Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Faces Road Test At No. 23 Notre Dame
9/17/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
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MICHIGAN STATE (1-0)
vs. No. 23 NOTRE DAME (0-1)
GAME 2: QUICK FACTS
DATE: Sept. 22, 2001
SITE: Notre Dame Stadium (80,232), Notre Dame, Ind.
KICKOFF: 2:30 p.m. EDT
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 80,232 (sold out)
LAST WEEK: Michigan State had its home game vs. Missouri postponed, Notre Dame had its game at Purdue postponed.
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Larry Bielat, sideline reporter Will Tieman and broadcast host Dan Gutowsky, will broadcast the game to 33 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240, FM 97.5). Westwood One will broadcast the Michigan State-Notre Dame game nationally with Tony Roberts, Allen Pinkett and Paul Hornung calling the action. Television - NBC Sports will televise the Michigan State-Notre Dame game live to a national audience, with Tom Hammond handling the play-by-play, Pat Haden providing color commentary and Jim Gray serving as the sideline reporter.
2001 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS
MICHIGAN STATE (1-0)
Date Opponent Time/ResultSept. 8 CENTRAL MICHIGAN W, 35-21 Sept. 22 at Notre Dame (NBC) 2:30 p.m. EDT Sept. 29 at Northwestern (ABC) 12:10 p.m. EDT Oct. 13 IOWA 12:10 p.m. EDT Oct. 20 at Minnesota TBA Oct. 27 at Wisconsin TBA Nov. 3 MICHIGAN TBA Nov. 10 INDIANA TBA Nov. 17 at Purdue TBA Nov. 24 PENN STATE TBA Dec. 1 MISSOURI 1:00 p.m. EST
NOTRE DAME (0-1)
Date Opponent Time/ResultSept. 8 at Nebraska L, 10-27 Sept. 22 MICHIGAN STATE 1:30 p.m. EST Sept. 29 at Texas A&M TBA Oct. 6 PITTSBURGH 1:30 p.m. EST Oct. 13 WEST VIRGINIA 1:30 p.m. EST Oct. 20 SOUTHERN CAL 1:30 p.m. EST Oct. 27 at Boston College TBA Nov. 3 TENNESSEE 2:30 p.m. EST Nov. 17 NAVY 2:30 p.m. EST Nov. 24 at Stanford 5:00 p.m. PST Dec. 1 at Purdue TBA
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Bobby Williams (Purdue 1982) is 7-6 (.538) in his second year as a college head coach. Williams, who served as the Spartans' running backs coach for 10 years (1990-99), made his head coaching debut on Jan. 1, 2000, as he led Michigan State to a 37-34 victory over No. 10 Florida in the Florida Citrus Bowl. The Spartans finished the 1999 season with a 10-2 overall record and ranked No. 7 in the final polls. During his tenure as running backs coach, he tutored seven 1,000-yard rushers including Sedrick Irvin, who in 1998 became the first Spartan in school history to reach the rushing milestone in each of his first three seasons.
Notre Dame's Bob Davie (Youngstown State 1976) is 30-20 (.600) in his fifth year with the Fighting Irish. Last year, Davie guided the Irish to a 9-3 record overall, including seven straight wins to end the regular season, and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl. He previously served as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach under Lou Holtz from 1994-96. His college coaching credits also include stops at Texas A&M (1985-93), Tulane (1983-84), Pittsburgh (1977, 1980-82) and Arizona (1978-79).
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Notre DameBasic Offense Pro Set Multiple Basic Defense 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 7 Defensive Starters Returning 5 6 Specialists Returning 2 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Notre DameOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 296 6-4, 297 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 221 6-2, 217 Defensive Line 6-3, 265 6-4, 286 Linebackers 6-1, 242 6-2, 238 Defensive Backs 6-0, 191 5-11, 192
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 2 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 1 junior, 2 sophomores, 3 freshmen
Notre Dame Offense: 8 seniors, 2 juniors, 1 sophomore
Notre Dame Defense: 9 seniors, 2 juniors
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after one game):
Rushing - T.J. Duckett (22 carries for 120 yards, 5.5 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Jeff Smoker (15 of 23 for 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Receiving - Little John Flowers (4 catches for 41 yards, 10.3 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Josh Thornhill (9 tackles, 7 solos, 2 assists, 2 for losses)
Notre Dame (after one game):
Rushing - Tony Fisher (7 carries for 38 yards, 5.4 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Matt LoVecchio (11 of 24 for 78 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT)
Receiving - David Givens (7 catches for 66 yards, 9.4 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles - Courtney Watson (18 tackles, 7 solos, 11 assists)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Notre DameScoring 35.0 10.0 First Downs 25.0 14.0 Total Offense 486.0 162.0 Rushing Yards 196.0 43.0 Passing Yards 290.0 119.0 Time of Possession 33:12 29:10 Third Down Conversions .467 .200 Points Allowed 21.0 27.0 Total Offense Allowed 287.0 270.0 Rushing Yards Allowed 165.0 182.0 Passing Yards Allowed 122.0 88.0
MSU/NOTRE DAME SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 65th meeting between Michigan State and Notre Dame. The Irish lead the all-time series 41-22-1, including a 26-9 record in games played in South Bend, Ind., and a 15-9 mark in games played in Notre Dame Stadium. Michigan State has won the last four meetings (1997-2000) - its longest winning streak since 1955-63 when the Spartans took eight straight games. Overall, the Fighting Irish have won 10 of the last 15 games and 17 of the last 23 meetings. Notre Dame's last win in the series came in Spartan Stadium, 21-20, on Sept. 17, 1994. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores please refer to page 97 in the 2001 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Sept. 23, 2000, in East Lansing, Mich.: Jeff Smoker's 68-yard touchdown strike to Herb Haygood on fourth-and-10 gave No. 23 Michigan State a 27-21 victory over No. 18 Notre Dame in Spartan Stadium. It marked the Spartans' fourth-straight triumph over the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame jumped out to a 7-0 first-quarter lead as Julius Jones' 56-yard run off left tackle set up Gary Godsey's 4-yard TD toss to Jason Murray. The Spartans tied the game at 7 midway through the second quarter as T.J. Duckett capped a 10-play, 65-yard drive with a 6-yard run around right end. Late in the first half, Michigan State put together a nine-play, 42-yard drive and took a 10-7 lead to the locker room thanks to David Schaefer's career-long 50-yard field goal. The Spartans built a 20-7 lead in the third quarter on Schaefer's 36-yard field goal and Smoker's 10-yard TD pass to Travis Wilson in the right flat. Notre Dame opened the fourth quarter with a bang as back-up QB Matt LoVecchio hooked up with Javin Hunter for a 43-yard pass to play to the Spartan 2 and on the next play, Jones scored on a run off right tackle to pull the Irish back to within six points at 20-14. Michigan State turned the ball over on its next series but Notre Dame failed to put points on the scoreboard as Josh Shaw stuffed LoVecchio on a fourth-and-1 keeper from the Spartan 3. On MSU's next possession, Smoker had a screen pass intercepted by Anthony Weaver and returned 4 yards to the Spartan 2 and with 7:59 left, Jones gave Notre Dame its first lead at 21-20 on a 2-yard TD run off right tackle. Faced with third-and-21 with 2:30 on the clock, Smoker dumped off a pass in the left flat to Duckett, who gained 11 yards to the Spartan 32 to set up the game-winning play. Notre Dame came with a corner blitz on fourth-and-10 and Smoker completed an 11-yard slant to Haygood, who found a seam in the Irish secondary and outraced safety Tony Driver the final 57 yards to the end zone. Michigan State outgained Notre Dame in total yards, 348-212. Duckett paced the Spartan ground attack with 141 yards on 26 carries, including 103 yards on 17 first-half rushes.
SPARTAN WINNING STREAK -
Michigan State has won the last four meetings (1997-2000) - its longest winning streak in the series since the Spartans took eight-straight games from 1955-63. Here are brief recaps of the last four meetings between the Spartans and Fighting Irish:
Sept. 23, 2000 (Michigan State 27, Notre Dame 21)
Jeff Smoker's 68-yard touchdown strike to Herb Haygood on fourth-and-10 gave No. 23 Michigan State a 27-21 victory over No. 18 Notre Dame in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans built a 20-7 lead in the third quarter but Notre Dame's Julius Jones scored twice in the fourth quarter on a pair of 2-yard TD runs to put the Irish on top, 21-20, with 7:59 left. With Michigan State facing a fourth-and-10 with under two minutes to play, Notre Dame came with a corner blitz but Smoker completed an 11-yard slant to Haygood, who found a seam in the Irish secondary and outraced safety Tony Driver the final 57 yards to the end zone. The Spartans outgained Notre Dame in total yards, 348-212. Duckett paced the MSU ground attack with 141 yards on 26 carries, including 103 yards on 17 first-half rushes.
Sept. 18, 1999 (Michigan State 23, Notre Dame 13)
Gari Scott took a short pass from Bill Burke on a third-and-10 play, broke Deke Cooper's tackle along the sideline and raced 80 yards for the game-winning touchdown with 5:11 left in the game as Michigan State upset No. 24 Notre Dame, 23-13, in South Bend. It marked Michigan State's second-straight win in Notre Dame Stadium. Burke completed 22-of-37 passes for 291 yards and two TDs. Lloyd Clemons rushed for 126 yards on 22 carries and his 42-yard run with two minutes left in the fourth quarter helped ice the game as it set up Paul Edinger's 31-yard field goal.
Sept. 12, 1998 (Michigan State 45, Notre Dame 23)
Bill Burke completed 12-of-19 passes for 209 yards and three scores as Michigan State stunned No. 10 Notre Dame, 45-23, in the second-ever night game played in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans got out of the gate early as Notre Dame's first possession ended in a blocked punt that Richard Newsome returned 25 yards for a touchdown. Michigan State scored TDs on its first four possessions and led 42-3 at halftime. The Spartans displayed nearly perfect balance on offense, picking up 242 yards on the ground and 209 yards passing.
Sept. 20, 1997 (Michigan State 23, Notre Dame 7)
Todd Schultz threw for one touchdown and ran for another score to lead Michigan State to a 23-7 victory at Notre Dame as the Spartans ended an eight-game losing streak to the Fighting Irish. Schultz completed 12-of-18 passes for 107 yards. Marc Renaud (112 yards) and Sedrick Irvin (106) combined for 218 of Michigan State's 222 rushing yards. The Spartans held Notre Dame to 61 yards rushing on 23 attempts.
SPARTANS RANK THIRD IN ALL-TIME VICTORIES vs. NOTRE DAME -
Michigan State ranks third among opponents in all-time victories over Notre Dame. Only Southern Cal (26) and Purdue (23) have posted more wins over the Irish than the Spartans (22).
All-Time Wins vs. Notre Dame
Opponent Games Played Wins vs. NDSouthern Cal 72 26 Purdue 72 23 Michigan State 64 22 Pittsburgh 58 17 Michigan 29 17
MEGAPHONE TROPHY -
Since 1949, the winner of the Michigan State-Notre Dame game has been presented the Megaphone Trophy, sponsored jointly by the Detroit alumni clubs of both schools. The megaphone is printed half blue, with a gold ND monogram, and half white, with a green MSC. All previous game scores are listed on the trophy. Michigan State and Notre Dame played 36 consecutive seasons from 1959-94 until the recent two-year interruption of the series (1995-96). The current series contract runs through the 2011 season.
MSU vs. NOTRE DAME RANKS AMONG NATION'S OLDEST RIVALRIES -
The Michigan State-Notre Dame series began 104 years ago in 1897, making it one of the 25 oldest rivalries in college football. It also ranks as one of only three rivalries - joining Army-Navy and Auburn-Georgia Tech - that does not involve either intrastate or current conference rivals.
First Game Opponents (Series leader listed first) Games Played1888 Miami (Ohio)-Cincinnati 1051888 North Carolina-Wake Forest 971890 Minnesota-Wisconsin 1101890 Army-Navy 1011891 Missouri-Kansas 1091891 Purdue-Indiana 1031892 Nebraska-Kansas 1071892 North Carolina-Virginia 1051892 Auburn-Georgia 1041892 Stanford-California 1031892 Utah-Utah State 1001892 Illinois-Northwestern 941892 Nebraska-Missouri 941892 Tennessee-Vanderbilt 941892 Auburn-Georgia Tech 901893 Tennessee-Kentucky 961893 Penn State-Pittsburgh 961893 Georgia-Georgia Tech 951893 Louisiana State-Tulane 931894 Oregon-Oregon State 1041895 N.C. State-Wake Forest 941895 Pittsburgh-West Virginia 931896 Clemson-South Carolina 981896 Nebraska-Iowa State 951897 Michigan-Ohio State 971897 Notre Dame-Michigan State 64
MSU/NOTRE DAME COACHING CONNECTIONS -
* Michigan State safeties/special teams coach Bill Sheridan spent the last 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 linebackers coach/special teams coordinator Sal Sunseri and Notre Dame running backs coach Desmond Robinson were teammates at Pittsburgh in 1978. Sunseri went on to earn All-America honors as a senior in 1981 while Robinson coached the Panthers' defensive backs under Jackie Sherrill.
* Michigan State assistant head coach/running backs coach Reggie Mitchell and Notre Dame defensive coordinator Greg Mattison were on the same staff at Western Michigan in 1986.
* Michigan State defensive coordinator Bill Miller and Notre Dame assistant head coach/linebackers coach Kirk Doll knew each other growing up in Hutchinson, Kan.
* Michigan State wide receivers coach Don Treadwell and Notre Dame offensive line coach Dave Borbely worked together at Stanford from 1995-96. Treadwell coached the running backs at Stanford while Borbely handled the offensive line.
* Michigan State offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Notre Dame offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers and Irish offensive line coach Steve Addazio worked together on Paul Pasqualoni's staff at Syracuse from 1997-98.
* Michigan State assistant athletics director/director of football operations Mike Vollmar, Notre Dame offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers and Irish offensive line coach Steve Addazio worked together at Syracuse from 1995-96.
MSU/NOTRE DAME CONNECTIONS, PART II -
* Michigan State's veteran play-by-play radio announcer George Blaha graduated from Notre Dame in 1966 with a degree in economics. Blaha is in his 24th season as the Spartans' radio voice.
* Michigan State assistant baseball coach Cory Mee earned four letters as an infielder and catcher at Notre Dame (1989-92) and later spent six years on the Irish coaching staff (1993, 1995-99).
SPARTANS FROM THE HOOSIER STATE -
Michigan State's 2001 roster features four players from Indiana, including senior punter Craig Jarrett (Martinsville), sophomore center DeMarco Monroe (Evansville), freshman wide receiver Ben Steckler (Huntingburg) and red-shirt freshman offensive guard William Whitticker (Marion).
UPSET SPECIALS -
Michigan State is 10-7 (.588) in its last 17 games against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, including a 7-4 record (.636) over the last two seasons. The Spartans were 2-2 vs. Top 25 teams in 2000, including victories over No. 9 Purdue (30-10) and No. 16 Notre Dame (27-21). Eight of those 10 wins over ranked teams have come while Michigan State was unranked or ranked below its opponent, including its 28-24 upset victory over No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus in 1998. Michigan State is 7-1 in its last eight games against Top 25 teams in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans had been 3-22 (.120) in their previous 25 games against ranked teams before their current 10-7 run.
Here's a look at Michigan State's last 17 games against Top 25 teams:
Date Result (Associated Press Ranking) SiteNov. 11, 2000 MSU 30, No. 9 Purdue 10 East LansingNov. 4, 2000 No. 16 Ohio State 27, MSU 13 ColumbusOct. 21, 2000 No. 16 Michigan 14, MSU 0 Ann ArborSept. 23, 2000 No. 23 MSU 27, No. 16 Notre Dame 21 East LansingJan. 1, 2000 No. 9 MSU 37, No. 10 Florida 34 Citrus BowlNov. 20, 1999 No. 15 MSU 35, No. 13 Penn State 28 East LansingNov. 6, 1999 No. 19 MSU 23, No. 20 Ohio State 7 East LansingOct. 23, 1999 No. 17 Wisconsin 40, No. 11 MSU 10 MadisonOct. 16, 1999 No. 20 Purdue 52, No. 5 MSU 28 West LafayetteOct. 9, 1999 No. 11 MSU 34, No. 3 Michigan 31 East LansingSept. 18, 1999 MSU 23, No. 24 Notre Dame 13 South BendNov. 28, 1998 No. 23 Penn State 51, MSU 28 University ParkNov. 7, 1998 MSU 28, No. 1 Ohio State 24 ColumbusSept. 12, 1998 MSU 45, No. 10 Notre Dame 23 East LansingAug. 29, 1998 No. 15 Colorado State 23, No. 23 MSU 16 East LansingDec. 25, 1997 No. 21 Washington 51, No. 25 MSU 23 Aloha BowlNov. 29, 1997 MSU 49, No. 4 Penn State 14 East Lansing
THE LAST TIME OUT -
MSU 35, Central Michigan 21: Jeff Smoker threw for 196 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score while his back-up Ryan Van Dyke tossed two TD passes as Michigan State defeated Central Michigan, 35-21. The Spartans jumped out to a 7-0 lead on Smoker's 9-yard TD toss to Chris Baker with 5:40 left in the first quarter. A blocked punt set up Central Michigan's only offensive touchdown, an 18-yard TD strike from Derrick Vickers to Tory Humphrey with 38 seconds left in the first quarter to tie the game at 7. The Spartans scored 28 straight points to take control of the game. Smoker capped off an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a 3-yard keeper around right end with 4:23 left in the first half. A Central Michigan fumble led to another Spartan touchdown as Van Dyke found Little John Flowers alone over the middle for a 28-yard scoring play. Michigan State moved out to a 28-7 halftime lead on Van Dyke's 53-yard bomb to Roderick Maples. The Spartans opened the second half with a seven-play, 67-yard drive and built a 35-7 lead on T.J. Duckett's 31-yard TD run around right end. The Chippewas scored twice on blocked punts in the fourth quarter - a 17-yard return by Joe Ballard and a 36-yard return by Omari Colen. Central Michigan's James King tied the NCAA single-game record with four blocked punts. Michigan State outgained Central Michigan in total yards, 486-287. Duckett paced the Spartan ground attack with 120 yards on 22 carries. Charles Rogers had three catches for 72 yards in his Spartan debut.
QUOTING BOBBY WILLIAMS -
Central Michigan Recap: "There were a lot of positives to take away from the season opener. The biggest plus is the team's maturity. Despite four breakdowns in the kicking game, the team didn't fall apart. There players showed a lot of maturity by the way they responded to the adversity.
"We did some good things offensively. Our skill players made some big plays, especially in the passing game. Both quarterbacks showed the ability to move the team and make plays. Jeff Smoker played the majority of the snaps but Ryan Van Dyke made some things happen when he was in the lineup. Overall, the offensive line blocked well. We had a few assignment errors that led to sacks but there's a lot of potential on the line.
"Defensively, we played at a disadvantage the entire game because of the fast pace. With Central Michigan's no-huddle offense and the way the game was managed, we simply couldn't make the proper substitutions to match personnel. I was very pleased with the way the defense responded to sudden-change situations. We turned Central Michigan away without points in three out of four chances, allowing only one touchdown.
"The punt team was a big minus and unfortunately, the blocked punts overshadowed the team's overall performance. The mistakes made in our punt protection are correctable.
"The bottom line is the team got the win. But I'm looking for improved execution in all three phases of the game."
Notre Dame Scouting Report: "Notre Dame is a talented and experienced football team. This is a well-coached team that is solid in all three phases of the game.
"Notre Dame got off to a bad start at Nebraska, falling behind 17-0 in the first quarter, but I was impressed by the way Notre Dame hung in there. It's hard enough to play in Lincoln but when you consider it was Notre Dame's season opener and Nebraska's third ballgame, Notre Dame faced an unbelievable challenge. Notre Dame got put behind the eight ball early with some first-game mistakes, but it showed a lot of discipline and fight over the last three quarters.
"I expect Notre Dame play both quarterbacks, Matt LoVecchio and Carlyle Holiday. Those two quarterbacks are surrounded by excellent skill-position players, including three talented tailbacks in Tony Fisher, Julius Jones and Terrance Howard. And those backs run behind an NFL-sized offensive line. Notre Dame also has big-play ability at wide receiver, with David Givens and Javin Hunter.
"Defensively, Notre Dame is very strong and physical up front. The defensive ends, Anthony Weaver and Grant Irons, are as talented as any we'll face all season. The linebackers are very athletic and there's outstanding speed in the secondary.
"As always, Notre Dame has outstanding special teams. Notre Dame uses its best personnel on special teams and it tries to keep the opposition off balance by doing a lot of different things. Julius Jones is a dangerous kick returner and Joey Hildbold is one of the nation's top punters, averaging nearly 46 yards per punt."
INJURY REPORT -
OUT: LB Ivory McCoy (underwent surgery Aug. 22 to repair fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot, out four-to-six weeks), LB Seth Mitchell (sprained MCL right knee in Aug. 18 practice, out six weeks). PROBABLE: OG Paul Harker (right shoulder stinger, DNP vs. Central Michigan).
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK -
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Sept. 8 vs. Central Michigan:
Offense - QB Jeff Smoker (completed 15-of-23 throws for 196 yards, including a 9-yard TD toss to Chris Baker in the first quarter).
Defense - DE Nick Myers (six tackles, two for losses including a sack, 18 production points).
Special Teams - PK David Schaefer (perfect on five extra-point attempts, 13 production points).
SPARTAN SCOUT TEAM PLAYERS OF THE WEEK -
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following Scout Team Players of the Week for their contributions in practice prior to the Sept. 8 game vs. Central Michigan:
Offense - QB Aaron Alexander
Defense - DT Greg Yeaster
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2001:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAARushing Offense 196.0 4th 25thPassing Offense 290.0 1st 13thTotal Offense 486.0 3rd 12thScoring Offense 35.0 3rd t-22ndRushing Defense 165.0 8th t-76thPassing Defense 122.0 1st 19thPass Efficiency Defense 76.5 1st 11thTotal Defense 287.0 2nd 34thScoring Defense 21.0 6th t-58thTurnover Margin 0.0 t-6th t-52ndNet Punting 5.8 11th 115thPunt Returns -0.5 11th 111thKickoff Returns 22.5 4th t-43rd
NCAA Stat Leaders -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA stat leaders in 2001:
Team Statistics
Rushing Offense: 25th at 196.0 yards per game
Passing Offense: 13th at 290.0 yards per game
Passing Efficiency: 7th at 173.3 rating
Total Offense: 12th at 486.0 yards per game
Scoring Offense: t-22nd at 35.0 points per game
Rushing Defense: t-76th at 165.0 yards per game
Passing Defense: 19th at 122.0 yards per game
Pass Efficiency Defense: 11th at 76.5 rating
Total Defense: 34th at 287.0 yards per game
Scoring Defense: t-58th at 21.0 points per game
Turnover Margin: t-52nd at 0.0 turnovers per game
Net Punting: 115th at 5.8 yards per punt
Punt Returns: 111th at -0.5 yards per return
Kickoff Returns: t-43rd at 22.5 yards per return
Individual Statistics
Rushing Yards: T.J. Duckett (14th at 120.0 yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Jeff Smoker (24th at 142.5 rating)
Total Offense: Jeff Smoker (61st at 182.0 yards per game)
Pass Completions: Jeff Smoker (t-52nd at 15.0 completions per game)
Receiving Yards: Charles Rogers (t-61st at 72.0 yards per game)
Points Responsible For: Jeff Smoker/Ryan Van Dyke (t-36th at 12.0 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: T.J. Duckett (65th at 120.0 yards per game)
Interceptions: Lorenzo Guess/Broderick Nelson (t-3rd at 1.0 interception per game)
FLOWERS NAMED FOURTH CAPTAIN -
Following preseason two-a-days, Michigan State head football coach Bobby Williams appointed a fourth captain for the 2001 season, in senior tailback Little John Flowers. The team elected tri-captains last spring, including senior linebackers Josh Thornhill and Ivory McCoy and senior wide receiver Herb Haygood.
"Little John Flowers was the team's fourth-leading vote getter last spring and with the leadership he's provided throughout the summer and during preseason camp, he's worthy of being named captain," Williams said. "I really appreciate what Little John has done to help develop the young players on the roster, especially the freshmen. I also like the way he has rallied the players during times of adversity.
"I admire the way Little John has accepted his playing role on this team. He has done everything we've asked him to do and he's worked himself into the best shape of his career. Little John knows T.J. Duckett is the featured running back on this team but he has pushed T.J. every day in practice. There's no question, Little John has helped make T.J. a better player."
SPARTAN'S OPENING-DAY LINEUP FEATURED SIX NEW FACES -
Michigan State's starting lineup for the 2001 season opener vs. Central Michigan featured five first-time starters, including two on offense and four on defense. On offense, split end Charles Rogers (So.) and right guard William Whitticker (R-Fr.) made their first collegiate starts. On defense, defensive end Clifford Dukes (R-Fr.) SAM linebacker Mike Labinjo (So.), WILL linebacker Ronald Stanley (Fr.) and cornerback Broderick Nelson (Jr.) also made their debuts in the starting lineup.
YOUTH IS SERVED -
No fewer than 15 freshmen are listed on Michigan State's current two deep, including six on offense and nine on defense. Here's a complete breakdown of red-shirt and true freshmen included on the current depth chart:
Red-shirt freshmen (7): LB Jason Bradley, FB Brian Burns, DE Clifford Dukes, CB Jason Harmon, RT Sean Poole, DT Lonnie Simmons, RG William Whitticker.
True freshmen (8): DT Matthias Askew, SS Robert Flagg, CB Damien Fortson, DE Eric Knott, C Chris Morris, LB Ronald Stanley, RG Stefon Wheeler, TE Ryan Woods.
WALK-ONS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS -
Michigan State head football coach Bobby Williams has awarded scholarships to three walk-ons for the 2001 season, including offensive guard Joe Brooks (6-3, 285, So.), tight end Eric Easter (6-4, 230, Jr.) and wide receiver Derrick Lee (6-2, 206, Sr.).
SPARTANS SET SEASON-TICKET SALES RECORD -
Michigan State fans have purchased an all-time record 61,990 football season tickets for 2001, according to totals released by the MSU Athletics Department. It marks the third-straight year Michigan State has established a football season-ticket sales record.
The previous record for season tickets sold was 61,479 in 2000. Michigan State football season-ticket sales have topped the 60,000 mark four of the last five years.
PLAYING IN FRONT OF A FULL HOUSE -
Michigan State has played before a sellout crowd in 21 of its last 26 home games, including the last 13 in a row. The Spartans have ranked among the NCAA's top 20 in attendance each of the last 46 years, including 19th in 2000, averaging 74,023 fans per game.
Four of Michigan State's 2001 home football games are completely sold out, Sept. 8 vs. Central Michigan, Sept. 15 vs. Missouri, Oct. 13 vs. Iowa (Homecoming) and Nov. 3 vs. Michigan. A limited number of tickets, priced at $38, are available for MSU's final two games: Nov. 10 vs. Indiana and Nov. 24 vs. Penn State. The Jenison Field House Ticket Office is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Credit card ticket orders may be placed by calling either 1-800-GO-STATE or (517) 355-1610.
VAN PELT ELECTED TO COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME -
Former Michigan State two-time All-American Brad Van Pelt is one of 15 players and three coaches named to the College Football Hall of Fame. National Football Foundation Chairman Jon Hanson and Honors Court Chairman Gene Corrigan announced the 2001 Class last April.
Van Pelt will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at the National Football Foundation's 44th annual banquet Dec. 11 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and later enshrined in South Bend, Ind., in August of 2002.
A three-year starter for Coach Duffy Daugherty, Van Pelt earned first-team All-America honors as both a junior and senior. As a sophomore in 1970, he had 80 tackles (42 solos, 38 assists) and a career-high six interceptions. As a junior, Van Pelt recorded 92 stops (51-41) and picked off four passes. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns against Oregon State in 1971, with returns covering 40 and 47 yards. As a senior, the 6-foot-5, 221-pound safety produced 84 tackles (42-42) and four interceptions. In 1972, he became the first defensive back ever to receive the Maxwell Award as the nation's top collegiate player.
A native of Owosso, Mich., Van Pelt finished his collegiate career with 256 tackles and 14 interceptions. He was named to the Lansing State Journal's MSU Centennial Super Squad in 1996 and MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.
A second-round draft pick by the New York Giants in 1973, he spent 14 years in the National Football League and earned All-Pro honors five times (1976-80).
The 2001 Class also features former Southern Cal halfback Jon Arnett, Georgia placekicker Kevin Butler, Michigan wide receiver Anthony Carter, Navy end Dick Duden, Syracuse defensive tackle Tim Green, Notre Dame quarterback Ralph Guglielmi, Ohio State tackle John Hicks, Oklahoma tight end Keith Jackson, Clemson defensive back Terry Kinard, Mississippi State linebacker D.D. Lewis, North Carolina running back Don McCauley, Kansas and Pennsylvania tackle John Outland, Penn State lineman Glenn Ressler and Brigham Young quarterback Steve Young plus former head coaches Barry Switzer (Oklahoma), Grant Teaff (McMurry, Angelo State and Baylor) and Bill Yeoman (Houston).
Van Pelt becomes the fifth former Michigan State player to be selected for the College Football Hall of Fame, joining tackle Don Coleman (inducted in 1975), halfback John Pingel (1968), defensive end Bubba Smith (1988) and linebacker George Webster (1987).
2001 OPPONENTS UPDATE -
Date vs.MSU Opponent Last Game Results Next GameSept. 8 Central Michigan (1-1) vs. Michigan State (L 21-35) vs. ToledoSept. 15 Missouri (1-1) vs. Southwest Texas (W 40-6) vs. Nebraska (Sept. 29)Sept. 22 @ Notre Dame (0-1) @ Nebraska (L 10-27) vs. Michigan StateSept. 29 @ Northwestern (1-0) @ UNLV (W 37-28) @ DukeOct. 13 Iowa (2-0) vs. Miami-Ohio (W 44-19) vs. Penn State (Sept. 29)Oct. 20 @ Minnesota (1-1) vs. UL Lafayette (W 44-14) vs. Purdue (Sept. 29)Oct. 27 @ Wisconsin (1-2) vs. Fresno State (L 20-32) @ Penn StateNov. 3 Michigan (1-1) @ Washington (L 18-23) vs. Western MichiganNov. 10 Indiana (0-1) @ N.C. State (L 14-35) vs. UtahNov. 17 @ Purdue (1-0) @ Cincinnati (W 19-14) vs. AkronNov. 24 Penn State (0-1) vs. Miami-Fla. (L 7-33) vs. Wisconsin
Michigan State's 2001 opponents have a combined record of 9-8 (.529). Note: Record doesn't include games played against MSU.
SPARTANS TOUGH ON HOME TURF -
Spartan Stadium is in its 78th season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 285-117-13 (.702) since taking up residency in Spartan Stadium in 1923. The Spartans have gone undefeated at home 16 times since the stadium opened, including a perfect 6-0 mark in 1999. It marked Michigan State's first undefeated home record since 1966 (5-0-1) and its first unbeaten and untied home slate since 1965 (5-0-0).
The Spartans had their nine-game winning streak in Spartan Stadium snapped by Northwestern, 37-17, in the 2000 Big Ten opener Sept. 30. It marked Michigan State's longest home winning streak since the Spartans had their 12-game run ended by the 10-10 tie with Notre Dame on Nov. 19, 1966.
SPARTANS IN THE NFL -
Michigan State has 25 former players listed on rosters for National Football League teams in 2001. Here's a complete list of Spartans currently playing in the NFL (opening day rosters as of Sept. 7):
Arizona Cardinals - CB Renaldo Hill, LB Rob Fredrickson
Carolina Panthers - WR Muhsin Muhammad
Chicago Bears - K Paul Edinger, QB Jim Miller, DT Robert Newkirk
Dallas Cowboys - OT Flozell Adams, DL Dimitrius Underwood
Detroit Lions - RB Sedrick Irvin (injured reserve)
New England Patriots - OT Greg Robinson-Randall, DL Jace Sayler, LB T.J. Turner
New Orleans Saints - S Richard Newsome
New York Giants - K Morten Andersen, RB Lloyd Clemons (injured reserve)
New York Jets - LB Courtney Ledyard
Philadelphia Eagles - LB Ike Reese, WR Gari Scott
Pittsburgh Steelers - S Myron Bell, WR Plaxico Burress
San Francisco 49ers - LB Julian Peterson
Tennessee Titans - WR Derrick Mason, S Aric Morris, DE Robaire Smith
Washington Redskins - QB Tony Banks
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 57-11-1 (.833) when it scores at least 24 points and 11-48-1 (.192) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 12-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 67-59-2 (.531).
DUCKETTS RANK AMONG NATION'S TOP BROTHER ACTS -
Michigan State junior tailback T.J. Duckett and his brother Tico (1989-92), the Spartans' second-leading all-time rusher, rank third among the NCAA's top brother rushing tandems. Here's a glance at the three brother acts that have accounted for more than 6,000 combined rushing yards:
NCAA's Top Brother Rushing TandemsRank Player, School Career Yards Career TDs1. Joe Morris, Syracuse 4,299 25 Jamie Morris, Michigan 3,944 12 8,243 37
2. Troy Davis, Iowa State 4,382 36 Darren Davis, Iowa State 3,763 26 8,145 62
3. Tico Duckett, Michigan State 4,176 26 T.J. Duckett, Michigan State 2,002 17 6,178 43
Note: Bowl games not included in career totals.
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER WILLIAMS -
Here's how Michigan State has fared during Bobby Williams' tenure (13 games):
2001 OverallGames played in Spartan Stadium: 1-0 5-2Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-0 2-4
When leading at halftime: 1-0 4-1When trailing at halftime: 0-0 2-3When tied at halftime: 0-0 1-2
When scoring first: 1-0 5-2When opponent scores first: 0-0 2-4
When leading after first quarter: 0-0 2-2When trailing after first quarter: 0-0 3-3When tied after first quarter: 1-0 2-1
When leading after three quarters: 1-0 4-1When trailing after three quarters: 0-0 1-4When tied after three quarters: 0-0 2-1
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 1-0 5-6When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 0-0 2-0
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 0-0 2-1When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 0-0 0-2
When outrushing opponent: 1-0 6-2When being outrushed by opponent: 0-0 1-4
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 1-0 4-3When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 0-0 4-1
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 1-0 6-3When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 0-0 1-3
When leading in time of possession: 1-0 6-5When trailing in time of possession: 0-0 1-1
MICHIGAN STATE DEPTH CHART
Offense
SE 1 Charles Rogers (6-4, 202, So.) 82 Ziehl Kavanaght (5-11, 176, So.)LT 65 Ulish Booker (6-7, 298, Jr.) 68 Joe Tate (6-5, 286, So.)LG 57 Paul Harker (6-3, 303, Jr.) 61 Joe Patrick (6-5, 301, So.)C 73 Brian Ottney (6-6, 305, So.) 67 DeMarco Monroe (6-4, 310, So.)RG 76 William Whitticker (6-6, 299, R-Fr.) 72 Stefon Wheeler (6-5, 323, Fr.)RT 77 Steve Stewart (6-5, 305, So.) 79 Sean Poole (6-6, 289, R-Fr.)TE 83 Chris Baker (6-3, 263, Sr.) 89 Ryan Woods (6-4, 245, Fr.)FL 2 Herb Haygood (6-0, 190, Sr.) 6 BJ Lovett (6-4, 208, Jr.)QB 9 Jeff Smoker (6-3, 207, So.) 3 Ryan Van Dyke (6-5, 223, Sr.)FB 49 Dawan Moss (5-10, 258, Jr.) 31 Brian Burns (6-3, 236, R-Fr.)TB 8 T.J. Duckett (6-1, 249, Jr.) 23 Little John Flowers (6-0, 210, Sr.) 34 Tyrell Dortch (5-10, 193, So.)
Defense
DE 59 Clifford Dukes (6-3, 242, R-Fr.) 4 Eric Knott (6-3, 272, Fr.)DT 97 Kyle Rasmussen (6-4, 275, So.) 99 Matthias Askew (6-6, 288, Fr.)DT 95 Josh Shaw (6-3, 278, Sr.) 92 Lonnie Simmons (6-3, 279, R-Fr.)DE 75 Nick Myers (6-2, 263, Sr.) 94 Greg Taplin (6-5, 254, So.)SAM 42 Mike Labinjo (6-1, 268, So.) 66 Matt Hayes (6-2, 217, Jr.)MIKE 50 Josh Thornhill (6-2, 239, Sr.) 41 Matt Dawes (6-1, 231, Sr.) or 55 Jason Bradley (6-0, 238, R-Fr.)WILL 44 Ronald Stanley (6-0, 219, Fr.) 45 Monquiz Wedlow (5-11, 195, So.)CB 25 Jason Harmon (5-11, 186, R-Fr.) 21 Broderick Nelson (6-0, 175, Jr.)SS 27 Duron Bryan (6-0, 205, Sr.) 33 Robert Flagg (6-2, 192, Fr.)FS 43 Thomas Wright (6-1, 191, Jr.) 5 Lorenzo Guess (6-1, 193, Sr.)CB 19 DeMario Suggs (5-11, 194, Sr.) 38 Damien Fortson (5-11, 170, Fr.)
Specialists
KO 18 Michael Servis (6-1, 198, So.) or 14 David Schaefer (5-10, 192, Sr.)PK 14 David Schaefer (5-10, 192, Sr.) 18 Michael Servis (6-1, 198, So.)P 12 Craig Jarrett (6-2, 212, Sr.) 18 Michael Servis (6-1, 198, So.)SN 56 Tony Grant (6-2, 242, Sr.) 53 Andrew Petterson (6-0, 204, R-Fr.)H 12 Craig Jarrett (6-2, 212, Sr.) 9 Jeff Smoker (6-3, 207, So.)KR 2 Herb Haygood (6-0, 190, Sr.) 6 BJ Lovett (6-4, 208, Jr.) 23 Little John Flowers (6-0, 210, Sr.) 34 Tyrell Dortch (5-10, 193, So.)PR 1 Charles Rogers (6-4, 202, So.) 82 Ziehl Kavanaght (5-11, 176, So.)
NOTRE DAME DEPTH CHART
Offense
SE 21 Javin Hunter (6-0, 191, Sr.) 18 Ronnie Rodamer (6-4, 210, So.)LT 78 Jordan Black (6-6, 318, Sr.) 63 Brennan Curtin (6-8, 305, Jr.)LG 79 Sean Mahan (6-3, 292, Sr.) 67 Ryan Gillis (6-3, 296, Jr.)C 52 Jeff Faine (6-3, 296, Jr.) 72 Ryan Scarola (6-5, 308, Sr.)RG 65 Sean Milligan (6-4, 295, Jr.) 76 John Teasdale (6-5, 305, Sr.)RT 75 Kurt Vollers (6-7, 312, Sr.) 70 Jim Molinaro (6-6, 295, Jr.)TE 84 John Owens (6-3, 270, Sr.) 14 Gary Godsey (6-7, 270, Jr.)FL 6 David Givens (6-3, 212, Sr.) 3 Arnaz Battle (6-1, 210, Sr.)QB 10 Matt Lovecchio (6-4, 205, So.) 7 Carlyle Holiday (6-3, 218, So.) 1 Jared Clark (6-4, 230, So.)FB 36 Tom Lopienski (6-1, 249, Sr.) or 40 Jason Murray (6-1, 260, Sr.)TB 12 Tony Fisher (6-2, 226, Sr.) or 22 Julius Jones (5-10, 220, Jr.) or 32 Terrance Howard (6-1, 195, Sr.)
Defense
LE 98 Anthony Weaver (6-3, 286, Sr.) 99 Jason Sapp (6-4, 250, So.)DT 60 Darrell Campbell (6-4, 296, Jr.) 92 Kyle Budinscak (6-4, 265, So.)NG 94 Andy Wisne (6-3, 285, Sr.) 50 Cedric Hilliard (6-2, 290, Jr.)RE 44 Grant Irons (6-5, 275, Sr.) 95 Ryan Roberts (6-2, 262, Sr.)ILB 51 Tyreo Harrison (6-2, 242, Sr.) 2 Carlos Pierre-Antoine (6-3, 241, Sr.)ILB 33 Courtney Watson (6-1, 232, Jr.) 41 Mike Goolsby (6-3, 240, So.) or 57 Justin Thomas (6-1, 245, Jr.)OLB 30 Rocky Boiman (6-4, 240, Sr.) 81 Jerome Collins (6-4, 242, So.)LCB 42 Shane Walton (5-11, 186, Sr.) 37 Preston Jackson (5-9, 176, So.) or 9 Jason Beckstrom (5-10, 190, So.)FS 28 Donald Dykes (5-11, 195, Sr.) 4 Justin Smith (5-11, 197, Sr.)SS 5 Ron Israel (6-0, 212, Sr.) 20 Gerome Sapp (6-0, 214, Jr.)RCB 15 Clifford Jefferson (5-9, 176, Sr.) 34 Vontez Duff (5-11, 192, So.)
Specialists
PK 13 Nicholas Setta (5-11, 175, Jr.) 35 David Miller (5-111, 208, Sr.)P 17 Joey Hildbold (5-10, 188, Jr.) 13 Nicholas Setta (5-11, 175, Jr.)SNP 53 John Crowther (6-2, 240, Sr.) 91 Jeff Thompson (6-4, 267, Fr.)HLD 80 Adam Tibble (5-11, 286, Sr.)KR 22 Julius Jones (5-10, 220, Jr.) 34 Vontez Duff (5-11, 192, So.) 6 David Givens (6-3, 214, Sr.)PR 22 Julius Jones (5-10, 220, Jr.) 34 Vontez Duff (5-11, 192, So.) 32 Terrance Howard (6-1, 195, Sr.)
