Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Faces Western Michigan In 2003 Season Opener
8/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Aug. 27, 2003
DATE: Aug. 30, 2003
SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 3:40 p.m. EDT (ESPN Plus)
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 72,027 (sellout expected)
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 35 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240, FM 97.5). Television - ESPN Plus will televise the Michigan State-Western Michigan game live on a regional basis, with Craig Coshun handling the play-by-play, Kelly Stouffer providing color commentary and Anthony Calhoun serving as the sideline reporter.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) ranks No. 13 among active NCAA I-A football coaches with 110 career wins. Smith has compiled a 110-60 record (.647) in 14 years as a college head coach, including an impressive 71-25 mark (.740) in conference games. He has produced six conference championships (two Conference USA, two Big West and two Big Sky), with 11 of his 14 teams advancing to postseason play. 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.
Western Michigan's Gary Darnell (Oklahoma State 1970) is 40-29 (.580) in his seventh year with the Broncos and 43-33 (.566) as he begins his eighth season as a head coach at the NCAA I-A level. Darnell previously spent five years on John Mackovic's coaching staff at Texas (1992-96) where he served the last three seasons as defensive coordinator. He compiled a 3-4 record (.428) as interim head coach at Florida in 1989.
2003 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 30 WESTERN MICHIGAN (ESPN Plus) 3:40 p.m. EDTSept. 6 RUTGERS (ESPN Plus) 3:40 p.m. EDTSept. 13 LOUISIANA TECH (ESPN Plus) 12:10 p.m. EDTSept. 20 at Notre Dame (NBC) 2:30 p.m. EDTSept. 27 IOWA TBAOct. 4 INDIANA (Homecoming) 12:00 p.m. EDTOct. 11 at Illinois TBAOct. 18 at Minnesota TBANov. 1 MICHIGAN TBANov. 8 at Ohio State TBANov. 15 at Wisconsin TBANov. 22 PENN STATE TBA
WESTERN MICHIGAN (0-0, 0-0 Mid-American)Date Opponent Time/ResultAug. 30 at Michigan State 3:40 p.m. EDTSept. 6 WILLIAM & MARY 7:00 p.m. EDTSept. 13 VIRGINIA 2:00 p.m. EDTSept. 27 at Ohio TBAOct. 4 at Eastern Michigan 2:00 p.m. EDTOct. 11 BOWLING GREEN 2:00 p.m. EDTOct. 18 at Northern Illinois 3:05 p.m. CDTOct. 25 MARSHALL 2:00 p.m. EDTNov. 1 at Connecticut 12:00 p.m. ESTNov. 8 BALL STATE 2:00 p.m. ESTNov. 15 CENTRAL MICHIGAN 2:00 p.m. ESTNov. 22 at Toledo 7:00 p.m. EST
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Western MichiganBasic Offense Spread One BackBasic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-2-5Offensive Starters Returning 6 5Defensive Starters Returning 8 3Specialists Returning 2 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Western MichiganOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 298 6-5, 283Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-0, 201 6-2, 208Defensive Line 6-4, 280 6-3, 275Linebackers 6-0, 230 6-1, 216Defensive Backs 6-0, 192 5-11, 189
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 5 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 4 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores
Western Michigan Offense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 3 sophomores
Western Michigan Defense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores, 2 freshmen
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (top returnees; 2002 statistics):
Rushing - Jaren Hayes (61 carries for 340 yards, 5.6 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing - Jeff Smoker (114 of 203 for 1593 yards, 13 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving - Eric Knott (35 catches for 349 yards, 10.0 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Ronald Stanley (99 tackles, 61 solos, 38 assists, 9 for losses)
Western Michigan (top returnees; 2002 statistics):
Rushing - Philip Reed (221 carries for 1053 yards, 4.8 avg., 10 TDs)
Passing - Chad Munson (162 of 309 for 2160 yards, 14 TDs, 17 INTs)
Receiving - Antonio Thomas (45 catches for 439 yards, 9.8 avg., 3 TDs)
Tackles - Jason Feldpausch (104 tackles, 49 solos, 55 assists, 3 interceptions)
STAT COMPARISON (2002 final statistics) -
Michigan State Western MichiganScoring 26.3 25.3First Downs 20.5 17.8Total Offense 371.0 363.3Rushing Yards 142.4 107.3Passing Yards 228.6 256.1Time of Possession 28:33 29:33Third Down Conversions .323 .385Points Allowed 33.2 27.5Total Offense Allowed 402.7 330.7Rushing Yards Allowed 213.8 151.2Passing Yards Allowed 188.8 179.5
MSU/WESTERN MICHIGAN SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 10th meeting between Michigan State and Western Michigan, with all games played in East Lansing. Michigan State leads the all-time series 7-2, including a 4-0 mark in games played in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans have won the last five meetings, including a 42-10 victory in the 1997 season opener. Western Michigan's last win in the series came on Oct. 11, 1919, 21-18. Michigan State has outscored the Broncos, 213-86, in the nine previous meetings, but four games have been decided by nine points or less. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 189 in the 2003 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Sept. 6, 1997, in East Lansing, Mich.: No. 25 Michigan State scored on three of its first four possessions and never looked back en route to a 42-10 victory over Western Michigan in the 1997 season opener before a sellout crowd of 72,317 in Spartan Stadium. Michigan State took the opening kickoff and drove 65 yards in 13 plays, with Todd Schultz scoring on a 1-yard sneak. Western Michigan's first series ended when Ike Reese intercepted Tim Lester's pass and returned it 17 yards. Marc Renaud capped an eight-play, 47-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run. The Spartans put together a nine-play, 82-yard drive with Sedrick Irvin providing a 4-yard TD run with 12:43 left in the second quarter. Late in the first half, Michigan State scored three times in 1:46 to break the game open. Amp Campbell returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown, Robaire Smith returned a fumble 37 yards for a score and Scott Ernsberger recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD after Western Michigan mishandled a kickoff to give the Spartans a 42-0 halftime lead. Michigan State forced seven Bronco turnovers, including four interceptions and three fumbles. The Spartan defense surrendered 29 yards on the ground, including only 1 yard rushing in the first half.
MSU/WESTERN MICHIGAN CONNECTIONS -
* Michigan State running backs coach Reggie Mitchell served in the same capacity at Western Michigan under Jack Harbaugh in 1986.
* Michigan State cornerbacks coach Paul Haynes and Western Michigan quarterbacks coach Charley Molnar were on the same staff at Kent State in 1999-2000.
* Western Michigan's starting right guard Mark Ottney is the younger brother of former Michigan State center Brian Ottney, who started 33 consecutive games from 2000-02.
MICHIGAN STATE vs. MAC TEAMS -
Michigan State has compiled a 25-5 record (.833) against current members of the Mid-American Conference (2-0 vs. Akron, 1-0 vs. Bowling Green, 3-2 vs. Central Michigan, 6-0 vs. Eastern Michigan, 1-0 vs. Marshall, 3-1 vs. Miami-Ohio, 1-0 vs. Toledo and 7-2 vs. Western Michigan). The Spartans have won nine straight and 16 out of the last 18 meetings vs. MAC teams, with the only losses coming to Central Michigan in the 1991 (20-3) and 1992 (24-20) season openers. Here's a look at Michigan State's last nine games vs. MAC teams:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteAug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 8, 2001 Central Michigan W, 35-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 9, 2000 Marshall W, 34-24 Spartan StadiumSept. 11, 1999 Eastern Michigan W, 51-7 Spartan StadiumOct. 3, 1998 Central Michigan W, 38-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 6, 1997 Western Michigan W, 42-10 Spartan StadiumSept. 28, 1996 Eastern Michigan W, 47-0 Spartan StadiumSept. 24, 1994 Miami-Ohio W, 45-10* Spartan StadiumSept. 25, 1993 Central Michigan W, 48-34 Spartan Stadium*Win forfeited by MSU in 1996 as part of its self-imposed sanctions.
The Spartans have outscored their last nine MAC opponents, 396-120, for an average score of 44-13.
SEASON OPENERS -
In its 106-year football history, Michigan State is 69-34-3 (.665) in season openers, including a 7-3 record (.700) in its last 10 games. The Spartans have won six of their last seven season openers, with the only setback coming at home to Colorado State, 23-16, in the 1998 Black Coaches Association Classic. Michigan State has played its season opener on the road only once in the last 13 years (1994, a 17-10 loss at Kansas). Here's a brief look at Michigan State's season openers since 1993:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteAug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 8, 2001 Central Michigan W, 35-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 9, 2000 Marshall W, 34-24 Spartan StadiumSept. 2, 1999 Oregon W, 27-20 Spartan StadiumAug. 29, 1998 Colorado State L, 16-23 Spartan StadiumSept. 6, 1997 Western Michigan W, 42-10 Spartan StadiumAug. 31, 1996 Purdue W, 52-14 Spartan StadiumSept. 9, 1995 Nebraska L, 10-50 Spartan StadiumSept. 10, 1994 Kansas L, 10-17 Lawrence, Kan.Sept. 11, 1993 Kansas W, 31-14 Spartan Stadium
HOME OPENERS -
In its 106-year football history, Michigan State is 85-21-0 (.802) in home openers, including a 7-3 record (.700) in its last 10 games. The Spartans have won six of their last seven home openers, with the only setback coming to Colorado State, 23-16, in the Black Coaches Association Classic on Aug. 29, 1998. Here's a brief look at Michigan State's home openers since 1993:
Date Opponent MSU ResultAug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7Sept. 8, 2001 Central Michigan W, 35-21Sept. 9, 2000 Marshall W, 34-24Sept. 2, 1999 Oregon W, 27-20Aug. 29, 1998 Colorado State L, 16-23Sept. 6, 1997 Western Michigan W, 42-10Aug. 31, 1996 Purdue W, 52-14Sept. 9, 1995 Nebraska L, 10-50Sept. 17, 1994 Notre Dame L, 20-21Sept. 11, 1993 Kansas W, 31-14
SPARTANS TOUGH IN NON-CONFERENCE GAMES -
Since 1999, Michigan State has compiled an 13-2 record (.867) in games played against non-conference opponents. In 2002, the Spartans had a 15-game winning streak against non-conference foes snapped by California, 46-22.
Here's a look at Michigan State's non-conference results since 1999:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteSept. 21, 2002 Notre Dame L, 17-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 14, 2002 California L, 22-46 Spartan StadiumSept. 7, 2002 Rice W, 27-10 Spartan StadiumAug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7 Spartan StadiumDec. 31, 2001 Fresno State W, 44-35 San Jose, Calif.Dec. 1, 2001 Missouri W, 55-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 22, 2001 Notre Dame W, 17-10 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 8, 2001 Central Michigan W, 35-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 23, 2000 Notre Dame W, 27-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 16, 2000 Missouri W, 13-10 Columbia, Mo.Sept. 9, 2000 Marshall W, 34-24 Spartan StadiumJan. 1, 2000 Florida W, 37-34 Orlando, Fla.Sept. 18, 1999 Notre Dame W, 23-13 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 11, 1999 Eastern Michigan W, 51-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 2, 1999 Oregon W, 27-20 Spartan Stadium
TEEING IT UP IN AUGUST -
It took Michigan State 100 years to play its first football game in the month of August, but now since 1996, the Spartans have opened their season at home four times in August. Here's a brief look at Michigan State's August results since 1996.
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteAug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7 Spartan StadiumAug. 29, 1998 Colorado State L, 16-23 Spartan StadiumAug. 31, 1996 Purdue W, 52-14 Spartan Stadium
SMITH SEEKS WIN IN SPARTAN COACHING DEBUT -
In the 2003 season opener against Western Michigan, John L. Smith will attempt to become the 12th head coach in Michigan State history to produce a win in his Spartan debut.
Here's how Michigan State's 22 head coaches have fared in their opening games:
* Morris Watts - Nov. 9, 2002 at Indiana (W 56-21)
* Bobby Williams - Jan. 1, 2000 vs. Florida (W 37-34) in Florida Citrus Bowl
* Nick Saban - Sept. 9, 1995 vs. Nebraska (L 10-50)
* George Perles - Sept. 10, 1983 vs. Colorado (W 23-17)
* Frank "Muddy" Waters - Sept. 13, 1980 at Illinois (L 17-20)
* Darryl Rogers - Sept. 11, 1976 at Ohio State (L 21-49)
* Denny Stolz - Sept. 15, 1973 at Northwestern (L 10-14)
* Duffy Daugherty - Sept. 25, 1954 at Iowa (L 10-14)
* Clarence "Biggie" Munn - Sept. 27, 1947 at Michigan (L 0-55)
* Charlie Bachman - Sept. 30, 1933 vs. Grinnell (W 14-0)
* Jim Crowley - Sept. 28, 1929 vs. Alma (W 59-6)
* Harry Kipke - Sept. 29, 1928 vs. Kalamazoo (W 103-0)
* Ralph Young - Sept. 29, 1923 at Chicago (L 0-34)
* Albert Barron - Oct. 1, 1921 vs. Alma (W 28-0)
* George "Potsy" Clark - Sept. 25, 1920 vs. Kalamazoo (L 2-21)
* George Gauthier - Oct. 5, 1918 vs. Albion (W 21-6)
* Frank Sommers - Sept. 30, 1916 vs. Olivet (W 40-0)
* John Macklin - Oct. 7, 1911 vs. Alma (W 12-0)
* Chester Brewer - Oct. 3, 1903 at Notre Dame (L 0-12)
* George Denman - Sept. 28, 1901 at Alma (L 5-6)
* Charles Bemies - Sept. 29, 1899 at Notre Dame (L 0-40)
* Henry Keep - Sept. 25, 1897 vs. Lansing High School (W 28-0)
INJURY REPORT -
OUT: P Jason Daily (ankle in Aug. 19 practice; sidelined three-to-four weeks).
SPARTAN COACHING STAFF APPOINTS 2003 CAPTAINS -
Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith and his coaching staff have appointed four captains for the upcoming 2003 season, including senior guards Paul Harker and Joe Tate, junior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney and junior linebacker Ronald Stanley.
"We weren't interested in conducting a popularity contest," Coach Smith said. "We tried to identify blue-collar guys that are committed to doing what's right both on and off the football field. We looked for individuals that are willing to accept accountability. And we wanted to choose players that displayed great leadership qualities. Since the conclusion of spring ball, these four players have separated themselves from the pack and they've tried to take control of this football team.
"I know it's an honor for a player to be elected captain by his peers, but I'm not sure it isn't a greater honor being selected by the coaching staff. Again, we weren't interested in conducting a popularity contest. And that often happens in voting because a guy votes for another player with similar ability and personality. Every member of the coaching staff had input in this decision. When the coaches choose captains, there are expectations that go along with the appointment. These guys have embraced the opportunity to take ownership of the team, and they've displayed the willingness to be accountable."
Harker, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the National Collegiate Athletic Association after missing 23 games due to injuries, has started 17 games during his five-year career. The 6-foot-3, 302-pound lineman appeared in 11 games in 2002, including six starting assignments. He started the first two games at left guard and the last four contests of the 2002 season at right guard. Harker, who graded out 90 percent or better in seven of 11 games, did not allow a sack last season. He also recorded 45 pancake blocks, including a season-best eight knockdowns vs. Notre Dame. A native of Dayton, Ohio, Harker earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2002, graduating with a 3.3 grade-point average in communication.
The 6-5, 295-pound Tate enters his third season as Michigan State's starting left guard. He graded out over 90 percent in 10 of 12 games in 2002, including his last nine starts. Tate finished second on the team in pancakes with 58. He scored a career-high 97 percent vs. Purdue in the home finale. Tate was named Spartan Offensive Player of the Week vs. Iowa, grading out 94 percent including a career-best 10 knockdowns. He graded 97 percent vs. Eastern Michigan in the 2002 season opener, including six pancakes.
A native of Southfield, Mich., Tate attended the 2003 NCAA Leadership Conference, May 25-29, in Orlando, Fla.
McKinney, a 6-3, 312-pounder from Dayton, Ohio, saw action in 11 games in 2002, including four starts at defensive tackle (vs. California, Notre Dame, Iowa and Penn State). He produced 26 tackles (16 solos, 10 assists), including 3.5 for losses (9 yards). McKinney made four stops each vs. Penn State, Michigan and Eastern Michigan. He recorded two sacks, including one each vs. Penn State (4 yards) and Michigan (3).
Stanley moves into his third season as a starting linebacker, his first year at the MIKE (middle) position. Last year, he more than doubled his 2001 production, ranking second on the Spartans in tackles with 99 (61 solos, 38 assists). The 6-0, 234-pound Stanley posted a team-best nine tackles for losses (21 yards) and played as well as anyone during the second half of the 2002 season, averaging 12 tackles per game during a four-game stretch. The Saginaw, Mich., native made a career-best 16 tackles vs. Michigan. Stanley earned Spartan Defensive Player of the Week Honors twice, vs. Indiana (10 stops) and Minnesota (13 including two for losses).
SMOKER RETURNS TO STARTING LINEUP, PURSUES CAREER TOTAL OFFENSE RECORD -
Michigan State senior quarterback Jeff Smoker has earned full reinstatement to the active roster for the 2003 season.
The 6-foot-3, 224-pound Smoker started the first seven games of the 2002 season before being suspended for the final five games after admitting a substance abuse problem. He completed 114-of-203 throws (.562) for 1,593 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Through seven games, Smoker ranked among the Big Ten leaders in TD passes (fourth), passing yards (fifth at 227.6 yards per game) and passing efficiency (seventh with 133.4 rating). He posted his sixth 200-yard passing game of the season in his final start vs. Minnesota, hitting 17-of-29 passes for 229 yards. Smoker completed 19-of-34 passes for a season-high 281 yards, including two TD strikes to Charles Rogers, in MSU's 21-17 loss to No. 12 Notre Dame.
A native of Manheim, Pa., Smoker already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in total yards (second with 5,435), passing yards (third with 5,537), TD passes (fourth with 40), pass completions (fifth with 383), pass attempts (sixth with 662) and completion percentage (seventh at .579). He needs only 122 total yards in 2003 to overtake Ed Smith (1976-78) and become MSU's career leader in total offense. Smoker, who has 13 career 200-yard passing games, has compiled a 13-11 record in 24 career starts.
NCAA Stat Leaders -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranked among the NCAA stat leaders in 2002:
Team Statistics
Rushing Offense: 66th at 142.4 yards per game
Passing Offense: 51st at 228.6 yards per game
Passing Efficiency: 41st at 128.3 rating
Total Offense: 65th at 371.0 yards per game
Scoring Offense: 68th at 26.3 points per game
Rushing Defense: 110th at 213.8 yards per game
Passing Defense: 30th at 188.8 yards per game
Pass Efficiency Defense: 57th at 120.3 rating
Total Defense: t-83rd at 402.7 yards per game
Scoring Defense: 96th at 33.2 points per game
Turnover Margin: 83rd at -0.58 turnovers per game
Net Punting: 59th at 34.3 yards per punt
Punt Returns: 79th at 8.5 yards per return
Kickoff Returns: 86th at 19.0 yards per return
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Damon Dowdell (44th at 126.8 rating)
Receptions: Charles Rogers (t-27th at 5.67 catches per game)
Receiving Yards: Charles Rogers (8th at 112.6 yards per game)
PLAYING IN FRONT OF A FULL HOUSE -
Michigan State has played before a sellout crowd in 34 of its last 39 home games, including the last 26 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.
