Spartan Football Faces Another Big Ten Road Test At Wisconsin
11/13/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 13, 2003
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
DATE: Nov. 15, 2003
SITE: Camp Randall Stadium (76,634/FieldTurf), Madison, Wis.
KICKOFF: 12:02 p.m. EST
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 76,634 (sold out)
LAST WEEK: No. 14 Michigan State lost at No. 7 Ohio State, 33-23; Wisconsin lost at No. 24 Minnesota, 37-34.
BROADCAST COVERAGE:Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Bill Burke, sideline reporter Will Tieman and broadcast host Mike Kamin, 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 - ESPN2 will televise the Michigan State-Wisconsin game live to a national audience, with Pam Ward handling the play-by-play and Chris Spielman providing color commentary.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 7-3 (.700) in his first year with the Spartans and 117-63 (.650) in 15 seasons as a college head coach. He ranks No. 13 among active NCAA I-A football coaches with 117 career wins. Smith came to Michigan State following five seasons at Louisville (1998-2002) where he put together a 41-21 worksheet (.661), including five-straight bowl appearances and back-to-back C-USA titles in 2000-01. He posted a 16-18 ledger (.471) in three seasons at Utah State (1995-97) while leading the Aggies to consecutive Big West Conference crowns in 1996-97. His six-year mark of 53-21 (.716) at Idaho (1989-94) included five NCAA I-AA playoff appearances and five Top 20 finishes.
Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez (Nebraska 1969) is 98-65-4 (.599) in his 14th year with the Badgers. His Wisconsin teams have won at least a share of three Big Ten titles (1993, '98 and '99). He has compiled a 7-1 record in bowl games, including a perfect 3-0 mark in Rose Bowls. Alvarez came to Wisconsin following three seasons at Notre Dame (1987-89) where he served as linebackers coach, defensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Lou Holtz.
2003 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (7-3, 4-2 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 30 WESTERN MICHIGAN (ESPN Plus) W, 26-21Sept. 6 RUTGERS (ESPN Plus) W, 44-28Sept. 13 LOUISIANA TECH (ESPN Plus) L, 19-20Sept. 20 at Notre Dame (NBC) W, 22-16Sept. 27 IOWA (ESPN Plus) W, 20-10Oct. 4 INDIANA (ESPN Plus) W, 31-3Oct. 11 at Illinois (ESPN2) W, 49-14Oct. 18 at Minnesota (ESPN2) W, 44-38Nov. 1 MICHIGAN (ABC) L, 20-27Nov. 8 at Ohio State (ABC) L, 23-33Nov. 15 at Wisconsin (ESPN2) 12:02 p.m. ESTNov. 22 PENN STATE TBA
WISCONSIN (6-4, 3-3 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 30 at West Virginia W, 24-17Sept. 6 AKRON W, 48-31Sept. 13 UNLV L, 5-23Sept. 20 NORTH CAROLINA W, 38-27Sept. 27 at Illinois W, 38-20Oct. 4 at Penn State W, 30-23Oct. 11 OHIO STATE W, 17-10Oct. 18 PURDUE L, 23-26Oct. 25 at Northwestern L, 7-16Nov. 8 at Minnesota L, 34-37Nov. 15 MICHIGAN STATE 11:02 a.m. CSTNov. 22 IOWA TBA
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State WisconsinBasic Offense Spread Pro I Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 Multiple Front Offensive Starters Returning 6 7 Defensive Starters Returning 8 9 Specialists Returning 2 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State WisconsinOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 296 6-4, 300 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-2, 207 6-0, 205 Defensive Line 6-5, 278 6-3, 276 Linebackers 6-0, 230 6-1, 232 Defensive Backs 6-0, 194 5-10, 179
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 1 junior, 6 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 4 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores
Wisconsin Offense: 2 seniors, 6 juniors, 3 sophomores
Wisconsin Defense: 3 seniors, 7 juniors, 1 sophomore
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 10 games):
Rushing - Jaren Hayes (133 carries for 581 yards, 4.4 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Jeff Smoker (236 of 368 for 2675 yards, 15 TDs, 8 INTs)
Receiving - Agim Shabaj (52 catches for 652 yards, 12.5 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles - Ronald Stanley (87 tackles, 47 solos, 40 assists, 6 for losses)
Wisconsin (after 10 games):
Rushing - Anthony Davis (92 carries for 595 yards, 6.5 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Jim Sorgi (107 of 192 for 1659 yards, 11 TDs, 8 INTs)
Receiving - Lee Evans (46 catches for 828 yards, 18.0 avg., 7 TDs)
Tackles - Jeff Mack (81 tackles, 39 solos, 42 assists, 4.5 for losses)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State WisconsinScoring 29.8 26.4 First Downs 20.1 20.9 Total Offense 381.6 387.8 Rushing Yards 103.4 182.7 Passing Yards 278.2 205.1 Time of Possession 28:36 31:57 Third Down Conversions .358 .443 Points Allowed 21.0 23.0 Total Offense Allowed 368.2 368.9 Rushing Yards Allowed 109.3 135.3 Passing Yards Allowed 258.9 233.6
THE LAST MEETING -
Oct. 26, 2002, in East Lansing, Mich.: Brooks Bollinger accounted for 193 total yards and five touchdowns to lead Wisconsin to a 42-24 victory over Michigan State in Spartan Stadium. Wisconsin jumped out to a 21-0 lead, scoring on three straight possessions in the first quarter. Bollinger scored on a 1-yard sneak, a 7-yard bootleg around right end and flipped a 3-yard TD pass to Mark Bell in the first quarter. Michigan State scored on its fifth possession as an 11-play, 51-yard drive produced Dave Rayner's 36-yard field goal with 10:35 remaining in the second quarter. Bollinger's 9-yard TD toss to Brandon Williams with :05 left in the second quarter gave the Badgers a 28-3 halftime advantage. The Spartans opened the second half with a 13-play, 84-yard drive and pulled to within 28-10 on Damon Dowdell's 7-yard TD strike to BJ Lovett. Wisconsin answered on its next series as Dwayne Smith capped a five-play, 65-yard drive with a 33-yard TD run up the middle as the Badgers built a 35-10 lead. Dowdell's 34-yard completion to Eric Knott set up his second TD pass, a 26-yarder to Charles Rogers on the final play of the third quarter. Wisconsin extended its lead to 42-17 midway through the fourth quarter as Jonathan Orr scored on a 23-yard pass from Bollinger. Kyle Brown's 40-yard kickoff return set up Michigan State's third touchdown, a 44-yard bomb from Aaron Alexander to Rogers with 5:23 left in the game. Bollinger completed 10-of-18 throws for 135 yards and three scores. Wisconsin's ground game amassed 313 yards, with Anthony Davis (29 for 170) and Smith (14 for 110) each posting 100-yard rushing games. In his second career start, Dowdell hit 14-of-24 passes for 162 yards.
THE LAST MEETING IN CAMP RANDALL STADIUM -
Oct. 27, 2001, in Madison, Wis.: Jeff Smoker completed 13-of-20 throws for 326 yards and three touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 42-28 victory over Wisconsin. It marked Michigan State's first Big Ten road win since Nov. 13, 1999, 34-0, at Northwestern and its first victory in Madison, Wis., since Nov. 9, 1991, 20-7. Wisconsin jumped out to a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter as a 35-yard punt return by Nick Davis set up Jim Sorgi's 42-yard TD strike to Lee Evans. Michigan State started its next possession at midfield thanks to Herb Haygood's 24-yard kickoff return. Seven plays later, the Spartans tied the score at 7 on T.J. Duckett's 1-yard TD run. The Badgers regained the lead midway through the second quarter as Sorgi hooked up with Evans for a 30-yard scoring pass. Late in the first half, Michigan State put together a seven-play, 91-yard drive and tied the game at 14 on Smoker's 5-yard TD toss to Charles Rogers in the back of the end zone. Smoker completed four-of-five passes for 87 yards on the game-tying second-quarter drive. The Spartans started the second half with a bang, scoring touchdowns on four of their first five possessions. Michigan State took the lead for good at 21-14 on Duckett's 43-yard TD run with 13:22 left in the third quarter. Duckett's 68-yard run set up Smoker's second TD pass, a 12-yard completion to Haygood with 3:03 remaining in the third quarter, as the Spartans moved out to a 28-14 lead. Wisconsin answered on its next series as Evans scored his third touchdown on a 70-yard bomb from Jeff Schabert to pull to within 28-21. Michigan State responded with a quick strike of its own as Smoker completed a 63-yard post pass to Rogers to the Wisconsin 7-yard line. Two plays later, Smoker scored on an 8-yard keeper around left end to give the Spartans a 35-21 lead with 20 seconds left to play in the third quarter. Smoker's third TD pass, an 87-yard bomb to Rogers with 11:25 on the clock, iced the game as MSU enjoyed its largest lead at 42-21. Rogers caught five passes for a season-high 206 yards. Duckett rushed for 169 of his 186 yards in the second half. The teams combined for 1,082 total yards, with the Spartans gaining 563 yards.
IT'S BEEN SUCH A LONG TIME -
Michigan State opened the 2003 season with a 7-1 record - its best start since 1966. The Spartans opened the 1966 season with nine straight wins before tying top-ranked Notre Dame (10-10) in the season finale.
STREAKING SPARTANS -
* For just the third time since 1953, Michigan State opened Big Ten play 4-0. The Spartans went on to win back-to-back Big Ten titles in 1965-66, posting perfect 7-0 league records.
* The Spartans opened the 2003 Big Ten race with four straight victories - their best run since concluding the 1990 regular-season with five consecutive wins to earn a share of the conference title (6-2 Big Ten record tied Iowa, Michigan and Illinois).
* Michigan State's five-game winning streak marked its longest since opening the 1999 campaign with six consecutive victories.
SPARTANS QUICK OUT OF THE GATE -
Through six games, Michigan State has outscored its Big Ten opponents, 52-3, in the first quarter.
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 Nov. 15 game vs. Wisconsin:
Offense - OT Pete Clifford
Defense - LB Devin Pritchett
Clifford and Pritchett are listed among the 70 players dressed for today's game vs. Wisconsin.
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS - Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2003:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAARushing Offense 103.4 11th 109thPassing Offense 278.2 1st 23rdTotal Offense 381.6 4th 61stScoring Offense 29.8 3rd 41stRushing Defense 109.3 4th 20thPassing Defense 258.9 11th 98thPass Efficiency Defense 123.5 8th t-61stTotal Defense 368.2 7th 55thScoring Defense 21.0 7th t-35thTurnover Margin +1.5 t-1st t-3rdNet Punting 41.2 1st 6thPunt Returns 7.0 10th 98thKickoff Returns 24.8 1st 10th
NCAA Stat Leaders -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA stat leaders in 2003:
Team Statistics
Rushing Offense: 109th at 103.4 yards per game
Passing Offense: 23rd at 278.2 yards per game
Passing Efficiency: 43rd at 132.9 rating
Total Offense: 61st at 381.6 yards per game
Scoring Offense: 41st at 29.8 points per game
Rushing Defense: 20th at 109.3 yards per game
Passing Defense: 98th at 258.9 yards per game
Pass Efficiency Defense: t-61st at 123.5 rating
Total Defense: 55th at 368.2 yards per game
Scoring Defense: t-35th at 21.0 points per game
Turnover Margin: t-3rd at +1.5 turnovers per game
Net Punting: 6th at 41.2 yards per punt
Punt Returns: 98th at 7.0 yards per return
Kickoff Returns: 10th at 24.8 yards per return
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Jeff Smoker (37th at 134.3 rating)
Total Offense: Jeff Smoker (23rd at 262.2 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (4th at 46.2 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: DeAndra Cobb (10th at 27.9 yards per return)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (t-3rd at 2.1 made per game)
Scoring: Dave Rayner (10th at 9.4 points per game)
Points Responsible For: Jeff Smoker (t-45th at 10.8 points per game)
TAKING CARE OF THE PIGSKIN -
Michigan State head coach John L. Smith and offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin have preached the importance of ball security in executing the spread offense, and the Spartans' skill position players have responded to the sermon. Through 10 games in 2003, Michigan State has committed just 11 turnovers - the NCAA's fifth-lowest total (tied with Minnesota and Oklahoma). Only Missouri (9), Toledo (9), Purdue (10) and Syracuse (10) have committed fewer turnovers. The Spartans have lost just two fumbles - the NCAA's best mark.
Michigan State has played five complete games without committing a turnover, including a streak of four straight contests (Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota). The Spartans came within three seconds of extending that streak to five games in a row, but Jeff Smoker's Hail Mary pass into the end zone against Michigan was intercepted by Scott McClintock as time expired.
TAKEAWAYS FUEL SPARTAN TURNAROUND -
Michigan State has generated 30 percent of its scoring off turnovers in 2003 (9.0 points per game). The Spartans lead the Big Ten and rank second in the NCAA in turnover margin (+15 overall). Michigan State has parlayed 26 takeaways into 90 points, while its opponents have converted 11 Spartan miscues into just 31 points.
By comparison, Michigan State ranked eighth in the Big Ten and No. 83 nationally in turnover margin (-7 overall; -0.58 per game) in 2002.
Here's a game-by-game look at MSU's takeaways and giveaways in 2003:
Michigan State Takeaways PointsWestern Michigan 2 (2 interceptions) 6Rutgers 2 (2 interceptions) 7Louisiana Tech 5 (3 interceptions, 2 fumbles) 6@ Notre Dame 3 (2 interceptions, fumble) 6Iowa 4 (3 fumbles, interception) 13Indiana 1 (fumble) 7@ Illinois 3 (2 interceptions, fumble) 21@ Minnesota 3 (3 fumbles) 17Michigan 2 (interception, fumble) 7@ Ohio State 1 (interception) -Totals 26 (14 interceptions, 12 fumbles) 90Opponent Takeaways PointsWestern Michigan 2 (2 interceptions) 7Rutgers 3 (2 interceptions, fumble) 14Louisiana Tech - -@ Notre Dame 3 (2 interceptions, fumble) 3Iowa - -Indiana - -@ Illinois - -@ Minnesota - -Michigan 1 (1 interceptions) -@ Ohio State 2 (2 interceptions) 7Totals 11 (9 interceptions, 2 fumbles) 31
 Michigan State has scored seven non-offensive touchdowns in 2003, including three kickoff, two fumble and two interception returns. Clifford Dukes returned a fumble 65 yards for a score vs. Michigan.  | |
MANY HAPPY SPARTAN RETURNS -
Michigan State has scored seven non-offensive touchdowns in 2003, including three kickoff, two fumble and two interception returns.
DeAndra Cobb has returned an NCAA-record tying three kickoffs for TDs, including a 93-yarder vs. Ohio State, a 100-yarder vs. Minnesota and a 94-yarder vs. Rutgers.
The Spartan defense has produced four TDs, with defensive end Clifford Dukes (65 yards vs. Michigan) and free safety Jason Harmon (52 yards vs. Illinois) returning fumbles for scores. Defensive end Greg Taplin (40 yards vs. Notre Dame) and BANDIT Monquiz Wedlow (29 yards vs. Rutgers) have returned interceptions for TDs.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES -
After 10 games in 2003, Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten (fourth) and NCAA (20th) leaders in rushing defense, allowing only 109.3 yards per game. Opposing ball carriers are averaging just 2.8 yards per rush. In addition, the Spartans have permitted just four rushing touchdowns.
MSU's last seven opponents have eclipsed the century mark, including Ohio State (49 rushes for 182 yards), Michigan (55 for 216), Minnesota (39 for 148), Illinois (43 for 158), Indiana (45 for 117), Iowa (39 for 107) and Notre Dame (37 for 100). Only three running backs have posted 100-yard game against the Spartans this season, including Michigan's Chris Perry (school-record 51 carries for 219 yards), Ohio State's Lydell Ross (24 for 125) and Iowa's Fred Russell (23 for 122).
Michigan State held Minnesota, the nation's No. 2 ranked rushing offense, to 148 yards (39 attempts) - 150 yards below its season average. The Spartans also kept the Big Ten's third-leading rusher Marion Barber III in check. Barber managed just 19 yards on 14 rushes - almost 87 yards below his season average.
The Spartans held each of their first three opponents under 100 yards rushing. It marked the first time Michigan State's defense put together that kind of streak since 1999, when the Spartans yielded less than 100 yards rushing in four-straight games (Illinois 42 yards, Iowa 7, Michigan 6 and Purdue 59).
The Spartans surrendered 61 yards on 19 carries vs. Louisiana Tech. Michigan State held Rutgers to minus 2 yards rushing (36 attempts). It marked the Spartans' best defensive effort since limiting Purdue to minus 18 yards on 14 rushes on Nov. 7, 1987. In the second half, Rutgers lost 23 yards on 15 carries. In the 2003 season opener vs. Western Michigan, the Spartans permitted only 6 yards rushing on 24 carries.
By contrast, Michigan State ranked ninth in the Big Ten and No. 110 nationally (out of 117) in rushing defense in 2002, permitting 213.8 yards per game. Last year, opponents gained 2,566 yards on the ground against the Spartans, the fourth-highest total allowed in school history, and scored 26 rushing TDs.
SURPRISE: SPARTANS LEAD THE BIG TEN IN SACKS -
Michigan State ranks fourth in the Big Ten and No. 20 nationally in rushing defense (109.3 yards allowed per game), thanks largely to its relentless pass rush. Through 10 games in 2003, the Spartans have produced a Big Ten-best 38 sacks for 257 yards. By comparison, Michigan State finished ninth in the league in sacks in 2002, compiling only 19 (113 yards).
The Spartans recorded six sacks (36 yards) against Indiana, including three (15 yards) by senior defensive end Greg Taplin.
The Spartans sacked Western Michigan's Chad Munson six times for 45 yards in the 2003 season opener, including four (28 yards) by junior defensive tackle Matthias Askew. He equaled the second-best single-game sack total in Spartan history, falling just one short of the record held by Travis Davis (five for 37 yards vs. Ohio State, 1987). In 22 previous games, the 6-foot-6, 294-pound Askew had produced only one sack (4 yards).
Michigan State produced five sacks each vs. Iowa (42 yards) and Rutgers (39) and four vs. Minnesota (19). The Spartans recorded three sacks each vs. Ohio State (14 yards), Notre Dame (18) and Louisiana Tech (18) and two vs. Illinois (13).
FIVE SPARTANS LISTED ON ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT BALLOT -
Five Michigan State players - sophomore wide receiver Kyle Brown, senior offensive guard Paul Harker, sophomore center Chris Morris, senior defensive tackle Kyle Rasmussen and junior defensive tackle Greg Yeaster - have been nominated for the Academic All-District IV Team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
To be nominated for the Academic All-District Team, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his career. He also must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing. District IV includes all schools from the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.
Players named to the Academic All-District Team (released Nov. 13) will have their names appear on the national ballot for Academic All-America honors.
Spartan Academic All-District IV Candidates
Name Major (GPA)Kyle Brown no-preference (3.52) Paul Harker interdisciplinary studies - human resources (3.24) Chris Morris finance (3.29) Kyle Rasmussen engineering arts (3.50) Greg Yeaster mechanical engineering (3.31)
 Jeff Smoker ranks seventh on the Big Ten's all-time passing chart with 8,212 career yards. His 236 pass completions, 368 pass attempts and 2,675 passing yards all represent the top single-season totals in Spartan history. | |
SMOKER REWRITES THE SPARTAN RECORD BOOK -
Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker leads the Big Ten in passing (267.5 yards per game) and total offense (262.2 ypg.) and ranks third in touchdown passes (15) and passing efficiency (134.3 rating). His 236 pass completions, 368 pass attempts and 2,675 passing yards all represent the top single-season totals in Spartan history.
In Big Ten games, Smoker has completed 66 percent (169-256) of his throws for 1,743 yards (290.5 ypg.), nine TDs and three interceptions (3-to-1 ratio).
The 6-foot-3, 224-pound Smoker posted his fifth 300-yard passing game of the season and the ninth of his career vs. Ohio State, throwing for 351 yards and two scores. He set Michigan State single-game records for pass attempts (55) and completions (35) against the Buckeyes, breaking marks previously held by John Leister (54 attempts vs. Purdue, 1980; 32 completions vs. Michigan, 1982). Smoker completed passes to 12 different receivers, including scoring tosses of 22 yards to Agim Shabaj and 19 yards to Aaron Alexander.
Smoker hit 21-of-40 throws for 254 yards vs. Michigan, including a 73-yard TD strike to Shabaj late in the third quarter. His streak of 208 straight pass attempts without an interception (22 quarters) ended when Michigan's Scott McClintock picked off his Hail Mary pass - intended for Alexander - in the end zone as time expired.
With 252 passing yards (30-46) vs. Minnesota, he became just the 10th quarterback in Big Ten history to reach the 7,500-yard career milestone. His 6-yard TD run gave the Spartans a 24-10 lead with 4:59 left in the second quarter.
Smoker completed 23-of-31 passes for 317 yards and two scores vs. Illinois. It marked his fourth 300-yard passing game of the 2003 season and his 317 yards represent the best single-game total ever by a Spartan quarterback against Illinois. Smoker's 15-yard TD toss to Jerramy Scott late in the second quarter gave Michigan State a 21-7 halftime lead over the Fighting Illini. He opened the fourth quarter with a 21-yard TD strike to Alexander and capped the next series with a 1-yard TD run. Smoker completed passes to nine different receivers while leading the Spartans to their fourth straight win.
He earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after completing 32-of-40 throws (.800) for 351 yards and two scores in Michigan State's 31-3 victory over Indiana. His 32 completions tied MSU's single-game record (John Leister vs. Michigan, 1982). He threw TD passes of 12 yards to Jason Randall and 31 yards to Jaren Hayes in the first half. Smoker, who completed 17-of-18 attempts during one stretch, also scored on a 2-yard keeper in the fourth quarter.
Smoker completed 28-of-44 throws for 218 yards and two scores to lead Michigan State to a 20-10 victory over No. 13 Iowa in the Big Ten opener. He connected on 11 of his first 12 attempts for 89 yards as the Spartans jumped out to a 14-0 lead. With his 17-yard touchdown strike to Ziehl Kavanaght at the 10:56 mark of the first quarter, Smoker became MSU's career leader with 47 TD passes, breaking the record he previously shared with Bill Burke (1996-99). He added his 48th career TD pass on the next series, a 7-yard toss to Eric Knott. With a career-best 28 completions against the Hawkeyes, Smoker became the Spartans' all-time leader with 478 career completions, breaking the mark previously held by Jim Miller (1990-93). With a career-high 44 attempts, he also moved to the top of the all-time charts with 818 career pass attempts, surpassing the record previously held by Ed Smith (1976-78).
Smoker recorded his third win in four career starts vs. Notre Dame, hitting 13-of-27 passes for 119 yards in a 22-16 victory. He became only the second quarterback in college football history to produce three victories over the Fighting Irish, joining Purdue's Mike Phipps (1967-69).
He completed 12-of-19 throws for 138 yards vs. Louisiana Tech before leaving the game midway through the second quarter with a toe injury.
Smoker hit 21-of-32 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Spartans to a 44-28 win over Rutgers. It marked Smoker's second straight 300-yard passing game. He equaled his career high with three TD passes vs. Rutgers, including scoring strikes of 51 and 27 yards to Hayes and 62 yards to Shabaj - all in the first half.
He completed 21-of-34 throws for 324 yards and three scores to lead Michigan State to a 26-21 victory over Western Michigan in the 2003 season opener. His three touchdown passes matched his career best, throwing scoring tosses of 50 and 21 yards to Shabaj and 59 yards to Kyle Brown in the first half. It marked Smoker's first start in a Spartan uniform since being suspended for the final five games of the 2002 season after admitting a substance abuse problem.
In the 2003 season opener, Smoker became MSU's career leader in total offense and passing yards. With his 59-yard TD strike to Brown in the second quarter vs. Western Michigan, he broke the record previously held by Ed Smith, who produced 5,556 total yards from 1976-78. With his 53-yard completion to Aaron Alexander on the first play of the fourth quarter against the Broncos, Smoker shattered the passing mark previously held by Dave Yarema, who threw for 5,809 yards from 1982-86.
Smoker already ranks as MSU's all-time leader in total offense (8,057 yards), passing yards (8,212), pass completions (619), pass attempts (1,030) and TD passes (55). The Manheim, Pa., native also is listed among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (sixth at .601). He stands seventh on the Big Ten's all-time passing chart with 8,212 career yards. Smoker, who has 21 career 200-yard passing games, has compiled a 20-14 record (.588) in 34 career starts. With 20 career wins under his belt, he ranks as the winningest quarterback in Spartan history.
Big Ten's All-Time Passing Leaders
Rank Player, School (Years) Career Passing Yards1. Drew Brees, Purdue (1997-200) 11,792 2. Chuck Long, Iowa (1981-85) 10,461 3. Mark Herrmann, Purdue (1977-80) 9,946 4. Jack Trudeau, Illinois (1981, 1983-85) 8,723 5. Kurt Kittner, Illinois (1998-2001) 8,722 6. John Navarre, Michigan (2000-03) 8,4177. Jeff Smoker, Michigan State (2000-03) 8,212
SMOKER SPREADS THE BALL AROUND -
A key to Jeff Smoker's throwing success in 2003 has been his ability to utilize all of the weapons at his disposal in Michigan State's spread offense. Seven Spartans have at least 16 receptions, including four wide outs, two tight ends and one running back. Six receivers - Agim Shabaj (52 for 652 yards), Jaren Hayes (45 for 405), Matt Trannon (28 for 259), Aaron Alexander (26 for 330), Eric Knott (23 for 249) and Kyle Brown (20 for 283) - have at least 20 catches.
SHABAJ BECOMES KEY WEAPON IN SPARTAN OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK -
Sophomore wide receiver Agim Shabaj leads the team in receptions with 52 for 652 yards and five touchdowns. Shabaj ranks fifth in the Big Ten in catches (5.2 per game) and sixth in receiving yards (65.2 per game).
He has paced the Spartans in receptions in five of the first 10 games, including a career-best nine grabs for 78 yards vs. Ohio State. His 22-yard TD reception from Jeff Smoker gave the Spartans a 7-0 lead over the Buckeyes.
Shabaj also caught nine passes for 62 yards vs. Iowa.
The 5-foot-10, 194-pound Shabaj caught four passes for 106 yards (26.5 avg.) vs. Michigan, including a 73-yard scoring pass from Smoker.
Shabaj had six receptions each vs. Minnesota (61 yards) and Louisiana Tech (69).
He posted the first 100-yard receiving game of his career vs. Rutgers, with seven catches for a career-best 145 yards (20.7 avg.). Against the Scarlet Knights, Shabaj scored his third TD of the season on a 62-yard strike from Smoker in the first quarter.
He had six receptions for 89 yards in the 2003 season opener vs. Western Michigan, including TD grabs of 50 and 21 yards from Smoker.
The Farmington Hills, Mich., native appeared in only six games as a true freshman in 2002 and managed six catches for 45 yards.
"TURBO" COBB: A TRULY SPECIAL RETURN MAN -
DeAndra "Turbo" Cobb leads the Big Ten and ranks 10th in the NCAA in kickoff returns with his 27.9-yard average.
Cobb returned five kickoffs for 167 yards (33.4 avg.) vs. Ohio State, including a 93-yard runback for a touchdown in the third quarter. It marked the first kickoff return for a TD allowed by the Buckeyes since 1984 when Michigan State's Larry Jackson returned a kick 93 yards. Cobb set a Spartan single-season record with his third runback for a score, breaking the mark (two TDs) previously shared by Herb Haygood (2001), Derrick Mason (1995) and Derek Hughes (1979). His three kickoff returns for TDs also tied the NCAA I-A single-season record shared by Texas A&M's Leeland McElroy (1993), New Mexico's Terance Mathis (1989), Tennessee's Willie Gault (1980), Southern Cal's Anthony Davis (1974), Purdue's Stan Brown (1970) and San Francisco's Forrest Hall (1946).
The 5-foot-10, 186-pound Cobb also scored on kickoff returns of 100 yards vs. Minnesota and 94 yards vs. Rutgers. His 100-yard runback against Minnesota tied the Spartan record for longest return (Herb Haygood vs. Iowa, 2001; Derrick Mason vs. LSU, 1995, and Penn State, 1994; and Derek Hughes vs. Oregon, 1979).
Cobb earned the nickname "Turbo" prior to his first football practice as a 9-year-old Pop Warner player in Las Vegas. His coach instructed the players to make a lap around a tree near the practice field and when Cobb returned first, the coach informed "Turbo" that he should lineup at running back.
 Jaren Hayes' 45 catches represent the top single-season total for a running back in Spartan history. | |
HAYES SHOWCASES ALL-PURPOSE SKILLS -
Sophomore Jaren Hayes leads the Spartans in rushing yards (581 yards on 133 carries), all-purpose yards (993; ninth in the Big Ten at 99.3 yards per game) and touchdowns (8 total). The 5-foot-9, 184-pound running back also has emerged as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield, with 45 receptions for 405 yards (9.0 avg.) and three scores.
His 45 catches represent the top single-season total for a running back in Spartan history. In 1994, fullback Scott Greene led the team in receptions with 42 for 452 yards (10.8 avg.) and three TDs.
Hayes accounted for 100 all-purpose yards in seven straight games, including 103 yards vs. Minnesota. He gained 65 yards on 13 carries vs. Minnesota, scoring twice in the first quarter on runs of 11 and 6 yards. Hayes also caught a career-best eight passes for 38 yards against the Golden Gophers.
He compiled 111 all-purpose yards (56 rushing and 55 receiving) vs. Illinois.
He produced 104 all-purpose yards vs. Indiana, including six receptions for 49 yards. His 31-yard touchdown catch from Jeff Smoker gave the Spartans a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter.
Hayes contributed 107 all-purpose yards in Michigan State's 20-10 victory over No. 13 Iowa, including seven catches for 51 yards.
He recorded his second straight 100-yard rushing game vs. Notre Dame, picking up 109 yards on 19 carries. His 71-yard touchdown run with 5:25 left in the third quarter against the Irish gave the Spartans the lead for good at 13-6.
Hayes accounted for a career-high 198 all-purpose yards vs. Louisiana Tech. Hayes posted personal bests against the Bulldogs, with 140 yards on 30 attempts. He scored Michigan State's first rushing touchdown of the 2003 season in the first quarter vs. Louisiana Tech, a 2-yard run off left tackle. Hayes also had five catches for 58 yards.
He had six receptions for a career-high 96 yards and two touchdowns in MSU's 44-28 victory over Rutgers. It marked the most productive receiving game by a Spartan back since Scott Greene had eight catches for 93 yards vs. Penn State in 1994.
Hayes caught his first career TD pass in the first quarter vs. Rutgers, scoring on a 51-yard completion from Jeff Smoker on a wheel route. He also turned a screen pass from Smoker into a 27-yard scoring play in the second quarter as the Spartans took the lead for good at 28-21 over the Scarlet Knights.
In 12 games as a true freshman in 2002, Hayes had only four catches for 16 yards.
 Dave Rayner, who ranks among the NCAA leaders in field goals (third at 2.1 made per game) and scoring (10th at 9.4 points per game), has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award. His 21 field goals rank as the second-best single-season total in Spartan history. | |
RAYNER NAMED LOU GROZA AWARD SEMIFINALIST -
Junior placekicker Dave Rayner, who ranks among the NCAA leaders in field goals (third at 2.1 made per game) and scoring (10th at 9.4 points per game), has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award. Rayner leads the team in scoring with 94 points, hitting 21-of-26 field-goal attempts (.808) and 31-of-32 extra-point tries (.969). His 21 field goals rank as the second-best single-season total in Spartan history, trailing only All-American Paul Edinger who made 22 in 1998.
Thirty-five of his 64 kickoffs (55 percent) have resulted in touchbacks in 2003.
The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Rayner earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors after accounting for 14 points in Michigan State's 44-38 victory at No. 25 Minnesota. Rayner, who was perfect on three field-goal and five extra-point attempts, also was named one of the Lou Groza Award's Top Three Stars for Week 8. He connected on field goals from 46, 50 and 52 yards. In addition, Rayner averaged 43.0 yards on two punts vs. Minnesota, with both kicks downed inside the Golden Gopher 10.
He made three field goals each vs. Notre Dame (51, 30 and 30 yards) and Rutgers (38, 30, 24). Rayner produced four field goals (seven attempts) vs. Louisiana Tech (51, 49, 37 and 30) - tying his career best.
A native of Oxford, Mich., Rayner already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in extra points made (fourth with 100), field goals made (sixth with 39) and scoring (seventh with 218 career points).
FIELDS NAMED SI MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN -
Red-shirt freshman Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 4 nationally in punting with his 46.2-yard average, has been named a Midseason All-American by SI.com. Fields has hit 16 punts 50 or more yards and had another 15 kicks downed inside the opponent's 20.
Fields averaged 49.4 yards on five punts vs. Minnesota, including a 69-yarder in the second quarter that was downed at the Golden Gopher 9.
He averaged 48.6 yards on a season-best nine punts vs. Iowa, including a 71-yarder in the fourth quarter. Fields also pinned the Hawkeyes back inside their 20-yard line twice.
The 6-foot-5, 219-pound Fields has earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors twice in 2003 (vs. Notre Dame and Rutgers). He averaged 53.8 yards on five punts vs. Notre Dame, including three kicks downed inside the Irish 20. Fields produced the fifth longest punt in Spartan history vs. Notre Dame, a 79-yarder in the second quarter.
He averaged 52.3 yards on six punts vs. Rutgers, including a 74-yarder in the second quarter. The Toledo, Ohio, native also pinned the Scarlet Knights back inside their 20-yard line three times.
GOEBEL EARNS "GORDIE LOCKBAUM" LABEL -
Senior Mark Goebel, who saw action on offense, defense and special teams in Michigan State's 20-10 victory over No. 13 Iowa, has been nicknamed "Gordie Lockbaum" by the Spartan coaching staff. Lockbaum earned national recognition as a two-way player (wide receiver and defensive back) at Holy Cross, finishing third in balloting for the Heisman Trophy in 1987, behind Notre Dame's Tim Brown and Syracuse's Don McPherson.
The 6-foot-2, 228-pound linebacker was thrust into the lineup after Ronald Stanley suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter against Iowa. Goebel played a total of 76 snaps, including 47 on defense where he produced a career-high eight tackles (5 solos, 3 assists), including his first sack (5 yards). He also played six downs on offense as the fullback in Michigan State's "Thunder" package and 23 snaps on special teams.
SMITH NAMED SI COACH OF THE FIRST HALF -
Thanks to his team's 6-1 start in 2003, Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith earned Coach of the First Half honors from SI.com. It took the Spartans just six games to exceed their 2002 win total (4-8). With its 3-0 Big Ten start, Michigan State posted more league wins than it totaled a year ago (2-6; tied for eigth place).
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 71-16-1 (.813) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-59-1 (.185) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 14-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 84-75-2 (.528).
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER SMITH - Here's how Michigan State has fared under first-year head coach John L. Smith:
2003Games played in Spartan Stadium: 4-2Games played on the road/neutral site: 3-1
When leading at halftime: 6-1When trailing at halftime: 0-2When tied at halftime: 1-0
When scoring first: 6-2When opponent scores first: 1-1
When leading after first quarter: 4-1When trailing after first quarter: 1-0When tied after first quarter: 2-2
When leading after three quarters: 7-1When trailing after three quarters: 0-2When tied after three quarters: 0-0
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 4-0When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 2-3When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 1-0
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 0-0When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 0-1
When outrushing opponent: 4-2When being outrushed by opponent: 3-1
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 6-2When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 5-3
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 4-0When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 3-3
When leading in time of possession: 3-1When trailing in time of possession: 4-2
