Michigan State University Athletics
Big Ten Title Hopes On The Line When Spartans Visit No. 7 Ohio State
11/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 7, 2003
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DATE: Nov. 8, 2003
SITE: Ohio Stadium (101,568/Prescription Athletic Turf), Columbus, Ohio
KICKOFF: 12:07 p.m. EST
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 104,000 plus (sold out)
LAST WEEK: No. 9 Michigan State lost to No. 11 Michigan, 27-20; No. 8 Ohio State won at Penn State, 21-20.
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 - ABC Sports will televise the Michigan State-Ohio State game live on a regional basis, with Brad Nessler handling the play-by-play, Bob Griese providing color commentary and Lynn Swann serving as the sideline reporter.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 7-2 (.778) in his first year with the Spartans and 117-62 (.654) 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.
Ohio State's Jim Tressel (Baldwin Wallace 1975) is 29-6 (.829) in his third year with the Buckeyes and 164-63-2 (.721) in 18 seasons as a college head coach. In 2002, Tressel led the Buckeyes to the national championship with a perfect 14-0 record, including a 31-24 double-overtime victory over Miami (Fla.) in the Fiesta Bowl. He previously served as head coach at Youngstown State for 15 seasons where he compiled a 135-57-2 ledger (.701), while winning four NCAA I-AA national titles (1991, '93, '94 and '97). From 1983-85, Tressel worked as an assistant coach at Ohio State under Earle Bruce.
2003 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (7-2, 4-1 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) 12:07 p.m. ESTNov. 15 at Wisconsin (ESPN or ABC) 12:00 or 3:30 p.m. ESTNov. 22 PENN STATE TBA
OHIO STATE (8-1, 4-1 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 30 WASHINGTON W, 28-9Sept. 6 SAN DIEGO STATE W, 16-13Sept. 13 NORTH CAROLINA STATE W, 44-38Sept. 20 BOWLING GREEN W, 24-17Sept. 27 NORTHWESTERN W, 20-0Oct. 11 at Wisconsin L, 10-17Oct. 18 IOWA W, 19-10Oct. 25 at Indiana W, 35-6Nov. 1 at Penn State W, 21-20Nov. 8 MICHIGAN STATE 12:07 p.m. ESTNov. 15 PURDUE 12:00 or 3:30 p.m. ESTNov. 22 at Michigan 12:10 p.m. EST
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Ohio StateBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 11 Defensive Starters Returning 8 6 Specialists Returning 2 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Ohio StateOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 296 6-4, 305 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-2, 207 6-3, 220 Defensive Line 6-5, 278 6-4, 275 Linebackers 6-0, 230 6-2, 232 Defensive Backs 6-0, 194 6-2, 196
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 1 junior, 6 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 4 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores
Ohio State Offense: 8 seniors, 1 junior, 2 sophomores
Ohio State Defense: 5 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after nine games):
Rushing - Jaren Hayes (129 carries for 586 yards, 4.5 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Jeff Smoker (201 of 313 for 2324 yards, 13 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving - Agim Shabaj (43 catches for 574 yards, 13.3 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Ronald Stanley (77 tackles, 41 solos, 36 assists, 6 for losses)
Ohio State (after nine games):
Rushing - Lydell Ross (117 carries for 518 yards, 4.4 avg., 9 TDs)
Passing - Craig Krenzel (95 of 169 for 1191 yards, 6 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving - Michael Jenkins (33 catches for 433 yards, 13.1 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles - A.J. Hawk (77 tackles, 38 solos, 39 assists, 11 for losses)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Ohio StateScoring 30.6 24.1 First Downs 20.1 16.1 Total Offense 382.0 316.9 Rushing Yards 114.3 125.6 Passing Yards 267.7 191.3 Time of Possession 28:52 30:20 Third Down Conversions .348 .339 Points Allowed 19.7 14.4 Total Offense Allowed 365.2 255.6 Rushing Yards Allowed 101.2 49.4 Passing Yards Allowed 264.0 206.1
MSU/OHIO STATE SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 34th meeting between Michigan State and Ohio State. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 21-12, including an 11-7 record in games played in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan State has won two of the last three meetings, including a 23-7 victory in Spartan Stadium in 1999 and a 28-24 upset win over the top-ranked Buckeyes in Columbus in 1998. The Buckeyes have won eight of the last 10 meetings in Ohio 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. 4, 2000, in Columbus, Ohio: Derek Combs rushed for a career-high 153 yards and a touchdown while No. 16 Ohio State's defense forced four turnovers and held Michigan State to 211 total yards in the Buckeyes' 27-13 victory in Columbus. The Spartans took the opening kickoff and drove 65 yards in nine plays, with Little John Flowers scoring his first career TD on a 1-yard run with 10:56 left in the first quarter. Ohio State answered with a 12-play, 51-yard scoring drive to cut the deficit to 7-3 on a 47-yard field goal by Dan Stultz. Michigan State moved out to a 13-3 lead as Jeff Smoker capped a 12-play, 70-yard drive with a 6-yard TD run around left end with 2:23 left in the first quarter. Ohio State's defense provided the next score as Mike Doss returned a fumble 73 yards for a touchdown as the Buckeyes pulled to within 13-10 midway through the second quarter. Joe Cooper's interception led to another Stultz field goal, a 38-yarder with :01 left in the first half, as Ohio State tied the game at 13. Nate Clements' 20-yard punt return plus a personal-foul penalty against the Spartans set up Ohio State's go-ahead score, a 1-yard sneak by Steve Bellisari with 7:40 remaining in the third quarter. A muffed punt inside the Spartan 20 led to the Buckeyes' final points as Combs scored on a 9-yard run around right end with :24 left in the third quarter. Michigan State managed only five first downs and 66 total yards in the second half.
TURN BACK THE CLOCK -
Nov. 7, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio: Michigan State scored 19 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 28-24 upset victory over top-ranked and previously undefeated Ohio State in Columbus. It marked Michigan State's first win over a top-ranked team since beating Michigan in 1990. Ohio State scored on three of its first four possessions to take a 17-3 lead in the first quarter. The Spartans pulled to within 17-9 at the half, thanks to three first-half field goals by Paul Edinger, from 33, 43 and 22 yards. Ohio State's only second-half points came on Damon Moore's 73-yard interception return with 9:51 left in the third quarter as the Buckeyes built a 24-9 lead. The complexion of the game changed after the Spartans were stopped on their next offensive series and forced to punt. Michigan State caught a break when Craig Jarrett's 34-yard, line-drive punt hit Ohio State's Nate Clements and Scott Ernsberger recovered the free ball for the Spartans near midfield. Five plays later, Bill Burke threw a 23-yard touchdown strike to Lavaile Richardson as the Spartans pulled to within nine at 24-15 with 6:02 remaining in the third quarter. Michael Wiley fumbled on Ohio State's next possession, which led to another Edinger field goal, a 49-yarder, as the Spartans closed to within six at 24-18. Michigan State put together an eight-play, 92-yard drive and took its first lead of the game at 25-24 on Sedrick Irvin's 3-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter. Josh Shaw's 22-yard fumble return to the Ohio State 18 set up Edinger's school record-tying fifth field goal, from 42 yards. Trailing 28-24, Ohio State drove to the MSU 26 but on fourth-and-1 Joe Montgomery was stuffed for no gain by T.J. Turner and Courtney Ledyard. The Spartans produced only one first down on the next series and David Boston's 26-yard punt return gave Ohio State possession at its own 49 with 1:39 to play. Two-straight completions by Joe Germaine gave the Buckeyes a first down at the MSU 15. Cedric Henry broke up his next pass that was intended for Boston in the end zone. On second down, Germaine overthrew Boston and Renaldo Hill tipped away his third-down toss intended for Dee Miller in the end zone. On fourth-and-10, Hill iced the game by stepping in front of Miller on the goal line for an interception. Michigan State outgained Ohio State in total yards, 377-353, as the Spartans held the Big Ten's top-ranked offense to 159 yards below its season average.
MSU/OHIO STATE COACHING CONNECTIONS -
* Michigan State head coach John L. Smith is 0-1 lifetime vs. Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel, who previously served as head coach at Youngstown State for 15 seasons (1986-2000). Smith's 1993 Idaho team lost at Youngstown State, 35-16, in the NCAA I-AA semifinals. Youngstown State went on to win its second of four national championships under Tressel, defeating Marshall, 17-5, in the 1993 title game.
* Ohio State offensive coordinator Jim Bollman spent three years as offensive line coach at Michigan State (1995-97) under Nick Saban.
* Ohio State defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio served as defensive secondary coach at Michigan State for six years, working under Nick Saban (1995-99) and Bobby Williams (2000).
* Ohio State defensive backs coach Mel Tucker served as a graduate assistant at Michigan State under Nick Saban in 1997-98.
* Michigan State defensive line coach Steve Stripling and Ohio State linebackers coach Mark Snyder worked together at Minnesota from 1997-2000. Stripling served as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator under Glen Mason, while Snyder coached the defensive ends.
* Michigan State strength and conditioning coach Ken Mannie earned his master's degree from Ohio State in 1985 and served as a graduate assistant for the Buckeyes in '84.
MSU/OHIO STATE CONNECTIONS, PART II -
* Michigan State director of player development Dino Folino began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ohio State in 1974-75, working under legendary Coach Woody Hayes.
* Michigan State assistant athletics director/head athletic trainer Jeff Monroe graduated from Ohio State in 1972 with a degree in physical education. Monroe spent four years as a student trainer for the Buckeyes from 1969-72.
SPARTANS FROM THE BUCKEYE STATE -
Michigan State's 70-man travel roster features 11 players from Ohio: cornerback Darren Barnett (Cincinnati/Princeton), snapper Brian Bury (Marion/Harding), tight end Sean Clayton (Poland/Poland Seminary), punter Brandon Fields (Toledo/St. John's), offensive guard Paul Harker (Dayton/Chaminade-Julienne), free safety Jason Harmon (Ironton), linebacker David Herron Jr. (Warren/Warren G. Harding), defensive tackle Brandon McKinney (Dayton/Chaminade-Julienne), strong safety Eric Smith (Groveport/Groveport-Madison), offensive tackle Steve Stewart (Sandusky) and cornerback Ashton Watson (Huber Heights/Wayne).
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. 8 game vs. Ohio State:
Offense - RB Kris Bush<>< defense="" -="" dt="">Joe Toth
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 -
* 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 CHASING HISTORY -
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.
SPARTANS QUICK OUT OF THE GATE -
Through five games, Michigan State has outscored its Big Ten opponents, 45-0, in the first quarter.
UPSET SPECIALS -
Michigan State is 15-13 (.536) in its last 28 games against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, including a 9-3 record (.750) in games played in Spartan Stadium. Twelve of those 15 wins over ranked teams have come while Michigan State was unranked or ranked below its opponent. The Spartans are 2-1 vs. AP Top 25 teams in 2003, including victories over No. 13 Iowa (20-10) and No. 25 Minnesota (44-38) and a loss to No. 11 Michigan (27-20).
The Spartans were 3-22 (.120) in their previous 25 games against ranked teams before their current 15-13 run.
Here's a look at Michigan State's last 28 games against AP Top 25 teams:
Date Result (Associated Press Ranking) SiteNov. 1, 2003 No. 11 Michigan 27, No. 9 MSU 20 East LansingOct. 18, 2003 No. 15 MSU 44, No. 25 Minnesota 38 MinneapolisSept. 27, 2003 MSU 20, No. 13 Iowa 10 East LansingNov. 23, 2002 No. 15 Penn State 61, MSU 7 State CollegeNov. 2, 2002 No. 15 Michigan 49, MSU 3 Ann ArborOct. 12, 2002 No. 17 Iowa 44, MSU 16 Iowa CitySept. 21, 2002 No. 12 Notre Dame 21, MSU 17 East LansingDec. 31, 2001 MSU 44, No. 20 Fresno State 35 San JoseNov. 3, 2001 MSU 26, No. 6 Michigan 24 East LansingSept. 29, 2001 No. 16 Northwestern 27, No. 23 MSU 26 EvanstonSept. 22, 2001 MSU 17, No. 23 Notre Dame 10 South BendNov. 11, 2000 MSU 30, No. 9 Purdue 10 East LansingNov. 4, 2000 No. 16 Ohio State 27, MSU 13 ColumbusOct. 21, 2000 No. 16 Michigan 14, MSU 0 Ann ArborSept. 23, 2000 No. 23 MSU 27, No. 16 Notre Dame 21 East LansingJan. 1, 2000 No. 9 MSU 37, No. 10 Florida 34 OrlandoNov. 20, 1999 No. 15 MSU 35, No. 13 Penn State 28 East LansingNov. 6, 1999 No. 19 MSU 23, No. 20 Ohio State 7 East LansingOct. 23, 1999 No. 17 Wisconsin 40, No. 11 MSU 10 MadisonOct. 16, 1999 No. 20 Purdue 52, No. 5 MSU 28 West LafayetteOct. 9, 1999 No. 11 MSU 34, No. 3 Michigan 31 East LansingSept. 18, 1999 MSU 23, No. 24 Notre Dame 13 South BendNov. 28, 1998 No. 23 Penn State 51, MSU 28 State CollegeNov. 7, 1998 MSU 28, No. 1 Ohio State 24 ColumbusSept. 12, 1998 MSU 45, No. 10 Notre Dame 23 East LansingAug. 29, 1998 No. 15 Colorado State 23, No. 23 MSU 16 East LansingDec. 25, 1997 No. 21 Washington 51, No. 25 MSU 23 Aloha BowlNov. 29, 1997 MSU 49, No. 4 Penn State 14 East Lansing
INJURY REPORT -
OUT: WR Samuel Champagne (shoulder vs. Louisiana Tech; DNP vs. Notre Dame, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan); P Jason Daily (ankle in Aug. 19 practice; DNP vs. Western Michigan, Rutgers, Louisiana Tech, Notre Dame, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan); 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); DT Greg Yeaster (knee vs. Michigan; out for the season). QUESTIONABLE: SS Eric Smith (sprained shoulder vs. Michigan).
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 114.3 10th 95thPassing Offense 267.7 2nd 26thTotal Offense 382.0 5th 59thScoring Offense 30.6 3rd 41stRushing Defense 101.2 4th 19thPassing Defense 264.0 11th 103rdPass Efficiency Defense 121.1 8th 56thTotal Defense 365.2 8th 54thScoring Defense 19.7 6th 28thTurnover Margin +1.78 1st 2ndNet Punting 41.7 1st 5thPunt Returns 7.3 9th 96thKickoff Returns 24.0 1st 19th
NCAA Stat Leaders -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA stat leaders in 2003:
Team Statistics
Rushing Offense: 95th at 114.3 yards per game
Passing Offense: 26th at 267.7 yards per game
Passing Efficiency: 38th at 134.2 rating
Total Offense: 59th at 382.0 yards per game
Scoring Offense: 41st at 30.6 points per game
Rushing Defense: 19th at 101.2 yards per game
Passing Defense: 103rd at 264.0 yards per game
Pass Efficiency Defense: 56th at 121.1 rating
Total Defense: 54th at 365.2 yards per game
Scoring Defense: 28th at 19.7 points per game
Turnover Margin: 2nd at +1.78 turnovers per game
Net Punting: 5th at 41.7 yards per punt
Punt Returns: 96th at 7.3 yards per return
Kickoff Returns: 19th at 24.0 yards per return
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Jeff Smoker (32nd at 136.5 rating)
Total Offense: Jeff Smoker (29th at 253.3 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (2nd at 46.9 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: DeAndra Cobb (17th at 26.4 yards per return)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (t-2nd at 2.22 made per game)
Scoring: Dave Rayner (11th at 9.9 points per game)
Points Responsible For: Jeff Smoker (t-50th at 10.7 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 nine games in 2003, Michigan State has committed just nine turnovers - the NCAA's second-lowest total. Only Missouri has committed fewer turnovers (five in eight games). The Spartans and Tigers have lost just two fumbles each - 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.
 Michigan State has generated 33 percent of its scoring off turnovers in 2003. The Spartans lead the Big Ten and rank second in the NCAA in turnover margin at plus-16.  | |
TAKEAWAYS FUEL SPARTAN TURNAROUND -
Michigan State has generated 33 percent of its scoring off turnovers in 2003 (10 points per game). The Spartans lead the Big Ten and rank second in the NCAA in turnover margin (+16 overall; +1.78 per game). Michigan State has parlayed 25 takeaways into 90 points, while its opponents have converted nine Spartan miscues into just 24 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 (1 fumble) 7@ Illinois 3 (2 interceptions, fumble) 21@ Minnesota 3 (3 fumbles) 17Michigan 2 (interception, fumble) 7Totals 25 (13 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) -Totals 9 (7 interceptions, 2 fumbles) 24
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES -
After nine games in 2003, Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten (fourth) and NCAA (19th) leaders in rushing defense, allowing only 101.2 yards per game. Opposing ball carriers are averaging just 2.7 yards per rush. In addition, the Spartans have permitted just four rushing touchdowns.
The Spartans surrendered a season-high 216 yards on the ground in a 27-20 loss to No. 11 Michigan. Chris Perry had a Michigan-record 51 carries for 219 yards, including a 1-yard TD run in the first quarter.
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.
MSU's last six opponents have eclipsed the century mark, including Michigan (55 rushes for 216 yards), Minnesota (39 for 148), Illinois (43 for 158), Indiana (45 for 117), Iowa (39 for 107) and Notre Dame (37 for 100). Iowa's Fred Russell (23 for 122) became the first running back to post a 100-yard game against the Spartans this season.
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. 19 nationally in rushing defense (101.2 yards allowed per game), thanks largely to its relentless pass rush. Through nine games in 2003, the Spartans have produced a Big Ten-best 35 sacks for 243 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. Notre Dame (18 yards) and Louisiana Tech (18) and two vs. Illinois (13).
FOUR SPARTANS LISTED ON ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT BALLOT -
Four Michigan State players - sophomore wide receiver Kyle Brown, senior offensive guard Paul Harker, sophomore center Chris Morris and senior defensive tackle Kyle Rasmussen - have been nominated for the Verizon 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)
 Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker leads the Big Ten in passing (258.2 yards per game) and total offense (253.3 ypg.). | |
SMOKER REWRITES THE SPARTAN RECORD BOOK -
Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker leads the Big Ten in passing (258.2 yards per game) and total offense (253.3 ypg.) and ranks second in passing efficiency (136.5 rating). In Big Ten games, Smoker has completed 67 percent (134-201) of his throws for 1,392 yards (278.4 ypg.), seven touchdowns and only one interception.
Smoker posted his fifth straight 200-yard passing game and his seventh of the season vs. Michigan, hitting 21-of-40 throws for 254 yards including a 73-yard TD strike to Agim 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 Aaron 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.
The 6-foot-3, 224-pound Smoker already ranks as MSU's all-time leader in total offense (7,715 yards), passing yards (7,861), pass completions (584), pass attempts (975) and TD passes (53). The Manheim, Pa., native also is listed among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (sixth at .599). He stands seventh on the Big Ten's all-time passing chart with 7,861 career yards. Smoker, who has 20 career 200-yard passing games, has compiled a 20-13 record (.606) in 33 career starts. With 20 career wins under his belt, he ranks as the winningest quarterback in Spartan history.
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 15 receptions, including four wide outs, two tight ends and one running back. Four receivers - Agim Shabaj (43 for 574 yards), Jaren Hayes (42 for 374), Matt Trannon (24 for 240) and Aaron Alexander (22 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 43 for 574 yards and four touchdowns. Shabaj ranks fifth in the Big Ten in catches (4.8 per game) and eighth in receiving yards (63.8 per game).
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 Jeff Smoker.
He has paced the Spartans in receptions in four of the first nine games, including a career-best nine grabs for 62 yards vs. Iowa.
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 (586 yards on 129 carries), all-purpose yards (967; seventh in the Big Ten at 107.4 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 42 receptions for 374 yards (8.9 avg.) and three scores.
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.
FIELDS NAMED SI MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN -
Red-shirt freshman Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 2 nationally in punting with his 46.9-yard average, has been named a Midseason All-American by SI.com. His name also has been added to the Ray Guy Award Watch list. Fields has hit 15 punts 50 or more yards and had another 14 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.
 Junior placekicker Dave Rayner, who ranks among the NCAA leaders in field goals (second at 2.22 made per game) and scoring (11th at 9.9 points per game), has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award. | |
RAYNER NAMED LOU GROZA AWARD SEMIFINALIST -
Junior placekicker Dave Rayner, who ranks among the NCAA leaders in field goals (second at 2.22 made per game) and scoring (11th at 9.9 points per game), has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award.
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.
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).
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 13-58-1 (.188) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 14-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 84-74-2 (.531).
