Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Preps for Indiana
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
October 9, 1998
GAME 6 QUICK FACTS
MATCHUP: MICHIGAN STATE (2-3, 0-1 Big Ten) vs. INDIANA (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten)
DATE: Oct. 10, 1998
SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 12:10 p.m. (EDT)
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 72,027 (sold out)
SERIES RECORD: Michigan State leads 33-13-2
FIRST MEETING: Indiana 14, Michigan State 6 (Oct. 28, 1922)
LAST MEETING: Michigan State 38, Indiana 6 (Oct. 11, 1997)
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Larry Bielat, sideline reporter Harlon Barnett and broadcast host Scott Anderson, will broadcast the game to 30 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240, FM 97.5). Television ESPN will televise the Michigan State-Indiana game live with Dave Barnett and Bill Curry calling the action and Dave Ryan reporting from the sidelines.
THE COACHES Michigan States Nick Saban (Kent State 73) is 21-19-1 (.524) in his fourth year with the Spartans and 30-21-1 (.587) in his fifth season as a college head coach. Saban came to Michigan State following four seasons as the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator from 1991-94. He previously served as head coach at the University of Toledo where he guided the Rockets to a 9-2 record overall in 1990, including a share of the Mid-American Conference title at 7-1.
Indiana's Cam Cameron (Indiana 83) is 4-11 (.267) in his second year with the Hoosiers. Cameron previously spent three years as quarterbacks coach with the NFLs Washington Redskins (1994-96). Prior to his stint in the NFL, he served on the Michigan coaching staff for 10 seasons (1984-93) where he worked primarily with the receivers and quarterbacks.
NICK SABAN CALL-IN SHOW Learfield Sports will produce and distribute Nick Sabans weekly radio show Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. The Spartan Radio Network, featuring 30 affiliates throughout the state, will broadcast the show live from Trippers (354 Frandor) in Lansing. Coach Saban joins host Terry Braverman for an in-depth look into the Michigan State football program. The Nick Saban Show can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240).
SPARTAN SPORTSZONE Spartan SportsZone, a weekly 30-minute television show produced and distributed by the Michigan State Athletic Department, will debut this fall on six stations throughout the state. The magazine-format show will be dedicated to in-depth coverage of Michigan State football.
Michigan State head coach Nick Saban will be featured on the show throughout the football season. WILX-TV Sports Director Tim Staudt serves as studio host for the program.
Affiliates for the Spartan SportsZone include WILX-TV in Lansing, WWJ-TV in Detroit, WPBN-TV in Traverse City, WTOM-TV in Cheboygan, WXMI-TV in Grand Rapids and WJRT-TV in Flint.
Spartan SportsZone will be taped at the studios of WILX-TV (Channel 10) in Lansing.
1998 Spartan Radio Network Affiliates
City / Call Letters
Adrian WABJ (AM 1490)
Alma WQBX (FM 104.9)
Bad Axe WLEW (AM 1340)
Battle Creek WBCK (AM 930)
Bay City/Midland/Saginaw WIXC (FM 97.3)
Burton/Flint WFNT (AM 1470)
Cheboygan WCBY (AM 1240)
Coldwater WTVB (AM 1590)
Detroit WXYT (AM 1270)
Frankenmuth WKNX (AM 1250)
Fremont WSHN (AM 1550)
Grand Rapids WBBL (AM 1340)
Grand Rapids WFGR (FM 98.7)
Iron Mountain WMIQ (AM 1450)
Ironwood WJMS (AM 590)
Jackson WXIK (FM 94.1)
Kalamazoo WQSN (AM 1470)
Lansing WJIM (AM 1240)
Lansing WJIM (FM 97.5)
Ludington WKLA (AM 1450)
Marquette WDMJ (AM 1320)
Mt. Pleasant WCZY (FM 104.3)
Muskegon WKBZ (AM 850)
Petoskey WJML (AM 1110)
Port Huron WPHM (AM 1380)
St. Joseph/Benton Harbor WSJM (AM 1400)
Tawas City WKJC (FM 104.7)
Tawa City WKJZ (FM 94.9)
Traverse City WLDR (FM 101.9)
THIS WEEK'S POLLS
(Released Oct. 4)
Associated Press
1. Ohio State (4-0)
2. Nebraska (5-0)
3. UCLA (3-0)
4. Tennessee (4-0)
5. Kansas State (4-0)
6. Florida (4-1)
7. Georgia (4-0)
8. Florida State (4-1)
9. Virginia (5-0)
10. Arizona (5-0)
11. LSU (3-1)
12. Wisconsin (5-0)
13. Penn State (3-1)
14. Colorado (5-0)
15. Oregon (4-0)
16. West Virginia (3-1)
17. Virginia Tech (4-0)
18. Texas A&M (4-1)
19. Southern Cal (4-1)
20. Arkansas (4-0)
21. Missouri (3-1)
22. Notre Dame (3-1)
23. North Carolina St (3-1)
24. Syracuse (2-2)
25. Tulane (4-0)
USA Today/ESPN Coaches
1. Ohio State (4-0)
2. Nebraska (5-0)
3. UCLA (3-0)
4. Kansas State (4-0)
5. Tennessee (4-0)
6. Florida (4-1)
7. Georgia (4-0)
8. Virginia (5-0)
9. Florida State (4-1)
10. Wisconsin (5-0)
11. Arizona (5-0)
12. LSU (3-1)
13. Penn State (3-1)
14. Colorado (5-0)
15. Virginia Tech (4-0)
16. Oregon (4-0)
17. West Virginia (3-1)
18. Texas A&M (4-1)
19. Arkansas (4-0)
20. Southern Cal (4-1)
21. Missouri (3-1)
22. Notre Dame (3-1)
23. North Carolina St (3-1)
24. Syracuse (2-2)
25. Tulane (4-0)
PRESEASON Polls
Associated Press
1. Ohio State (10-3)
2. Florida State (11-1)
3. Florida (10-2)
4. Nebraska (13-0)
5. Michigan (12-0)
6. Kansas State (11-1)
7. UCLA (10-2)
8. Arizona State (9-3)
9. Louisiana State (9-3)
10. Tennessee (11-2)
11. West Virginia (7-5)
12. North Carolina (11-1)
13. Penn State (9-3)
14. Texas A&M (9-4)
15. Colorado State (11-2)
16. Virginia (7-4)
17. Syracuse (9-4)
18. Washington (8-4)
19. Georgia (10-2)
20. Wisconsin (8-5)
21. Southern Miss (9-3)
22. Notre Dame (7-6)
23. Michigan State (7-5)
24. Arizona (7-5)
25. Auburn (10-3)
USA Today/ESPN Coaches
1. Ohio State (10-3)
2. Florida State (11-1)
3. Nebraska (13-0)
4. Florida (10-2)
5. Michigan (12-0)
6. Kansas State (11-1)
7. UCLA (10-2)
8. Louisiana State (9-3)
9. Arizona State (9-3)
10. Tennessee (11-2)
11. North Carolina (11-1)
12. West Virginia (7-5)
13. Penn State (9-3)
14. Syracuse (9-4)
15. Texas A&M (9-4)
16. Colorado State (11-2)
17. Washington (8-4)
18. Georgia (10-2)
19. Virginia (7-4)
20. Wisconsin (8-5)
21. Southern Miss (9-3)
22. Auburn (10-3)
23. Michigan State (7-5)
24. Notre Dame (7-6)
25. Arizona (7-5)
SPARTAN STREAKS
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on in 1998:
Consecutive Games Started Sorie Kanu, FS 34 Gari Scott, WR 17 Robaire Smith, DE 17 Jason Strayhorn, C 17 Robert Newkirk, DT 12 Mike Austin, LB 11MSU ALL-TIME LEADERS
Career Rushing Yards 1. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 4,887 2. Tico Duckett (1989-92) 4,212 3. Blake Ezor (1986-89) 3,749 4. D. Goulbourne (1992-96) 2,848 5. Sedrick Irvin (1996-98) 2,824
Career Rushing Touchdowns 1. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 43 2. Blake Ezor (1986-89) 34 3. Lynn Chandnois (1946-49) 29 4. Eric Allen (1969-71) 28 5. Sedrick Irvin (1996-98) 27
Career Touchdowns 1. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 43 2. Sedrick Irvin (1996-98) 34 Blake Ezor (1986-89) 34
Career Points Scored 1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 308 2. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 281 3. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 261 4. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 258 5. Hans Nielsen (1974-77) 230 6. Sedrick Irvin (1996-98) 204 Blake Ezor (1986-89) 204
Career All-Purpose Yards 1. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 5,152 2. Derrick Mason (1993-96) 5,114 3. Tico Duckett (1989-92) 4,511 4. Blake Ezor (1986-89) 4,475 5. Eric Allen (1969-71) 4,446 6. Steve Smith (1977-80) 4,060 7. Sedrick Irvin (1996-98) 4,039
Career Quarterback Sacks 1. Larry Bethea (1975-77) 33 2. Kelly Quinn (1982-85) 24 Travis Davis (1986-89) 24 4. Mark Nichols (1983-87) 15 Mel Land (1975-78) 15 6. Carl Banks (1980-83) 14 Ron Curl (1968-71) 14 7. D. Underwood (1995-98) 13 8. Robaire Smith (1997-98) 12 Larry Savage (1976-79) 12 9. Courtney Ledyard (1995-98) 10
Career Passes Broken Up 1. Amp Campbell (1996-98) 30 Ray Hill (1995-97) 30 3. James Burroughs (1977-81) 28 4. Sorie Kanu (1995-98) 25
Career Punting Average (Min. 50 punts) 1. Greg Montgomery (1985-87) 45.2 2. Ralf Mojsiejenko (1981-84) 43.8 3. Ray Stachowicz (1977-80) 43.3 4. John Pingel (1937-38) 42.1 5. Josh Butland (1988-91) 40.7 6. Paul Edinger (1996-98) 40.0
TOP SINGLE-GAME PERFORMANCES
Sedrick Irvin Rushing Yards Opponent (Att.) Date 238 Penn State (28) 11/29/97 178 Indiana (16) 10/11/97 159 Illinois (33) 11/22/97 158 Indiana (33) 11/9/96 154 Minnesota (32) 10/19/96 137 Iowa (27) 10/5/96 125 Wisconsin (17) 10/26/96 120 Colorado St. (30) 8/29/98 119 Notre Dame (24) 9/12/98 112 Eastern Mich. (16) 9/28/96 107 Michigan (21) 9/26/98 106 Notre Dame (26) 9/20/97
FUTURE SCHEDULES
1999 Sept. 4 Oregon Sept. 11 Eastern Michigan Sept. 18 @Notre Dame Sept. 25 @Illinois Oct. 2 Iowa Oct. 9 Michigan Oct. 16 @Purdue Oct. 23 @Wisconsin Nov. 6 Ohio State Nov. 13 @Northwestern Nov. 20 Penn State
2000 Sept. 9 Marshall Sept. 16 @Missouri Sept. 23 Notre Dame Sept. 30 Northwestern Oct. 7 @Iowa Oct. 14 Wisconsin Oct. 21 @Michigan Oct. 28 Illinois Nov. 4 @Ohio State Nov. 11 Purdue Nov. 18 @Penn State
TEAM COMPARISONS Michigan State Indiana Basic Offense Pro Set Multiple Pro Sets Basic Defense 4-3 46 Offensive Starters Returning 5 7 Defensive Starters Returning 9 6 Specialists Returning 1 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) Michigan State Indiana Offensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 290 6-5, 285 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-3, 220 6-0, 193 Defensive Line 6-4, 282 6-4, 269 Linebackers 6-3, 231 6-2, 233 Defensive Backs 6-0, 195 5-11, 189
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS)
Michigan State Offense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Michigan State Defense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 3 sophomores, 1 freshman
Indiana Offense: 1 senior, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Indiana Defense: 2 seniors, 6 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS
Michigan State (After 5 Games):
Rushing Sedrick Irvin (102 carries for 487 yards, 4.8 avg., 2 TDs)
Passing Bill Burke (73 of 130 for 872 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving Plaxico Burress (25 catches for 340 yards, 13.6 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles Sorie Kanu (56 tackles, 31 solos, 25 assists, 4 PBUs)
Indiana (After 4 Games):
Rushing Antwaan Randle El (80 carries for 234 yards, 2.9 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing Antwaan Randle El (53 of 103 for 878 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving Tyrone Browning (25 catches for 479 yards, 19.2 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles Jabar Robinson (43 tackles, 28 solos, 15 assists, 3 interceptions)
STAT COMPARISON
Michigan State Indiana
Scoring 26.0 35.0
First Downs 19.0 23.3
Total Offense 355.6 447.8
Rushing Yards 171.6 215.5
Passing Yards 184.0 232.3
Time of Possession 29:25 31:30
Third Down Conversions .250 .400
Points Allowed 26.0 24.8
Total Yards Allowed 397.2 397.0
Rushing Yards Allowed 188.0 138.5
Passing Yards Allowed 209.2 258.5
MICHIGAN STATE/INDIANA SERIES NOTES
Michigan State leads it 33-13-2, including a 17-5-1 record in games played in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans have won four in a row and nine out of the last 11 meetings (streaks dont include MSUs forfeited win in 1994). Indianas last on the field win in the series came on Oct. 30, 1993, 10-0, in Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers last triumph in Spartan Stadium came on Nov. 8, 1986, 17-14.
THE LAST MEETING Sedrick Irvin accounted for a career-high 306 all-purpose yards and scored three times to lead Michigan State to a 38-6 victory over Indiana in Bloomington. The Spartans scored first thanks to Chris Gardners career-long 51-yard field goal with 6:56 left in the first quarter. Andy Payne kicked field goals of 31 and 32 yards to give Indiana its only lead at 6-3 with 7:25 remaining in the second quarter. Irvins 1-yard TD dive on fourth-and-goal gave Michigan State a 10-6 halftime lead. The Spartans put 21 points on the scoreboard in the third quarter to break the game open as Irvin scored on a 56-yard run, Gari Scott caught a 27-yard TD pass from Todd Schultz and Irvin provided an 80-yard punt return. Back-up QB Bill Burke directed a 68-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter with Leroy McFadden breaking an 8-yard touchdown run. Irvin rushed for 178 yards on just 16 carries, returned four punts for 117 and caught two passes for 11. The Spartans outgained the Hoosiers, 399-281, total yards. Michigan State held its first Big Ten opponent without a touchdown since Illinois managed five field goals in 1990. (Note: For a complete summary of last years game please refer to page 129 in the 1998 MSU Football Media Guide.)
BATTLE FOR THE OLD BRASS SPITTOON Since 1950, the winner of the Michigan State-Indiana game has been presented the Old Brass Spittoon. The trophy was initiated by the junior and senior classes and the MSU student council at Michigan State, and soon accepted by the IU Student Senate. The brass spittoon came from one of Michigans earliest trading posts and is widely believed to be nearly 150 years old. Legend has it that the spittoon was around when both institutions were founded Indiana in 1820 and MAC in 1855. Since 50, Michigan State leads the series 33-10-1.
HOMECOMING GAMES Michigan State is 54-25-3 (.677) in 82 Homecoming games, including a 7-1-1 record vs. Indiana. The Spartans are 8-2-1 (.773) in Homecoming games since 1987. Indiana (9 games) has been Michigan States most frequent Homecoming opponent. (Note: For a complete list of Homecoming results please refer to page 190 in the 1998 MSU Football Media Guide.)
ALL-TIME GREAT WEBSTER SELECTED HOMECOMING GRAND MARSHAL Former two-time All-American George Webster will return to the Michigan State campus to serve as the 1998 Homecoming parade grand marshal. A three-year letterman for Coach Duffy Daugherty, Webster earned All-America honors in 1965 and 66 as Michigan State led the Big Ten in total defense both seasons. The Anderson, S.C., native helped define the roverback position. As a senior, Webster recorded 93 tackles, including 10 for losses. A first round draft pick by the Houston Oilers in 1967, he spent 10 years in the National Football League (Houston 1967-72, Pittsburgh 1972-73 and New England 1974-76).
SPARTANS TRY TO REBOUND FROM SLOW START Michigan State got off to an 0-2 start for the 12th time in its 102-year football history and only once have the Spartans rebounded to post a winning record, going 6-5-1 in 1988. The 88 Spartans opened the campaign 0-4-1 before closing out the regular season with six-straight wins while earning a trip to the Gator Bowl.
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Oct. 3 vs. Central Michigan:
Offense FB Leroy McFadden (4 catches for 83 yards and 2 TDs)
Defense CB Lemar Marshall (10 tackles and an interception; 18 production points)
Special Teams Ralph Truitt (1 solo tackle; 12 production points)
INJURY REPORT
OUT: LB Mike Austin (chip fracture left ankle in practice Oct. 7; out indefinitely); CB Amp Campbell (cervic-spinal injury vs. Oregon; out for the season after undergoing spinal-fusion surgery Sept. 5); FS Sorie Kanu (sprained left knee vs. Central Michigan); OG Shaun Mason (ACL/MCL right knee vs. Oregon; out for the season); OG Mike Schutz (sprained left knee vs. Central Michigan); DE Dimitrius Underwood (sprained right ankle; DNP vs. Colorado State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Michigan and Central Michigan). QUESTIONABLE: PK Paul Edinger (sprained right ankle vs. Michigan); DE Robaire Smith (sprained right ankle vs. Central Michigan). PROBABLE: FS Lemar Marshall (broken right thumb in practice Oct. 7).
INJURIES HIT SPARTAN TWO DEEP HARD Seven Michigan State players, including five starters and two key backups, have been sidelined for a combined total of 17 games due to injury in 1998.
Pos. Player (injury) Games Missed LB Sean Banks (pulled hamstring) (1) Michigan CB Amp Cambell (cervic-spinal injury) (3) Notre Dame, Michigan, Central Michigan PK Paul Edinger (sprained ankle) (1) Central Michigan OG Shaun Mason (ACL/MCL knee) (3) Notre Dame, Michigan, Central Michigan OG Mike Schutz (sprained knee) (2) Colorado State, Oregon QB Ryan Van Dyke (sprained shoulder) (2) Notre Dame, Michigan DE Dimitrius Underwood (sprained ankle) (5) Colorado State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Michigan,Central Michigan
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS
Heres a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 1998:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAA Rushing Offense 171.6 7th 44th Passing Offense 184.0 7th 71st Total Offense 355.6 5th 55th Scoring Offense 26.0 7th t-53rd Rushing Defense 188.0 11th 86th Passing Defense 209.2 9th Pass Efficiency Defense 113.4 7th 44th Total Defense 397.2 10th 87th Scoring Defense 26.0 11th t-68th Turnover Margin -0.6 t-8th t-74th Net Punting 43.2 1st 3rd Punt Returns 15.3 2nd 10th Kickoff Returns 19.9 8th 66th
NCAA INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS Here's a brief look at how Michigan States players rank among the NCAA stat leaders in 1998:
Individual Category
Rushing: Sedrick Irvin (32nd at 97.4 yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Bill Burke (30th at 131.7 rating)
Pass Receptions: Plaxico Burress (t-49th at 5.0 catches per game)
Punting: Craig Jarrett (2nd at 47.9 avg.)
Punt Returns: Gari Scott (11th at 15.1 avg.)
All-Purpose Yards: Gari Scott (24th at 142.4 yards per game); Sedrick Irvin (43rd at 129.6 ypg)
SECOND-HALF HEADACHES Michigan State has been outscored by its opponents, 57-38, in the second half this season. Prior to putting two touchdowns on the scoreboard in the third quarter vs. Central Michigan, the Spartans had been shut out in the third quarter, 30-0, in its first four games. Through five games, Michigan State has generated 71 percent of its scoring (92 points) and 56 percent of its total offense (999 yards) in the first half.
Here's a quick comparison between Michigan States first and second half performances in 1998:
First Half Second Half
MSU vs. PTS FD TOT. YDS. PTS FD TOT. YDS.
Colorado State 16/9 10/6 173/142 0/14 4/8 57/214
Oregon 0/34 7/16 154/359 14/14 12/13 175/231
Notre Dame 42/3 11/10 273/169 3/20 10/8 178/154
Michigan 17/20 8/7 180/227 0/9 6/9 88/187
Central Michigan 17/7 17/13 219/210 21/0 10/10 281/ 93
Totals 92/73 53/52 999/1107 38/57 42/48 779/879
BIG PLAYS DECIDE EARLY GAMES In its first five games, Michigan States offense has been plagued by inconsistency. The Spartans produced a season-high 500 yards total offense in their 38-7 victory over Central Michigan. Michigan State delivered a season-best five big plays (+20 yards) vs. Central Michigan, including two scoring plays, a 62-yard touchdown pass from Bill Burke to Leroy McFadden and a 79-yard TD run by Shawn Foster.
In a 29-17 loss at Michigan, the Spartans broke two long runs, including a 40-yard run by Sedrick Irvin on MSUs first touchdown drive and a 21-yard run by Aric Morris off a fake punt in the fourth quarter.
In its 45-23 victory over 10th-ranked Notre Dame, Michigan State had 451 yards total offense. The Spartans hit three big plays vs. the Irish, including an 86-yard touchdown pass from Bill Burke to Plaxico Burress. The other two big plays also figured into the scoring, with Burkes 31-yard pass to Gari Scott setting up Sedrick Irvins 3-yard TD run in the first quarter and Irvins 29-yard run leading to Paul Edingers 37-yard field goal.
The Spartans produced four big plays in a 48-14 loss at Oregon, including a 28-yard TD run by Lloyd Clemons in the fourth quarter. Michigan States offense failed to produce any big plays (+20 yards) in its 23-16 season-opening loss to No. 15 Colorado State.
Overall, the Spartans have managed only 14 plays from scrimmage (360 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards, including six running plays and eight pass completions. That means Michigan States offense breaks a long gain (+20 yards) once every 26 snaps. MSU has been held to three plays and a punt 15 times in its first five games.
Big plays have haunted Michigan State on the defensive side of the football. The Spartan defense permitted only two big plays (+20 yards) vs. Central Michigan, including Eric Flowers 28-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Michigan produced five big plays, including a 69-yard TD run by Anthony Thomas late in the first quarter and four pass plays. Notre Dame hit five long passes good for 139 yards. Oregon had five big plays that totaled 231 yards, including a 53-yard TD strike from Akili Smith to Tony Hartley and a 75-yard TD jaunt by Reuben Droughns. In the 98 season opener, Colorado State generated four big plays (+20 yards) that totaled 161 yards, including two scoring plays, a 57-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Eslinger to Darran Hall and a 32-yard TD run by Kevin McDougal. Those four plays accounted for 45 percent of Colorado States total offense (356 yards).
In 1998, Spartan opponents have produced 21 plays from scrimmage (360 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards, including six running plays and 15 pass completions. That means the Spartans surrender a big play (+20 yards) once every 17 snaps. By contrast, Michigan State allowed only 36 big plays from scrimmage last year (789 snaps).
COLOR THE SPARTAN OFFENSE GREEN Michigan States starting offensive lineup has featured seven first-time starters in 1998. True freshman Paul Harker (left guard) and junior college transfer Greg Robinson-Randall (right tackle) made their first career starts against No. 10 Notre Dame. In the 98 season opener against No. 15 Colorado State, five first-time starters were in the lineup, including left tackle Dave Sucura, left guard Casey Jensen, right tackle Matt Bonito, split end Plaxico Burress and tight end Chris Baker. Sucura, Jensen and Bonito were replacing veteran offensive linemen Flozell Adams, Scott Shaw and Dave Mudge, who were responsible for 83 combined starting assignments. In addition, quarterback Bill Burke made only his third career start vs. Colorado State.
SPARTANS PLAY EARLIEST SEASON OPENER EVER It took Michigan State 100 years to play its first football game in the month of August, but now the Spartans have opened their season in August twice in the last three seasons. Michigan States Aug. 26 game vs. Colorado State marked its earliest season opener ever. In its first-ever August game, the Spartans defeated Purdue, 52-10, on Aug. 31, 1996.
IRVIN APPROACHES 3,000-YARD MILESTONE All-America and Doak Walker Award candidate Sedrick Irvin currently ranks No. 12 among the NCAAs top active rushers. Irvin has 12 career 100-yard games and needs 176 more rushing yards to reach the 3,000-yard milestone. He also is listed among Michigan States all-time leaders in rushing yards (fifth at 2,824), owns (fifth at 27), total touchdowns (second at 34), scoring (sixth at 204 points) and all-purpose yards (seventh at 4,039 yards). The Spartans are undefeated in his nine career multi-TD games.
Last year, Irvin became the first player in Spartan history to rush for 1,000 yards as both a true freshman and a sophomore. He rushed for 1,270 yards in 1997, the seventh-best single-season total in school history. The 6-foot, 225-pound Miami native ranked among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (fifth at 105.8 yards per game), all-purpose yards (second at 160.8), punt returns (second at 13.6 avg.) and scoring (fifth at 7.0 points).
NCAAs Top Active Rushing Leaders
(Note: NCAA totals dont include bowl games.)
Player, Team Class Att.Yards Rushing TDs
1. Ricky Williams, Texas Sr. 807 5,241 65
2. Denvis Manns, New Mexico State Sr. 736 3,823 19
3. Kevin Faulk, LSU Sr. 694 3,812 43
4. Ron Dayne, Wisconsin Jr. 627 3,801 41
5. Wasean Tait, Toledo Sr. 722 3,766 33
6. Autry Denson, Notre Dame Sr. 693 3,597 34
7. Joel Thomas, Idaho Sr. 608 3,250 40
8. Steve Hoofkin, Ohio Sr. 606 3,094 20
9. Damon Washington, Colorado State Sr. 515 3,027 19
9. Kareem Wilson, Ohio Sr. 772 3,027 40
11. Amos Zereoue, West Virginia Jr. 555 2,976 34
12. Sedrick Irvin, Michigan State Jr. 561 2,767 27
13. DeMond Parker, Oklahoma Jr. 455 2,728 19
14. Silas Massey, Central Michigan Sr. 557 2,669 24
LEDYARD FEATURED ON BUTKUS AWARD WATCH LIST Three-year starter Courtney Ledyard is one of 68 candidates, including 12 from the Big Ten Conference, featured on the watch list compiled for the Butkus Award, presented annually since 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Fla., to the nations outstanding collegiate linebacker.
Ledyard has recorded 143 career tackles (82 solos, 61 assists), including 25 for losses (113 yards) and 10 sacks (71). Last year, he produced 60 tackles (36-24), including nine behind the line of scrimmage (17 yards). Ledyard had a career-high 14 stops (10-4) vs. Michigan, including three for losses (5 yards).
The Butkus Award watch list will be trimmed to 10 semifinalists by Oct. 15 and three finalists by Nov. 12. The award will be presented Dec. 11.
SPARTANS vs. RANKED TEAMS Since 1988, Michigan State is just 8-34 (.190) in games against Top 25 teams, including a 3-10 mark in its last 13 games against ranked foes. With its 49-14 victory over No. 4 Penn State in the 1997 regular-season finale, the Spartans ended a seven-game losing streak to nationally-ranked opponents. Heres a look at Michigan States games against Top 25 teams since 95:
Date Result (Associated Press ranking) Site
Sept. 9, 1995 No. 2 Nebraska 50, Michigan State 10 East Lansing
Nov. 4, 1995 Michigan State 28, No. 7 Michigan 25 East Lansing
Nov. 25, 1995 No. 14 Penn State 24, Michigan State 20 East Lansing
Sept. 7, 1996 No. 1 Nebraska 55, Michigan State 14 Lincoln
Nov. 2, 1996 No. 9 Michigan 45, Michigan State 29 Ann Arbor
Nov. 23, 1996 No. 7 Penn State 32, Michigan State 29 University Park
Oct. 25, 1997 No. 5 Michigan 23, No. 15 Michigan State 7 East Lansing
Nov. 1, 1997 No. 9 Ohio State 37, No. 21 Michigan State 13 East Lansing
Nov. 8, 1997 No. 23 Purdue 22, Michigan State 21 West Lafayette
Nov. 29, 1997 Michigan State 49, No. 4 Penn State 14 East Lansing
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