Spartans Seek Win Number 10
12/27/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 27, 1999
ORLANDO, Fla. - Michigan State head football coach Bobby Williams sent his team through a two-hour workout in full pads Monday morning as the ninth-ranked Spartans (9-2) continue preparation for the Florida Citrus Bowl Jan. 1, 2000, against No. 10 Florida (9-3).
?You can tell from the tempo and intensity at practice that it?s game week,? Williams said. ?The team knows the importance of this bowl game. We understand what a victory can mean in terms of recruiting, not only here in Florida but nationally as well. We have an opportunity to win 10 games this season and that would mean a lot to this football program and the entire university community. A win in the Florida Citrus Bowl could set the tone for upcoming seasons.?
Michigan State arrived in Orlando, Fla., a week ago and the team has maintained a hectic schedule.
?I?ve been impressed by the maturity of this football team,? Williams said. ?We?ve changed our approach from recent bowl games. We haven?t stayed on the practice field as long. We?ve kept each practice at or under two hours. The practices have been tough but we?ve stayed on the clock.
?The players know the agenda and they come to practice to work. In the past, the team has been worn down by game time. The guys didn?t have any energy left to play the game.?
Michigan State is looking for its first bowl victory since the 1990 Sun Bowl, a 17-16 triumph over Southern Cal. The Spartans have lost their last four bowl games and have been outscored 134-49 in their last three bowl outings.
?There?s no need to remind the players of the past because we can?t change it,? Williams said. ?This football program has a new direction and a new focus.
?We have been presented a tremendous opportunity. Florida has been one of college football?s best programs in the ?90s and it won a national title in ?96. A win over Florida can do a lot for our program. We want to win this bowl game and we know our task isn?t an easy one.
?In order to have a chance to beat Florida, we must play our game and stay within our game plan,? he said. ?We must avoid giving up big plays to Florida?s offense. We can?t give up easy scores if we?re going to stay in the game for four quarters. We certainly respect Florida?s speed. By far, this is the fastest team Michigan State has faced in my 10 years on the coaching staff.?
Following Monday?s practice, Michigan State?s players and coaches participated in the Day For Kids Festival at McCracken Field. The event, sponsored by Disney, is held for underprivileged children, who live in the neighborhoods surrounding the Florida Citrus Bowl. Activities included a picnic, games and wagon rides.
Some players attended the Orlando Magic-Minnesota Timberwolves basketball game Monday night.
The Spartans have another two-hour workout scheduled for Tuesday, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Thunder Field.