Michigan State’s Cody White, right, catches a pass in the end zone against Utah State’s Ja’Marcus Ingram in their game last Friday in East Lansing. (AP photo)

The bottom line: They won, which is all that really matters.

Season openers are always a little dicey because there are no preseason games like in the NFL, so the mantra is usually whatever it takes to win.

“I just want to win a football game. We’re 1-0. As far as I’m concerned, we’re always getting pushed up the ladder,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. “It’s a struggle out there. I don’t care who you play against, it’s challenging.”

The Spartans face what should be an even stiffer test Saturday night, when they’ll play in the desert heat against Arizona State.

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke looks out from the sideline during the fourth quarter against Utah State last Friday in East Lansing. The Spartans won 38-31. (AP photo)

Unlike MSU, the Sun Devils rolled over a smaller-conference school in their opener, 49-7 over UTSA in Herm Edwards’ debut as coach.

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke, who grew up in the Phoenix area, threw for 287 yards and a pair of TDs with an interception in the opener against Utah State.