Spartan Football Faces Penn State In Regular-Season Finale
11/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 19, 2003
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DATE: Nov. 22, 2003
SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 12:02 p.m. EST
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 72,027 (sellout expected)
LAST WEEK: No. 21 Michigan State lost at Wisconsin, 56-21; Penn State defeated Indiana, 52-7.
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 - ESPN will televise the Michigan State-Penn State game live to a national audience, with Mark Jones handling the play-by-play, Bob Davie providing color commentary and Holly Rowe serving as the sideline reporter.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 7-4 (.636) in his first year with the Spartans and 117-64 (.646) 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.
Penn State's Joe Paterno (Brown 1950) is 339-108-3 (.757) in his 38th year as a college head coach, all with the Nittany Lions. The four-time National Coach of the Year is in his 53rd season on the Penn State staff. Paterno is one of just nine coaches in NCAA history to record 300 wins (five in I-A), reaching the milestone faster than anyone (380 games). He has led the Nittany Lions to five undefeated seasons, two national championships (1982 and '86) and 20 bowl victories.
2003 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 30 WESTERN MICHIGAN (ESPN Plus) W, 26-21 Sept. 6 RUTGERS (ESPN Plus) W, 44-28 Sept. 13 LOUISIANA TECH (ESPN Plus) L, 19-20 Sept. 20 at Notre Dame (NBC) W, 22-16 Sept. 27 IOWA (ESPN Plus) W, 20-10 Oct. 4 INDIANA (ESPN Plus) W, 31-3 Oct. 11 at Illinois (ESPN2) W, 49-14 Oct. 18 at Minnesota (ESPN2) W, 44-38 Nov. 1 MICHIGAN (ABC) L, 20-27 Nov. 8 at Ohio State (ABC) L, 23-33 Nov. 15 at Wisconsin (ESPN2) L, 21-56 Nov. 22 PENN STATE (ESPN) 12:02 p.m. EST
PENN STATE (3-8, 1-6 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 30 TEMPLE W, 23-10 Sept. 6 BOSTON COLLEGE L, 14-27 Sept. 13 at Nebraska L, 10-18 Sept. 20 KENT STATE W, 32-10 Sept. 27 MINNESOTA L, 14-20 Oct. 4 WISCONSIN L, 23-30 Oct. 11 at Purdue L, 14-28 Oct. 25 at Iowa L, 14-26 Nov. 1 OHIO STATE L, 20-21 Nov. 8 at Northwestern L, 7-17 Nov. 15 INDIANA W, 52-7 Nov. 22 at Michigan State 12:02 p.m. EST
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Penn StateBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 Multiple Offensive Starters Returning 6 5 Defensive Starters Returning 8 6 Specialists Returning 2 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Penn StateOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 296 6-4, 294 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-2, 207 6-1, 213 Defensive Line 6-5, 278 6-4, 270 Linebackers 6-1, 245 6-2, 235 Defensive Backs 5-11, 189 6-1, 194
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 5 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Penn State Offense: 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 3 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Penn State Defense: 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 11 games):
Rushing - Jaren Hayes (139 carries for 596 yards, 4.3 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Jeff Smoker (252 of 399 for 2882 yards, 17 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving - Agim Shabaj (53 catches for 661 yards, 12.5 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles - Ronald Stanley (90 tackles, 48 solos, 42 assists, 6 for losses) and Jason Harmon (90 tackles, 50 solos, 40 assists, 2 interceptions)
Penn State (after 11 games):
Rushing - Austin Scott (98 carries for 436 yards, 4.4 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Zack Mills (125 of 227 for 1290 yards, 6 TDs, 5 INTs)
Receiving - Maurice Humphrey (30 catches for 410 yards, 13.7 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Gino Capone (100 tackles, 49 solos, 51 assists)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Penn StateScoring 29.0 20.3 First Downs 19.9 18.2 Total Offense 375.1 320.2 Rushing Yards 102.6 128.1 Passing Yards 272.5 192.1 Time of Possession 28:40 27:14 Third Down Conversions .364 .384 Points Allowed 24.2 19.5 Total Offense Allowed 392.0 352.1 Rushing Yards Allowed 121.6 217.3 Passing Yards Allowed 270.4 134.8
MSU/PENN STATE SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 21st meeting between Michigan State and Penn State. The Spartans lead the all-time series 10-9-1, including a 6-3 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. Penn State has won three in a row and eight of the last 10 meetings. The home team has won six of the last seven games. Michigan State's last win in the series came on Nov. 20, 1999, 35-28, in Spartan Stadium. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 188 in the 2003 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 23, 2002, in State College, Pa.: Larry Johnson rushed for 279 yards and four touchdowns - all in the first half - to lead Penn State to a 61-7 triumph over Michigan State. Johnson became the first Penn State running back and only the ninth player in NCAA I-A history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. The 61 points marked the most allowed by Michigan State since a 63-0 loss to Michigan in 1922. A Spartan fumble set up Penn State's first score, an 11-yard run by Johnson with 10:19 left in the first quarter. Zack Mills capped a nine-play, 75-yard drive with a 5-yard TD run as the Nittany Lions jumped out to a 14-0 lead with 5:59 remaining in the first quarter. Penn State scored 34 points in the second quarter to break the game open. Bryant Johnson scored twice in the second quarter, returning a punt 81 yards and catching a 41-yard strike from Mills. Larry Johnson scored on runs of 78, 11 and 38 yards in the second quarter. The Nittany Lions produced 17 first downs and 400 total yards in the first half en route to a 48-0 halftime advantage. Michigan State took the second-half kickoff and a 12-play, 80-yard drive resulted in Jaren Hayes' 9-yard TD run, ending Penn State's bid for a shutout. Hayes produced the first 100-yard rushing game of his career, picking up 113 yards on 23 carries.
THE LAST MEETING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Nov. 24, 2001, in East Lansing, Mich.: Zack Mills came off the bench to throw for 240 yards and a touchdown plus ran for another score as Penn State rallied from a 17-point deficit for a 42-37 victory over Michigan State. The Nittany Lions took the opening kickoff and drove 80 yards in five plays to take a 7-0 lead as Matt Senneca scored on a 3-yard run. Michigan State responded by scoring on its first five possessions. The Spartans built a 24-7 lead on Dave Rayner's 27-yard field goal, Jeff Smoker's 59-yard strike to Charles Rogers, Damon Dowdell's 1-yard run and Little John Flower's 9-yard jaunt. Penn State pulled to within 24-14 on Eric McCoo's 2-yard TD run with 7:18 left in the second quarter. Michigan State answered on its next series as Smoker again hooked up with Rogers, completing a 47-yard bomb, to give the Spartans a 31-14 lead. McCoo capped a 12-play, 80-yard drive with 2-yard TD run as Penn State closed to within 10 at halftime, 31-21. Michigan State opened the second half with a 10-play, 63-yard drive but came away empty-handed as Rayner's 35-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide right. The Nittany Lions scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to turn its 10-point deficit into a 42-31 lead. R.J. Luke scored on a 64-yard toss from Mills and Penn State took its first lead at 35-31 on McCoo's third TD run, another 2-yarder, with 1:54 left in the third quarter. A Michigan State fumble on its next series set up Penn State's final score, a 1-yard sneak by Mills with 0:40 remaining in the third quarter. The Spartans got back into the game midway through the fourth quarter on Smoker's third TD pass, a 2-yard flip to Chris Baker. Michigan State drove inside the Penn State 30-yard line twice in the final eight minutes but turned the ball over on downs each time. The Spartans lost despite outgaining Penn State in total yards, 542-400.
BATTLE FOR THE LAND-GRANT TROPHY -
Since the renewal of the series in 1993, the winner of the Michigan State-Penn State game has been presented the Land-Grant Trophy. The trophy honors the two universities' unique places in history as the two pioneer land-grant schools in the nation. Each institution was founded in 1855, Michigan State on Feb. 12 and Penn State on Feb. 22. The schools were the prototypes after which the land-grant system was patterned. The trophy features pictures of campus landmarks, Michigan State's Beaumont Tower and Penn State's Old Main, plus replicas of the Spartan and Nittany Lion. Since 1993, Penn State leads the series 8-2.
SPARTANS FROM THE KEYSTONE STATE -
Michigan State's 2003 roster features three players from Pennsylvania, including sophomore defensive end Michael Bazemore (Philadelphia/West Catholic), sophomore running back Jaren Hayes (Lebanon/Cedar Crest) and senior quarterback Jeff Smoker (Manheim/Manheim Central).
 Sixteen seniors will make their final appearance in Spartan Stadium Saturday vs. Penn State, including wide receiver Ziehl Kavanaght.  | |
SENIORS BID FAREWELL -
Sixteen seniors will make their final appearance in Spartan Stadium Saturday vs. Penn State. This senior class has helped Michigan State to a combined record of 23-23 (.500) since 2000, including a 44-35 victory over No. 20 Fresno State in the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic.
The Class of 2003 includes placekicker Mark Bojovic (Warren, Mich.), offensive guard Joe Brooks (Milwaukee, Wis.), linebacker Mark Goebel (Milford, Mich.), offensive guard Paul Harker (Dayton, Ohio), wide receiver Ziehl Kavanaght (Brossard, Quebec), linebacker Mike Labinjo (Toronto, Ontario), cornerback Jeremiah McLaurin (Saginaw, Mich.), offensive lineman DeMarco Monroe (Evansville, Ind.), defensive lineman Luc Mullinder (Mississauga, Ontario), snapper Andrew Petterson (Denver, Colo.), defensive tackle Kyle Rasmussen (Hadley, Mich.), quarterback Jeff Smoker (Manheim, Pa.), offensive tackle Steve Stewart (Sandusky, Ohio), defensive end Greg Taplin (Hollywood, Fla.), offensive guard Joe Tate (Southfield, Mich.) and linebacker Monquiz Wedlow (Saginaw, Mich.).
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 seven games, Michigan State has outscored its Big Ten opponents, 52-17, in the first quarter.
INJURY REPORT -
OUT: WR Samuel Champagne (shoulder vs. Louisiana Tech; DNP vs. Notre Dame, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin); P Jason Daily (ankle in Aug. 19 practice; DNP vs. Western Michigan, Rutgers, Louisiana Tech, Notre Dame, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin); LB Mitch Herrema (knee vs. Iowa; out for the season); WR Dave Lesmeister (fractured clavicle in Oct. 29 practice; out for the season); DT Brandon McKinney (foot - stress reaction; out for the season); SS Eric Smith (knee in Nov. 13 practice; out for the season); OT Stefon Wheeler (neck vs. Ohio State; DNP vs. Wisconsin); DT Greg Yeaster (knee vs. Michigan; out for the season). QUESTIONABLE: OT Gordon Niebylski (sprained knee 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 102.6 11th 109thPassing Offense 272.5 1st 24thTotal Offense 375.1 5th 64thScoring Offense 29.0 4th t-44thRushing Defense 121.6 4th 26thPassing Defense 270.4 11th t-106thPass Efficiency Defense 131.9 8th 82ndTotal Defense 392.0 8th 72ndScoring Defense 24.2 8th 55thTurnover Margin +1.18 t-1st t-6thNet Punting 40.2 2nd 10thPunt Returns 7.1 10th 99thKickoff Returns 23.5 1st 20th
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 102.6 yards per game
Passing Offense: 24th at 272.5 yards per game
Passing Efficiency: 49th at 131.4 rating
Total Offense: 64th at 375.1 yards per game
Scoring Offense: t-44th at 29.0 points per game
Rushing Defense: 26th at 121.6 yards per game
Passing Defense: t-106th at 270.4 yards per game
Pass Efficiency Defense: 82nd at 131.9 rating
Total Defense: 72nd at 392.0 yards per game
Scoring Defense: 55th at 24.2 points per game
Turnover Margin: t-6th at +1.18 turnovers per game
Net Punting: 10th at 40.2 yards per punt
Punt Returns: 99th at 7.1 yards per return
Kickoff Returns: 20th at 23.5 yards per return
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Jeff Smoker (45th at 132.9 rating)
Total Offense: Jeff Smoker (29th at 253.5 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (5th at 45.8 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: DeAndra Cobb (10th at 27.2 yards per return)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (t-7th at 1.9 made per game)
Scoring: Dave Rayner (t-18th at 8.8 points per game)
Points Responsible For: Jeff Smoker (t-44th at 10.9 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 11 games in 2003, Michigan State has committed just 14 turnovers - the NCAA's 10th-lowest total (tied with Kentucky, San Jose State and South Carolina). The Spartans have lost just three fumbles - the NCAA's best mark (tied with Georgia).
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 nearly 30 percent of its scoring off turnovers in 2003 (8.2 points per game). The Spartans lead the Big Ten (tied with Purdue) and rank sixth in the NCAA in turnover margin (+13 overall). Michigan State has parlayed 27 takeaways into 90 points, while its opponents have converted 14 Spartan miscues into 45 points.
The Spartans have forced at least one turnover in all 11 games. Michigan State has failed to produce points off turnovers twice this season - in back-to-back games vs. Ohio State and Wisconsin.
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) -@ Wisconsin 1 (fumble) -Totals 27 (14 interceptions, 13 fumbles) 90
Opponent 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) 7@ Wisconsin 3 (2 interceptions, fumble) 14Totals 14 (11 interceptions, 3 fumbles) 45
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 11 games in 2003, Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten (fourth) and NCAA (26th) leaders in rushing defense, allowing only 121.6 yards per game. Opposing ball carriers are averaging just 3.1 yards per rush. In addition, the Spartans have permitted just seven rushing touchdowns.
MSU's last eight opponents have eclipsed the century mark, including Wisconsin (39 rushes for 245 yards), Ohio State (49 for 182), 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 four running backs have posted 100-yard games against the Spartans this season, including Michigan's Chris Perry (school-record 51 carries for 219 yards), Wisconsin's Dwayne Smith (21 for 207), 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. 26 nationally in rushing defense (121.6 yards allowed per game), thanks largely to its relentless pass rush. Through 11 games in 2003, the Spartans have produced a Big Ten-best 40 sacks for 270 yards. Michigan State ranks second in the NCAA in sacks, trailing only Kansas State (44 for 316). By comparison, the Spartans 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 each vs. Wisconsin (13) and Illinois (13).
SMOKER NAMED DAVEY O'BRIEN AWARD SEMIFINALIST -
Senior Jeff Smoker, who leads the Big Ten in passing (262.0 yards per game) and total offense (253.5 ypg.), has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. Smoker ranks second in the conference in touchdown passes (17; tied with Minnesota's Asad Abdul-Khaliq) and fourth in passing efficiency (132.9 rating). His 252 pass completions, 399 pass attempts and 2,882 passing yards all represent the top single-season totals in Spartan history.
In Big Ten games, Smoker has completed 64 percent (185-287) of his throws for 1,950 yards (290.5 ypg.), 11 TDs and five interceptions (better than a 2-to-1 ratio).
The 6-foot-3, 224-pound Smoker recorded his seventh straight 200-yard passing game vs. Wisconsin, completing 16-of-31 passes for 207 yards and two TDs. He completed scoring strikes of 21 yards to Kyle Brown and 30 yards to Aaron Alexander.
He 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 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 (8,223 yards), passing yards (8,419), pass completions (635), pass attempts (1,061) and TD passes (57). The Manheim, Pa., native also is listed among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (sixth at .598). He stands seventh on the Big Ten's all-time passing chart with 8,419 career yards. Smoker, who has school-record 22 career 200-yard passing games, has compiled a 20-15 record (.571) in 35 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) 8,7057. Jeff Smoker, Michigan State (2000-03) 8,419
 Six receivers have at least 20 catches in 2003, including Kyle Brown (22 for 314 yards). | |
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 19 receptions, including four wide outs, two tight ends and one running back. Six receivers - Agim Shabaj (53 for 661 yards), Jaren Hayes (47 for 420), Aaron Alexander (28 for 373), Matt Trannon (28 for 259), Eric Knott (25 for 268) and Kyle Brown (22 for 314) - have at least 20 catches.
ALEXANDER FINDS A HOME AT WIDE RECEIVER -
Sophomore Aaron Alexander ranks third (tied with Matt Trannon) on the team in receptions with 28 for 373 yards (13.3 avg.) and three scores. In his last six games, Alexander has 22 catches for 276 yards and three touchdowns.
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Alexander caught four passes for 47 yards vs. Ohio State, including a 19-yard TD grab from Jeff Smoker late in the fourth quarter. He had a career-best five receptions each vs. Minnesota (60 yards) and Indiana (38).
The Richmond, Va., native made the transition from quarterback to wide receiver after five practices last spring. Alexander concluded the 2002 season listed No. 2 on the depth chart at quarterback, behind Damon Dowdell.
SHABAJ BECOMES KEY WEAPON IN SPARTAN OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK -
Sophomore wide receiver Agim Shabaj leads the team in receptions with 53 for 661 yards and five touchdowns. Shabaj ranks sixth in the Big Ten in catches (4.8 per game) and eighth in receiving yards (60.1 per game).
He has paced the Spartans in receptions in five of the 11 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.
HAYES SHOWCASES ALL-PURPOSE SKILLS -
Sophomore Jaren Hayes leads the Spartans in rushing yards (596 yards on 139 carries), all-purpose yards (1,057; 10th in the Big Ten at 96.1 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 47 receptions for 420 yards (8.9 avg.) and three scores.
His 47 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.
MSU Single-Season Leaders - Receptions By A Running Back
Rank Player (Year) Reception-Yards1. Jaren Hayes (2003) 47-4202. Scott Greene (1994) 42-452 3. Sedrick Irvin (1997) 40-346 4. Sedrick Irvin (1996) 40-337
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.
 Sophomore linebacker Seth Mitchell has posted double figures in tackles five times in 2003, including the last four games in a row. | |
MITCHELL MIGHTY TOUGH DOWN THE STRETCH -
Sophomore linebacker Seth Mitchell leads the Spartan defense with 146 production points while ranking third in tackles with 85 (51 solos, 34 assists). In Big Ten play, Mitchell has produced a team-best 75 tackles (10.7 per game). He has posted double figures in tackles five times in 2003, including the last four games in a row.
The 6-foot-2, 249-pound Mitchell registered 15 stops each vs. Wisconsin and Michigan. He recorded a career-high 17 tackles vs. Ohio State, including two for losses (6 yards). Mitchell contributed 10 tackles vs. Minnesota, including three stops behind the line of scrimmage (11 yards). The Brandywine, Md., native reached double digits for the first time in his career vs. Indiana, recording 11 tackles including a 6-yard sack.
His 21-yard fumble return vs. Iowa in the second quarter set up a field goal.
Mitchell's productivity is even more impressive when you consider that he missed two games early in the 2003 season with a sore knee (DNP vs. Western Michigan and Louisiana Tech).
"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 27.2-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.
RAYNER NAMED LOU GROZA AWARD SEMIFINALIST -
Junior placekicker Dave Rayner, a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, ranks among the NCAA leaders in field goals (seventh at 1.9 made per game) and scoring (18th at 8.8 points per game). Rayner leads the team in scoring with 97 points, hitting 21-of-26 field-goal attempts (.808) and 34-of-35 extra-point tries (.971). 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.
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.
Thirty-five of his 67 kickoffs (52 percent) have resulted in touchbacks in 2003.
A native of Oxford, Mich., Rayner already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in extra points made (fourth with 103), field goals made (sixth with 39) and scoring (seventh with 221 career points).
FIELDS NAMED SI MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN -
Red-shirt freshman Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 5 nationally in punting with his 45.8-yard average, has been named a Midseason All-American by SI.com. Fields has hit 16 punts 50 or more yards and had another 16 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.
FIVE SPARTANS EARN ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONORS -
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 earned Academic All-District IV honors as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Harker has been named to the Academic All-District IV First Team while Brown, Morris, Rasmussen and Yeaster received Second Team recognition.
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.
As an Academic All-District First Team selection, Harker's name now appears on the national ballot for Academic All-America honors (released Dec. 1).
Academic All-District IV Selections
Name Major (GPA)First TeamPaul Harker interdisciplinary studies - human resources (3.24) Second Team Kyle Brown no-preference (3.52) Chris Morris finance (3.29) Kyle Rasmussen engineering arts (3.50) Greg Yeaster mechanical engineering (3.31)
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 eighth place).
PLAYING IN FRONT OF A FULL HOUSE -
Michigan State has played before a sellout crowd in 40 of its last 45 home games, including the last 32 in a row. The Spartans have ranked among the NCAA's top 20 in attendance each of the last 47 years, including 19th in 2002, averaging 73,942 fans per game.
SPARTANS TOUGH ON HOME TURF -
Spartan Stadium is in its 80th season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 295-126-13 (.695) 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 71-16-1 (.813) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-60-1 (.182) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 14-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 84-76-2 (.525).
