Spartan Football Prepares For Season Finale At Hawaii
12/1/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 1, 2004
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DATE: Dec. 4, 2004
KICKOFF: 11:30 p.m. EST
SITE: Aloha Stadium (50,000/FieldTurf), Honolulu, Hawaii
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 30,000-plus
LAST WEEK: Michigan State had an open week following its Nov. 20 loss at Penn State, 37-13; Hawaii defeated Northwestern, 49-41.
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 - ESPN2 will televise the Michigan State-Hawaii game live to a national audience, with Dave Barnett handling the play-by-play, Bill Curry and David Norrie providing color commentary and Alex Flanagan serving as the sideline reporter.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 13-11 (.542) in his second year with the Spartans and 123-71 (.634) 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.
Hawaii's June Jones (New York State Regents College) is 46-30 (.605) in his sixth year with the Warriors. Jones previously spent 12 years in the National Football League, including two stints as a head coach. He compiled a 3-7 record (.300) as interim head coach of the San Diego Chargers in 1998. Jones produced a 19-29 ledger (.396) in three seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons (1994-96), including a (wild card) playoff appearance in 1995 (9-7). His NFL coaching credits also include stops as an assistant at Atlanta (1991-93), Detroit (1989-90) and Houston (1987-88). During his tenure in Detroit, he served as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach under Wayne Fontes.
2004 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (5-6, 4-4 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) L, 13-37 Dec. 4 at Hawaii (ESPN2) 11:30 p.m. EST
Date Opponent Time/Result
HAWAII (6-5, 4-4 WAC)
Sept. 4 FLORIDA ATLANTIC (OT) L, 28-35 Sept. 18 at Rice L, 29-41 Oct. 2 TULSA W, 44-16 Oct. 9 NEVADA W, 48-26 Oct. 16 at UTEP L, 20-51 Oct. 23 SAN JOSE STATE W, 46-28 Oct. 29 at Boise State L, 3-69 Nov. 6 LOUISIANA TECH W, 34-23 Nov. 12 at Fresno State L, 14-70 Nov. 20 IDAHO W, 52-21 Nov. 27 NORTHWESTERN W, 49-41 Dec. 4 MICHIGAN STATE 6:30 p.m. HST
Date Opponent Time/Result
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State HawaiiBasic Offense Spread Run-and-Shoot Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 7 10 Defensive Starters Returning 6 3 Specialists Returning 2 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State HawaiiOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 303 6-2, 285 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 5-10, 192 Defensive Line 6-3, 290 6-3, 281 Linebackers 6-0, 231 5-11, 217 Defensive Backs 5-11, 193 6-0, 188
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 3 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores
Hawaii Offense: 5 seniors, 1 junior, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
Hawaii Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 11 games):
Rushing - Jason Teague (137 carries for 654 yards, 4.8 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (119 of 188 for 1271 yards, 7 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving - Jerramy Scott (34 catches for 337 yards, 9.9 avg., 3 TDs)
Tackles - Ronald Stanley (118 tackles, 71 solos, 47 assists, 8 TFLs)
Hawaii (after 11 games):
Rushing - Michael Brewster (100 carries for 622 yards, 6.2 avg., 6 TDs)
Passing - Timmy Chang (298 of 507 for 3437 yards, 30 TDs, 13 INTs)
Receiving - Chad Owens (81 catches for 893 yards, 11.0 avg., 11 TDs)
Tackles - Leonard Peters (100 tackles, 64 solos, 36 assists, 6 TFLs, 4 INTs)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State HawaiiScoring 28.6 33.4 First Downs 22.1 22.0 Total Offense 447.5 420.4 Rushing Yards 235.8 94.8 Passing Yards 211.6 325.5 Time of Possession 29:16 27:54 Third Down Conversions .400 .429 Points Allowed 25.9 38.3 Total Offense Allowed 367.4 468.5 Rushing Yards Allowed 177.2 258.5 Passing Yards Allowed 190.2 210.0
MSU/HAWAII SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the fourth meeting between Michigan State and Hawaii. The Spartans lead the all-time series 3-0, including a 33-13 victory over the Warriors in the 1989 Aloha Bowl. The teams first met in 1947 with Michigan State posting a 58-19 victory in Honolulu Stadium. The Spartans completed the home-and-home series with a 68-21 win at Macklin Field in 1948. In its three previous meetings, Michigan State has outscored Hawaii, 159-53. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 172 in the 2004 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Dec. 25, 1989, in Honolulu, Hawaii: Blake Ezor rushed for 179 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead No. 22 Michigan State to a 33-13 victory over No. 25 Hawaii in the 1989 Aloha Bowl. Michigan State scored its first 26 points off Warrior turnovers. The Spartans jumped out to a 19-0 halftime lead on TD runs of 3 and 2 yards by Ezor and field goals of 30 and 34 yards by John Langeloh. Michigan State forced six turnovers in the first half and outgained the Warriors, 205-102, in total yards. Hawaii took the second-half kickoff and a 10-play, 74-yard drive ended with Garrett Gabriel's 11-yard TD toss to Chris Roscoe. Mike Iaquaniello's second interception set up Michigan State's third touchdown, a 1-yard dive by Hyland Hickson with 10:13 left in the fourth quarter, as the Spartans moved out to a 26-6 lead. Hawaii answered with a score on its next possession as Gabriel hooked up with Dane McArthur for a 23-yard TD pass. The Spartans put the game away as Ezor raced 26 yards around right end for his third touchdown with 5:36 left in the game. Ezor gained 101 yards rushing in the second half on 18 carries.
SPARTAN FOOTBALL NO STRANGER TO ALOHA STADIUM -
Saturday's game marks Michigan State's third appearance in Aloha Stadium. The Spartans have made two trips to the Aloha Bowl, with a 51-23 loss to No. 21 Washington in 1997 and a 33-13 victory over No. 25 Hawaii in 1989.
TURN BACK THE CLOCK -
Michigan State's last regular-season appearance in Honolulu, Hawaii, came 57 years ago when . . .
• Clarence "Biggie" Munn was wrapping up his first season as head coach at Michigan State.
• Hawaii was playing just its second season as a member of the NCAA.
• Hawaii's game program sold for 25 cents in Honolulu Stadium.
• President Harry S Truman occupied the White House.
Nov. 29, 1947 (Michigan State 58, Hawaii 19)
Bud Crane accounted for 188 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 58-19 victory over Hawaii in Honolulu Stadium. The Spartans jumped out to an 18-0 lead in the first quarter as Steve Sieradzki scored on runs of 3 and 4 yards and Lynn Chandnois raced 65 yards for another TD. The Rainbows pulled to within 18-12 in the second quarter as Sol Kaulukukui threw TD passes of 10 yards to Phil Haake and 32 yards to Louis Collins. Michigan State built a 32-12 halftime lead as John Poloncak scored on a 3-yard run and Crane returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown. The Spartans scored 20 points in the third quarter to break the game open. Franklin Waters scored on a 14-yard run and Crane provided TD runs of 7 and 4 yards. Hawaii ended its scoring drought in the fourth quarter as Haake hauled in a 29-yard TD toss from Dick Mamiya. Crane scored his fourth TD on a 29-yard strike from George Smith in the fourth quarter. Michigan State produced 467 total yards, including 362 yards on the ground. Chandnois paced a well-balanced rushing attack with 94 yards on six carries. The Spartan defense limited the Rainbows to eight first downs and 239 total yards.
MSU/HAWAII COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State defensive coordinator Chris Smeland spent four years on the Hawaii coaching staff (1991-94), working with the inside and outside linebackers in 1991 before being elevated to defensive coordinator in 1992. The Rainbows won a share of the Western Athletic Conference championship in 1992 and finished 11-2 overall, including a 27-17 Holiday Bowl triumph over Illinois, thanks in part to a defensive unit which ranked second in the league in rushing defense (167.2 yards). Smeland tutored two first-team All-WAC selections during his tenure, including nose guard Maa Tanuvasa (1992) and linebacker Junior Faavae (1994).
• Michigan State defensive coordinator Chris Smeland and Hawaii associate head coach/defensive coordinator George Lumpkin worked together on the Warrior coaching staff under Bob Wagner from 1991-94.
 Domata Peko, who played his prep football in Pago Pago, American Samoa, expects 30 relatives and family members to attend Saturday's game in Aloha Stadium.  | |
HOMECOMING OF SORTS FOR PEKO AND TOTH -
Saturday's season finale at Hawaii marks a homecoming of sorts for Michigan State defensive tackles Domata Peko and Joe Toth.
Peko and Hawaii red-shirt freshman defensive lineman Larry Sauafea were teammates at Samoana High School in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Peko also played against Hawaii junior defensive end Melila Purcell, who attended Leone High School in Pago Pago. Peko expects approximately 30 relatives and friends to make the 2,600-mile trip (5 1/2-hour flight) from Pago Pago to Honolulu.
Toth, who played his prep football in Port Charlotte, Fla., was born in Honolulu. He estimates that 23 friends and family members plan to attend the game, including his father Larry Angel who still resides in Honolulu.
MSU vs. WAC TEAMS -
Michigan State has compiled a 6-1 record (.857) against current members of the Western Athletic Conference (1-0 vs. Fresno State, 3-0 vs. Hawaii, 0-1 vs. Louisiana Tech, 1-0 vs. Rice and 1-0 vs. Southern Methodist), including a 2-0 mark in postseason bowl games. In 2003, the Spartans had a six-game winning streak against WAC foes snapped by Louisiana Tech, 20-19.
Here's a look at Michigan State's seven games vs. WAC teams:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteSept. 13, 2003 Louisiana Tech L, 19-20 Spartan Stadium Sept. 7, 2002 Rice W, 27-10 Spartan Stadium Dec. 31, 2001 Fresno State W, 44-35 San Jose (Silicon Valley) Dec. 25, 1989 Hawaii W, 33-13 Honolulu (Aloha Bowl) Sept. 27, 1969 Southern Methodist W, 23-15 East Lansing Oct. 2, 1948 Hawaii W, 68-21 East Lansing Nov. 29, 1947 Hawaii W, 58-19 Honolulu
SPARTANS TOUGH IN NON-CONFERENCE GAMES -
Since 1999, Michigan State has compiled a 17-6 record (.739) in games played against non-conference opponents. However, the Spartans are just 6-6 (.500) in their last 12 non-conference games.
Here's a look at Michigan State's non-conference results since 1999:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteSept. 18, 2004 Notre Dame L, 24-31 Spartan Stadium Sept. 11, 2004 Central Michigan W, 24-7 Spartan Stadium Sept. 4, 2004 Rutgers L, 14-19 Piscataway, N.J. Dec. 29, 2003 Nebraska L, 3-17 San Antonio, Texas Sept. 20, 2003 Notre Dame W, 22-16 South Bend, Ind. Sept. 13, 2003 Louisiana Tech L, 19-20 Spartan Stadium Sept. 6, 2003 Rutgers W, 44-28 Spartan Stadium Aug. 30, 2003 Western Michigan W, 26-21 Spartan Stadium Sept. 21, 2002 Notre Dame L, 17-21 Spartan Stadium Sept. 14, 2002 California L, 22-46 Spartan Stadium Sept. 7, 2002 Rice W, 27-10 Spartan Stadium Aug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7 Spartan Stadium Dec. 31, 2001 Fresno State W, 44-35 San Jose, Calif. Dec. 1, 2001 Missouri W, 55-7 Spartan Stadium Sept. 22, 2001 Notre Dame W, 17-10 South Bend, Ind. Sept. 8, 2001 Central Michigan W, 35-21 Spartan Stadium Sept. 23, 2000 Notre Dame W, 27-21 Spartan Stadium Sept. 16, 2000 Missouri W, 13-10 Columbia, Mo. Sept. 9, 2000 Marshall W, 34-24 Spartan Stadium Jan. 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 Stadium Sept. 2, 1999 Oregon W, 27-20 Spartan Stadium
SPARTANS FROM THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS -
The impact players from the Hawaiian Islands have had on Michigan State's football program has to be measured in terms of quality, not quantity. In 108 seasons, Hawaii has provided 11 letterwinners but that modest figure includes center Charles Ane (Honolulu/Punahou HS), fullback Bob Apisa (Honolulu/Farrington HS), kicker Dick Kenney (Aiea/Iolani HS) and quarterback Charlie Wedemeyer (Kailua/Honolulu Punahon).
Ane, a three-year letterman from 1972-74, spent seven years in the National Football League with the Kansas City Chiefs (1975-80) and Green Bay Packers (1981).
Apisa, a two-time All-American, helped the Spartans win back-to-back national championships in 1965-66. A three-year letterman for Duffy Daugherty from 1965-67, he rushed for 1,343 career yards and 17 touchdowns.
Kenney, a barefoot placekicker and punter, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 1966. He finished third on the team in scoring with 45 points and averaged 36.6 yards on 50 punts in 1966. A three-year letterman from 1964-66, Kenney scored 107 career points, including 19 field goals.
Wedemeyer, who earned two letters as a back-up quarterback in 1966 and '68, has gained national recognition for his successes as a coach at Los Gatos (Calif.) High School while battling Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). In nine seasons as head coach (1977-85), he led Los Gatos to seven conference championships. Since 1986, Wedemeyer has held the title of coach emeritus, coaching the offensive backs and quarterbacks for the Wildcats junior varsity team as well as serving as an offensive consultant for the varsity team.
SENIORS BID FAREWELL -
Eighteen seniors will make their final appearance in a Spartan uniform Dec. 4 vs. Hawaii. This senior class has helped Michigan State to a combined record of 24-24 (.500) since 2001, including two postseason appearances (2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic and 2003 Alamo Bowl).
The Class of 2004 includes linebacker Marshall Campbell (Fort Gratiot, Mich.), running back DeAndra Cobb (Las Vegas, Nev.), defensive tackle Brian Davies (Farmington, Mich.), BANDIT Tyrell Dortch (Hoboken, N.J.), quarterback Damon Dowdell (Detroit, Mich.), defensive end Clifford Dukes (Lexington Park, Md.), linebacker Eze Ejelonu (Pontiac, Mich.), free safety Jason Harmon (Ironton, Ohio), tight end Eric Knott (Detroit, Mich.), cornerback Roderick Maples (Detroit, Mich.), offensive tackle Sean Poole (Flint, Mich.), tight end Jason Randall (Muskegon Heights, Mich.), kicker Dave Rayner (Oxford, Mich.), running back Chad Simon (Saginaw, Mich.), linebacker Ronald Stanley (Saginaw, Mich.), defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (Detroit, Mich.), tight end Matt Walters (Clackamas, Ore.) and offensive guard William Whitticker (Marion, Ind.).
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 235.8 2nd 14thPassing Offense 211.6 5th 62ndTotal Offense 447.5 2nd 12thScoring Offense 28.6 4th 42ndRushing Defense 177.2 9th 78thPassing Defense 190.2 3rd 23rdTotal Defense 367.4 7th 54thScoring Defense 25.9 8th 66thPassing Efficiency 115.6 7th 74thPass Efficiency Defense 115.7 6th 38thTurnover Margin -1.0 11th 108thNet Punting 37.0 6th t-38thPunt Returns 8.6 7th 28thKickoff Returns 22.1 7th 28th
NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2004:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Punting: Brandon Fields (1st at 48.3 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: DeAndra Cobb (34th at 23.0 yards per return)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (2nd at 1.9 made per game)
Scoring: Dave Rayner (15th at 8.8 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: DeAndra Cobb (44th at 123.5 yards per game)
SPARTANS FEATURE IMPROVED GROUND ATTACK -
Michigan State has displayed an improved running attack in 2004. Through 11 games, the Spartans rank second in the Big Ten and No. 14 in the NCAA in rushing, averaging 235.8 yards per game. That's an improvement of 138 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.
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.
OFF AND RUNNING -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State's ground attack has fared against the NCAA's top rushing defenses in 2004:
Opponent NCAA Rank YPG Allowed MSU Rush Yards +/-Wisconsin No. 6 87.3 430 +343Michigan No. 3 71.6 368 +296Iowa No. 3 55.5 204 +149Notre Dame No. 6 39.0 165 +126
BALANCED GROUND GAME ROLLS UP YARDS -
The Spartans feature a well-balanced ground attack with four players gaining more than 585 yards. A trio of running backs - Teague, DeAndra Cobb and Caulcrick - have combined to rush for 1,841 yards and 13 scores on 324 attempts. Teague paces the ground attack with 654 yards on 137 carries and five touchdowns. Cobb has contributed 600 yards on 80 rushes and four TDs, while Caulcrick has produced 587 yards on 107 attempts and four TDs. Quarterback Drew Stanton ranks second on the team in rushing with 611 yards on 84 carries and five TDs. Michigan State's top four rushers are separated by just 67 yards.
Three Spartans are listed among the Big Ten's leading rushers: No. 8 Stanton (67.9 yards per game), No. 9 Teague (59.5 ypg.) and No. 10 Caulcrick (58.7 ypg.).
TURNOVERS PLAGUE SPARTANS -
Through 11 games, the Spartans rank near the bottom of the Big Ten and NCAA in turnover margin (-11 overall). Michigan State has scored just 12 points off 14 takeaways in 2004, while its opponents have converted 25 Spartan miscues into 82 points.
By comparison in 2003, Michigan State had a +13 turnover margin after 11 games. The Spartans had parlayed 27 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) 0@ Penn State 1 (interception) 0Totals 14 (8 interceptions, 6 fumbles) 12
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) 7Ohio State 3 (3 interceptions) 14Wisconsin 1 (interception) 7@ Penn State 5 (5 interceptions) 17Totals 25 (17 interceptions, 8 fumbles) 82
BALL SECURITY, PART II -
Michigan State has committed 25 turnovers (17 interceptions, 8 fumbles) in the first 11 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.
FIVE SPARTANS EARN ALL-BIG TEN HONORS -
Michigan State senior offensive tackle Sean Poole and sophomore punter Brandon Fields have been named first-team All-Big Ten by the league's media panel and second team by the head coaches.
The 6-foot-7, 290-pound Poole has graded out 90 percent or better in seven of 11 starts at right tackle in 2004, including six of the last seven games. His 72 pancake blocks rank third on the team. Poole is a key figure on an offensive line that has helped produce a rushing attack that ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 13 in the NCAA, averaging 235.8 yards per game. He has not surrendered a sack in over 350 passing plays this season (MSU has permitted the fewest sacks in the Big Ten, seven).
The Flint, Mich., native earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Spartans' 49-14 victory over No. 4 Wisconsin. Poole became 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). He 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. Poole produced perfect scores in assignments and effort (100 percent each) while grading 95 percent in technique. Michigan State amassed 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.
Poole produced identical totals (94 percent and 11 pancakes each) in back-to-back games vs. Minnesota and Michigan. He scored 95 percent vs. Illinois, including seven pancakes.
The 6-6, 234-pound Fields, who leads the NCAA in punting with his 48.3-yard average, also has been named one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top punter by the Greater Augusta (Ga.) Sports Council. He has hit 22 punts 50 or more yards and had 13 kicks downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Fields earned Midseason All-America honors from SI.com and Collegefootballnews.com.
The Toledo, Ohio, native 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. Fields 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. He averaged 55.7 yards on three punts vs. Illinois, including two kicks downed inside the Illini 20. Fields averaged 53.0 yards on four punts vs. Indiana, including a season-long 65-yarder, with two kicks downed inside the Hoosier 20. He averaged 55.3 yards on six punts vs. Central Michigan, including a 62-yarder.
His career 47.2-yard punting average ranks No. 1 on MSU's and the Big Ten's all-time lists.
Senior placekicker Dave Rayner has been voted second-team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and media. The 6-2, 209-pound Rayner leads the Big Ten in scoring with 97 points, converting 21-of-30 field-goal attempts (.700) and all 34 extra-point tries in 2004. His 21 field goals lead the NCAA (tied with Eastern Michigan's Andrew Wellock). He has kicked extremely well down the stretch, hitting 13 of his last 15 field-goal attempts (.867) over the last five games.
The Oxford, Mich., native 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 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.
He 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. Rayner 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.
Rayner, a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2003 and 2004, ranks as MSU's all-time leader in scoring (326 career points), field goals (61 made) and extra points (143 made). He has converted 71-straight extra-point attempts.
Senior tight end Jason Randall, a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches, has 10 receptions for 109 yards (11.2 avg.) in 2004. The 6-5, 269-pound Randall has caught at least one pass in seven games. He had a season-high three catches for 42 yards vs. Michigan, including a 29-yard grab from Drew Stanton in the second quarter that led to a field goal.
Randall, a native of Muskegon Heights, Mich., has 51 career receptions for 582 yards (11.4 avg.) and five touchdowns.
Senior offensive guard William Whitticker, a second-team All-Big Ten pick by the media, has been a model of consistency in 2004, grading out 90 percent or better in all 11 games. The 6-5, 329-pound Whitticker leads the Spartans in pancake blocks with a career best 80. He has allowed only one sack in over 350 passing plays this season. Whitticker scored a career-best 99 percent vs. Wisconsin, including five pancakes, while helping the Spartans produce 430 yards on the ground. He graded 96 percent each vs. Michigan (career-high 12 pancakes), Illinois (10 pancakes) and Iowa. Whitticker posted 98 percent each vs. Minnesota and Notre Dame (11 pancakes).
The Marion, Ind., native ranks as the team's most experienced offensive lineman, with 30 career starts to his credit. Whitticker has recorded 219 career pancakes.
Four other Spartans have received All-Big Ten honorable mention: free safety Jason Harmon, center Chris Morris (media only), linebacker Ronald Stanley and quarterback Drew Stanton.
Fifth-year senior Tyrell Dortch has been selected as Michigan State's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The 5-10, 208-pound BANDIT has started seven games in 2004 and recorded 39 tackles and two interceptions.
Dortch, who sat out the entire 2002 campaign, completed a courageous comeback after breaking his right lower leg in the sixth game of the 2001 season vs. Wisconsin.
STANTON ADDS RUNNING DIMENSION TO SPREAD OFFENSE -
Sophomore quarterback Drew Stanton ranks among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (fifth at 209.1 yards per game), passing efficiency (sixth with 126.0 rating), rushing (eighth at 67.9 ypg.) and passing (10th at 141.2 ypg.). In Big Ten games, he finished third in the league in total offense (238.7 ypg.), sixth in passing efficiency (125.9 rating), seventh in rushing (74.1 ypg.) and eighth in passing (164.6 ypg.).
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Stanton has completed 119-of-188 throws (.633) for 1,271 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ranks second on the team in rushing with 611 yards on 84 carries and five TDs. His 611 yards represent the third-best single-season rushing total by a quarterback in Spartan history.
MSU Single-Season Leaders - Rushing Yards By A Quarterback
Rank Player (Year) Carries-Yards Rushing TDs1. Charlie Baggett (1974) 137-748 11 2. Charlie Baggett (1975) 171-645 7 3. Drew Stanton (2004) 84-611 5 4. Mark Niesen (1972) 105-467 4 5. 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.
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. Eight Spartans have at least 14 receptions, including six wide outs, one running back and one tight end. Six receivers - Jerramy Scott (34 for 337 yards), Matt Trannon (33 for 386), Agim Shabaj (25 for 275), Jason Teague (25 for 194), Kyle Brown (22 for 276) and Terry Love (20 for 214) - have a least 20 catches.
STANLEY CRACKS MSU'S ALL-TIME TOP 10 IN TACKLES -
Senior linebacker Ronald Stanley leads the Spartans in tackles (118 total) and production points (192) and ranks second in tackles for losses (8 for 32 yards). Stanley has reached the 100-tackle milestone each of the last two seasons (2003-04).
With 12 stops vs. Penn State, Stanley moved into seventh place on MSU's all-time list with 361 career tackles.
The Saginaw, Mich., native has posted double figures in tackles six times in 2004 and on 14 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 ranks as MSU's all-time leader in scoring (326 career points), field goals (61 made) and extra points (143 made).
The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Rayner leads the Big Ten in scoring with 97 points, converting 21-of-30 field-goal attempts (.700) and all 34 extra-point tries in 2004. His 21 field goals rank second in the NCAA (tied with Eastern Michigan's Andrew Wellock and one behind Boise State's Tyler Jones, who has made 22). Rayner has kicked extremely well down the stretch, hitting 13 of his last 16 field-goal attempts (.813) over the last five games. He also has converted 71-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.
For the second year in a row, Rayner was 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 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.
FIELDS NAMED RAY GUY AWARD FINALIST -
Michigan State sophomore Brandon Fields, who leads the NCAA in punting with his 48.3-yard average, has been named one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top punter by the Greater Augusta (Ga.) Sports Council. The other finalists include Baylor's Daniel Sepulveda and UCLA's Chris Kluwe. The winner will be announced Dec. 9 on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, televised live from Orlando, Fla., at 7 p.m. EST.
Fields, a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the league's media panel, has hit 22 punts 50 or more yards and had 13 kicks downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The Toledo, Ohio, native earned Midseason All-America honors from SI.com and Collegefootballnews.com.
The 6-6, 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. Fields 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. He averaged 55.7 yards on three punts vs. Illinois, including two kicks downed inside the Illini 20. Fields averaged 53.0 yards on four punts vs. Indiana, including a season-long 65-yarder, with two kicks downed inside the Hoosier 20. He averaged 55.3 yards on six punts vs. Central Michigan, including a 62-yarder.
His career 47.2-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. Guy, who averaged 44.7 yards on 200 punts as a three-year starter (1970-72), became the first Southern Miss player to have his jersey number (No. 44) retired. On Dec. 7, 2004, he will become the first punter inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at the National Football Foundation's 47th annual banquet in New York City.
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.
Fields has a chance to become the fourth Big Ten punter in five years to take home the hardware. Previous Ray Guy Award winners include: Wisconsin's Kevin Stemke (2000), Purdue's Travis Dorsch (2001), Colorado's Mark Mariscal (2002) and Ohio State's B.J. Sander (2003).
COBB SHOWCASES HIS ALL-PURPOSE SKILLS -
Senior DeAndra Cobb ranks among the Big Ten leaders in all-purpose yards (sixth at 123.5 yards per game) and kickoff returns (seventh with his 23.0-yard average).
The 5-foot-10, 197-pound Cobb leads the Spartans in all-purpose yards (1,358) and ranks third on the team in rushing (600 yards on 80 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 24.9-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 1,521 career kickoff return yards.
SIMON HONORED BY NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION -
Michigan State senior running back Chad Simon has been selected as the 2004 recipient of the John S. Pingel Award by the Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The Pingel Award, named in honor of former Spartan All-America halfback and National Football Foundation Hall of Famer from Mt. Clemens, Mich., includes a $1,000 postgraduate scholarship.
The selection is based upon the candidate's academic achievement, athletic ability and leadership qualities.
Simon, a fourth-year walk-on, sports a 3.53 grade-point average in finance. He ranks third on the special teams leaderboard with 156 points. The 5-foot-8, 194-pound Simon has recorded seven tackles, including six solo hits. The Saginaw, Mich., native also has picked up 17 yards on five carries in limited action at running back.
Simon will be honored at an awards ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 15 at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.
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.
Academic All-District IV Selections
Name 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, 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.
Campbell has been credited with a Spartan single-season record three blocked punts, with one coming against Notre Dame, Michigan and Wisconsin.
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.
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 77-18-1 (.807) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-65-1 (.171) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 15-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 90-83-2 (.520).
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; 24 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
