Michigan State University
Eastern Mich
Spartans Smoke Eastern Michigan, 56-7
8/31/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug 31, 2002
Final Stats?|? Quotes?|? Notes?|? Photo Gallery
By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER
Associated Press Writer
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Jeff Smoker turned in one of the best seasons by a Spartans quarterback as a sophomore last year, connecting with Eric Knott on two touchdowns - a 4-yarder with 5:45 to go in the second quarter and a 30-yarder four minutes later that gave Michigan State a 28-0 lead.
"Eric's going to be a great tight end for us," said Smoker, who threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns. "You saw what he did in just his first game. I think he can really be a game-breaker."
Converted tailback Dawan Moss, replacing first-round NFL pick T.J. Duckett, also made a favorable first impression, rushing 12 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Moss, who blocked for Duckett as Michigan State's fullback last season, extended the lead to 35-0 with a 5-yard run less than a minute into the second half. He also scored on a 50-yard run midway through the second period for the Spartans' second score.
"I'm feeling pretty good right now," Moss said. "We ran hard, and the offensive line was great. They deserve all the credit today."
Michigan State outrushed Eastern Michigan 369-54.
"I think we answered some questions about our ability to run the ball," coach Bobby Williams said. "The offensive line established the line of scrimmage, and Dawan played very well. He's not used to getting that many snaps, but he did a nice job."
The Eagles, coming off a 2-9 season, were led by Kevin Walter, who caught 12 passes for 78 yards.
If he stays healthy, Walter likely will finish the season as Eastern Michigan's career leader in receptions, receiving yardage and touchdown catches.
Troy Edwards, who won the starting quarterback job in a preseason competition with Jeff Crooks, completed 18 of 41 passes for 133 yards.
The Eagles' lone touchdown came on a 1-yard run by Ime Akpan with six minutes remaining.
Eastern Michigan coach Jeff Woodruff said a series of three-and-outs from his offense was one of the team's main problems.
"After that, they did a great job of pounding us," Woodruff said.
Michigan State, expected to put up big offensive numbers this year, was led early by its defense, which did not allow the Eagles to cross midfield until late in the first half.
The return of Smoker and wide receiver Charles Rogers, coupled with a favorable schedule that includes eight home games, has led to great expectations for the Spartans.
 The Spartans have a three-century winning streak over the Eagles, winning three times in the 19th century, twice in the 20th century and now once in the 21st.  | |
Rogers didn't disappoint Saturday, making four catches for 138 yards, including the game's first score, a 19-yard pass from Smoker seven minutes in.
Moss' backups at tailback, freshmen David Richard and Jaren Hayes, also impressed. Richard ran for 93 yards on 11 carries, including a 38-yard touchdown, and Hayes added 82 yards and a 1-yard score on 10 rushes.
Michigan State's offensive starters departed after playing about three quarters, leaving with a 42-0 lead.
Notes: Tyrell Dortch, who suffered a gruesome, season-ending leg injury last season, led the Spartans out of the tunnel before the game. ... After more than 30 years of playing on artificial turf, Michigan State has switched to real grass. ... Smoker became the seventh Spartan with 4,000 career passing yards. ... Williams was offensive backfield coach at Eastern Michigan from 1985-89. ... Each team wore new uniforms. ... The Spartans have a three-century winning streak over the Eagles, winning three times in the 19th century, twice in the 20th century and now once in the 21st.
