Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Prepares For Homecoming Showdown Against Minnesota
10/18/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 17, 2002
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DATE: Oct. 19, 2002
SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 12:10 p.m. EDT
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 72,027 (sellout expected)
LAST WEEK: Michigan State lost at No. 17 Iowa, 44-16; Minnesota defeated Northwestern, 45-42.
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Larry Bielat, sideline reporter Bill Burke and broadcast host Will Tieman, will broadcast the game to 34 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240, FM 97.5). Television - ESPN Plus will televise the Michigan State-Minnesota game live, with Wayne Larrivee handling the play-by-play, Randy Wright providing color commentary and Peggy Kusinski serving as the sideline reporter.
2002 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS
MICHIGAN STATE (3-3, 1-1 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 31 EASTERN MICHIGAN (ESPN Plus) W, 56-7Sept. 7 RICE W, 27-10Sept. 14 CALIFORNIA (ESPN2) L, 22-46Sept. 21 NOTRE DAME (ABC) L, 17-21Sept. 28 NORTHWESTERN W, 39-24Oct. 12 at Iowa (ESPN) L, 16-44Oct. 19 MINNESOTA (ESPN Plus) 12:10 p.m. EDTOct. 26 WISCONSIN (ESPN2) 7:00 p.m. EDTNov. 2 at Michigan TBANov. 9 at Indiana TBANov. 16 PURDUE TBANov. 23 at Penn State TBAMINNESOTA (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 31 SOUTHWEST TEXAS STATE W, 42-0Sept. 7 at Louisiana-Lafayette W, 35-11Sept. 14 TOLEDO W, 31-21Sept. 21 BUFFALO W, 41-17Sept. 28 at Purdue L, 15-28Oct. 3 ILLINOIS W, 31-10Oct. 10 NORTHWESTERN W, 45-42Oct. 19 at Michigan State 11:10 a.m. CDTNov. 2 at Ohio State TBANov. 9 MICHIGAN 6:45 p.m. CDTNov. 16 IOWA TBANov. 23 at Wisconsin TBA
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Bobby Williams (Purdue 1982) is 16-14 (.533) in his third year as a college head coach. With MSU's 44-35 victory over No. 20 Fresno State in the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic, Williams became the first head coach in Spartan football history to win his first two bowl games. He made his head coaching debut on Jan. 1, 2000, and led the Spartans to a last-second victory over No. 10 Florida, 37-34, 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 10-year tenure as running backs coach (1990-99), 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.
Minnesota's Glen Mason (Ohio State 1972) is 32-33 (.492) in his sixth year with the Golden Gophers and 91-97-1 (.484) in 17 seasons as a college head coach. Mason guided Minnesota to back-to-back postseason appearances in 1999 (Sun Bowl) and 2000 (Micronpc.com Bowl). He compiled a 47-54-1 record (.466) in nine seasons at Kansas (1988-96), including two trips to the Aloha Bowl (1992 and '95). Mason produced a 12-10 worksheet (.545) in two years at Kent State (1986-87).
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State MinnesotaBasic Offense Pro Set Multiple Basic Defense 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 8 6 Defensive Starters Returning 7 8 Specialists Returning 1 3
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State MinnesotaOffensive Line & Tight End 6-6, 296 6-5, 277 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-2, 221 6-2, 204 Defensive Line 6-5, 274 6-5, 255 Linebackers 6-0, 225 6-2, 220 Defensive Backs 6-0, 183 5-11, 181
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 3 seniors, 6 juniors, 2 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores
Minnesota Offense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore, 2 freshmen
Minnesota Defense: 4 juniors, 3 sophomores, 4 freshmen
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after six games):
Rushing - Dawan Moss (91 carries for 457 yards, 5.0 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing - Jeff Smoker (97 of 174 for 1364 yards, 13 TDs, 9 INTs)
Receiving - Charles Rogers (37 catches for 765 yards, 20.7 avg., 7 TDs)
Tackles - Thomas Wright (60 tackles, 38 solos, 22 assists, 3 interceptions)
Minnesota (after seven games):
Rushing - Terry Jackson II (131 carries for 793 yards, 6.1 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Asad Abdul-Khaliq (81 of 151 for 1094 yards, 12 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving - Ben Utecht (24 catches for 300 yards, 12.5 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles - Ben West (62 tackles, 43 solos, 19 assists, 5 for losses)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State MinnesotaScoring 29.5 34.3First Downs 22.7 22.0Total Offense 395.0 427.9Rushing Yards 149.7 254.1Passing Yards 245.3 173.7Time of Possession 30:41 30:46Third Down Conversions .342 .410Points Allowed 25.3 18.4Total Offense Allowed 325.2 319.6Rushing Yards Allowed 145.2 136.4Passing Yards Allowed 180.0 183.1
MSU/MINNESOTA SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 37th meeting between Michigan State and Minnesota. The Spartans lead the all-time series 23-13, including a 13-4 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. The Golden Gophers have won the last two meetings (1998, 2001) after the Spartans reeled off 17 straight victories from 1977-97. MSU's last win in the series came on Oct. 4, 1997, 31-10, in East Lansing, Mich. Minnesota's last win in Spartan Stadium came on Oct. 16, 1976, 14-10. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores please refer to page 196 in the 2002 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Oct. 20, 2001, in Minneapolis: Marion Barber and Tellis Redmon combined for 284 yards rushing and three touchdowns to lead Minnesota to a 28-19 victory over Michigan State in the Metrodome. Michigan State scored on its first possession as a nine-play, 63-yard drive resulted in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Jeff Smoker to Chris Baker. Minnesota tied the score at 7 on Barber's 40-yard TD run down the near sideline with 6:51 left in the first quarter. The Spartans answered with a 10-play, 50-yard drive to take a 10-7 lead on Dave Rayner's 37-yard field goal with 2:29 remaining in the first quarter. Minnesota's second touchdown came off a Spartan turnover as Eli Ward stripped the ball from Baker after a 26-yard catch and Jack Brewer recovered the fumble at the Gopher 35. Asad Abdul-Khaliq capped a 13-play, 65-yard drive with a 4-yard TD toss to Ron Johnson as Minnesota took its first lead at 14-10 with 7:58 left in the second quarter. Michigan State put together a 13-play, 80-yard drive and regained the lead at 17-14 on Smoker's 18-yard TD strike to Charles Rogers with 3:12 remaining in the third quarter. Midway through the fourth quarter, Redmon finished off a 12-play, 75-yard drive with a 6-yard TD run around the right end as the Gophers took the lead for good at 21-17. Barber iced the game with his 39-yard TD run up the middle with 3:31 on the clock. Barber gained 158 yards on 15 rushes while Redmon picked up 126 yards on 22 carries. Smoker completed 21-of-33 throws for a career-high 258 yards and two scores. MSU's Herb Haygood had a game-high eight receptions for 117 yards. With six catches for 76 yards, Baker set a Spartan record for career receptions by a tight end with 109. The Spartans outgained Minnesota in total yards, 472-446.
MSU/MINNESOTA COACHING CONNECTIONS -
* Michigan State assistant head coach/running backs coach Reggie Mitchell previously spent 12 years as an assistant coach under Minnesota head coach Glen Mason. Mitchell joined the Spartan coaching staff in 1999 following two seasons as running backs coach at Minnesota (1997-98). He followed Mason to Minnesota after a nine-year stint at Kansas (1988-96), where he coached running backs for two years, defensive ends for four seasons and defensive line for three years. Mitchell first joined Coach Mason as wide receivers coach at Kent State in 1987. * Michigan State defensive coordinator Bill Miller coached the defensive backs under John Gutekunst at Minnesota from 1986-88.
SPARTAN HOMECOMING GAMES -
Michigan State is 56-27-3 (.669) in 86 Homecoming games, including a 3-3 record vs. Minnesota. The Spartans have won the last three Homecoming contests vs. Minnesota, while outscoring the Golden Gophers, 85-32. Minnesota's last trip to East Lansing, Mich., for Homecoming resulted in a 31-10 Spartan victory on Oct. 4, 1997. The Spartans have won five of their last six and nine of the last 12 Homecoming games. MSU has a 42-19-2 record (.683) in Homecoming contests played in October. (Note: For a complete list of Homecoming results, please refer to page 202 in the 2002 MSU Football Media Guide.)
Here's a look at Michigan State's Homecoming results vs. Minnesota:
Date Result Nov. 3, 1962 Minnesota 28, MSU 7 Oct. 19, 1968 Minnesota 14, MSU 13 Oct. 16, 1976 Minnesota 14, MSU 10 Oct. 29, 1983 MSU 34, Minnesota 10 Oct. 19, 1991 MSU 20, Minnesota 12 Oct. 4, 1997 MSU 31, Minnesota 10
U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE CEO SELECTED HOMECOMING PARADE GRAND MARSHAL -
Lloyd Ward, CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee, will serve as the Homecoming parade grand marshal on Friday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Ward, who earned three letters as a guard on the Spartan basketball team from 1968-70, served as the team's co-captain in 1969-70. The 5-foot-11 playmaker from Romulus, Mich., averaged a career-best 7.4 points as a senior, including seven double-figure scoring games. He scored 302 career points and collected 88 career rebounds while playing two seasons for Coach John Benington and one year for Gus Ganakas.
NEW YORK CITY 911 RESCUE WORKERS RETURN FOR HOMECOMING -
Rescue workers from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD), who attended last year's Homecoming game against Iowa, will be honored guests at Saturday's MSU-Minnesota football game.
Michael Cantwell (FDNY), Kevin Gorman (FDNY), Peter Jacoutot (NYPD) and Benito Barrerio (NYPD) will ride in Friday's Homecoming parade and be part of a special pregame presentation on Saturday.
SPARTANS CELEBRATE 50TH SEASON IN BIG TEN -
Michigan State is in its 50th season of Big Ten competition, with an all-time record of 200-160-9 (.554) in league play. The Spartans have won six Big Ten championships (1953, 1965, 1966, 1978, 1987 and 1990).
QUOTING BOBBY WILLIAMS -
Iowa Recap: "Iowa is a talented football team. In fact, it's perhaps the best team we've faced this season.
"We certainly started the game on some positive notes. We had good coverage on the opening kickoff. The defense forced Iowa to go three-and-out on its first possession. In fact, the defense missed a chance to put points on the board as an interception went right through the hands of DeMario Suggs.
"The offense put the ball in the end zone on its first drive. We displayed good balance on the opening series, picking up 29 yards on the ground and 25 yards passing.
"Unfortunately, the momentum changed on the ensuing kickoff that Iowa returned 94 yards for a touchdown. That was disappointing because the execution was poor and so was the effort. When it comes right down to it, we have to find a way to overcome a play like that.
"Obviously, turnovers were the difference in the game. Iowa scored 20 points off five turnovers. I honestly believe our defense responded pretty well in those sudden-change situations. Iowa returned one interception for a touchdown. We stopped one scoring chance with an interception in the end zone and the defense limited Iowa to two field goals and a TD on the other three turnovers.
"The loss at Iowa was both disappointing and frustrating but let's not overstate the importance of that game. It only counts as one game in the Big Ten standings. There's no question that if we want to contend in this league race, we must find a way to win on the road."
Bouncing Back Against Minnesota: "We'll put together a solid game plan for Minnesota but our main focus is on our football team. We have to learn from our mistakes, make the proper corrections and come out and execute in all three phases of the game.
"Offensively, we have to find a way to run the football consistently. Our offense is productive when it has balance. The running game begins with the guys up front, so we must start winning the battles on the line of scrimmage. Second, we have to improve our pass protection to give the quarterback time to deliver the football. Third, we must be willing to throw balls away if plays aren't there to be made in the passing game.
"Defensively, we have to emphasize creating turnovers. We'll not only work on stripping the football but we'll also work on playing the ball in the air more aggressively. The defense has to get its hands on the football to create more opportunities for the offense.
"We'll also emphasize winning the kicking game each Saturday. We can't afford to have letdowns or breakdowns in the kicking game."
Turning Season Around: "This team is focused on playing a six-game schedule and it all begins on Homecoming Saturday against Minnesota.
"Minnesota is off to a 6-1 start and after losing its Big Ten opener at Purdue; it has bounced back to post back-to-back wins over Illinois and Northwestern. This is a talented opponent and we'll be prepared to compete Saturday.
"It's time for every one in the program to roll up their sleeves and get back to work. We can't change any results, so we'll focus on what we can control. We'll determine our destiny.
"I was pleased with the way the players returned to the practice field this week. The guys had good work ethic, good energy and strong focus. There has been no finger pointing because there's plenty of room for improvement in all three phases of the game."
Thomas Wright's Consistency: "Thomas Wright has having a remarkable senior season, winning Spartan Defensive Player of the Week honors each of the last three weeks. By far, Thomas leads the team in tackles (60) and production points (93). He has reached double figures in tackles in four of his last five games. What's most impressive about Thomas is that his leadership matches his productivity."
INJURY REPORT -
OUT: TB Tyrell Dortch (broke right lower leg vs. Wisconsin in 2001; out indefinitely); LB Steve Kielp (bruised shoulder; out indefinitely); OG Joe Patrick (lower back; out indefinitely); TE Matt Walters (sprained ankle in Aug. 21 scrimmage; DNP vs. Eastern Michigan, Rice, California, Notre Dame, Northwestern and Iowa). DOUBTFUL: QB Aaron Alexander (broke fifth metatarsal in left foot in Aug. 10 practice; DNP vs. Eastern Michigan, Rice, California, Notre Dame, Northwestern and Iowa); FL Agim Shabaj (bruised knee vs. Iowa). PROBABLE: OG Paul Harker (broken thumb vs. Northwestern; DNP vs. Iowa); DE Luc Mullinder (sprained ankle in Sept. 23 practice; DNP vs. Northwestern and Iowa); DE Greg Taplin (sprained toe vs. Iowa).
THE LAST TIME OUT -
Iowa 44, MSU 39: Brad Banks threw for 154 yards, including two scoring strikes to C.J. Jones, to lead No. 17 Iowa to a 44-16 victory over Michigan State in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa parlayed five Spartan turnovers into 20 points. Michigan State scored a touchdown on its first series for the first time in 2002 as Dawan Moss capped the 12-play, 54-yard drive with a 2-yard run up the middle with 7:38 left in the first quarter. The Spartans' lead lasted only 17 seconds as Jermelle Lewis returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards to tie the game at 7. Bob Sanders intercepted a pass at the Iowa 46 to set up the Hawkeyes' go-ahead score, a 36-yard field goal from Nate Kaeding with 2:35 remaining in the first quarter. Two minutes later, Iowa extended its lead to 17-7 as Derek Pagel returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown. The Hawkeyes built a 24-7 lead thanks to Banks' 62-yard bomb to Jones with 6:22 left in the second quarter. Kaeding's 43-yard field goal with 25 seconds left in the first half sent Iowa to the locker room with a 27-7 lead. Michigan State's first possession of the third quarter ended in a fumble as Iowa's Jonathan Babineaux stripped the ball from Jeff Smoker and Fred Barr recovered at the Spartan 21. Four plays later, Fred Russell scored on a 9-yard run off left tackle as Iowa moved out to a 34-7 advantage with 11:54 left in the third quarter. Damon Dowdell fumbled on MSU's next series and Iowa's Colin Cole recovered at the Spartan 24. The Spartan defense held and the Hawkeyes settled for a 28-yard field goal from Kaeding with 8:50 to play in the third quarter. Iowa pushed its lead to 44-7 as Banks again hooked up with Jones, this time for a 25-yard scoring play, with 1:32 remaining in the third quarter. Michigan State's scoring drought ended midway through the fourth quarter as a nine-play, 52-yard drive resulted in Smoker's 20-yard TD strike to BJ Lovett. The Spartans' final points came with 2:11 on the clock when Iowa punter David Bradley deliberately took a safety by running out of the end zone. Michigan State's defense held Iowa to 284 total yards - 184 yards below the Hawkeyes' season average. Iowa's defense halted Charles Rogers' streak of consecutive games with at least one TD reception at 13 regular-season games and 14 overall.
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK -
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Oct. 12 vs. Iowa:
Offense - OG Joe Tate (graded out 94 percent, including 10 pancakes)
Defense - SS Thomas Wright (12 tackles, including eight solo stops; 18 production points)
Special Teams - Eric Smith (seven 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 Oct. 12 game vs. Iowa:
Offense - FB Nick Thompson
Defense - LB Richard Bryce and DT Matt Hasbrook
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2002:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAARushing Offense 149.7 9th 61stPassing Offense 245.3 5th 38thTotal Offense 395.0 8th t-43rdScoring Offense 29.5 6th 42ndRushing Defense 145.2 8th 59thPassing Defense 180.0 1st 23rdPass Efficiency Defense 105.1 2nd 27thTotal Defense 325.2 2nd 33rdScoring Defense 25.3 8th 58thTurnover Margin -1.0 t-8th t-87thNet Punting 34.1 8th 69thPunt Returns 10.4 6th 65thKickoff Returns 20.3 t-7th t-64th
NCAA Stat Leaders -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA stat leaders in 2002:
Team Statistics
Rushing Offense: 61st at 149.7 yards per game
Passing Offense: 38th at 245.3 yards per game
Passing Efficiency: 37th at 132.7 rating
Total Offense: t-43rd at 395.0 yards per game
Scoring Offense: 42nd at 29.5 points per game
Rushing Defense: 59th at 145.2 yards per game
Passing Defense: 23rd at 180.0 yards per game
Pass Efficiency Defense: 27th at 105.1 rating
Total Defense: 33rd at 325.2 yards per game
Scoring Defense: 58th at 25.3 points per game
Turnover Margin: t-87th at -1.0 turnovers per game
Net Punting: 69th at 34.1 yards per punt
Punt Returns: 65th at 10.4 yards per return
Kickoff Returns: t-64th at 20.3 yards per return
Individual Statistics
Receptions: Charles Rogers (17th at 6.17 catches per game)
Receiving Yards: Charles Rogers (4th at 127.5 yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Jeff Smoker (31st at 135.9 rating)
Interceptions: Thomas Wright (t-21st at 0.5 interceptions per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Charles Rogers (37th at 130.3 yards per game)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (t-38th at 1.17 made per game)
Points Responsible For: Jeff Smoker (t-25th at 13.0 points per game)
ROGERS NAMED CNNSI MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN -
Charles Rogers, who leads the Big Ten in receiving yards (127.5 per game) and touchdown receptions (seven), has been named Midseason All-American by CNNSI.com. The Heisman Trophy candidate also ranks among the NCAA leaders in receiving yards (fourth) and receptions (17th). Thirty-two of his 37 receptions in 2002 have resulted in first downs.
With his 21-yard touchdown reception from Jeff Smoker in the second quarter vs. Northwestern, Rogers set both NCAA and Big Ten records by catching a TD pass in his 13th-consecutive regular-season game and his 14th-straight game overall. Rogers broke the NCAA record (12) previously shared by Marshall's Randy Moss (1997), Pacific's Aaron Turner (1990-91) and Michigan's Desmond Howard (1990-91). He also shattered the Big Ten career mark (13) previously held by Howard.
His NCAA and Big Ten record-setting TD reception was anything but routine as Rogers reached over two Northwestern defensive backs, Marvin Ward and Mark Roush, to make the catch in the corner of the end zone.
Rogers caught seven passes for 175 yards and two scores in Michigan State's 21-17 loss to No. 12 Notre Dame. He had five catches for 129 yards in the second half vs. Notre Dame as the Spartans rallied from a 14-3 halftime deficit. MSU pulled to within 14-10 on Rogers' 38-yard TD catch from Smoker early in the fourth quarter. His 21-yard TD grab in the back of the end zone on fourth-and-11 gave the Spartans a 17-14 lead over the Irish with 1:45 to play.
Rogers had nine receptions for 166 yards vs. Cal, including a 15-yard TD grab from Smoker in the third quarter. All nine of his catches went for first downs.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound junior from Saginaw, Mich., earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after catching nine passes for 155 yards and two scores in Michigan State's 27-10 victory over Rice.
His 38-yard TD catch from Jeff Smoker gave the Spartans a 7-0 lead over Rice midway through the first quarter. His 5-yard TD grab late in the third quarter extended MSU's lead to 20-10. Seven of his nine receptions vs. Rice resulted in first downs.
With four catches for 138 yards (34.5 avg.) vs. Eastern Michigan in the 2002 season opener, Rogers became the first receiver in Spartan history to post five straight 100-yard receiving games. Rogers broke the record previously held by Derrick Mason, who had four consecutive 100-yard receiving games in 1996.
All four of his receptions against Eastern Michigan produced first downs, including his 19-yard touchdown grab from Jeff Smoker midway through the first quarter. Rogers' 59-yard reception from Smoker to the EMU 4 set up Michigan State's third first-half touchdown and his 22-yard catch preceded the Spartans' fourth first-half TD.
Rogers has 104 career receptions for 2,235 yards (21.5 avg.) and 21 TDs. He has 10 career 100-yard receiving games, including a Spartan record eight in a row from 2001-02 (Purdue, Nov. 17, 2001- Notre Dame, Sept. 21, 2002). His streak of eight consecutive 100-yard receiving games fell just three games shy of the NCAA record (11) shared by Southern Cal's Keyshawn Johnson (1994-95) and Turner (1991).
ROGERS EMERGES AS TOP CONTENDER FOR HEISMAN TROPHY -
Michigan State's record-setting receiver Charles Rogers has turned a lot of heads with his remarkable catches during the 2002 season but what undoubtedly impresses Heisman Trophy voters most is his consistency. Rogers' on-the-field production has caught the attention of the national media.
* The cover of the Sept. 23 issue of The Sporting News featured Rogers with the headline "Meet College Football's Best Player."
"Rogers is the best player in college football, and next year or the year after, he'll be one of the first players selected in the NFL draft," TSN managing editor Steve Greenberg wrote. "As a wide receiver with great size (6-4, 205) and speed (4.25 seconds in the 40-yard dash), excellent hands and an unmatched ability to adjust to the ball in the air, Rogers is too much to handle for any defender he'll face all year."
* Rogers ranks eighth in the latest ESPN.com Heisman Poll, released Oct. 16. ESPN.com conducts its poll by compiling votes from 11 ESPN and ABC Sports college football experts.
* Rogers, Collegefootballnews.com's 2002 preseason national player of the year, is listed among the web site's top contenders (tied for fourth) for the Heisman Trophy (updated Oct. 14).
ROGERS FEATURED IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME EXHIBIT -
Michigan State junior wide receiver Charles Rogers is one of only 10 players featured in the College Football Hall of Fame's "Race to the Pantheon" exhibit. The display includes game jerseys and action photos of players expected to compete for college football's top individual awards in 2002, including the Fred Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy.
The exhibit showcases three of the country's top quarterbacks, including Miami's Ken Dorsey, Florida's Rex Grossman and Marshall's Byron Leftwich. Other major award candidates include: Wisconsin running back Anthony Davis, Georgia Tech defensive end Greg Gathers, Maryland linebacker E.J. Henderson, Maryland running back Bruce Perry, Southern Cal safety Troy Polamalu and Georgia offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb.
The Hall of Fame determined the favorites to win college football's top individual awards in 2002, based upon a consensus of preseason publications.
SMOKER CLIMBS CAREER PASSING CHARTS -
Veteran quarterback Jeff Smoker ranks among the Big Ten leaders in touchdown passes (tied for second with 13), passing yards (fifth at 227.3 yards per game) and passing efficiency (sixth with 135.9 rating). Smoker has thrown at least one TD pass in each of his last 14 games.
Smoker connected on 15-of-24 passes for 263 yards and two scores in the 2002 Big Ten opener vs. Northwestern. It marked Smoker's 13th-consecutive game with at least two TD passes and his ninth-straight 200-yard passing games, both Spartan records. In addition, Smoker reached two other career milestones vs. Northwestern, becoming only the fourth quarterback in MSU history to throw for 5,000 yards and only the fifth Spartan to account for 5,000 total yards.
He completed 19-of-34 passes for 281 yards, including two TD strikes to Charles Rogers, in Michigan State's 21-17 loss to No. 12 Notre Dame. Smoker led a furious fourth-quarter rally against the Irish, completing 11-of-14 passes (79 percent) for 182 yards and two scores in the final period. He connected on four-of-five throws for 83 yards on MSU's 10-play, 97-yard drive for a go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. His 21-yard TD toss to Rogers on fourth-and-11 gave the Spartans a 17-14 lead over Notre Dame with 1:45 on the clock.
Smoker threw for 206 yards (16-33) and two touchdowns vs. California, including scoring tosses of 15 yards to Rogers and 2 yards to Jason Randall.
He completed 16-of-26 throws for 213 yards and three scores in MSU's 27-10 victory over Rice. Smoker opened the Rice game with 10 straight completions.
With his 38-yard completion to Rogers in the second quarter of MSU's 2002 season opener vs. Eastern Michigan, Smoker became only the seventh quarterback in Spartan history to reach the 4,000-yard career passing milestone. Smoker completed 14-of-24 throws for 232 yards and three scores in MSU's 56-7 victory over the Eagles.
The Davey O'Brien Award candidate already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in pass attempts (sixth with 633), pass completions (fifth with 366), completion percentage (seventh at .578), passing yards (fourth with 5,308) and touchdown passes (fourth with 40). Smoker has 12 career 200-yard passing games. The 6-foot-3, 219-pound junior from Manheim, Pa., has compiled a 13-10 record in 23 career starts.
KNOTT A BAD TARGET -
Despite the loss of second-team All-American Chris Baker, Michigan State's career record-holder for receptions by tight end with 133, the position appears to be in good hands. Sophomore tight end Eric Knott ranks second on the team, behind All-American Charles Rogers, in receptions with 19 for 204 yards (10.7 avg.) and three touchdowns.
Knott had a team-high five catches for 75 yards vs. Northwestern, including a 36-yard grab in the fourth quarter that led to a field goal. Three of his five receptions vs. Northwestern produced first downs.
The 6-foot-3, 258-pound sophomore from Detroit had four catches for 23 yards vs. Rice, including a 2-yard TD toss from Jeff Smoker on third-and-goal that iced the game early in the fourth quarter.
Knott caught a career-high six passes for 69 yards (11.5 avg.) and two touchdowns in MSU's 56-7 triumph over Eastern Michigan in the 2002 season opener. Knott scored on pass plays of 4 and 30 yards from Jeff Smoker in the second quarter as the Spartans put 21 points on the scoreboard en route to a 28-0 halftime lead. Three of his six catches vs. EMU resulted in first downs.
THE WRIGHT STUFF -
Senior strong safety Thomas Wright leads the Spartans in tackles (60 total; 38 solos and 22 assists), interceptions (three) and production points (93). Wright ranks sixth in the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 10.0 stops per game. He also anchors a Spartan defensive unit that leads the Big Ten in passing defense (180.0 yards per game) and ranks second in the league in total defense (325.2 yards).
Wright has earned Spartan Defensive Player of the Week honors in three straight games, vs. Iowa, Northwestern and Notre Dame. He recorded his 10th career double-figure game in tackles vs. Iowa, posting 12 stops (8-4). Wright registered a season-high 14 tackles (7-7) and picked off the seventh pass of his career vs. Northwestern. He produced eight tackles (6-2), including a sack, and an interception vs. Notre Dame. He also had three QB hits and caused a fumble against the Irish while totaling 27 production points.
Wright has posted double figures in tackles in four of his last five starts, including Iowa, Northwestern, California (10 stops) and Rice (11).
The 6-foot-1, 191-pounder from Lake Wales, Fla., has started a team-best 28 consecutive games. Wright finished second on the team in tackles, behind middle linebacker Josh Thornhill, each of the last two seasons (2000 and 2001).
RICHARD ADDS PUNCH TO RUNNING GAME -
Freshman tailback David Richard has assumed an expanded role with the Spartan offense. Richard gained 76 yards on a season-high 18 rushes vs. Northwestern, including 48 yards in the second half. He led the Spartans in rushing vs. Notre Dame, picking up 70 yards on 15 carries.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound rookie from St. Louis ranks second on the team in rushing with 328 yards while averaging almost 5.0 yards per carry. Richard and veteran Dawan Moss have combined to rush for 785 yards, accounting for 87 percent of Michigan State's ground attack in 2002.
In his collegiate debut vs. Eastern Michigan, Richard produced 93 yards on 11 attempts, including a 38-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.
RAYNER NAMED BIG TEN SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK -
Sophomore placekicker Dave Rayner earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors after converting a career-high four field goals and providing 15 points in Michigan State's 39-24 victory over Northwestern in the 2002 league opener. Rayner was perfect on four field-goal attempts, including a career-best 53-yarder in the fourth quarter, and three extra-point tries. In addition, six of his nine kickoffs vs. Northwestern resulted in touchbacks. Rayner shared Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors with Iowa's Nate Kaeding.
Rayner also was named one of the Lou Groza Award's Top Three Stars for Week 6 for his kicking performance vs. Northwestern.
SPARTAN RUNNING GAME SEEKS CONSISTENCY -
Michigan State ranks ninth in the Big Ten and No. 61 nationally in rushing, averaging 149.7 yards per game. The Spartans have been held below 100 yards rushing in four of their first six games in 2002.
Last week, Michigan State produced 55 yards on 33 attempts (1.7 avg.) vs. Iowa. The Spartans managed only 58 yards on 32 rushes (1.8 avg.) against Rice, 87 yards on 30 carries (2.9 avg.) vs. California and 53 yards on 34 attempts (1.6 avg.) vs. Notre Dame. It marked the first time since 1992 (60 yards vs. Michigan, 69 vs. Minnesota and 99 vs. Ohio State) that the Spartans had produced less than 100 yards rushing in three straight games.
Michigan State's ground game displayed flashes of brilliance vs. Northwestern and Eastern Michigan. The Spartans' running game accounted for 276 of its 539 total yards in a 39-24 victory over Northwestern in the 2002 Big Ten opener. MSU's running attack produced 369 yards in the season opener vs. Eastern Michigan - its highest single-game rushing total since amassing 452 yards on the ground vs. Penn State in the 1997 regular-season finale. First-year backs accounted for 233 rushing yards vs. EMU.
SLOW STARTS PLAGUE SPARTANS -
Michigan State had been outscored 86-65 in the first half of its games in 2002. The Spartans have gone to the locker room trailing at the half in four of the first six games (vs. Iowa, Notre Dame, California and Rice).
By comparison, the Spartans have outscored their opponents, 112-66, in the second half in 2002. Through its first six games, Michigan State has generated 63 percent of its scoring (112 points) and 52 percent of its total offense (1,231 yards) in the second half.
Michigan State has shown signs of reversing this trend, scoring on its game-opening drive in each of its last two games, vs. Iowa and Northwestern. For the first time in 2002, the Spartans scored a touchdown on their first series vs. Iowa, with Dawan Moss finishing off a 12-play, 54-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run. A nine-play, 41-yard drive vs. Northwestern resulted in Dave Rayner's 30-yard field goal. The Spartans scored on four of their five first-half possessions against the Wildcats en route to building a 20-10 halftime lead.
Here's a quick comparison between Michigan State's first- and second-half performances in 2002:
First Rushing Passing TotalFirst half vs. Downs Yards Yards Yards TOs PTSEastern Michigan 15 135 228 363 1 28Rice 9 14 142 156 0 7California 8 22 105 127 4 0Notre Dame 4 39 53 92 1 3Northwestern 15 137 140 277 0 20Iowa 11 39 85 124 2 7Totals 62 386 753 1139 8 65Avg. 10.3 64.3 125.5 189.8 1.3 10.8
First Rushing Passing TotalSecond half vs. Downs Yards Yards Yards TOs PTSEastern Michigan 16 234 28 262 0 28Rice 5 44 71 115 0 20California 16 65 160 225 1 22Notre Dame 15 14 228 242 1 14Northwestern 12 139 123 262 2 19Iowa 10 16 109 125 3 9Totals 74 512 719 1231 7 112Avg. 12.3 85.3 119.8 205.2 1.2 18.7
SPARTANS PICKED THIRD IN BIG TEN PRESEASON POLL -
Michigan State has been picked to finish third in the 2002 Big Ten football race, behind Michigan and Ohio State, according to the conference's preseason poll released July 25. Spartan third-year head coach Bobby Williams welcomes back 16 returning starters from last year's 7-5 team, including eight on offense, seven on defense and one specialist.
Michigan State wide receiver Charles Rogers has been named preseason Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year by league media. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound junior rewrote the Spartan record book in 2001, setting school single-season records for receptions (67), receiving yards (1,470), touchdown receptions (14) and 100-yard receiving games (6). He became the first Spartan receiver to average at least 20.0 yards per catch (21.9 avg.) since Andre Rison in 1988. His 14 TD catches led the Big Ten and his 1,470 receiving yards marked the second-best single-season total in league history. A second-team All-Big Ten selection by the media last year, Rogers ranked among the conference leaders in receiving yards (second at 122.5 yards per game), receptions (fourth at 5.6 per game), scoring (tied for second at 8.0 points per game) and all-purpose yards (third at 138.7 ypg.).
Rogers, the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic Offensive MVP, caught 10 passes for a school-record 270 yards and two TDs in MSU's 44-35 victory over No. 20 Fresno State. He scored on pass plays of 72 and 69 yards from Jeff Smoker vs. Fresno State.
The Saginaw, Mich., native will attempt to become only the third player in Spartan history to earn Big Ten Player of the Year honors, joining running backs Lorenzo White (1985 and '87) and Tico Duckett (1990).
"Charles Rogers had a fantastic sophomore year - a real coming out season," Williams said. "We have to continue to find ways to get the football in his hands and put him in a position to make plays. Charles is one of the few players around that can break open any given game because he can score from anywhere on the field.
"Charles is excited about the upcoming season and he has great expectations for himself and this football team. He knows the bottom line is winning football games and he wants to help us take this program to the next level."
"RED ZONE" UPDATE -
Michigan State has scored on 15 of its 21 possessions (.714) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 2002. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 11 touchdowns (three rushing TDs and eight passing TDs) and four field goals. Here's a look at MSU's and its opponents' trips inside the "red zone" in 2002:
Michigan State "Red Zone" ResultsEastern Michigan 4-4 (4 TDs)Rice 2-4 (missed FG, 2 TDs, time expired)California 2-5 (fumble, interception, 2 TDs, lost on downs)Notre Dame 2-2 (FG, TD)Northwestern 3-3 (3 FGs)Iowa 2-3 (2 TDs, lost on downs)Totals 15-21 (.714)
Opponent "Red Zone" ResultsEastern Michigan 1-1 (TD)Rice 2-2 (FG, TD)California 4-4 (2 FGs, 2 TDs)Notre Dame 2-2 (2 TDs)Northwestern 3-3 (FG, 2 TDs)Iowa 3-4 (2 FGs, TD, interception)Totals 15-16 (.938)
"Red Zone" Breakdown MSU Opponents"Red Zone" Chances 21 16Rushing TDs 3 6Passing TDs 8 3Total TDs 11 9TD Pct. .523 (11-21) .563 (9-16)FGs Made 4 6FGs Missed 1 0Total Points 89 81Scoring Pct. .714 (15-21) .938 (15-16)
NATURAL GRASS RETURNS TO SPARTAN STADIUM -
For the first time since 1968, Michigan State is playing its home football games on natural grass. The new playing surface, planted in May of 2001 at MSU's Turfgrass Research Center, is comprised of a blend of nine varieties of Kentucky bluegrass.
The field is comprised of 4,800 plastic modules. The installation process took five working days, from June 10-14, 2002. An additional 1,200 spare modules are being held for replacement purposes.
The original switch from natural grass to artificial turf came in time for the 1969 season.
EIGHT IS ENOUGH -
Michigan State's 12-game schedule features a school-record eight games in Spartan Stadium in 2002, including the first five contests. It marks only the second time in school history that the Spartans have 12 games scheduled during the regular season. In 1998, Michigan State played seven of its 12 regular-season games at home, posting a 5-2 record in Spartan Stadium.
SPARTANS OPEN 2002 CAMPAIGN WITH FIVE-GAME HOMESTAND -
For the first time since 1918 and only the second time in school history, Michigan State opened the season with a five game homestand. The 1918 Aggies won four of five games out of the gate.
Michigan State played its longest homestand in 1949 - six games from Oct. 1-Nov. 5. The Spartans opened the 1949 campaign at Michigan before playing their next six games in Macklin Field. Michigan State opened its six game homestand with five straight wins before losing to top-ranked Notre Dame, 34-21.
WALK-ONS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS -
Michigan State head football coach Bobby Williams has awarded scholarships to three walk-ons for the 2002 season, including linebacker Richard Bryce (6-2, 218, Sr., East Lansing, Mich.), tight end Brian Dieckman (6-3, 240, Sr., Macomb, Mich.) and wide receiver Tim James (5-8, 171, Sr., Milan, Mich.).
PLAYING IN FRONT OF A FULL HOUSE -
Michigan State has played before a sellout crowd in 31 of its last 36 home games, including the last 23 in a row. The Spartans have ranked among the NCAA's top 20 in attendance each of the last 46 years, including 19th in 2001, averaging 73,715 fans per game.
SPARTANS TOUGH ON HOME TURF -
Spartan Stadium is in its 79th season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 291-121-13 (.700) 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).
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 65-14-1 (.819) when it scores at least 24 points and 11-53-1 (.177) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 13-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 76-67-2 (.531).
