Oct. 26, 2004
Michigan State vs. Michigan Live Game Coverage
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DATE: Oct. 30, 2004
SITE: Michigan Stadium (107,501/FieldTurf), Ann Arbor, Mich.
KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m. EDT
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 111,000-plus (sold out)
LAST WEEK: Michigan State had an open week following its Oct. 16 Homecoming victory over No. 19/20 Minnesota, 51-17; No. 13/11 Michigan won at No. 12/12 Purdue, 16-14.
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Bill Burke, sideline reporter Will Tieman and broadcast host Mike Kamin, will broadcast the game to 35 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240, FM 97.5). Television - ABC Sports will televise the Michigan State-Michigan game live on a regional basis, with Mike Tirico handling the play-by-play, Tim Brant and Terry Bowden providing color commentary and Suzy Shuster serving as the sideline reporter.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 12-8 (.600) in his second year with the Spartans and 122-68 (.642) in 16 seasons as a college head coach. Smith ranks No. 14 among active NCAA I-A football coaches in career victories and No. 19 in career winning percentage. Twelve of his teams have participated in postseason play, including seven-straight bowl appearances. He came to Michigan State following five seasons at Louisville (1998-2002) where he put together a 41-21 worksheet (.661), including five-straight bowl appearances and back-to-back C-USA titles in 2000-01. Smith posted a 16-18 ledger (.471) in three seasons at Utah State (1995-97) while leading the Aggies to consecutive Big West Conference crowns in 1996-97. His six-year mark of 53-21 (.716) at Idaho (1989-94) included five NCAA I-AA playoff appearances and five Top 20 finishes.
Michigan's Lloyd Carr (Northern Michigan 1968) is 93-27 (.775) in his 10th year with the Wolverines. Carr has led Michigan to four Big Ten titles (1997, '98, 2000 and 2003) and his '97 team finished a perfect 12-0 and won a share of the national championship. Prior to being promoted to head coach, Carr spent 15 years on the Michigan coaching staff (1980-94), serving as an assistant under Bo Schembechler and Gary Moeller. His coaching credits also include stops at Eastern Michigan (1976-77) and Illinois (1978-79).
2004 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (4-3, 3-1 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/Result
Sept. 4 at Rutgers (ABC) L, 14-19
Sept. 11 CENTRAL MICHIGAN (ESPN Plus) W, 24-7
Sept. 18 NOTRE DAME (ESPN) L, 24-31
Sept. 25 at Indiana (ESPN Plus) W, 30-20
Oct. 2 at Iowa (ESPN Plus) L, 16-38
Oct. 9 ILLINOIS (ESPN Plus) W, 38-25
Oct. 16 MINNESOTA (ESPN & ESPN Plus) W, 51-17
Oct. 30 at Michigan (ABC) 3:30 p.m. EDT
Nov. 6 OHIO STATE (ESPN) 12:00 p.m. EST
Nov. 13 WISCONSIN TBA
Nov. 20 at Penn State TBA
Dec. 4 at Hawaii TBA
MICHIGAN (7-1, 5-0 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/Result
Sept. 4 MIAMI (OHIO) W, 43-10
Sept. 11 at Notre Dame L, 20-28
Sept. 18 SAN DIEGO STATE W, 24-21
Sept. 25 IOWA W, 30-17
Oct. 2 at Indiana W, 35-14
Oct. 9 MINNESOTA W, 27-24
Oct. 16 at Illinois W, 30-19
Oct. 23 at Purdue W, 16-14
Oct. 30 MICHIGAN STATE 3:30 p.m. EDT
Nov. 13 NORTHWESTERN TBA
Nov. 20 at Ohio State 1:00 p.m. EST
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Michigan
Basic Offense Spread Situational
Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3
Offensive Starters Returning 7 7
Defensive Starters Returning 6 6
Specialists Returning 2 4
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Michigan
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 303 6-5, 306
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-1, 212
Defensive Line 6-3, 290 6-5, 303
Linebackers 6-0, 231 6-3, 239
Defensive Backs 5-11, 193 6-1, 204
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 3 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores
Michigan Offense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 1 sophomore, 2 freshmen
Michigan Defense: 7 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after seven games):
Rushing - Drew Stanton (61 carries for 454 yards, 7.4 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (94 of 151 for 1043 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving - Jerramy Scott (26 catches for 274 yards, 10.5 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Eric Smith (74 tackles, 40 solos, 34 assists, 5 PBUs)
Michigan (after eight games):
Rushing - Michael Hart (187 carries for 936 yards, 5.0 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing - Chad Henne (152 of 250 for 1728 yards, 13 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving - Braylon Edwards (58 catches for 806 yards, 13.9 avg., 8 TDs)
Tackles - Ernest Shazor (55 tackles, 43 solos, 12 assists, 9 TFLs, 2 INTs)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Michigan
Scoring 28.1 28.1
First Downs 22.6 20.3
Total Offense 441.6 371.2
Rushing Yards 212.9 149.1
Passing Yards 228.7 222.1
Time of Possession 29:28 33:27
Third Down Conversions .376 .441
Points Allowed 22.4 18.4
Total Offense Allowed 363.6 275.6
Rushing Yards Allowed 164.0 71.6
Passing Yards Allowed 199.6 204.0
MSU/MICHIGAN SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 97th meeting between Michigan State and Michigan. The Wolverines lead the all-time series 63-28-5, including a 46-18-3 record in games played in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Spartans are 16-31-3 all-time in games played in Michigan Stadium, including a 2-9 record since 1982. Michigan State's last win in Ann Arbor came on Oct. 13, 1990, 28-27.
Michigan has won two in a row and nine of the last 13 meetings overall. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 173 in the 2004 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE RIVALRY -
• This marks the 97th meeting between Michigan State and Michigan. The series celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1998 and it has gone uninterrupted for 59 years since World War II (1945).
• This game marks the 57th-consecutive sellout in the Michigan State-Michigan series, dating from 1948.
• The home team has won 10 of the last 12 meetings between Michigan State and Michigan. The Spartans have dropped six-straight games in Michigan Stadium, with their last win coming on Oct. 13, 1990, 28-27.
BATTLE FOR THE PAUL BUNYAN TROPHY -
Since 1953, the winner of the Michigan State-Michigan game has been presented the Paul Bunyan Trophy. The four-foot wooden statue was donated by then-Governor G. Mennen Williams to mark Michigan State's acceptance into the Big Ten. Since '53, Michigan leads the series 30-19-2. The trophy depicts the legendary giant lumberjack astride an axe with feet planted on a map of the state with flags representing the schools.
THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 1, 2003, in East Lansing, Mich.: Chris Perry ran for 219 yards on a school-record 51 carries and John Navarre threw for 223 yards and three scores to lead No. 11 Michigan to a 27-20 victory over No. 9 Michigan State. It marked Michigan's first win in Spartan Stadium since Oct. 25, 1997. Perry capped a 10-play, 55-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run as Michigan took a 7-0 lead with 12:31 left in the second quarter. The Spartans responded with an 11-play, 74-yard drive and pulled to within 7-3 on Dave Rayner's 20-yard field goal with 7:07 to play in the first half. Braylon Edwards scored on a 40-yard TD strike from Navarre with 1:03 remaining in the second quarter to give the Wolverines a 13-3 lead. Midway through the third quarter, Michigan State attempted a running play from punt formation but Pierre Woods and Pat Massey stopped Rayner for no gain at the Michigan 36. Five plays later, Navarre hooked up with Andy Mignery for a 26-yard scoring pass as the Wolverines built a 20-3 lead with 4:12 left in the third quarter. Michigan State answered on its next offensive play as Jeff Smoker threw a 73-yard bomb to Agim Shabaj to cut its deficit to 20-10. Navarre finished off an 11-play, 65-yard drive with a 16-yard TD toss to Edwards as Michigan extended its lead to 27-10 with 13:31 remaining in the game. DeAndra Cobb's 56-yard kickoff return set up Rayner's 31-yard field goal as the Spartans closed the margin to 27-13 with 10:32 to play. Michigan appeared headed for another score, marching 38 yards to the MSU 22, but Robert Flagg sacked Navarre and forced a fumble that Clifford Dukes returned 65 yards for a TD as the Spartans rallied to within 27-20 with 6:03 on the clock. The game ended as Scott McClintock intercepted Smoker's Hail Mary heave from midfield in the end zone, intended for Aaron Alexander. Michigan outgained Michigan State on the ground, 216-36.
THE LAST MEETING IN MICHIGAN STADIUM -
Nov. 2, 2002, in Ann Arbor, Mich.: John Navarre threw for 229 yards and three touchdowns plus ran for another score to lead No. 15 Michigan to a 49-3 victory over Michigan State. It marked Michigan's largest margin of victory in the series since a 55-0 triumph in 1947. Michigan State scored on its first possession as a seven-play, 30-yard drive produced a 39-yard field goal from Dave Rayner. The Wolverines responded by scoring touchdowns on their next three possessions. B.J. Askew finished off an 11-play, 63-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run on fourth-and-goal as Michigan took the lead for good at 7-3 with 6:43 left in the first quarter. Navarre capped a nine-play, 59-yard march with a 1-yard sneak with 0:54 remaining in the first quarter. Navarre's 38-yard TD strike to Ronald Bellamy with 12:53 left in the second quarter gave Michigan a 21-3 lead. In the third quarter, Navarre threw TD passes of 12 yards to Bennie Joppru and 47 yards to Bellamy. Askew, who gained a career-high 149 yards on 32 carries, scored his second TD early in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard plunge. Blake Nasif's 13-yard interception return to the MSU 14 set up Michigan's last touchdown, a 5-yard run by Tim Bracken over right guard with 1:03 to play. The Spartans drove the ball deep into Michigan territory twice in the fourth quarter, but turned the ball over on downs each trip. Bellamy caught five passes for a career-best 124 yards.
TURN BACK THE CLOCK -
Michigan State has dropped six-straight games in Michigan Stadium. Here's a brief recap of Michigan State's last win in Ann Arbor, a 28-27 victory over No. 1 Michigan in 1990.
Oct. 13, 1990 (Michigan State 28, No. 1 Michigan 27)
Tico Duckett and Hyland Hickson rushed for a combined 183 yards and two touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 28-27 victory over top-ranked Michigan in Michigan Stadium. The Spartans and Wolverines combined to score 27 points in a wild fourth quarter. Hickson's 26-yard TD run up the middle gave Michigan State a 21-14 lead with 6:03 left in the game. Michigan's Desmond Howard returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 21 with 5:50 to play. Duckett capped a nine-play, 70-yard drive with a 9-yard TD run over left tackle to put the Spartans on top 28-21 with 1:59 left. Elvis Grbac completed 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards on Michigan's next drive, including a 7-yard TD strike to Derrick Alexander with :06 on the clock as the Wolverines pulled to within one, 28-27. Michigan elected to go for the win but Grbac's two-point pass to Howard fell incomplete. Michigan's Vada Murray recovered the ensuing onside kick but Eddie Brown intercepted Grbac's Hail Mary pass at the MSU 2 as time expired.
MSU/MICHIGAN COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan defensive line coach Bill Sheridan spent three years as linebackers coach at Michigan State (1998-2000), working under Nick Saban for two seasons and Bobby Williams for one season.
• Michigan State running backs coach Reggie Mitchell served as a graduate assistant under Bo Schembechler at Michigan in 1985.
• Michigan State assistant athletics director/director of football operations Mike Vollmar worked for three years as assistant recruiting coordinator under Bo Schembechler and Gary Moeller at Michigan (1988-90).
• Michigan State assistant athletics director/director of football operations Mike Vollmar and Michigan assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Erik Campbell spent the 1994 season together at Syracuse. Vollmar served as director of football and recruiting operations for the Orangemen while Campbell coached the running backs.
• Michigan State assistant athletics director/director of football operations Mike Vollmar and Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr both graduated from Riverview (Mich.) Community High School.
• Michigan State defensive line coach Steve Stripling and Michigan offensive line coach Andy Moeller spent the 1987 season together at Indiana under Bill Mallory.
GROUND GAME KEY FACTOR IN THIS SERIES -
You don't have to look far to find the key stat in the Michigan State-Michigan series. The team with the most productive ground attack has won 33 of the last 34 games. The only exception to that trend came on Nov. 4, 1995, when Tony Banks threw for 318 yards, including a 25-yard strike to Nigea Carter with 1:24 left in the fourth quarter that gave the Spartans a 28-25 victory over seventh-ranked Michigan.
Here's a look at the rushing totals (net yards) since 1970:
Year MSU U-M Result Year MSU U-M Result
1970 194 304 U-M 34-20 1987 193 93 MSU 17-11
1971 59 322 U-M 24-13 1988 80 249 U-M 17-3
1972 176 323 U-M 10-0 1989 77 169 U-M 10-7
1973 40 229 U-M 31-0 1990 222 176 MSU 28-27
1974 81 166 U-M 21-7 1991 84 326 U-M 45-28
1975 117 258 U-M 16-6 1992 60 294 U-M 35-10
1976 98 442 U-M 42-10 1993 131 33 MSU 17-7
1977 107 302 U-M 24-14 1994 17 349 U-M 40-20
1978 248 233 MSU 24-15 1995 73 218 MSU 28-25
1979 156 219 U-M 21-7 1996 98 206 U-M 45-29
1980 103 252 U-M 27-23 1997 95 173 U-M 23-7
1981 89 423 U-M 38-20 1998 110 206 U-M 29-17
1982 51 274 U-M 31-17 1999 90 6 MSU 34-31
1983 26 277 U-M 42-0 2000 63 188 U-M 14-0
1984 123 119 MSU 19-7 2001 169 121 MSU 26-24
1985 56 164 U-M 31-0 2002 59 188 U-M 49-3
1986 54 161 U-M 27-6 2003 36 216 U-M 27-20
SPARTANS RANK SECOND IN ALL-TIME VICTORIES vs. MICHIGAN -
Michigan State ranks second among opponents in all-time victories over Michigan. Only Ohio State (37) has posted more wins over the Wolverines than the Spartans (28).
All-Time Wins vs. Michigan
Opponent Games Played Wins vs. U-M
Ohio State 100 37
Michigan State 96 28
Minnesota 93 23
Illinois 88 21
UPSET SPECIALS -
Michigan State is 16-15 (.516) in its last 31 games against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, including a 10-3 record (.769) in games played in Spartan Stadium. Thirteen of those 16 wins over ranked teams have come while Michigan State was unranked or ranked below its opponent. In 2003, the Spartans were 2-3 vs. AP Top 25 teams, including victories over No. 13 Iowa (20-10) and No. 25 Minnesota (44-38) and losses to No. 11 Michigan (27-20), No. 7 Ohio State (33-23) and No. 22 Nebraska (17-3) in the Alamo Bowl.
Here's a look at Michigan State's last 31 games against AP Top 25 teams:
Date Result (Associated Press Ranking) Site
Oct. 16, 2004 MSU 51, No. 19 Minnesota 17 East Lansing
Dec. 29, 2003 No. 22 Nebraska 17, MSU 3 San Antonio
Nov. 8, 2003 No. 7 Ohio State 33, No. 14 MSU 23 Columbus
Nov. 1, 2003 No. 11 Michigan 27, No. 9 MSU 20 East Lansing
Oct. 18, 2003 No. 15 MSU 44, No. 25 Minnesota 38 Minneapolis
Sept. 27, 2003 MSU 20, No. 13 Iowa 10 East Lansing
Nov. 23, 2002 No. 15 Penn State 61, MSU 7 State College
Nov. 2, 2002 No. 15 Michigan 49, MSU 3 Ann Arbor
Oct. 12, 2002 No. 17 Iowa 44, MSU 16 Iowa City
Sept. 21, 2002 No. 12 Notre Dame 21, MSU 17 East Lansing
Dec. 31, 2001 MSU 44, No. 20 Fresno State 35 San Jose
Nov. 3, 2001 MSU 26, No. 6 Michigan 24 East Lansing
Sept. 29, 2001 No. 16 Northwestern 27, No. 23 MSU 26 Evanston
Sept. 22, 2001 MSU 17, No. 23 Notre Dame 10 South Bend
Nov. 11, 2000 MSU 30, No. 9 Purdue 10 East Lansing
Nov. 4, 2000 No. 16 Ohio State 27, MSU 13 Columbus
Oct. 21, 2000 No. 16 Michigan 14, MSU 0 Ann Arbor
Sept. 23, 2000 No. 23 MSU 27, No. 16 Notre Dame 21 East Lansing
Jan. 1, 2000 No. 9 MSU 37, No. 10 Florida 34 Orlando
Nov. 20, 1999 No. 15 MSU 35, No. 13 Penn State 28 East Lansing
Nov. 6, 1999 No. 19 MSU 23, No. 20 Ohio State 7 East Lansing
Oct. 23, 1999 No. 17 Wisconsin 40, No. 11 MSU 10 Madison
Oct. 16, 1999 No. 20 Purdue 52, No. 5 MSU 28 West Lafayette
Oct. 9, 1999 No. 11 MSU 34, No. 3 Michigan 31 East Lansing
Sept. 18, 1999 MSU 23, No. 24 Notre Dame 13 South Bend
Nov. 28, 1998 No. 23 Penn State 51, MSU 28 State College
Nov. 7, 1998 MSU 28, No. 1 Ohio State 24 Columbus
Sept. 12, 1998 MSU 45, No. 10 Notre Dame 23 East Lansing
Aug. 29, 1998 No. 15 Colorado State 23, No. 23 MSU 16 East Lansing
Dec. 25, 1997 No. 21 Washington 51, No. 25 MSU 23 Aloha Bowl
Nov. 29, 1997 MSU 49, No. 4 Penn State 14 East Lansing
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2004:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAA
Rushing Offense 212.9 2nd 16th
Passing Offense 228.7 3rd 44th
Total Offense 441.6 3rd 19th
Scoring Offense 28.1 3rd 40th
Rushing Defense 164.0 9th 74th
Passing Defense 199.6 4th 45th
Total Defense 363.6 7th 58th
Scoring Defense 22.4 8th 49th
Passing Efficiency 122.4 5th 63rd
Pass Efficiency Defense 109.2 4th 32nd
Turnover Margin -0.71 8th t-89th
Net Punting 39.7 2nd 12th
Punt Returns 7.7 10th 82nd
Kickoff Returns 22.6 7th 29th
NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2004:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Drew Stanton (48th at 128.1 rating)
Total Offense: Drew Stanton (25th at 249.5 yards per game)
Interceptions: Jason Harmon (t-21st at 0.43 interceptions per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (1st at 49.2 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: DeAndra Cobb (35th at 22.9 yards per return)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (t-6th at 1.71 made per game)
Scoring: Dave Rayner (32nd at 8.14 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: DeAndra Cobb (48th at 121.1 yards per game)
Points Responsible For: Drew Stanton (38th at 11.67 points per game)
SPARTANS FEATURE IMPROVED GROUND ATTACK -
Michigan State has displayed an improved running attack in 2004. Through seven games, the Spartans rank second in the Big Ten and No. 16 in the NCAA in rushing, averaging 212.9 yards per game. That's an improvement of 115.5 yards per game over last season.
The Spartans have recorded five 200-yard rushing games in 2004, including the last four in a row. It marks the first time since 1996 that Michigan State has posted four-straight 200-yard rushing games in the same season. In 1996, the Spartans put together a streak of five-straight 200-yard rushing games: 249 vs. Eastern Michigan, 236 vs. Iowa, 205 vs. Illinois, 243 vs. Minnesota and 202 vs. Wisconsin.
Michigan State amassed 324 yards on the ground vs. Minnesota - its best single-game total during John L. Smith's tenure. It marked the Spartans' first 300-yard rushing game since rolling up 369 yards in the 2002 season opener vs. Eastern Michigan. Michigan State's running game yielded 253 yards vs. Illinois. The Spartans gained 204 yards on the ground vs. Iowa, which entered the game ranked third in the NCAA in rushing defense, allowing 55.5 yards per game. Michigan State rushed for 241 yards vs. Indiana.
The Spartans produced 165 yards (4.7 yards per carry ) vs. Notre Dame, which entered the game ranked sixth in the nation in rushing defense, surrendering just 39.0 yards per game. Michigan State picked up 231 yards on the ground in the home opener vs. Central Michigan.
The Spartans feature a well-balanced ground attack with four players gaining more than 250 yards. Quarterback Drew Stanton leads the team in rushing with 454 yards and four touchdowns on 61 carries. He has produced two 100-yard rushing games, including 102 yards on 13 attempts vs. Minnesota. Stanton gained 134 yards on 12 rushes vs. Indiana to become the first Spartan QB to record a 100-yard game since Charlie Baggett picked up 120 yards vs. Northwestern in 1975.
Running backs Jehuu Caulcrick, Jason Teague and DeAndra Cobb have combined to rush for 1,029 yards and seven scores on 202 attempts.
By contrast, Michigan State finished last in the Big Ten and No. 111 nationally in rushing in 2003, averaging just 97.4 yards per game. It marked MSU's lowest rushing production in the last 57 years.
TURNOVERS PLAGUE SPARTANS -
Through seven games, the Spartans rank near the bottom of the Big Ten and NCAA in turnover margin (-5 overall). Michigan State has scored just nine points off 10 takeaways in 2004, while its opponents have converted 15 Spartan miscues into 37 points.
By comparison in 2003, Michigan State had a +12 turnover margin after seven games. The Spartans had parlayed 20 takeaways into 66 points at this point last season.
Here's a game-by-game look at MSU's takeaways and giveaways in 2004:
Michigan State Takeaways Points
@ Rutgers 1 (interception) 0
Central Michigan - -
Notre Dame 3 (interception, 2 fumbles) 0
@ Indiana 2 (2 interceptions) 0
@ Iowa 1 (interception) 3
Illinois 1 (fumble) 3
Minnesota 2 (2 interceptions) 3
Totals 10 (7 interceptions, 3 fumbles) 9
Opponent Takeaways Points
@ Rutgers 3 (2 fumbles, interception) 7
Central Michigan - -
Notre Dame 6 (3 interceptions, 3 fumbles) 17
@ Indiana 2 (2 interceptions) 3
@ Iowa 1 (fumble) 7
Illinois - -
Minnesota 3 (2 interceptions, fumble) 3
Totals 15 (8 interceptions, 7 fumbles) 37
BALL SECURITY, PART II -
Michigan State has committed 15 turnovers (8 interceptions, 7 fumbles) in the first seven games of the 2004 season. By contrast, the Spartans turned the ball over just 18 times in 13 games in 2003 - the Big Ten's fourth-lowest total (No. 15 in the NCAA). In 2003, Michigan State lost just three fumbles - the NCAA's best mark.
STANTON ADDS RUNNING DIMENSION TO SPREAD OFFENSE -
Sophomore quarterback Drew Stanton ranks third in the Big Ten and No. 25 in the NCAA in total offense, averaging 249.5 yards per game. He also ranks among the league leaders in passing efficiency (fourth with 128.1 rating), rushing (fifth at 75.7 ypg.) and passing (seventh at 173.8 ypg.).
In Big Ten games, Stanton leads the league in total offense (321.5 ypg.) while ranking third in passing efficiency (128.2 rating), fourth in passing (231.0 ypg.) and fifth in rushing (90.5 ypg.).
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Stanton leads the Spartans in rushing (454 yards on 61 carries) and rushing touchdowns (4). He has a chance to become the first quarterback in the modern era (since 1945) to lead the Spartans in rushing yards for a season. Stanton also has completed 94-of-151 throws (.623) for 1,043 yards, six TDs and four interceptions.
Stanton shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (with Iowa quarterback Drew Tate) after accounting for a school-record 410 total yards in MSU's 51-17 victory over No. 19 Minnesota. He became the first quarterback in Spartan history to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game. His 410 total yards broke the single-game mark previously held by Jeff Smoker, who produced 393 total yards vs. Fresno State in the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic. Stanton completed 20-of-31 throws for a career-best 308 yards and three touchdowns. He completed passes to nine different receivers, including scoring tosses of 25 and 36 yards to Eric Knott and 56 yards to Terry Love. Stanton also recorded his second 100-yard rushing game of the season, gaining 102 yards on 13 attempts. Each of his first six carries (75 yards) resulted in first downs.
He accounted for 254 combined yards (rushing, passing and receiving) and four TDs to lead MSU to a 38-25 victory over Illinois. Stanton completed 21-of-28 throws (.750) for 199 yards and three scores against the Illini. He completed passes to 10 different receivers, including scoring tosses of 11 yards to Jerramy Scott, 6 yards to Jason Teague and 27 yards to Agim Shabaj. Stanton also scored on an 18-yard pass from Scott.
Stanton threw for 245 yards vs. Iowa, setting personal bests for pass attempts (54) and completions (29). He also picked up 89 yards on 15 carries, including a 1-yard TD run, against the Hawkeyes, who entered the game ranked third in the NCAA in rushing defense (allowing 55.5 ypg.).
He accounted for 306 total yards and two scores in his first collegiate start at Indiana as the Spartans rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to post a 30-20 victory in the Big Ten opener. Stanton rushed for 134 yards on 12 carries vs. Indiana to become the first Spartan quarterback to record a 100-yard rushing game since Charlie Baggett gained 120 yards vs. Northwestern in 1975. He scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards against the Hoosiers.
Stanton came off the bench to account for 159 total yards (110 passing, 49 rushing) in the second half vs. Notre Dame, including a 4-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.
The Farmington Hills, Mich., native provided a spark off the bench in the home opener vs. Central Michigan, orchestrating a 13-play, 96-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter that iced the game. His 38-yard run on a fourth-and-1 play from the CMU 40 set up MSU's final TD.
STANTON SPREADS THE BALL AROUND -
A key to Drew Stanton's throwing success in 2004 has been his ability to utilize all of the weapons at his disposal in Michigan State's spread offense. Seven Spartans have at least 11 receptions, including five wide outs, one running back and one tight end. Two receivers - Jerramy Scott (26 for 274 yards) and Matt Trannon (22 for 287) - have a least 20 catches.
STANLEY REACHES 300-TACKLE MILESTONE, APPROACHES MSU'S ALL-TIME TOP 10 -
Senior linebacker Ronald Stanley has recorded 315 career tackles and needs just 14 more stops to crack MSU's all-time top 10.
The 6-foot, 234-pound Stanley leads the Spartans in production points (119) and ranks second on the team in tackles (72 total) and tackles for losses (6 for 20 yards).
The Saginaw, Mich., native has posted double figures in tackles three times in 2004 and on 11 occasions during his career. He became only the 14th player in Spartan history to reach the 300-tackle milestone, recording 12 tackles in MSU's 38-25 victory over Illinois. His 9-yard sack against the Illini resulted in a fumble and led to a Spartan field goal. He also registered 12 tackles vs. Indiana, including two behind the line of scrimmage (6 yards). Stanley recorded a career-best 20 tackles, including two for losses (4 yards), in the season opener at Rutgers.
COBB RACES TOWARD THE RECORD BOOKS -
DeAndra Cobb currently ranks ninth in the Big Ten and No. 35 in the NCAA in kickoff returns with his 22.9-yard average.
The 5-foot-10, 197-pound Cobb returned five kickoffs for 152 yards (30.4 avg.) vs. Notre Dame, including an 89-yard runback for a touchdown in the third quarter. It marked Cobb's fourth career kickoff return for a score, one shy of the Big Ten record held by Purdue's Stan Brown (1968-70). The NCAA career mark belongs to Southern Cal's Anthony Davis (1972-74), who returned six kickoffs for TDs.
His career 25.2-yard kickoff return average ranks sixth on the Big Ten's all-time list. Cobb also stands fifth on MSU's all-time chart with 1,336 career kickoff return yards.
YOUTH IS SERVED -
Twenty-two true and red-shirt freshmen have seen action for Michigan State in the first seven games of the 2004 season. Here's a complete breakdown of true and red-shirt freshmen that have made their Spartan debuts thus far in 2004:
True Freshmen (12): SP Sir Darean Adams, SP Eric Andino, SP Mike Bell, SP Tom Dance, SP Kellen Davis, SP Hugh D'Imperio, WR Carl Grimes, SP Travis Key, SP Tyrone McKenzie, DE Nick Smith, SP Rob Tabatchnick and SP Miles Williams.
Red-shirt Freshmen (10): WR Irving Campbell, RB Jehuu Caulcrick, RG Pete Clifford, SP Cole Corey, RT Mike Gyetvai, WR Terry Love, QB Stephen Reaves, SP Kyle Sackrider, LB Kaleb Thornhill and NG Joe Toth.
Note: SP = special teams appearance.
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS IMPACT SPARTAN DEPTH CHART -
No fewer than seven first-year players are currently listed on Michigan State's depth chart, including five on defense, one on offense and one specialist. Here's a complete breakdown of true freshmen and junior college transfers included on the depth chart:
True Freshmen (4): BANDIT Sir Darean Adams, LB Eric Andino, DE Nick Smith and RCB Miles Williams.
Junior College Transfers (3): PK/P John Goss, DT Domata Peko and LG Daniel Zynn.
THE COMEBACK KIDS -
Michigan State erased a 13-point halftime deficit by scoring 23 unanswered points en route to a 30-20 victory at Indiana in the 2004 Big Ten opener. It marked Michigan State's biggest comeback from a halftime deficit since posting a 34-16 victory over Wyoming in 1977 after trailing 16-0 at the intermission.
Spartan tailback Leroy McGee keyed the rally against the Cowboys, scoring three second-half touchdowns. His 1-yard TD run with 1:06 left in the third quarter gave Michigan State the lead for good at 20-16. The Spartans broke the game open early in the fourth quarter as Ed Smith hooked up with Kirk Gibson for an 82-yard scoring pass.
In 1998, Michigan State staged perhaps its greatest comeback, rallying from a 24-9 third-quarter deficit to upset top-ranked Ohio State, 28-24, in Columbus. Spartan placekicker Paul Edinger provided five field goals, including a 49-yarder in the third quarter. Sedrick Irvin capped an eight-play, 92-yard drive with a 3-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter as Michigan State took the lead for good at 25-24. The Spartans trailed the Buckeyes, 17-9, at halftime.
MANY HAPPY SPARTAN RETURNS -
Michigan State's special teams produced two touchdowns in a 31-24 loss to Notre Dame. Early in the first quarter, Marshall Campbell blocked D.J. Fitzpatrick's punt that Jerramy Scott recovered in the back of the end zone for a score. Late in the third quarter, DeAndra Cobb returned his fourth career kickoff for a TD, an 89-yarder.
In 2003, Michigan State scored seven non-offensive touchdowns, including three kickoff, two fumble and two interception returns.
REAVES, STANTON PRODUCE WINS IN DEBUTS AS STARTING QB -
For the first time since 1996, Michigan State has utilized three different starting quarterbacks in the same season. Senior Damon Dowdell earned his seventh career start in the 2004 season opener at Rutgers. Red-shirt freshman Stephen Reaves started back-to-back games vs. Central Michigan and Notre Dame, while sophomore Drew Stanton assumed the starting role for the Big Ten opener at Indiana.
In 1996, Todd Schultz, Gus Ornstein and Bill Burke each took turns under center as the starting signal caller.
Reaves and Stanton each produced wins in their first career starts. Here's how Michigan State's last 15 quarterbacks fared in their first college starts:
• Drew Stanton - Sept. 25, 2004 vs. Indiana (W 30-20)
Stanton accounted for 306 total yards and two touchdowns as the Spartans rallied from a 20-7 halftime deficit. He rushed for 134 yards on 12 carries, including TD runs of 1 and 2 yards, and completed 15-of-23 throws for 172 yards and two interceptions.
• Stephen Reaves - Sept. 11, 2004 vs. Central Michigan (W 24-7)
Reaves hit 9-of-19 passes for 183 yards vs. Central Michigan, including a 44-yard TD strike to Kyle Brown.
• Damon Dowdell - Nov. 17, 2001 vs. Purdue (L 14-24)
Dowdell completed 24-of-45 throws for 304 yards vs. Purdue, including a 7-yard TD toss to Charles Rogers.
• Jeff Smoker - Sept. 16, 2000 vs. Missouri (W 13-10)
Smoker connected on 10-of-24 throws for 157 yards with one interception as the Spartans rallied from a 10-0 first-quarter deficit.
• Ryan Van Dyke - Sept. 9, 2000 vs. Marshall (W 34-24)
Van Dyke completed 5-of-7 passes for 74 yards, including a 37-yard TD strike to Chris Baker, before leaving the game with a bruised right thumb late in the first quarter.
• Bill Burke - Sept. 28, 1996 vs. Eastern Michigan (W 47-0)
Burke completed 8-of-22 passes for 166 yards, including TD tosses of 49 and 5 yards to Nigea Carter.
• Gus Ornstein - Sept. 21, 1996 vs. Louisville (L 20-30)
Ornstein hit 21-of-37 passes for 237 yards, including a 17-yard TD strike to Derrick Mason.
• Todd Schultz - Sept. 30, 1995 vs. Boston College (W 25-21)
Schultz completed 20-of-28 passes for 210 yards as the Spartans rallied from a 21-9 third-quarter deficit to win 25-21.
• Tony Banks - Sept. 10, 1994 at Kansas (L 10-17)
Banks connected on 8-of-22 throws for 71 yards with two interceptions.
• Mill Coleman - Nov. 14, 1992 vs. Purdue (W 35-13)
Coleman completed 4-of-10 passes for 54 yards with one interception. He also added a 2-yard TD run.
• John Gieselman - Oct. 31, 1992 at Northwestern (W 27-26)
Gieselman hit 4-of-7 pass attempts for 27 yards.
• Jim Miller - Oct. 5, 1991 at Indiana (L 0-31)
Miller completed 10-of-19 throws for 105 yards with one interception.
• Bret Johnson - Sept. 14, 1991 vs. Central Michigan (L 3-20)
Johnson connected on 6-of-11 passes for 29 yards.
• Dan Enos - Sept. 16, 1989 vs. Miami-Ohio (W 49-0)
Enos hit 5-of-7 throws for 78 yards and scored on an 8-yard run.
• Bobby McAllister - Sept. 7, 1987 vs. Southern Cal (W 27-13)
McAllister completed 10-of-15 passes for 103 yards and rushed 15 times for 63 yards, including a 9-yard TD run.
SPARTAN COACHING STAFF APPOINTS 2004 CAPTAINS -
Michigan State second-year head coach John L. Smith and his coaching staff have appointed four captains for the 2004 season: junior wide receiver Kyle Brown, senior BANDIT Tyrell Dortch, senior free safety Jason Harmon and senior MIKE linebacker Ronald Stanley.
Stanley, who served in the same capacity in 2003, becomes just the sixth multi-year captain in Spartan football history, joining center Robert McCurry (1946-47-48), quarterback John Leister (1981-82), linebacker Carl Banks (1982-83), linebacker Ike Reese (1996-97) and linebacker Josh Thornhill (2000-01).
SPARTANS FACE ONE OF THE NCAA'S TOUGHEST SCHEDULES DOWN THE STRETCH -
Michigan State's five remaining opponents comprise the nation's ninth-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Spartans' future opponents have a combined record of 24-12 (.667) against other Division I-A teams. The remaining schedule also features two opponents listed in this week's Associated Press Poll: No. 12 Michigan (Oct. 30) and No. 6 Wisconsin (Nov. 13).
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 76-17-1 (.814) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-63-1 (.175) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 15-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 89-80-2 (.526).
SPARTAN SINGLE-GAME BESTS UNDER SMITH -
Here's a look at the top single-game totals produced by Michigan State during head coach John L. Smith's tenure (2003-04; 20 games):
Rushing Yards: 324 vs. Minnesota, 2004
Passing Yards: 382 vs. Indiana, 2003
Total Yards: 636 vs. Minnesota, 2004
First Downs: 31 vs. Minnesota, 2004
Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: minus 2 by Rutgers, 2003
Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 93 by Central Michigan, 2004
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 238 by Penn State, 2003
Fewest First Downs Allowed: 12 by Indiana, 2004 and Rutgers, 2003
Sacks By: 6 vs. Indiana and Western Michigan, 2003
Turnovers Forced: 5 vs. Louisiana Tech, 2003
Points (Game): 51 vs. Minnesota, 2004
Points (Half): 34 (1st) vs. Minnesota, 2003
Points (Quarter): 24 (2nd) vs. Rutgers, 2003
Victory Margin: 35 vs. Illinois, 2003
