over here. He's working on his doctorate, and hopefully next year, he'll have an opportunity to be a Rhodes Scholar. We'll find out.
But those types of things are immeasurable for this program, I think, just in terms of what he's been able to do. The way he's done it and gone about it has been a classy way. He's a great individual right here from Michigan. I still remember the day I was driving back from the Big Ten media day, pulled over into McDonald's and he called me on the phone to say he was coming to Michigan State. I know exactly where that was. Every time I drive by there, I say, `Yep, that's where Mike Sadler told me he was coming.'
So he's been a very important figure and player in this program really for the last three years, but especially this year.
Assistant head coach/Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi
Q. Pat, when you watched them (Stanford) on film, they're a team that's going to go strength on strength. They're a team that's going to try to run on you, and when teams try to stack the box, they just keep doing it. What do you like as a coach when you know a team is going to be stubborn? If you stop them, they're just going to keep coming.
Pat Narduzzi: It's amazing. We've got a six game break down on them. They're really 50 50. I think that's the image they portray is that they'd like to run the ball at you every snap. But really 53 percent run is what our stat is on them. They're going to do a little bit of both, try to run the ball, play action you hard and throw the ball deep. So when you look at it, they're going to get a lot of jumbo sets and have big tight ends in the game with knee braces on that are 300 pounds. They do a lot of jumbo sets. So they're doing a little bit of both. They're going to try to run the ball, but also try to take our corners deep.
Q. On the surface it looks like there are a lot of similarities between their offense and Michigan State's offense. The more you break them down, is that still the case? Are there a lot of parallels or once you get deeper into it there may be more differences than appears on the surface?
Pat Narduzzi: Yeah, I think there are a lot of similarities to their offense and our offense. When you look at their regular personnel, 22 sets and 21 sets as far as personnel goes. I think there are a lot of similarities. They've got a very good tailback, offensive line wise they're big and physical. They have a great scheme. The one thing I think that's going to be huge is just how we adjust on the run.
I think with what they do, we can go out there. They're going to have all kinds of differences when they get there. They'll have different tweakings on how they'll block different plays, and those are things that we'll have to adjust to as the game goes on.
We know that right now, and we're a couple weeks out. We'll just wait and see what it's going to be on Jan. 1. We'll have to adjust as the game goes on.
Q. Got to ask, how close were you to taking the UCONN job? What is your outlook from here through the bowl game with possible dominos falling still?
Pat Narduzzi: When I went through it, obviously it was close. You're always close. It would have been an hour from my mother in law, and I don't want to answer many questions on this today, so this is the last one. But it's an hour from my mother in law. I really said probably the key is my wife being a great coach's wife, because she could have said, `Hey, Pat, let's go,' and I would have fallen off the fence either way. But she was strong enough to say, `Hey, what's the best move for us as a family and for you coaching wise?' It wasn't just about being close to home and all those things.
Obviously, with the amount of money that you probably could have gone to go do something like that for and have your own program, it was close. But when you look back and say what do I have here in Spartan Stadium, the fans and the staff that I have to work with every day here is the best in the country, no question about it. When you talk about something like that, it's not about you because I'm nothing without Harlon Barnett, Mike Tressel and Ron Burton, period. I'm nothing without Denicos Allen and Darqueze (Dennard), Curtis (Drummond) and Isaiah (Lewis), Shilique (Calhoun) and (Marcus) Rush and all those guys. It takes more than one guy. I guarantee you that. So there is a lot of hoopla that goes with that.
If you're grounded and smart, you know it wasn't you. It was everybody else that you're around. You hate to break up a great party that we have going on right now, and it better be a great opportunity. It felt like this is the place to stay.
Q. I don't know if this is a good follow up, but I was going to talk about the emotional attachment that Coach Dantonio has to this place. You kind of touched on that a little bit. Do you sense that with everybody on the staff that there is something incredibly special here? You talked about not wanting to break up the party.
Pat Narduzzi: Yeah, it's a great place. I enjoy coming to work every day. You never know what you're going to have on the other end of that. That's what it is - it's a great place to work. If I was just half happy, you know, it's easy to go take a job. It's easy. But it's a great place to work and you're happy with the people you're with and the players. There is an attachment there.
I mean, it's hard to leave your players. I mean period. I've got Shilique (Calhoun) busting me yesterday like, `Come on, Coach.' It's hard to leave those guys. That's a fact.
Q. Coach, a couple weeks ago I talked to William Gholston about what makes this defense work. He said a couple things. That you can't feel like you have to make the play every time. It's everybody working within this defense. I want to know how accurate that is. Also, he said you put guys in a good position to make plays. I want to know what your philosophy is and what you try to do as far as making guys better?
Pat Narduzzi: If Will said it, it's a hundred percent correct. But Will's exactly right. Plays are to be made if you're in position to make plays and if they run your way. You can't try to do too much. But our defense is built around putting kids in position to make plays. Sometimes guys are put in a position that's a tough position, whether it be a safety one on one or number two receiver running full speed at them with play action pass.
But everybody's got a job, and it comes down to everybody doing their job. We didn't execute particularly well, I didn't think, last Saturday at least in that third quarter. But there were even some quarterback runs that were like, `Hey, what are you doing on this play?' But the defense is built for that. I think when we game plan, it's structured so that we can be sound versus everything. We're never going to have a blitz where we have two guys running through the same gap versus gap protection, which is really good. But it's only good if they throw the ball. It's not good if they run the ball.
So everything is structured to be sound versus everything, and not be really good against this and bad against that. I'd say that is probably the best way to say it.
Q. Will you be upstairs with us for the Rose Bowl or downstairs?
Pat Narduzzi: Upstairs.
Q. You'll go back upstairs?
Pat Narduzzi: Right where I belong. That's right.
Q. No temptation to stay down on the field where you were?
Pat Narduzzi: I don't know. It depends on how the weather is. If it's really nice out, I might stay down. I don't know, but it goes based on what Coach Dantonio says. I like calling the game from up in the box. I can see better. There will be a lot of adjustments to be made, so it will be important to be up there. I'm sure with all the media that this thing has, they'll have fourth-quarter adjustments too, so I have to stay up there for four quarters.
Q. Were you ever at a Rose Bowl?
Pat Narduzzi: No, I've never been there.
Q. Where were you in 1988?
Pat Narduzzi: 1988, I was in college I believe at the University of Rhode Island. That was a bad year for me.
Q. From a personnel standpoint, these games always seem to come down to match ups. I know that the Ohio State offensive line gave your defensive line more trouble than you'd like based on what you said after the game. Going in, is that the biggest concern, Stanford's experience, size, and physicality on the offensive line?
Pat Narduzzi: No question about it. To me, I tell our kids every Saturday when you go out there you're playing off of weaknesses from a week ago and strengths from what you have. Certainly their O line and offensive coordinator is looking at some of the problems we had in that game and how they can take advantage of a Tyler Hoover or Micajah Reynolds inside and schematically what they can do.
So without a question that is something that we've got to face. We've got to be better inside than we were. And it trickles down. I think their secondary played a great game. I think some guys up front played well, but there was some weakness at linebacker that we didn't play exactly the way we needed to play. Not based on ability, but based on what we did and what we were thinking, our mindset and attitude. So there was some really not very smart things we did in that game that really gave them some stuff that normally we don't do. I saw them do stuff we don't normally do, so we addressed those things yesterday with our team.
Q. I know you look at the offensive side of the ball for them. But how similar is their defense to when Scott Shafer was out there? Does that allow you to help in any aspect here?
Pat Narduzzi: No, Scott has really no bearing on what they do out there. I think they're totally different from what they were. I'm not sure exactly what Scott was doing, but Scott was very similar to what we do, I think. I have no idea on the other side of the ball what they're doing. I haven't looked at one lick of tape over there. I just know they're big, tall, lean and athletic from what I hear.
Q. Middle linebacker seems like the big off season thing for you going into next year, how would you break it down right now and going into these bowl practices? Who are you looking at and what are you looking for from them?
Pat Narduzzi: Losing Max is going to be a big replacement. It could be a bunch of different guys. I don't know who it is going to be. First of all, it has got to be a guy that can run the defense from huddle or a no huddle standpoint. I think Darien Harris, I think Riley Bullough will have a chance. Ed Davis will have a chance. We've tossed that name around, too, putting him in there. We have plenty of good guys. I think they're all similar positions. So it could be anybody in there. But if you look at trying to get the three most experienced guys in game situations, those are the first three that come to mind. If Shane (Jones) and (Jon) Reschke step up and show something in bowl practice, everything will be told in spring ball as far as where we stand there.
But right now you'd like to get three experienced backers out there and give those young guys a chance to grow a little bit instead of starting their first game at Spartan Stadium at MIKE linebacker. But those guys can get it done too. I think either one of them could. We don't get to see as much on our offense. They're down there most of the time, but we'll find out here in a couple of days of bowl practice.
Q. I asked Coach Dantonio the same thing. Has it hit you that this is the last time with some of these guys like a Max (Bullough), Denicos (Allen), Darqueze (Dennard) that you're going to be with them preparing in a big game situation like this. Are you going to miss that? Or is there no time with this preparation to be sentimental?
Pat Narduzzi: There is time to have a heart. No question about it, but you thought about it in your last game against Minnesota at home. Every week it was like, `This is our last game in Spartan Stadium'. I think that was a big obstacle. Then you go into the bowl championship game and there is always that thought that it's our last game.
The thing about our relationships with our players is it's never over. It's just our last time coaching them. It's not ending our relationship with our kids. It's not like they're moving out of the country. So we'll be with them forever. That is the key. We might not be able to coach them, but they'll be back. Just like the rest of our players that we've coached here. They're all going out to the Rose Bowl and shooting you text messages all week. So you never leave them. They just, you know, it's like kids graduate from college and move on. But no question we'll miss them; that's for sure.
Q. Aside from the fact that you've made a bowl game every year here, what do those extra practices do for this team?
Pat Narduzzi: No question having seven-straight years of having bowl practice makes you better. We're obviously the major focus for me; Coach Dantonio is more into development. I'm more into Stanford and games if we didn't have any developmental periods. That's why he's the head coach and I'm coaching on defense. I'm worried about stopping the next opponent. I'm not worried after practice if we have a bowl scrimmage with our younger players. That's all fun.
But as far as what we need to do is beat Stanford. Obviously, those practices are huge for our kids. Getting an opportunity to work with them fundamentally and structurally, we'll have some seven on sevens and some team run periods to help develop them and at least see where they want to be seen. I think that is the biggest thing. They want to say, `Hey, Coach!' They want to answer Joe's question as far as who is that MIKE (line)backer going to be? We are going to throw some guys in there and see what they do, but they want to be seen by us. Just younger guys on the depth chart. There will be a point, I don't know if coach talked about it because you had him out here for a while. But say, `Hey, listen. Take your seniors out and take your starters out. Let's see what these other guys have and turn it up and go'.
Q. On that same line, what guys shifting positions do you want to take a look at?
Pat Narduzzi: Obviously, Riley (Bullough). I told Riley today it's about time you got back on the defensive side of the ball. You've been soft over there on offense for so long now. I'm sick of looking at you over there. But he's one guy I'm looking forward to just getting back over to see what he's got. You lose a lot when you're not there. There are meetings every day when you're not sitting in there listening to what's going on. When a mistake is made against Minnesota or Ohio State, you're not hearing it. You're hearing about protections and foot work and taking a hand off. So that's the main guys. Those other guys have been on defense for the most part. So we have a good feel for who those guys are already.
Q. Damion (Terry) got a good look running the Braxton (Miller) look for Ohio State. He tweeted asking everybody in Spartan nation to pray for him. You've got a couple guys you've looked at. But what did you think of Damion (Terry)?
Pat Narduzzi: Damion Terry has grown a lot since camp. I personally didn't feel he was ready watching him through camp based on who he was out there against. But I think he's come a long way as a football player, a quarterback and a leader. He's been the guy.
Believe me, you'd rather see him as the guy on the scout field than the guy at Spartan Stadium on Saturdays, I think. He's going to be a better player leading that thing. We had to teach him everything on how to check. He had the worst fake checks I've ever seen. You had to pretend like you're checking into another play and it was awful. We had to coach him up on that too.
He was a really quiet guy that was laid back. I think he's grown a lot from that experience over there. So I think there's a lot to come with Terry here in the future.
Q. I wanted to ask you about Mark (Dantonio) as a boss. Has he changed at all during the time you've been with him? Anything significant? Has he been the same guy the whole time or has he changed in the last few years?
Pat Narduzzi: I think he's been the same throughout. I think the first couple of years, Cincinnati had been more involved in defense. I think he let it go once he felt comfortable that things were in good hands. That is the biggest change I've seen from the first couple years to year 10 as far as a football standpoint.
I think he lets his staff coach. That's why it's fun to coach here. He hasn't changed as a person. He's been the same person he's been. I think he's become a better head football coach every year. I think every coach becomes better. I think you become a better reporter after ten years. He's become a much better head football coach, and that is saying a lot. He was already really good, so now I think he's really great.
But he's been very consistent. I think that's what you've got to like about him. He's been consistent in everything he's done on the field, off the field and decisions made throughout the program; he's been consistent. It's easy to work for consistent people. When you're inconsistent, you're not sure which way that ball is flying. It's hard that way, but it's easy because you know what you're getting every day.
Senior linebacker Denicos Allen
On the relationship the coaches and players have...
On the anticipation of the Rose Bowl experience...
On staying focused for the game...
On what Coach Dantonio has provided to the team throughout the season to help keep them focused...
Senior linebacker Max Bullough
On the past week and a half for this team...
On winning the Big Ten Championship and being able to play in the Rose Bowl...
On coming back from last year's season of close losses and now being Big Ten Champions...
On what he's seen from Stanford so far...
On what he's most looking forward to on the trip...
On his family tradition of playing at MSU and what they've been saying to him...
Sophomore defensive end Shilique Calhoun
On areas that the team can keep making strides on...
On the impact of the atmosphere of the Big Ten Championship game...
On how the Big Ten Championship helps prepare the team for the Rose Bowl...
Senior defensive back Darqueze Dennard
On his awards...
On reaching the heights he's reached during his career at MSU...
On what his story tells other people...
On what the past week has been like for him...
On how the perception of the MSU program has changed during his time on campus...
On being a part of a team that's built upon the foundation of this program...
On when it hit him that they were going to the Rose Bowl...
On Stanford...
Junior safety Kurtis Drummond
On the significance of this team's run...
On balancing celebration of this achievement while still getting to business...
On the key to success in preparation for a bowl game...
On what he's most looking forward to on this trip...
Senior defensive tackle Tyler Hoover
On the opportunity to take on an opponent outside the Midwest...
On the opportunity as a senior to bring Michigan State back to the Rose Bowl...
On how the program has developed...
On the kinship within the team...
Senior safety Isaiah Lewis
On the "No Fly Zone" nickname for the defense...
On the importance of the defensive backfield in MSU's top-ranked defense...
On making it to the Rose Bowl...
On winning the Big Ten Championship in his hometown of Indianapolis...
Junior defensive end Marcus Rush
On what stands out on film about Stanford...
On the `battle'-like matchup between Stanford and Michigan State in the Rose Bowl...
On Damion Terry as Braxton Miller in preparation for the Big Ten Championship game...
On the mindset of the team going into a game like this...
Co-Offensive Coordinator Dave Warner
Q. Coach, earlier Coach Dantonio was complimenting his whole staff, and I asked him to reflect on the start of the season and what you had to go through with the musical quarterbacks. Can you reflect on how hard that was for you with different personnel groupings, different quarterbacks? Were there three play charts? How crazy a time was that?
Dave Warner: First of all, it seems like a long, long time ago. But it was very difficult for a lot of reasons. First of all, it was difficult on our offense trying to settle in on who that guy was going to be, who they were looking at in the huddle each and every play, and then trying to get quality reps in practice because we were uncertain. We were torn with who the best guy was in the long run. To Coach D's credit, he stuck by his guns and we weren't going to rush into anything. We took our time. Though a lot of people didn't agree with it, but we took our time.
But through all of that, again, you're trying to rotate three guys in at quarterback in practice. You're trying to give them the reps that they're going to need to go out and execute on Saturday. That was the most difficult part about it. It was tough on them. It was tough on the quarterbacks and tough on our offense, because those guys weren't getting the reps probably that they needed to perform to their highest on Saturday. That was the most difficult thing about it going through the whole experience.
Q. What was it been like your first time as a play caller in over 20 years?
Dave Warner: Yeah, there were some difficult times there. But as far as play calling and game planning, our game planning didn't change. Or the fact that if Tyler O'Connor or Connor Cook were in there, we had a little bit more flexibility in some quarterback run game. But it's not like there was a big difference in the play chart that I had in front of me on game day. It was just a matter of who was the guy in there, what we were doing good at the time and trying to dial up those plays.
Q. Along those lines, how necessary was the arc that the season took? When you think back to the Notre Dame game where the offense was sort of in between where it was and where it became, how important and necessary was that game and everything that happened in developing this team?
Dave Warner: Well, hopefully it was necessary. Hopefully we went through it for a reason. I think as you look back where we started the beginning of the season, even if you go all the way back to the spring, we're hoping all along, going all the way back to spring that one of those quarterbacks is going to grab ahold of it and take charge. We felt like we gave all those quarterbacks equal opportunities through it all. Obviously there was a point in time where Damion Terry was in the mix.
So we gave everybody the opportunity. For whatever reason, no one sort of jumped out in front of the other guy and took the bull by the horns and said, `This is my job. I'm going to take it and run with it.'
It was difficult. You get through the Notre Dame game, and Connor Cook sort of took over there and played well. We obviously made a change right or wrong at the end of the football game there. I guess the Notre Dame game was probably the point where after that game we said Connor's the guy, even though he went through the Notre Dame game as sort of being the guy, and we pulled him at the end. But after it was all said and done, we said we're going to go to war with him and let him be the man.
Q. Looking at the Ohio State game, some of those big chunk plays and consistent drives strung together, and looking back to Western Michigan and a couple first downs seemed like a prayer. Are you surprised at the level you guys are able to get to now? I know you talked about early in the season, we need to become competent. But now it's a level where the offense is a strength to certain degrees.
Dave Warner: I'm not surprised we've gotten to this point. This is what we were striving for all along. Our players have been resilient through it all and kept the confidence. I knew we'd get there. I think Coach Dantonio knew we'd get there. We said all along when we sort of settled in and guys started making plays at whatever position it is, whether it be running back, quarterback or wide receiver, the play making positions. When guys start making plays, things will snowball for us, and they sort of did. I'm not sure if snowball is the best. But we started make plays. Guys got more confident across the board. Our receivers became more confident. Our quarterback, running backs, everybody just got more confidence in our ability to make plays and score points and we got to the point where we are now today.
I made the comment to them yesterday though, and I said it every week all the way through, `Don't be satisfied because you look at the film, you look at that film and the championship game, we still could have been so much better.' That is the thing we're going to keep striving for. We're not going to be satisfied until we get to the point where we're clicking on all cylinders.
Q. You're facing an experienced, composed, intelligent defense. What does any quarterback, in this specific case Connor (Cook), consistently need to remind himself when he's facing a defense that's been on this stage and is so composed, intelligent and experienced?
Dave Warner: Connor just needs to do what he does and not try to go above that, I guess. I mean, Stanford is a defense, as you said, they're experienced. They're an attack defense. They're very complicated. I think Connor needs to have confidence in those around him protecting him in the pass game first and foremost because they're going to put some heat on you in the pass game, and they're good at it. Again, from different, complicated defensive fronts. He needs to handle those and, again, be confident in the protection around him. Just being able to execute the pass game I think is probably the big thing.
Q. The first three games we were all talking about receivers dropping passes. Then you decided on Connor. They stopped dropping passes. The offensive line seemed to get better. Jeremy Langford seemed to get better. I'm just wondering what kind of settling effect making that decision to stick with the quarterback had on the whole offense. It's not just coincidence, is it?
Dave Warner: Probably not. I think certainly again when you have the same guys stepping in the huddle all the time, I think there is a familiarity. There are guys that sort of say, `Here it is. Okay, it's time now.' I think that's sort of what happened.
As we all remember, it wasn't like all of a sudden we started clicking. I mean, it was still a growth when Connor became the guy. It was still a growth of receivers making all the plays, as many as they made. It was still a case of Jeremy Langford really getting going. So it was a process still, but I'm sure settling in at that quarterback position helped. There are a lot of other factors as far as guys making plays, and that is sort of where we got the confidence going from there. But I'm sure that's part of it.
Q. Can you address the job and growth that Tony Lippett and Bennie Fowler have shown over the course of this season? And from where they were at at the end of last year to now, what's their mentality changed to become such productive forces in the pass game?
Dave Warner: I guess I can begin by saying that I think those two guys coming to where they are now, if you can point to a couple guys, they're a big part of it. Because they've stepped up and become more confident. I think Connor has become more confident in them. I don't know. You can say Connor's looking for them more in the pass game now. But you can see by the receptions they've had over the course of the Big Ten season that the ball has been thrown their way a lot. So just from a confidence factor, even from my standpoint in play calling, I think there is a confidence factor in those guys.
You look at where they were last year and how the season started, and that wasn't the case. To their credit, those guys were basically benched early in the year. Not that they were written off, but to their credit, they didn't hang their heads. They didn't pout. They didn't throw in the towel. They put their best foot forward and kept pushing ahead, and as things started happening for them that gradually became more and more for both those guys. I think as our offense saw that, I think that was a big part of everybody as an offensive unit gaining confidence in what we're doing offensively.
Q. In terms of young players you're going to get to look at, who are you looking forward to seeing in what roles here in these bowl practices?
Dave Warner: Yeah, it's going to be hard to see those guys in a few practices. Offensive lines need to sort of grow in and learn the offense and so forth. Now I'm sure Mark Staten will be able to work with them and get a feel athletically.
I think obviously, Damion Terry is a guy with a lot of reps. As he learns the offense, we're anxious to see what he does. We'll try to give him some work there. Gerald Holmes is a guy at running back who I've told Coach Dantonio all season long, he's going to be a player. So we're anxious to look at him. Those are the guys that stand out right now for us.
DeAnthony Arnett is another guy. Let me throw that out too. Sort of put him on the back burner because he got hurt and was getting limited reps early in the year because we had a good crew there. I've heard nothing but positive, good reports about him on the scout field stepping up. He looks better. He's putting on weight. So I'm anxious to see what the future holds for him also because we all know what we expected of him when he showed up here. So I'm excited to see him in the future.
Q. Last time we talked to Delton Williams he was still talking about defensive reps. Where's he at? Will he stay on offense moving forward or get looks on defense at some point?
Dave Warner: I think that a little bit depends on how some of our other running backs develop. It depends on what our needs are going to be on defense. There are a lot of factors that go into it. But I'll say I'm very happy with Delton Williams and what he's done this year. Wish we could have gotten him in there more. But he's shown he has the ability to be a Big Ten football player as a running back. Whether he stays there or goes to defense, we don't know that. But we're happy he's with us. He's going to help us win football games in the future.
Q. Follow up, you were talking about Stanford in there and the complexity of their fronts. Is it like no other team that you've played this season? What do they do in their secondary?
Dave Warner: No, it's not unlike anything we haven't seen. But they do a little bit of everything. They do a little bit of what everybody's done. It's not like this is their base front. They've got variations of many different fronts. Again, a lot of nickel packages. On the back end they're a little bit more of a pro style secondary, and they're going to play deep safeties. You know, they are going to fire zone, zone blitz a little bit, a fair amount, and pump backers through there. But the complexity, I guess, just comes from how many different fronts they play and where they move guys, because they have guys playing all over the place.
Sophomore OL Jack Allen
On the offensive line's strength and continuity this season...
On the ability to work with moving pieces on the line...
On the match up with Stanford being ideal for the line...
Junior quarterback Connor Cook
On his development alongside Jeremy Langford...
On the development of the playbook...
On the week following the Big Ten Championship victory...
On what it's like to "walk the streets"...
Senior offensive tackle Fou Fonoti
On meaning of ending his MSU career in California...
On being able to play in the Rose Bowl Stadium...
Senior wide receiver Bennie Fowler
On the reality of having won the Big Ten Championship...
On looking back at his MSU career and the meaning of being able to prepare for the Rose Bowl...
On being able to keep the same focus preparing for Stanford as the team did for OSU...
Junior running back Jeremy Langford
On the struggles of play...
On when the team's turning point was early in the season...
I think maybe it got difficult sometimes, but Coach D always talked about it, that we had to stay together as a team. The media might be trying to talk about us different or outside the room people may think different of us, but the team, we've got to stick together in our room.
On earning his spot...
Junior wide receiver Tony Lippett
On if playing against MSU's secondary in practice helps the receiving core...
On the growing process over the course of the season...
Junior wide receiver Keith Mumphery
On recovery in the season and working for time...
On his hometown friend playing in the National Championship game...
Senior offensive lineman Blake Treadwell
On Stanford's 3-4 defense and if other defenses from the season will help them prepare...
On Stanford's linebackers...
On his senior class...
at the official


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Sanction Shell Pant (Fall '11) Spyder
Sanction Shell Pant (Fall '11) Spyder: Begging to get out on an adventure, this is Spyder's most versatile shell pant in the 2011 line.
Sanction Shell Pant (Fall '11) Spyder Specs:
- Size: L
- Removable suspenders
- Adjustable waist
- Reinforced scuff cuff around bottom hem
- Scuff Guards - Abrasion Resistant Oxford Weave
Sanction Shell Pant (Fall '11) Spyder: Low placed hand pockets won't interfere with pack waist belts.
Sanction Shell Pant (Fall '11) Spyder: Slung low hand pockets so you can access cargo easily while wearing a backpack.
Sanction Shell Pant (Fall '11) Spyder: Stian's power strap compatible inner snow gaiters with gripper elastic and cuff anchors.
In stock items will ship within the next business day. Available item(s) is/are available to order. Most available items will ship within 9 business days, sometimes the process is faster and of course it will ship to you ASAP. There might be some exceptions, example: supplier is out of stock or manufacturing delays. If you have any doubt your item is in stock please call us at 303-984-4649.
For shipping rates and/or international shipping rates and policies, please click here.
If you placed an order at 123Mountain and you don't like it just send it back for a refund, applicable for the item not shipping costs*. Ship it back and as long as your item is in unused condition with original tags, boxes, etc. Please follow the steps at Return Policy Page.
No returns on sale / promotional / discounted item(s).
* Even if the shipping was free we paid the carrier for the service provided and we will deduct $7.95 for Economy, $12.95 for Ground, etc.
Not stoked on your gear? Looking to return it? No problem, we have an Unlimited Return Policy as long as item(s) is/are in UNUSED CONDITION. We try to guarantee complete satisfaction with unlimited lifetime returns. If at any time - now, next month, in 30 years - you're not 100% satisfied, send your gear back for a refund. No questions asked. Check out Return Policy Page here. No returns on sale / promotional / discounted items, though.
PRICE MATCH WARRANTY x 2!
We need your help to always make sure 123Mountain has the best prices! You may even benefit in the process. If you find an identical product at a lower price and in stock through another online site we will refund two times the difference.
Here's how it works:
• Place the order on 123Mountain.com at our current price.
• Email us within 24 hours that you are requesting a price match, including a link to the site where you saw the lower price.
• We will adjust the price and take care of your refund.
For further information please go to 100% SATISFACTION page.
We offer three types of membership; Elite, Premium and Standard. Each membership group has fantastic advantages everything from store credit to an extra 10% OFF and FREE shipping.
Find out more which membership level that fits you the best, click here.


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Get Involved
There are many ways to stay involved as a member of Merrimack's alumni community. Volunteering provides you with ways to give back both to your alma mater, students and fellow alumni and friends while expanding your network and having some fun. Stay connected, expand your networks, and get involved!
Merrimack College Alumni Checklist
Ways to show how you are Merrimack Proud!
Keep in touch - update your contact information
Come back to the "Mack" - visit campus and bring your friends!
Wear your "Warrior Pride" - stop by the new Bookstore!
Support The Merrimack Fund - with an Annual Gift
Attend an event - www.merrimack.edu/alumnievents
Include MC in your bio - at work, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Sell it! - recommend MC to prospective students
Reconnect with classmates - participate in Reunion
Cheer for the Warriors - attend an athletic event
Be a Mentor - contact the O'Brien Center for Student Success
Hire a fellow Warrior - employ MC students
"Like" Us - www.facebook.com/merrimackalumni
Related Links:


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(FOX 11) A man trying to break up a fight on a bus in downtown Los Angeles between several women ends up getting cut with a knife.
According to the LA County Sheriff's Transit Bureau, the 40-year-old man was hurt as he was trying to break up a fight between three women.
It happened near the intersection of seventh and hill streets on an MTA bus, which runs between Compton and downtown LA.
The man suffered a minor hand injury from one of three women carrying the knife. She ended up getting away.


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Alpha Delta Pi
The beginning of the women of Alpha Delta Pi can be traced all the back to 1851. This was the year six incredible women at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia created the very goals and ideals upon which the sisterhood of Epsilon Delta, and other Alpha Delta Pi chapter across the nation, is founded.
Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald and the other founders formed the Adelphean Society for "the mental, moral, social, and domestic improvement of its members." The Adelphean Society, later renamed Alpha Delta Pi, was the first secret society for college women. These principles of scholarship, leadership, sisterhood, and service are held dearest in the hearts of Alpha Delta Pi women.
We are the first and the finest, forever.
Nickname: A D Pi
Chapter Name: Epsilon Delta
National Founding Date: 1851
Colors: Azure Blue & White
Flower: The Woodland Violet
Mascot: Lion
Symbol: Diamond
Philanthropy: Ronald McDonald House
Chapter Website: www.adpiwku.com
National Website: http://www.alphadeltapi.org/


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2-in-1 Monster Kid Generator
Two separate random generators that'll give you a prompt for a monster kid character!
One gives results like these:
- A remorseless kuchisake-onna androgyne who likes fruit.
- A boisterious angel girl who fears iced tea.
- A reliable hydra androgyne who has sock puppets.
- A saintly stomach-mouth androgyne who hates large crowds.
- A pushy genderqueer rag doll who fears camping.
- A manipulative octomaid androgyne who is skilled in swordfighting.
- A smothering manticore boy who hates science.
The other, adapted from an RNG method by Ink, generates a gender, numbers for eyes, arms, horns, and tails, and two colors—a primary and secondary one.
Mix and match, use them alone, use them for art, OCs, or whatever you want! Have fun!
(2,332 notes)


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Campus Tours
Summer Tours
All tours begin in the Academic Core Building, Atrium with a 15 minute information session. the tour include stops at the Performing Arts Center, York College Library, and the Health and Physical Educational Building.
Individual Tour
We encourage perspective students and parents to visit the campus.
Our Summer 2014 tour schedule is as follows, Mondays and Wednesday: 11 am to 12 noon.
Please complete Reservations online at least 3 business days prior to your visit.
Search for Upcoming Campus Tours
Group Tour
To arrange a group tour please email firstname.lastname@example.com with the following information:
- Name of High School or Group/Organization
- Mailing Address
- Contact person
- Last Name
- First Name
- Phone
- Number of participants
- General area of interests
- Tour Date (all tours are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.)
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Time for a confession. As a child, I never once celebrated Mother's Day. My parents thought the holiday was nothing more than a cheesy excuse to sell greeting cards, and who was I to argue? But after I became a mother myself? Oh. My. God.
I'd spent years working 80 hours a week as a restaurant chef, and that was nothing compared to the amount of work required of the mother of a newborn. I buckled down and got the job done, but not without help. And not before establishing that in our house we'd most certainly be celebrating Mother's Day. And not just once a year, but once a week. Every Sunday.
When our daughter, Ruthie, was about 5, I invented a special recipe just for her. It incorporated two of her favorite things: French toast and chocolate. And I added one of mine, raspberries. Not only did my little chocoholic love the taste of our French toast, she also loved to make it.
The inspiration to pair up bread and chocolate had its origins in a trip I took to France with my family when I was 13. I was more than intrigued when I noticed French school children digging into a most unusual after-school snack: a healthy hunk of baguette, sliced in half and stuffed with a big piece of dark chocolate. The following recipe perfect for breakfast-in-bed for Mom on Mother's Day is a little healthier than the original. We start with whole-wheat bread, replace some of the whole eggs with egg whites, and swap in raspberry sauce for maple syrup.
Chocolate-stuffed French toast with raspberry sauce
Start to finish: 45 minutes
Serves 4
1 pint (2 cups) fresh raspberries, plus extra to garnish
1/4 cup sugar, divided
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1 cup 1 % milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of table salt
8 slices whole-wheat bread, lightly toasted
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a blender or food processor, combine the raspberries with 2 1/2 tablespoons of the sugar. Purée, then pour through a mesh strainer. Discard the seeds and set aside the sauce.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg whites. Add the milk, vanilla, salt and remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium. Dip 2 slices of the bread in the egg mixture until well soaked. Place the soaked slices in the skillet and sprinkle each with a quarter of the chocolate. Dip another 2 slices of bread in the egg mixture, then set them on top of the chocolate, pressing gently but firmly so the pieces adhere.
Cook for 3 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bread and chocolate, coating the pan with additional cooking spray. When all of the stuffed French toast has been cooked in the skillet and transferred to the baking sheet, bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cut each portion in half on the diagonal, drizzle with some of the raspberry sauce and garnish with additional raspberries.
Per serving: 380 calories; 130 calories from fat (34 percent of total calories); 14 g fat (6 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 95 mg cholesterol; 54 g carbohydrate; 9 g fiber; 26 g sugar; 17 g protein; 400 mg sodium.
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.


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Northern Michigan Forum-Share Events, Travel Ideas, Photos, Videos
December 1, 2013 from 12pm to 4pm – Bottle House Museum Enjoy Finnish Heaven, refreshments, music and traditional decorations with Nativity display at the Bottle House Museum Christmas Celebration. Kaleva is located north of Manistee. Take US-31 to Nine M… Organized by Bottle House Museum | Type: holiday
December 1, 2013 from 12pm to 2pm – Horizon Books Author Signing: Monica Farrier, A Sprinkle Family Christmas, at Horizon Books. Dobie Sprinkle is a tiny elf boy who lives with his family in the forest. The Sprinkles are content with their simple l… Organized by Horizon Books, Traverse City | Type: kids literary
December 1, 2013 from 2pm to 4pm – Horizon Books Author Signing: Dan Hendrix, The King's Daughter, at Horizon Books. The King's Daughter tells the sweeping tale of four Irish fishermen who, during the mid-nineteenth century, journey from Ireland to… Organized by Horizon Books, Traverse City | Type: literary
December 1, 2013 from 2pm to 3pm – Central United Methodist Church Please consider posting the following information; Get ready for Jazzy Christmas III on December 1, 2014 2 pm at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. After the turkey, football, and sho… Organized by Candice A Wallace | Type: christmas, concert


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For Sale: 1994 Lincoln Continental
Ad #182170064 Posted:2014-03-30 18:21:24
This ad expired 90 days ago.
3.8L / V6. Leather interior. Power everything including the moon roof. Runs and drives good.
Seller Phone Number: (920) 290-4762
This item is USED
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Item Location:
RIPON, WI Get Directions To This City
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Seller Information
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Ad posted by:
shadel (#704167)
Member Since: 2013-10-27
Phone Number: (920) 290-4762
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Average Honor Payment: $0.00
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Yesterdays Antiques
Antiques, Primitives and Collectibles
Welcome to Yesterdays Antiques in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. My husband and I have owned our shop for 15 years, and I have been selling online at Ruby Lane for 9 years. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have, and please check back often for new inventory.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Phone: (865) 908-6271
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Rich embossed kid (goatskin) leather
with scallop trim leather & hardware/jewel embellishments and velcro closure.
Thick yet supple leathers without additional dyes keep the leather breathable, durable and comfortable.
Taos Cork & Rubber Midsole Sandal Features
Taos Sandal Features
Happy Feet Plus® - Since 1985, Your Favorite Health and Comfort Footwear Store.
HFP in the News | About Us | Employment | Affiliates
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10 Tips for Healthy Feet
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