Michigan State University Athletics
Smoker Named Starting Quarterback For Season Opener
8/30/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 30, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State sophomore Jeff Smoker (6-3, 207) has been named the starting quarterback for the Spartans' 2001 season opener Sept. 8 against Central Michigan, head coach Bobby Williams announced Thursday.
"This was one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make," Williams said. "After evaluating the entire preseason camp, including both scrimmages, I felt Jeff Smoker deserved the opportunity to start the first football game."
In two preseason scrimmages, Smoker completed 17-of-26 throws for 223 yards and one score while senior Ryan Van Dyke (6-5, 223) hit 19-of-28 passes for 185 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
"Both Jeff and Ryan (Van Dyke) have thrown the ball well in preseason camp, but Jeff displayed more consistency in his decision making," Williams said.
"We also have a plan to get some playing time for Ryan. We'll try to get him involved in the game early.
"I was really pleased with the way Ryan responded in practice this afternoon after being informed of the decision. He came out to the practice field and continued to show the leadership that he has displayed throughout preseason camp. Ryan kept the second offense involved in practice. He's the type of leader a coach likes to have in the huddle."
"I'm happy to have both of those guys at the quarterback position since it's a long season," Spartan offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Morris Watts said. "I have confidence in both Jeff (Smoker) and Ryan (Van Dyke), and I know this team can win football games with either one of them playing quarterback."
In 2000, Smoker became the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Michigan State since 1982 and compiled a 3-3 record in six starts. He completed 103-197 passes (.523) for a Spartan freshman-record 1,365 yards and six touchdowns. Smoker played a major role in all five of MSU's wins last season and directed three game-winning fourth-quarter drives, vs. Missouri, Notre Dame and Illinois. He earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after accounting for 241 total yards and two scores in the Spartans' 30-10 upset win over No. 9 Purdue. Smoker set season-high marks for attempts (35), completions (17) and passing yards (223) vs. Northwestern.
"I'm excited about starting the season opener," Smoker said. "This is what I've been working for since the end of last season. I had hoped to put myself in a position to play my sophomore year.
"After being named the starter, I feel more comfortable taking charge in the huddle. Ryan (Van Dyke) and I were still battling for the starting job heading into the last scrimmage, so I prepared for it like I have all spring and things worked out."
Van Dyke, who went 2-3 in five starts in 2000, completed 57 percent of his throws for 796 yards and four touchdowns as a junior. He played the best game of his Spartan career against Michigan, setting personal bests for attempts (37), completions (26) and passing yards (292).
