Michigan State Football: 5 ways Mark Dantonio can turn program around in 2020

Mark Dantonio revealed he intends to coach in 2020 but Michigan State football needs a massive turnaround. Here’s how he can make it happen right away.

During his weekly press conference, Mark Dantonio finally addressed his future. He had been side-stepping questions about 2020 and beyond for weeks, but it finally seemed like time, coming off the biggest loss to Michigan in his tenure.

Dantonio stated that he intends to be back and he plans to complete the circle and get the program back on top before leaving.

Many fans were up in arms over the news and there was a common feeling that he must address his staff if he wants another chance. He said that he wouldn’t consider staff changes until after the season, so that at least is a step in the right direction.

There’s not much optimism coming with this news, but there are some fixes that could be made in order to get the program back on track under his watch — and quickly.

How can Dantonio turn the program around in 2020?

5. Continue playing young offensive linemen

If there’s been one positive to come from the past couple of weeks, it’s been the emergence of JD Duplain and Nick Samac. Even Devontae Dobbs has gotten some decent playing time in recent weeks, and that’s a great sign for the future.

It may not seem like a huge deal playing true freshmen along the offensive line, but when that has been an area of weakness for a couple of years, it’s going to be huge for the development of these young guys moving forward. If Dobbs, Duplain and Samac can assert themselves as potential starters in 2020, the line gets that much stronger moving forward.

The only way to make sure the line continues to get better and builds toward a brighter future is to let these young guys play for the rest of the season, no matter the bowl outlook.

Get their feet wet against Maryland and Rutgers and let them build some confidence heading into the 2020 campaign.