Spartan Football Opens Two-Game Homestand Against Ohio State
11/6/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 6, 2004
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DATE: Nov. 6, 2004
SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 72,027 (sellout expected)
LAST WEEK: Michigan State lost at No. 12/11 Michigan in triple overtime, 45-37; Ohio State defeated Penn State, 21-10.
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 will televise the Michigan State-Ohio State game live to a national audience, with Mark Jones handling the play-by-play, Bob Davie providing color commentary and Holly Rowe serving as the sideline reporter.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 12-9 (.571) in his second year with the Spartans and 122-69 (.639) 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.
Ohio State's Jim Tressel (Baldwin Wallace 1975) is 37-10 (.787) in his fourth year with the Buckeyes and 172-67-2 (.718) in 19 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.
2004 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (4-4, 3-2 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultSept. 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) 12:02 p.m. EST Nov. 13 WISCONSIN (ABC) 3:30 p.m. EST Nov. 20 at Penn State TBA Dec. 4 at Hawaii TBA
OHIO STATE (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultSept. 4 CINCINNATI W, 27-6 Sept. 11 MARSHALL W, 24-21 Sept. 18 at N.C. State W, 22-14 Oct. 2 at Northwestern (OT) L, 27-33 Oct. 9 WISCONSIN L, 13-24 Oct. 16 at Iowa L, 7-33 Oct. 23 INDIANA W, 30-7 Oct. 30 PENN STATE W, 21-10 Oct. 6 at Michigan State 12:02 p.m. EST Nov. 13 at Purdue 3:30 p.m. EST Nov. 20 MICHIGAN 1:00 p.m. EST
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Ohio StateBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 7 5 Defensive Starters Returning 6 4 Specialists Returning 2 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Ohio StateOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 303 6-5, 292 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-1, 217 Defensive Line 6-3, 290 6-4, 283 Linebackers 6-0, 231 6-2, 246 Defensive Backs 5-11, 193 6-1, 198
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 3 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores
Ohio State Offense: 2 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
Ohio State Defense: 2 seniors, 6 juniors, 3 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after eight games):
Rushing - Drew Stanton (73 carries for 534 yards, 7.3 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (104 of 164 for 1138 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving - Matt Trannon (26 catches for 305 yards, 11.7 avg., 1 TD) and Jerramy Scott (26 for 274 yards, 10.5 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Ronald Stanley (85 tackles, 52 solos, 33 assists, 7 TFLs)
Ohio State (after eight games):
Rushing - Lydell Ross (94 carries for 343 yards, 3.6 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Justin Zwick (81 of 160 for 1020 yards, 5 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving - Santonio Holmes (39 catches for 582 yards, 14.9 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles - A.J. Hawk (101 tackles, 46 solos, 55 assists, 5 TFLs)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Ohio StateScoring 29.2 21.4 First Downs 22.9 15.8 Total Offense 453.2 294.5 Rushing Yards 232.2 126.4 Passing Yards 221.0 168.1 Time of Possession 29:51 28:55 Third Down Conversions .383 .336 Points Allowed 25.2 18.5 Total Offense Allowed 380.1 313.5 Rushing Yards Allowed 171.4 135.0 Passing Yards Allowed 208.8 178.5
MSU/OHIO STATE SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 35th meeting between Michigan State and Ohio State. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 22-12, including a 10-5 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. Ohio State has won two in a row and seven of the last nine meetings. Michigan State's last win in the series came on Nov. 6, 1999, 23-7, in Spartan Stadium. Ohio State's last win in East Lansing came on Nov. 1, 1997, 37-13. (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. 8, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio: Craig Krenzel threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns and Mike Nugent added four field goals to lead No. 7 Ohio State to its 15th consecutive home victory, 33-23, over No. 14 Michigan State. Jeff Smoker capped a seven-play, 95-yard drive with a 22-yard TD strike to Agim Shabaj as the Spartans jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 6:21 left in the first quarter. The Buckeyes answered on the next series as a 10-play, 52-yard drive resulted in Nugent's 44-yard field goal. Early in the second quarter, Michigan State drove inside the Ohio State 20 but Tyler Everett intercepted Smoker's pass intended for Matt Trannon at the 6-yard line and returned it 66 yards to the Spartan 28. Five plays later, Krenzel hit Ben Hartsock with a 17-yard TD toss as Ohio State took the lead for good at 10-7. The Buckeyes moved out to a 17-7 lead on Krenzel's 37-yard TD toss down the middle to Santonio Holmes with 6:28 remaining in the second quarter. Michigan State pulled to within 17-10 on Dave Rayner's 48-yard field goal with 3:13 left in the first half. Ohio State opened the second half with an eight-play, 80-yard drive and built a 24-10 lead on Krenzel's 2-yard TD pass to Ryan Hamby. DeAndra Cobb returned the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a TD as the Spartans closed to within 24-17 with 11:30 left in the third quarter. The Buckeyes put together an 11-play, 72-yard drive and increased its lead to 27-17 on Nugent's 24-yard field goal with 6:14 remaining in the third quarter. Nugent connected on field goals of 42 and 18 yards in the fourth quarter as Ohio State pushed its lead to 33-17. Smoker finished off a six-play, 63-yard drive with a 17-yard scoring pass to Aaron Alexander as Michigan State cut its deficit to 33-23 with 3:21 to play. Ohio State outgained the Spartans on the ground, 182-5, with Lydell Ross picking up 125 yards on 24 carries. Smoker threw for 351 yards while setting Spartan single-game records for attempts (55) and completions (35).
THE LAST MEETING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Nov. 6, 1999, in East Lansing, Mich.: Bill Burke threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns while Michigan State's defense held No. 20 Ohio State to 0 yards rushing in the Spartans' 23-7 victory in East Lansing. It marked the first time since 1987-88 that MSU had recorded back-to-back wins over the Buckeyes. The Spartans jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter thanks to Paul Edinger's 35-yard field goal and Burke's TD tosses of 17 yards to Plaxico Burress and 1 yard to Chris Baker. Ohio State's only score came off a turnover in the third quarter, as Ahmed Plummer's 37-yard interception return set up Steve Bellisari's 4-yard TD pass to Michael Wiley. Richard Newsome's first career interception led to Edinger's third field goal, a 33-yarder in the fourth quarter. Michigan State's defense allowed only one first down in the second half (10:20 mark of the fourth quarter), while limiting Ohio State to 18 total yards. Ohio State's 0 yards rushing were its lowest total since 1966 (minus-22 vs. Michigan State).
MSU/OHIO STATE COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State head coach John L. Smith is 0-2 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/offensive line coach Jim Bollman spent three years as offensive line coach at Michigan State (1995-97) under Nick Saban.
• Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/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 defensive coordinator 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 2004 roster features 13 players from Ohio: freshman cornerback Mike Bell (Shaker Heights), sophomore snapper Brian Bury (Marion/Harding), sophomore punter Brandon Fields (Toledo/St. John's), junior kicker John Goss (Grove City), senior free safety Jason Harmon (Ironton), sophomore linebacker David Herron Jr. (Warren/Warren G. Harding), freshman running back Tony Howard (Garfield Heights), freshman quarterback Brian Hoyer (North Olmsted/St. Ignatius), freshman defensive end Justin Kershaw (Columbus/Reynoldsburg), junior nose guard Brandon McKinney (Dayton/Chaminade-Julienne), junior strong safety Eric Smith (Groveport/Groveport-Madison), freshman defensive end Nick Smith (North Canton/GlenOak) and junior cornerback Ashton Watson (Huber Heights/Wayne).
 Levi Jackson's 88-yard TD run gave MSU a 16-13 victory over No. 1 Ohio State in 1974.  | |
TURN BACK THE CLOCK -
The 2004 season marks the 30th anniversary of Levi Jackson's 88-yard touchdown run on Nov. 9, 1974, that gave Michigan State a 16-13 victory over the top-ranked and previously unbeaten Ohio State in Spartan Stadium.
Ohio State took a 6-3 lead into the fourth quarter and extended its lead to 13-3 on Harold Henson's 1-yard TD run with 9:03 left in the game. The Spartans pulled to within 13-9 on Charlie Baggett's 44-yard TD strike to Mike Jones with 5:30 on the clock. Jackson, who rushed for 133 yards on 13 carries, scored the game-winning TD with 3:17 to play.
The Buckeyes put together an 11-play, 70-yard drive in the closing minutes but failed to score before time expired.
Archie Griffin paced Ohio State's ground attack with 140 yards on 23 attempts.
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 232.2 2nd 11thPassing Offense 221.0 5th 53rdTotal Offense 453.2 2nd 12thScoring Offense 29.2 4th t-35thRushing Defense 171.4 9th t-79thPassing Defense 208.8 6th 56thTotal Defense 380.1 7th t-68thScoring Defense 25.2 8th 63rdPassing Efficiency 122.5 5th 55thPass Efficiency Defense 118.3 7th 53rdTurnover Margin -0.63 8th t-88thNet Punting 38.9 2nd 16thPunt Returns 7.8 10th 82ndKickoff Returns 21.8 7th 40th
NCAA STAT 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 (44th at 128.9 rating)
Total Offense: Drew Stanton (32nd at 238.9 yards per game)
Interceptions: Jason Harmon (t-32nd at 0.38 interceptions per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (1st at 48.1 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: DeAndra Cobb (35th at 22.8 yards per return)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (t-2nd at 1.88 made per game)
Scoring: Dave Rayner (t-18th at 8.75 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: DeAndra Cobb (t-31st at 133.9 yards per game)
Points Responsible For: Drew Stanton (48th at 10.86 points per game)
SPARTANS FEATURE IMPROVED GROUND ATTACK -
Michigan State has displayed an improved running attack in 2004. Through eight games, the Spartans rank second in the Big Ten and No. 11 in the NCAA in rushing, averaging 232.2 yards per game. That's an improvement of nearly 135 yards per game over last season.
The Spartans have recorded six 200-yard rushing games in 2004, including the last five in a row. It marks the first time since 1996 that Michigan State has 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).
Last week, Michigan State amassed 368 yards on the ground vs. Michigan, which entered the game ranked third in the NCAA in rushing defense, permitting 71.6 yards per game. It marked the best single-game rushing total during John L. Smith's tenure. It also 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 yielded 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 375 yards. Quarterback Drew Stanton leads the team in rushing with 534 yards and five touchdowns on 73 carries. He has produced two 100-yard rushing games, including 102 yards on 13 attempts vs. Minnesota. Stanton gained 134 yards on 12 rushes vs. Indiana to become the first Spartan QB to record a 100-yard game since Charlie Baggett picked up 120 yards vs. Northwestern in 1975.
Running backs DeAndra Cobb, Jason Teague and Jehuu Caulcrick have combined to rush for 1,290 yards and 10 scores on 239 attempts.
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 seven games, the Spartans rank near the bottom of the Big Ten and NCAA in turnover margin (-5 overall). Michigan State has scored just nine points off 11 takeaways in 2004, while its opponents have converted 16 Spartan miscues into 44 points.
By comparison in 2003, Michigan State had a +15 turnover margin after eight games. The Spartans had parlayed 23 takeaways into 83 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) 0Totals 11 (7 interceptions, 4 fumbles) 9
Opponent 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) 7Totals 16 (8 fumbles, 8 interceptions) 44
BALL SECURITY, PART II -
Michigan State has committed 16 turnovers (8 fumbles, 8 interceptions) in the first eight 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.
STANTON SIDELINED INDEFINITELY WITH SEPARATED SHOULDER -
Sophomore quarterback Drew Stanton is sidelined indefinitely after separating his shoulder late in the second quarter vs. Michigan. Stanton played a near-perfect first half against the 12th-ranked Wolverines, accounting for 175 total yards. He rushed 12 times for 80 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter, and completed 10-of-13 passes for 95 yards. Stanton sustained the injury on a 6-yard run with just over three minutes to play in the first half.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Stanton ranks third in the Big Ten and No. 32 in the NCAA in total offense, averaging 238.9 yards per game. He also ranks among the league leaders in passing efficiency (fifth with 128.9 rating), rushing (fifth at 76.3 ypg.) and passing (ninth at 162.6 ypg.).
In Big Ten games, Stanton leads the league in total offense (292.2 ypg.) while ranking third in passing efficiency (129.1 rating), fourth in passing (203.8 ypg.) and fifth in rushing (88.4 ypg.).
He leads the Spartans in rushing (534 yards on 73 carries) and rushing TDs (5). Stanton has a chance to become the first quarterback in the modern era (since 1945) to lead the Spartans in rushing yards for a season. He also has completed 104-of-164 throws (.634) for 1,138 yards, six TDs and four interceptions.
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.
STANTON SPREADS THE BALL AROUND -
A key to Drew Stanton's throwing success in 2004 has been his ability to utilize all of the weapons at his disposal in Michigan State's spread offense. Seven Spartans have at least 14 receptions, including five wide outs, one running back and one tight end. Two receivers - Matt Trannon (26 for 305) and Jerramy Scott (26 for 274 yards) - have a least 20 catches.
 Ronald Stanley has recorded 328 career tackles and needs just one more stop to crack MSU's all-time top 10. | |
STANLEY APPROACHES MSU'S ALL-TIME TOP 10 IN TACKLES -
Senior linebacker Ronald Stanley has recorded 328 career tackles and needs just one more stop to crack MSU's all-time top 10.
The 6-foot, 234-pound Stanley leads the Spartans in tackles (85 total), tackles for losses (7 for 30 yards) and production points (143).
The Saginaw, Mich., native has posted double figures in tackles four times in 2004 and on 12 occasions during his career. Stanley made 13 stops vs. Michigan, including a 10-yard sack. 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.
 Brandon Fields, who leads the NCAA in punting with his 48.1-yard average, has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award. | |
FIELDS NAMED MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN AND RAY GUY AWARD SEMIFINALIST -
Sophomore Brandon Fields, who leads the NCAA in punting with his 48.1-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 17 punts 50 or more yards and had 10 kicks downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
The 6-foot-6, 234-pound 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 47.0-yard punting average ranks No. 1 on MSU's all-time list.
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 kickoff returns (seventh with his 22.8-yard average), all-purpose yards (eighth at 133.9 yards per game) and rushing (10th at 59.0 ypg.).
The 5-foot-10, 197-pound Cobb leads the Spartans in all-purpose yards (1,672) and ranks second on the team in rushing (472 yards on 63 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 25.1-yard kickoff return average ranks sixth on the Big Ten's all-time list. Cobb also stands fourth on MSU's all-time chart with 1,355 career kickoff return yards.
FOUR SPARTANS LISTED ON ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT BALLOT -
Four Michigan State players - sophomore punter Brandon Fields, junior center Chris Morris, junior offensive tackle Gordon Niebylski and sophomore quarterback Drew Stanton - have been nominated for the Academic All-District IV Team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
To be nominated for the Academic All-District Team, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his career. He also must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing.
District IV includes all schools from the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.
Players named to the Academic All-District Team (released Nov. 11) will have their names appear on the national ballot for Academic All-America honors.
Spartan Academic All-District IV Candidates
Name Major (GPA)Brandon Fields kinesiology (3.41) Chris Morris finance (3.26) Gordon Niebylski supply chain management (3.59) Drew Stanton kinesiology (3.28)
YOUTH IS SERVED -
Twenty-two true and red-shirt freshmen have seen action for Michigan State in the first eight 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.
MANY HAPPY SPARTAN RETURNS -
Michigan State's special teams produced two touchdowns 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.
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).
PLAYING IN FRONT OF A FULL HOUSE -
Michigan State has played before a sellout crowd in 45 of its last 50 home games, including the last 37 in a row. The Spartans have ranked among the NCAA's top 20 in attendance each of the last 48 years, including 20th in 2003, averaging 72,830 fans per game.
SPARTANS TOUGH ON HOME TURF -
Spartan Stadium is in its 81st season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 299-127-13 record (.696) 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 76-18-1 (.805) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-63-1 (.175) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 15-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 89-81-2 (.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; 21 games):
Rushing Yards: 368 vs. Michigan, 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 Indiana, 2004 and 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. Illinois, 2003
