Notes From The Locker Room
11/17/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Recap?|? Final Stats
MICHIGAN STATE vs. PURDUE
ROSS-ADE STADIUM
November 17, 2001
SERIES - MSU leads the all-time series, 28-25-3 following today's 24-14 Boilermaker victory. However, Purdue has won four of the last five meetings.
FIRST TIME STARTER - Freshman quarterback Damon Dowdell made his first career start against Purdue. He finished the game 24 of 45 for 304 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for a score in the fourth quarter to help pull MSU to within three, 17-14 with 9:05 remaining.
Dowdell's 304 yards passing marks the 21st time in MSU history that a quarterback has passed for 300 or more yards in a single game. It is the second time this season that a Spartan quarterback has passed for 300 or more yards. Jeff Smoker passed for a career-best 326 yards at Wisconsin on Oct. 27.
Dowdell's first career touchdown pass was a seven-yard strike to sophomore split end Charles Rogers. It was Rogers eighth touchdown catch of the year, placing him tied for second on MSU's single-season touchdown receptions chart. Rogers is in pretty good company in the second position, tied with Plaxico Burress (1998), Andre Rison (1988) and Bob Carey (1949). Plaxico Burress (1999) holds the school record for touchdown receptions in a season with 12.
HAY, IT'S HAYGOOD - Senior flanker Herb Haygood became just the 16th player in MSU history to reach the 100 career receptions milestone. Haygood finished the game with eight catches for 90 yards. He now has 105 career receptions, placing 14th on MSU's all-time career receptions list.
BAKER CONTINUES STREAK - Senior tight end Chris Baker has now caught at least one pass in 21 consecutive games. It is the longest such streak on the team. In addition, he has started 44 consecutive games at tight end.
He finished the game with three catches for 60 yards. He moved into seventh place on MSU's all-time receptions chart with 119 career catches. Baker surpassed Ted Jones (1980-82, 118) for the seventh position. Derrick Mason (1993-96) holds down the sixth position with 120 career grabs.
THORNHILL CONTINUES TORRID PACE - Senior linebacker Josh Thornhill posted his seventh straight game in double figure tackles with 15 against Purdue. A Butkus Award semifinalist, Thornhill has 21 career games in double-figure tackles. In addition, Thornhill started his 37 consecutive game today.
SPARTAN QUICK HITS -
Freshman safety Robert Flagg made his first career fumble recovery in the first quarter.
Senior safety Lorenzo Guess recorded his first sack of the season and the second of his career.
Sophomore quarterback Jeff Smoker had his streak of 11 consecutive starts snapped today. Smoker, who was questionable entering the game, did not play due to a sprained left shoulder suffered vs. Indiana.
Senior flanker Herb Haygood has now caught at least one pass in 20 consecutive games.
Sophomore split end Charles Rogers posted his third career 100-yard receiving game against Purdue. Rogers finished with seven catches for 108 yards.
For the first time all season, MSU did not score any first quarter points.
