Spartan Football Concludes Big Ten Schedule At Penn State
11/17/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Nov. 17, 2004
DATE: Nov. 20, 2004
KICKOFF: 12:02 p.m. EST
SITE: Beaver Stadium (107,282/natural grass), State College, Pa.
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 100,000-plus
LAST WEEK: Michigan State defeated No. 4/4 Wisconsin, 49-14; Penn State won at Indiana, 22-18.
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). Westwood One will broadcast the Michigan State-Penn State game nationally with Tony Roberts and Foge Fazio calling the action. Television - ESPN2 will televise the Michigan State-Penn State game live to a national audience, with Pam Ward handling the play-by-play, Mike Tomczak providing color commentary and Dave Ryan serving as the sideline reporter.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 13-10 (.565) in his second year with the Spartans and 123-70 (.637) in 16 seasons as a college head coach. Smith ranks No. 14 among active NCAA I-A football coaches in career victories and No. 19 in career winning percentage. Twelve of his teams have participated in postseason play, including seven-straight bowl appearances. He 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. Smith 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 342-116-3 (.745) in his 39th year as a college head coach, all with the Nittany Lions. The four-time National Coach of the Year is in his 54th season on the Penn State staff. Paterno is one of just nine coaches in NCAA history (five in I-A) to record 300 wins, 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.
2004 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (5-5, 4-3 Big Ten)
Sept. 4 at Rutgers (ABC) L, 14-19 Sept. 11 CENTRAL MICHIGAN (ESPN Plus) W, 24-7 Sept. 18 NOTRE DAME (ESPN) L, 24-31 Sept. 25 at Indiana (ESPN Plus) W, 30-20 Oct. 2 at Iowa (ESPN Plus) L, 16-38 Oct. 9 ILLINOIS (ESPN Plus) W, 38-25 Oct. 16 MINNESOTA (ESPN & ESPN Plus) W, 51-17 Oct. 30 at Michigan (ABC) (3 OT) L, 37-45 Nov. 6 OHIO STATE (ESPN) L, 19-32 Nov. 13 WISCONSIN (ABC) W, 49-14 Nov. 20 at Penn State (ESPN2) 12:02 p.m. EST Dec. 4 at Hawaii 11:05 p.m. EST
Date Opponent Time/Result
PENN STATE (3-7, 1-6 Big Ten)
Sept. 4 AKRON W, 48-10 Sept. 11 at Boston College L, 7-21 Sept. 18 CENTRAL FLORIDA W, 37-13 Sept. 25 at Wisconsin L, 3-16 Oct. 2 at Minnesota L, 7-16 Oct. 9 PURDUE L, 13-20 Oct. 23 IOWA L, 4-6 Oct. 30 at Ohio State L, 10-21 Nov. 6 NORTHWESTERN L, 7-14 Nov. 13 at Indiana W, 22-18 Nov. 20 MICHIGAN STATE 12:02 p.m. EST
Date Opponent Time/Result
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Penn StateBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 Multiple Offensive Starters Returning 7 6 Defensive Starters Returning 6 7 Specialists Returning 2 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Penn StateOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 303 6-4, 294 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-2, 226 Defensive Line 6-3, 290 6-4, 275 Linebackers 6-0, 231 6-3, 229 Defensive Backs 5-11, 193 6-1, 197
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 3 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores
Penn State Offense: 2 seniors, 6 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Penn State Defense: 1 senior, 7 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 10 games):
Rushing - Jason Teague (125 carries for 603 yards, 4.8 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (107 of 169 for 1182 yards, 7 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving - Matt Trannon (33 catches for 386 yards, 11.7 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Ronald Stanley (106 tackles, 63 solos, 43 assists, 7 TFLs)
Penn State (after 10 games):
Rushing - Tony Hunt (153 carries for 710 yards, 4.6 avg., 6 TDs)
Passing - Zack Mills (144 of 250 for 1617 yards, 8 TDs, 11 INTs)
Receiving - Tony Hunt (38 catches for 330 yards, 8.7 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles - Paul Posluszny (89 tackles, 46 solos, 43 assists, 10 TFLs, 3 sacks)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Penn StateScoring 30.2 15.8 First Downs 22.6 16.9 Total Offense 458.4 312.1 Rushing Yards 243.3 123.7 Passing Yards 215.1 188.4 Time of Possession 29:35 28:20 Third Down Conversions .396 .362 Points Allowed 24.8 15.5 Total Offense Allowed 374.4 286.9 Rushing Yards Allowed 175.7 126.1 Passing Yards Allowed 198.7 160.8
MSU/PENN STATE SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 22nd meeting between Michigan State and Penn State. The Spartans lead the all-time series 11-9-1, including a 4-6-1 record in games played in State College, Pa. Penn State has won eight of the last 11 meetings. The home team has won seven of the last eight games.
The Spartans have lost five-straight games in Beaver Stadium, including a 61-7 loss on Nov. 23, 2002. Michigan State's last win in State College came on Sept. 25, 1965, 23-0 - the year before Joe Paterno took over as Penn State's head coach. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 174 in the 2004 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 22, 2003, in East Lansing, Mich.: Jeff Smoker became the first quarterback in Michigan State history to reach the 3,000-yard passing milestone in a season, completing 29-of-50 throws for 357 yards and a school record-tying four touchdowns in the Spartans' 41-10 victory over Penn State in the home finale. Smoker produced those totals against the nation's No. 2 pass defense, allowing only 192 yards per game. The Nittany Lions scored on their first possession as a 10-play, 52-yard drive resulted in a 29-yard field goal from Robbie Gould. With 3:14 left in the first quarter, Michigan State took the lead for good at 7-3 on Smoker's 80-yard TD strike to Kyle Brown, who caught a 5-yard pass at the Spartan 25, sidestepped two tacklers and raced down the near sideline. Tyrell Dortch capped a 10-play, 68-yard drive with a 14-yard TD run off a counter-draw play as the Spartans moved out to a 14-3 lead with 9:39 remaining in the second quarter. Smoker completed seven-straight passes for 98 yards during a nine-play scoring drive, including a 14-yard TD toss to Eric Knott with 3:10 left in the first half, as Michigan State built a 21-3 halftime advantage. Drew Stanton's 29-yard run off a fake punt on fourth-and-4 from the MSU 43 set up Smoker's third TD pass, a 17-yarder to Jerramy Scott with 5:27 to play in the third quarter. Michigan State got the ball back three minutes later at the Penn State 46 after Kiel Beltinck partially blocked a punt. Eight plays later, Smoker fired a 5-yard TD pass to Jason Randall in the back of the end zone as the Spartans took a 35-3 lead with 13:27 left in the game. Jason Harmon's 34-yard interception return to the Penn State 6 led to Michigan State's final score, a 1-yard run by Jason Teague with 4:07 on the clock. Penn State's only touchdown came on Michael Robinson's 13-yard scoring pass to Terrance Phillips with 11 seconds left. Michigan State outgained the Nittany Lions in total yards, 476-238.
THE LAST MEETING IN BEAVER STADIUM -
Nov. 23, 2002, in State College, Pa.: Larry Johnson rushed for 279 yards and four touchdowns - all in the first half - to lead No. 15 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.
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 8-3.
SPARTANS FROM THE KEYSTONE STATE -
Michigan State's 2004 roster features three players from Pennsylvania, including junior defensive end Michael Bazemore (Philadelphia/West Catholic), freshman safety Tom Dance (Erie/Cathedral Prep School) and junior cornerback Jaren Hayes (Lebanon/Cedar Crest).
TURN BACK THE CLOCK -
Michigan State's last win in State College, Pa., came 39 years ago when . . .
• Joe Paterno was associate coach at Penn State under Rip Engle.
• President Lyndon Johnson occupied the White House.
• Penn State's game program sold for 50 cents in Beaver Stadium.
Sept. 25, 1965 (Michigan State 23, Penn State 0)
Steve Juday completed 10-of-13 passes for 100 yards and ran for a touchdown to lead Michigan State to a 23-0 victory over Penn State in Beaver Stadium. The Spartans jumped out to a 20-0 halftime lead on two field goals by Dick Kenney (from 24 and 29 yards) and TD runs of 4 yards by Juday and 35 yards by Bob Apisa. Kenney closed out the scoring with his third field goal in the fourth quarter, a 36-yarder. Clinton Jones (14 for 81) and Apisa (13 for 76) combined for 157 yards rushing on 27 carries to pace MSU's ground attack. The Spartans outgained Penn State in total yards, 290-215.
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2004:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAARushing Offense 243.3 2nd 10thPassing Offense 215.1 5th 60thTotal Offense 458.4 1st 11thScoring Offense 30.2 3rd 34thRushing Defense 175.7 9th t-78thPassing Defense 198.7 4th 41stTotal Defense 374.4 7th 61stScoring Defense 24.8 8th t-56thPassing Efficiency 121.1 6th 61stPass Efficiency Defense 116.0 7th 40thTurnover Margin -0.7 t-9th t-99thNet Punting 37.9 3rd 22ndPunt Returns 8.8 7th 64thKickoff Returns 21.3 7th 41st
NCAA STATE LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2004:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Drew Stanton (40th at 131.0 rating)
Total Offense: Drew Stanton (48th at 217.1 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (1st at 48.8 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: DeAndra Cobb (t-46th at 22.2 yards per return)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (t-1st at 1.9 made per game)
Scoring: Dave Rayner (t-14th at 9.0 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: DeAndra Cobb (44th at 122.6 yards per game)
 Jehuu Caulcrick rushed for a career-best 146 yards and a touchdown in MSU's 49-14 victory over No. 4 Wisconsin.  | |
SPARTANS FEATURE IMPROVED GROUND ATTACK -
Michigan State has displayed an improved running attack in 2004. Through 10 games, the Spartans rank second in the Big Ten and No. 10 in the NCAA in rushing, averaging 243.3 yards per game. That's an improvement of nearly 146 yards per game over last season.
The Spartans have recorded seven 200-yard rushing games in 2004, including five straight during one stretch. It marked the first time since 1996 that Michigan State had posted five-straight 200-yard rushing games in the same season (1996: 249 vs. Eastern Michigan, 236 vs. Iowa, 205 vs. Illinois, 243 vs. Minnesota and 202 vs. Wisconsin).
Michigan State amassed 430 yards on the ground vs. No. 4 Wisconsin, which entered the game ranked sixth in the NCAA in rushing defense permitting 87.3 yards per game. The 430 yards marked the sixth-best single-game rushing total produced by an NCAA I-A team this season. It also marked the top single-game rushing total during Spartan head coach John L. Smith's tenure. Michigan State's ground game produced two 100-yard rushers against the Badgers, with Jehuu Caulcrick gaining a career-best 146 yards on 13 carries and Jason Teague picking up a career-high 112 yards on 17 attempts.
Michigan State generated 368 yards on the ground vs. No. 12 Michigan, which entered the game ranked third in the NCAA in rushing defense, permitting 71.6 yards per game. It marked the first time since 1994 that the Spartans produced back-to-back 300-yard rushing games (1994: 312 vs. Northwestern and 347 vs. Purdue). The Spartans manufactured 324 rushing yards in a 51-17 victory over No. 19 Minnesota.
Michigan State's running game accounted for 253 yards vs. Illinois. The Spartans gained 204 yards on the ground vs. Iowa, which entered the game ranked third in the NCAA in rushing defense, allowing 55.5 yards per game. Michigan State rushed for 241 yards vs. Indiana.
The Spartans produced 165 yards (4.7 yards per carry ) vs. Notre Dame, which entered the game ranked sixth in the nation in rushing defense, surrendering just 39.0 yards per game. Michigan State picked up 231 yards on the ground in the home opener vs. Central Michigan.
The Spartans feature a well-balanced ground attack with four players gaining more than 550 yards. A trio of running backs - Teague, Caulcrick and DeAndra Cobb - have combined to rush for 1,739 yards and 13 scores on 300 attempts. Teague paces the ground attack with 603 yards on 125 carries and five touchdowns. Caulcrick has contributed 575 yards on 101 rushes and four TDs, while Cobb has produced 561 yards on 74 attempts and four TDs. Quarterback Drew Stanton ranks fourth on the team in rushing with 555 yards on 77 carries and five TDs. Michigan State's top four rushers are separated by just 48 yards.
Three Spartans are listed among the Big Ten's leading rushers: No. 8 Stanton (69.4 yards per game), No. 9 Caulcrick (63.9 ypg.) and No. 10 Teague (60.3 ypg.).
By contrast, Michigan State finished last in the Big Ten and No. 111 nationally in rushing in 2003, averaging just 97.4 yards per game. It marked MSU's lowest rushing production in the last 57 years.
TURNOVERS PLAGUE SPARTANS -
Through 10 games, the Spartans rank near the bottom of the Big Ten and NCAA in turnover margin (-7 overall). Michigan State has scored just 12 points off 13 takeaways in 2004, while its opponents have converted 20 Spartan miscues into 65 points.
By comparison in 2003, Michigan State had a +15 turnover margin after 10 games. The Spartans had parlayed 26 takeaways into 90 points at this point last season.
Here's a game-by-game look at MSU's takeaways and giveaways in 2004:
Michigan State Takeaways Points@ Rutgers 1 (interception) 0Central Michigan - -Notre Dame 3 (interception, 2 fumbles) 0@ Indiana 2 (2 interceptions) 0@ Iowa 1 (interception) 3Illinois 1 (fumble) 3Minnesota 2 (2 interceptions) 3@ Michigan 1 (fumble) 0Ohio State 1 (fumble) 3Wisconsin 1 (fumble) 0Totals 13 (7 interceptions, 6 fumbles) 12Opponent Takeaways Points@ Rutgers 3 (2 fumbles, interception) 7Central Michigan - -Notre Dame 6 (3 interceptions, 3 fumbles) 17@ Indiana 2 (2 interceptions) 3@ Iowa 1 (fumble) 7Illinois - -Minnesota 3 (2 interceptions, fumble) 3@ Michigan 1 (fumble) 7Ohio State 3 (3 interceptions) 14Wisconsin 1 (interception) 7Totals 20 (12 interceptions, 8 fumbles) 65
BALL SECURITY, PART II -
Michigan State has committed 20 turnovers (12 interceptions, 8 fumbles) in the first 10 games of the 2004 season. By contrast, the Spartans turned the ball over just 18 times in 13 games in 2003 - the Big Ten's fourth-lowest total (No. 15 in the NCAA). In 2003, Michigan State lost just three fumbles - the NCAA's best mark.
 Drew Stanton ranks fourth on the team in rushing with 555 yards - the third-best single-season total by a quarterback in Spartan history. | |
STANTON ADDS RUNNING DIMENSION TO SPREAD OFFENSE -
Sophomore quarterback Drew Stanton ranks among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (fourth at 217.1 yards per game), passing efficiency (fourth with 131.0 rating), rushing (eighth at 69.4 ypg.) and passing (ninth at 147.8 ypg.). In Big Ten games, he ranks second in the league in total offense (254.3 ypg.), third in passing efficiency (131.4 rating), sixth in rushing (77.2 ypg.) and seventh in passing (177.2 ypg.).
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Stanton has completed 107-of-169 throws (.633) for 1,182 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. He also ranks fourth on the team in rushing with 555 yards on 77 carries and five TDs. His 555 yards represent the third-best single-season rushing total by a quarterback in Spartan history.
MSU Single-Season Leaders - Rushing Yards By A QuarterbackRank Player (Year) Carries-Yards TDs1. Charlie Baggett (1974) 137-748 112. Charlie Baggett (1975) 171-645 73. Drew Stanton (2004) 77-555 54. Mark Niesen (1972) 105-467 45. Jimmy Raye (1966) 122-436 5
Stanton, who sat out the entire Ohio State game and the second half of Michigan game with a separated shoulder, returned to the lineup vs. Wisconsin after Damon Dowdell bruised his shoulder. He played the entire second half against the Badgers and accounted for 65 total yards, including a 31-yard TD strike to Matt Trannon late in the third quarter.
He played a near-perfect first half against the 12th-ranked Wolverines, accounting for 175 total yards. Stanton rushed 12 times for 80 yards, including a 5-yard TD run late in the first quarter, and completed 10-of-13 passes for 95 yards. He sustained the injury on a 6-yard run with just over three minutes to play in the second quarter.
Stanton shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (with Iowa quarterback Drew Tate) after accounting for a school-record 410 total yards in MSU's 51-17 victory over No. 19 Minnesota. He became the first quarterback in Spartan history to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game. His 410 total yards broke the single-game mark previously held by Jeff Smoker, who produced 393 total yards vs. Fresno State in the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic. Stanton completed 20-of-31 throws for a career-best 308 yards and three touchdowns. He completed passes to nine different receivers, including scoring tosses of 25 and 36 yards to Eric Knott and 56 yards to Terry Love. Stanton also recorded his second 100-yard rushing game of the season, gaining 102 yards on 13 attempts. Each of his first six carries (75 yards) resulted in first downs.
He accounted for 254 combined yards (rushing, passing and receiving) and four TDs to lead MSU to a 38-25 victory over Illinois. Stanton completed 21-of-28 throws (.750) for 199 yards and three scores against the Illini. He completed passes to 10 different receivers, including scoring tosses of 11 yards to Jerramy Scott, 6 yards to Jason Teague and 27 yards to Agim Shabaj. Stanton also scored on an 18-yard pass from Scott.
Stanton threw for 245 yards vs. Iowa, setting personal bests for pass attempts (54) and completions (29). He also picked up 89 yards on 15 carries, including a 1-yard TD run, against the Hawkeyes, who entered the game ranked third in the NCAA in rushing defense (allowing 55.5 ypg.).
He accounted for 306 total yards and two scores in his first collegiate start at Indiana as the Spartans rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to post a 30-20 victory in the Big Ten opener. Stanton rushed for 134 yards on 12 carries vs. Indiana to become the first Spartan quarterback to record a 100-yard rushing game since Charlie Baggett gained 120 yards vs. Northwestern in 1975. He scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards against the Hoosiers.
Stanton came off the bench to account for 159 total yards (110 passing, 49 rushing) in the second half vs. Notre Dame, including a 4-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.
The Farmington Hills, Mich., native provided a spark off the bench in the home opener vs. Central Michigan, orchestrating a 13-play, 96-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter that iced the game. His 38-yard run on a fourth-and-1 play from the CMU 40 set up MSU's final TD.
QUARTERBACKS SPREAD THE BALL AROUND -
A key to Michigan State's throwing success in 2004 has been the ability of the quarterbacks to utilize all of the weapons at their disposal in Michigan State's spread offense. Eight Spartans have at least 12 receptions, including six wide outs, one running back and one tight end. Four receivers - Matt Trannon (33 for 386), Jerramy Scott (32 for 317 yards), Agim Shabaj (23 for 259) and Jason Teague (21 for 167) - have a least 20 catches.
POOLE EARNS BIG TEN OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS -
Michigan State senior right tackle Sean Poole has been named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Spartans' 49-14 victory over No. 4 Wisconsin. He becomes only the second offensive lineman in Big Ten history to earn Player of the Week honors, joining Ohio State's Korey Stringer who received the recognition in 1994 (Nov. 19 game vs. Michigan).
The 6-foot-7, 290-pound Poole graded out a season-best 98 percent overall, including four pancake blocks, while being matched up against Wisconsin's Lombardi Award finalist Erasmus James, who was credited with just three tackles. He produced perfect scores in assignments and effort (100 percent each) while grading 95 percent in technique.
The Flint, Mich., native played a key role in helping Michigan State amass 430 yards on the ground vs. Wisconsin, which entered the game ranked sixth in the NCAA in rushing defense permitting 87.3 yards per game. The 430 yards marked the sixth-best single-game rushing total produced by an NCAA I-A team this season. It also marked the top single-game rushing total during Spartan head coach John L. Smith's tenure. Michigan State's ground game produced two 100-yard rushers against the Badgers, with Jehuu Caulcrick gaining a career-best 146 yards on 13 carries and Jason Teague picking up a career-high 112 yards on 17 attempts.
"Sean Poole represents our entire offensive line in accepting this award," Coach Smith said. "Sean stepped up and played the best game of his career against the Big Ten's best defensive lineman, Erasmus James. It's a performance that he'll remember for the rest of his life.
"The entire offensive line responded to the challenge of playing against one of the nation's top defensive teams. The success of our running game played a major role in determining the outcome of the game.
"Sean is a totally different player than he was a year ago," Smith continued. "He really transformed his body by trimming down and adding more muscle. Sean has improved each and every week this season. It's been a pleasant surprise to see him perform at a higher level every week. I'm happy for him because he deserves this recognition."
STANLEY CRACKS MSU'S ALL-TIME TOP 10 IN TACKLES -
Senior linebacker Ronald Stanley leads the Spartans in tackles (106 total) and production points (174) and ranks second in tackles for losses (7 for 30 yards). Stanley has reached the 100-tackle milestone each of the last two seasons (2003-04).
With five stops vs. Wisconsin, Stanley moved into eighth place on MSU's all-time list with 349 career tackles.
The Saginaw, Mich., native has posted double figures in tackles five times in 2004 and on 13 occasions during his career. The 6-foot, 234-pound Stanley produced double figures in tackles in back-to-back games vs. Michigan (13) and Ohio State (16). He became only the 14th player in Spartan history to reach the 300-tackle milestone, recording 12 tackles in MSU's 38-25 victory over Illinois. His 9-yard sack against the Illini resulted in a fumble and led to a Spartan field goal. He also registered 12 tackles vs. Indiana, including two behind the line of scrimmage (6 yards). Stanley recorded a career-best 20 tackles, including two for losses (4 yards), in the season opener at Rutgers.
RAYNER KICKS HIS WAY INTO THE RECORD BOOK -
Senior Dave Rayner, who ranks as MSU's all-time leader in scoring (319 career points), field goals (59 made) and extra points (142 made), has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top placekicker by the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Sports Commission.
The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Rayner leads the Big Ten in scoring with 90 points, converting 19-of-28 field-goal attempts (.679) and all 33 extra-point tries in 2004. His 19 field goals lead the NCAA (tied with Eastern Michigan's Andrew Wellock). Rayner has kicked extremely well down the stretch, hitting 11 of his last 14 field-goal attempts over the last four games. He also has converted 70-straight extra-point attempts.
Rayner was selected one of the Lou Groza Award's Top Three Stars for Week 11 after scoring 13 points vs. Ohio State, providing four field goals and an extra point. He became MSU's career scoring leader with 312 points, including a school-record 59 career field goals, breaking both marks previously held by John Langeloh (57 career field goals and 308 career points, 1987-90). Rayner also became only the 14th player in Big Ten history to reach the 300-point milestone. He converted 4-of-5 field-goal attempts against the Buckeyes, hitting from 27, 44, 53 and 29 yards. His 53-yarder in the third quarter matched his career long.
The Oxford, Mich., native has earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors twice in 2004 (vs. Minnesota and Indiana).
Rayner scored 15 points against the Golden Gophers, matching his career high. He was perfect on three field-goal attempts - converting from 22, 23 and 37 yards - and six extra-point tries. Four of his nine kickoffs vs. Minnesota also resulted in touchbacks.
He was perfect on three field-goal (44, 22 and 39 yards) and three extra-point attempts to account for 12 points vs. Indiana, while six of his seven kickoffs produced touchbacks.
The award is named in honor of former National Football League great Lou Groza, who earned the nickname "The Toe." Groza, who scored 1,608 points in 21 years with the Cleveland Browns (1946-59, 1961-67), was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. The former Ohio State Buckeye made nine Pro Bowl appearances as a standout offensive tackle and placekicker.
Three finalists for the Lou Groza Award will be selected Nov. 22 and the winner announced Dec. 7 at the 13th annual banquet in West Palm Beach, Fla.
FIELDS NAMED MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN AND RAY GUY AWARD SEMIFINALIST -
Sophomore Brandon Fields, who leads the NCAA in punting with his 48.8-yard average, has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top punter by the Greater Augusta (Ga.) Sports Council.
Fields, who earned Midseason All-America honors from SI.com and Collegefootballnews.com, has hit 21 punts 50 or more yards and had 12 kicks downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
The 6-foot-6, 234-pound Fields averaged 51.0 yards on four punts vs. Wisconsin, including a 49-yarder that went out of bounds at the Badger 4 late in the third quarter. He averaged 54.0 yards on three punts vs. Ohio State, including a 62-yarder in the third quarter that was downed at the OSU 1-yard line. Fields averaged 55.7 yards on three punts vs. Illinois, including two kicks downed inside the Illini 20. He averaged 53.0 yards on four punts vs. Indiana, including a season-long 65-yarder, with two kicks downed inside the Hoosier 20. Fields averaged 55.3 yards on six punts vs. Central Michigan, including a 62-yarder.
His career 47.4-yard punting average ranks No. 1 on MSU's and the Big Ten's all-time lists.
The award is named in honor of former Southern Mississippi All-American Ray Guy, who led the nation in punting with his 46.2-yard average in 1972. A first-round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 1973, Guy went on to play 14 years in the National Football League (1973-86), making seven Pro Bowl appearances. He will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at the National Football Foundation's 47th annual banquet on Dec. 7 in New York City.
Three finalists for the Ray Guy Award will be selected Nov. 22 and the winner announced Dec. 9 on ESPN's College Football Awards Show.
COBB SHOWCASES HIS ALL-PURPOSE SKILLS -
Senior DeAndra Cobb ranks among the Big Ten leaders in all-purpose yards (sixth at 122.6 yards per game) and kickoff returns (seventh with his 22.2-yard average).
The 5-foot-10, 197-pound Cobb leads the Spartans in all-purpose yards (1,226) and ranks third on the team in rushing (561 yards on 74 carries).
He rushed 22 times for a career-best 205 yards vs. Michigan, scoring on runs of 72 and 64 yards. Cobb produced those totals against a Wolverine defense that ranked third in the NCAA against the run, allowing just 71.6 yards per game. He also became just the second back in Spartan history to record a 200-yard rushing game in the MSU-Michigan series, joining T.J. Duckett who picked up 211 yards on 27 attempts in 2001.
Cobb gained a team-best 93 yards on nine carries vs. Illinois and scored the first offensive touchdown of his career on a 12-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The Las Vegas, Nev., native returned five kickoffs for 152 yards (30.4 avg.) vs. Notre Dame, including an 89-yard runback for a touchdown in the third quarter. It marked Cobb's fourth career kickoff return for a score, one shy of the Big Ten record held by Purdue's Stan Brown (1968-70). The NCAA career mark belongs to Southern Cal's Anthony Davis (1972-74), who returned six kickoffs for TDs.
His career 24.6-yard kickoff return average ranks seventh on the Big Ten's all-time list. Cobb also stands fourth on MSU's all-time chart with 1,428 career kickoff return yards.
THREE SPARTANS EARN ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONORS -
Three Michigan State players - junior offensive tackle Gordon Niebylski, sophomore punter Brandon Fields and junior center Chris Morris - have earned Academic All-District IV honors as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Niebylski has been named to the Academic All-District IV First Team while Fields and Morris 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.
Thanks to his Academic All-District IV First-Team selection, Niebylski's name now appears on the national ballot for Academic All-America honors (released Dec. 1).
Academic All-District IV SelectionsName Major (GPA)First TeamGordon Niebylski supply chain management (3.59)Second TeamBrandon Fields kinesiology (3.41)Chris Morris finance (3.26)
MANY HAPPY SPARTAN RETURNS -
Michigan State's special teams have produced three touchdowns in 2004, including two scores resulting from blocked punts and one kickoff return.
Midway through the first quarter vs. Wisconsin, Marshall Campbell blocked Ken DeBauche's punt that Travis Key recovered at the goal line for a score that gave the Spartans a 14-7 lead.
The special teams accounted for two scores in a 31-24 loss to Notre Dame. Early in the first quarter, Marshall Campbell blocked D.J. Fitzpatrick's punt that Jerramy Scott recovered in the back of the end zone for a score. Late in the third quarter, DeAndra Cobb returned his fourth career kickoff for a TD, an 89-yarder.
In 2003, Michigan State scored seven non-offensive touchdowns, including three kickoff, two fumble and two interception returns.
YOUTH IS SERVED -
Twenty-two true and red-shirt freshmen have seen action for Michigan State in the first nine games of the 2004 season. Here's a complete breakdown of true and red-shirt freshmen that have made their Spartan debuts thus far in 2004:
True Freshmen (12): SP Sir Darean Adams, SP Eric Andino, SP Mike Bell, SP Tom Dance, SP Kellen Davis, SP Hugh D'Imperio, WR Carl Grimes, SP Travis Key, SP Tyrone McKenzie, DE Nick Smith, SP Rob Tabatchnick and SP Miles Williams.
Red-shirt Freshmen (10): WR Irving Campbell, RB Jehuu Caulcrick, RG Pete Clifford, SP Cole Corey, RT Mike Gyetvai, WR Terry Love, QB Stephen Reaves, SP Kyle Sackrider, LB Kaleb Thornhill and NG Joe Toth.
Note: SP = special teams appearance.
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS IMPACT SPARTAN DEPTH CHART -
No fewer than six first-year players are currently listed on Michigan State's depth chart, including five on defense and one on offense. Here's a complete breakdown of true freshmen and junior college transfers included on the depth chart:
True Freshmen (4): BANDIT Sir Darean Adams, LB Eric Andino, RCB Eric Hines and DE Nick Smith.
Junior College Transfers (2): DT Domata Peko and LG Daniel Zynn.
THE COMEBACK KIDS -
Michigan State erased a 13-point halftime deficit by scoring 23 unanswered points en route to a 30-20 victory at Indiana in the 2004 Big Ten opener. It marked Michigan State's biggest comeback from a halftime deficit since posting a 34-16 victory over Wyoming in 1977 after trailing 16-0 at the intermission.
Spartan tailback Leroy McGee keyed the rally against the Cowboys, scoring three second-half touchdowns. His 1-yard TD run with 1:06 left in the third quarter gave Michigan State the lead for good at 20-16. The Spartans broke the game open early in the fourth quarter as Ed Smith hooked up with Kirk Gibson for an 82-yard scoring pass.
In 1998, Michigan State staged perhaps its greatest comeback, rallying from a 24-9 third-quarter deficit to upset top-ranked Ohio State, 28-24, in Columbus. Spartan placekicker Paul Edinger provided five field goals, including a 49-yarder in the third quarter. Sedrick Irvin capped an eight-play, 92-yard drive with a 3-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter as Michigan State took the lead for good at 25-24. The Spartans trailed the Buckeyes, 17-9, at halftime.
REAVES, STANTON PRODUCE WINS IN DEBUTS AS STARTING QB -
For the first time since 1996, Michigan State has utilized three different starting quarterbacks in the same season. Senior Damon Dowdell earned his seventh career start in the 2004 season opener at Rutgers. Red-shirt freshman Stephen Reaves started back-to-back games vs. Central Michigan and Notre Dame, while sophomore Drew Stanton assumed the starting role for the Big Ten opener at Indiana.
In 1996, Todd Schultz, Gus Ornstein and Bill Burke each took turns under center as the starting signal caller.
Reaves and Stanton each produced wins in their first career starts. Here's how Michigan State's last 15 quarterbacks fared in their first college starts:
• Drew Stanton - Sept. 25, 2004 vs. Indiana (W 30-20)
Stanton accounted for 306 total yards and two touchdowns as the Spartans rallied from a 20-7 halftime deficit. He rushed for 134 yards on 12 carries, including TD runs of 1 and 2 yards, and completed 15-of-23 throws for 172 yards and two interceptions.
• Stephen Reaves - Sept. 11, 2004 vs. Central Michigan (W 24-7)
Reaves hit 9-of-19 passes for 183 yards vs. Central Michigan, including a 44-yard TD strike to Kyle Brown.
• Damon Dowdell - Nov. 17, 2001 vs. Purdue (L 14-24)
Dowdell completed 24-of-45 throws for 304 yards vs. Purdue, including a 7-yard TD toss to Charles Rogers.
• Jeff Smoker - Sept. 16, 2000 vs. Missouri (W 13-10)
Smoker connected on 10-of-24 throws for 157 yards with one interception as the Spartans rallied from a 10-0 first-quarter deficit.
• Ryan Van Dyke - Sept. 9, 2000 vs. Marshall (W 34-24)
Van Dyke completed 5-of-7 passes for 74 yards, including a 37-yard TD strike to Chris Baker, before leaving the game with a bruised right thumb late in the first quarter.
• Bill Burke - Sept. 28, 1996 vs. Eastern Michigan (W 47-0)
Burke completed 8-of-22 passes for 166 yards, including TD tosses of 49 and 5 yards to Nigea Carter.
• Gus Ornstein - Sept. 21, 1996 vs. Louisville (L 20-30)
Ornstein hit 21-of-37 passes for 237 yards, including a 17-yard TD strike to Derrick Mason.
• Todd Schultz - Sept. 30, 1995 vs. Boston College (W 25-21)
Schultz completed 20-of-28 passes for 210 yards as the Spartans rallied from a 21-9 third-quarter deficit to win 25-21.
• Tony Banks - Sept. 10, 1994 at Kansas (L 10-17)
Banks connected on 8-of-22 throws for 71 yards with two interceptions.
• Mill Coleman - Nov. 14, 1992 vs. Purdue (W 35-13)
Coleman completed 4-of-10 passes for 54 yards with one interception. He also added a 2-yard TD run.
• John Gieselman - Oct. 31, 1992 at Northwestern (W 27-26)
Gieselman hit 4-of-7 pass attempts for 27 yards.
• Jim Miller - Oct. 5, 1991 at Indiana (L 0-31)
Miller completed 10-of-19 throws for 105 yards with one interception.
• Bret Johnson - Sept. 14, 1991 vs. Central Michigan (L 3-20)
Johnson connected on 6-of-11 passes for 29 yards.
• Dan Enos - Sept. 16, 1989 vs. Miami-Ohio (W 49-0)
Enos hit 5-of-7 throws for 78 yards and scored on an 8-yard run.
• Bobby McAllister - Sept. 7, 1987 vs. Southern Cal (W 27-13)
McAllister completed 10-of-15 passes for 103 yards and rushed 15 times for 63 yards, including a 9-yard TD run.
SPARTAN COACHING STAFF APPOINTS 2004 CAPTAINS -
Michigan State second-year head coach John L. Smith and his coaching staff have appointed four captains for the 2004 season: junior wide receiver Kyle Brown, senior BANDIT Tyrell Dortch, senior free safety Jason Harmon and senior MIKE linebacker Ronald Stanley.
Stanley, who served in the same capacity in 2003, becomes just the sixth multi-year captain in Spartan football history, joining center Robert McCurry (1946-47-48), quarterback John Leister (1981-82), linebacker Carl Banks (1982-83), linebacker Ike Reese (1996-97) and linebacker Josh Thornhill (2000-01).
MSU REACHES 300-WIN MILESTONE IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Spartan Stadium recently completed its 81st season as home to Michigan State football. With its 49-14 victory over No. 4 Wisconsin in the 2004 home finale, Michigan State recorded its 300th win in Spartan Stadium. Michigan State has compiled a 300-128-13 record (.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 77-18-1 (.807) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-64-1 (.173) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 15-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 90-82-2 (.523).
SPARTAN SINGLE-GAME BESTS UNDER SMITH -
Here's a look at the top single-game totals produced by Michigan State during head coach John L. Smith's tenure (2003-04; 23 games):
Rushing Yards: 430 vs. Wisconsin, 2004
Passing Yards: 382 vs. Indiana, 2003
Total Yards: 636 vs. Minnesota, 2004
First Downs: 31 vs. Minnesota, 2004
Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: minus 2 by Rutgers, 2003
Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 93 by Central Michigan, 2004
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 238 by Penn State, 2003
Fewest First Downs Allowed: 12 by Ohio State and Indiana, 2004; Rutgers, 2003
Sacks By: 6 vs. Indiana and Western Michigan, 2003
Turnovers Forced: 5 vs. Louisiana Tech, 2003
Points (Game): 51 vs. Minnesota, 2004
Points (Half): 34 (1st) vs. Minnesota, 2003
Points (Quarter): 24 (2nd) vs. Rutgers, 2003
Victory Margin: 35 vs. Wisconsin, 2004; Illinois, 2003
