Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Opens 2004 Season At Rutgers
9/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 3, 2004
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DATE: Sept. 4, 2004
SITE: Rutgers Stadium (41,500/FieldTurf), Piscataway, N.J.
KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m. EDT
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 35,000-plus
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 - ABC Sports will televise the Michigan State-Rutgers game live on a regional basis, with Gary Thorne handling the play-by-play, Ed Cunningham providing color commentary and Dr. Jerry Punch serving as the sideline reporter. 2004 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/ResultSept. 4 at Rutgers (ABC) 3:30 p.m. EDT Sept. 11 CENTRAL MICHIGAN (ESPN Plus) 12:00 p.m. EDT Sept. 18 NOTRE DAME (ESPN) 7:00 p.m. EDT Sept. 25 at Indiana (ESPN Plus) 12:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 2 at Iowa TBA Oct. 9 ILLINOIS TBA Oct. 16 MINNESOTA (Homecoming) TBA Oct. 30 at Michigan TBA Nov. 6 OHIO STATE TBA Nov. 13 WISCONSIN TBA Nov. 20 at Penn State TBA Dec. 4 at Hawaii TBA RUTGERS (0-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
Date Opponent Time/ResultSept. 4 MICHIGAN STATE 3:30 p.m. EDT Sept. 11 NEW HAMPSHIRE 7:00 p.m. EDT Sept. 18 KENT STATE 7:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 2 at Syracuse 12:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 9 at Vanderbilt 8:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 16 TEMPLE 12:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 23 at Pittsburgh TBA Oct. 30 WEST VIRGINIA TBA Nov. 6 at Boston College TBA Nov. 20 at Navy 1:30 p.m. EST Nov. 25 CONNECTICUT 10:00 a.m. EST THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 8-5 (.615) in his second year with the Spartans and 118-65 (.645) as he begins his 16th season 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. Rutgers' Greg Schiano (Bucknell 1988) is 8-27 (.229) in his fourth year with the Scarlet Knights. Schiano arrived at Rutgers following a two-year stint at Miami-Fla. (1999-2000) where he served as defensive coordinator under Butch Davis. He helped the Hurricanes to a combined record of 20-5 (.800), including an 11-1 mark in 2000 and a No. 2 ranking in the final Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN polls. Schiano previously spent three years as an assistant coach with the National Football League's Chicago Bears (1996-98). He also worked for five years under Joe Paterno at Penn State (1991-95) where he coached the defensive backfield. TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State RutgersBasic Offense Spread Pro Style Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 7 9 Defensive Starters Returning 6 8 Specialists Returning 2 2 AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State RutgersOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 303 6-5, 282 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 204 6-1, 206 Defensive Line 6-3, 290 6-3, 272 Linebackers 6-0, 232 6-1, 225 Defensive Backs 5-10, 191 6-0, 197 CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 3 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 sophomore, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores
Rutgers Offense: 6 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore
Rutgers Defense: 5 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (top returnees; 2003 statistics):
Rushing - Jaren Hayes (145 carries for 609 yards, 4.2 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Damon Dowdell (7 of 12 for 54 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs)
Receiving - Agim Shabaj (57 catches for 692 yards, 12.1 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles - Jason Harmon (108 tackles, 64 solos, 44 assists, 3 interceptions)
Rutgers (top returnees; 2003 statistics):
Rushing - Brian Leonard (213 carries for 880 yards, 4.1 avg., 9 TDs)
Passing - Ryan Hart (234 of 398 for 2714 yards, 15 TDs, 19 INTs)
Receiving - Brian Leonard (53 catches for 488 yards, 9.2 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles - Jarvis Johnson (97 tackles, 51 solos, 46 assists, 2 interceptions)
STAT COMPARISON (2003 final statistics) -
Michigan State RutgersScoring 27.9 27.4 First Downs 19.5 19.8 Total Offense 367.4 368.6 Rushing Yards 97.4 138.8 Passing Yards 270.0 229.8 Time of Possession 28:55 32:21 Third Down Conversions .357 .421 Points Allowed 22.5 29.5 Total Offense Allowed 379.9 379.5 Rushing Yards Allowed 124.8 163.1 Passing Yards Allowed 255.2 216.4 MSU/RUTGERS SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the fifth meeting between Michigan State and Rutgers. The teams have split the four previous meetings, with two of the games decided by a touchdown or less. In 2003, Michigan State celebrated its 1,000th game in school history with a 44-28 victory in Spartan Stadium. Rutgers' last win in the series came on Sept. 28, 1991, 14-7, in East Lansing, Mich. The Spartans recorded a 34-10 victory in Giants Stadium on Sept. 29, 1990. The series began on Sept. 10, 1988, with the Scarlet Knights winning the season opener, 17-13 in East Lansing. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 175 in the 2004 MSU Football Media Guide.) THE LAST MEETING -
Sept. 6, 2003, in East Lansing, Mich.: Jeff Smoker completed 21-of-32 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns as Michigan State celebrated its 1,000th game in school history with a 44-28 victory over Rutgers in Spartan Stadium. To commemorate the milestone, Michigan State wore plain green headgear, a patch with the interlocking MAC logo on its jersey and used the school's original nickname, Aggies. Rutgers scored on its third play from scrimmage, a 65-yard pass from Ryan Hart to Shawn Tucker, to take a 7-0 lead. The Aggies answered on their next series, tying the game at 7 on Smoker's 51-yard TD toss to Jaren Hayes. Hart's 72-yard completion to fullback Brian Leonard set up the Scarlet Knights' second score. Two plays later, Hart hooked up with Sam Johnson for a 7-yard scoring play as Rutgers regained the lead at 14-7 with 26 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Michigan State pulled even at 14 on Smoker's 62-yard TD strike to Agim Shabaj early in the second quarter. Brandon Haw's 61-yard interception return for a touchdown gave Rutgers at 21-14 lead with 6:52 left in the second quarter. The Scarlet Knights' lead lasted only 13 seconds as DeAndra Cobb returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards to tie the game at 21. The Aggies scored 30 unanswered points and took the lead for good at 28-21 on Smoker's 27-yard TD pass to Hayes with 3:05 remaining in the second quarter. Late in the first half, Michigan State put together a 10-play, 63-yard drive that resulted in Dave Rayner's 38-yard field goal as the Aggies built a 31-21 halftime lead. Michigan State and Rutgers combined for 52 points and 559 total yards in the first half. The Aggies jumped out to a 38-21 lead early in the third quarter as Monquiz Wedlow returned his first career interception 29 yards for a score. Michigan State extended its lead to 41-21 on Rayner's 30-yard field goal with 3:27 to play in the third quarter. Rayner finished off a 10-play, 46-yard drive with his third field goal, a 24-yarder, as the Aggies moved out to a 44-21 advantage with 11:13 left in the game. Rutgers scored its only points of the second half off an Aggie fumble midway through the fourth quarter. Leonard capped a five-play, 31-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run as the Scarlet Knights cut their deficit to 44-28. Shabaj posted the first 100-yard receiving game of his career, with seven catches for 145 yards. The Aggie defense limited Rutgers to four first downs and 37 total yards in the second half. THE LAST MEETING IN NEW JERSEY -
Sept. 29, 1990, in East Rutherford, N.J.: Michigan State's ground attack produced 306 yards and four scores en route to a 34-10 victory over Rutgers in a night game at Giants Stadium. Tico Duckett paced the running game with 229 yards on 33 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Deadlocked 10-10 at the intermission, Michigan State broke the game open by scoring on each of its four second-half possessions. The Spartans took the second-half kickoff and marched 68 yards in nine plays, with Rob Roy scoring on a 1-yard dive over right guard. A 45-yard completion from Dan Enos to Courtney Hawkins set up Michigan State's next TD. Six plays later, Enos scored on an 11-yard keeper around right end as the Spartans built a 24-10 lead with 4:25 left in the third quarter. Michigan State put together a 15-play, 70-yard drive early in the fourth quarter and extended its lead to 27-10 on John Langeloh's 21-yard field goal. Tony Rollin closed out the scoring with a 2-yard TD run around left end with less than a minute to play. Michigan State outgained the Scarlet Knights in total yards, 452-337. The Spartan defense recorded three sacks and three interceptions against Rutgers' Tom Tarver, including two picks by Chuck Bullough. MSU/RUTGERS COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State cornerbacks coach Paul Haynes and Rutgers defensive coordinator Paul Ferraro spent the 1994 season together at Bowling Green. Haynes served as a graduate assistant for the Falcons while Ferraro coached the defensive backs.
• Michigan State cornerbacks coach Paul Haynes and Rutgers wide receivers coach John McNulty worked together with the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001. Haynes served as the defensive quality-control coach under Tom Coughlin while McNulty coached the wide receivers.
MSU vs. BIG EAST TEAMS -
Michigan State has compiled a 27-9-5 record (.720) against current members of the BIG EAST Conference (1-3-1 vs. Boston College, 4-0-1 vs. Pittsburgh, 2-2 vs. Rutgers, 9-3-1 vs. Syracuse, 7-1-2 vs. Temple and 4-0 vs. West Virginia). Since 1973, the Spartans are 6-3-1 vs. BIG EAST teams. Here's a look at Michigan State's last 10 games vs. BIG EAST teams:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteSept. 6, 2003 Rutgers W, 44-28 Spartan StadiumSept. 30, 1995 Boston College W, 25-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 26, 1992 Boston College L, 0-14 Alumni StadiumSept. 28, 1991 Rutgers L, 7-14 Spartan StadiumSept. 29, 1990 Rutgers W, 34-10 Giants StadiumSept. 15, 1990 Syracuse T, 23-23 Carrier DomeSept. 10, 1988 Rutgers L, 13-17 Spartan StadiumSept. 23, 1978 Syracuse W, 49-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 21, 1974 Syracuse W, 19-0 Spartan StadiumSept. 22, 1973 Syracuse W, 14-8 Archbold StadiumSPARTANS FROM THE GARDEN STATE -
Michigan State's 2004 football roster features eight players from New Jersey, including safety Anthony Belasco (Cedar Grove), linebacker Hugh D'Imperio (Sewell), BANDIT Tyrell Dortch (Hoboken), tight end Craig McGovern (Lawrenceville), defensive end Daryl Melvin (Jersey City), offensive tackle Jesse Miller (Somerville), linebacker Rob Tabatchnick (Livingston) and offensive tackle Stefon Wheeler (Passaic). SEASON OPENERS -
In its 107-year football history, Michigan State is 70-34-3 (.668) in season openers, including a 7-3 record (.700) in its last 10 games. The Spartans have won five straight and seven of their last eight season openers, with the only setback coming at home to Colorado State, 23-16, in the 1998 Black Coaches Association Classic. Here's a brief look at Michigan State's season openers since 1994:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteAug. 30, 2003 Western Michigan W, 26-21 Spartan StadiumAug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 8, 2001 Central Michigan W, 35-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 9, 2000 Marshall W, 34-24 Spartan StadiumSept. 2, 1999 Oregon W, 27-20 Spartan StadiumAug. 29, 1998 Colorado State L, 16-23 Spartan StadiumSept. 6, 1997 Western Michigan W, 42-10 Spartan StadiumAug. 31, 1996 Purdue W, 52-14 Spartan StadiumSept. 9, 1995 Nebraska L, 10-50 Spartan StadiumSept. 10, 1994 Kansas L, 10-17 Lawrence, Kan.ROAD OPENERS RARE INDEED -
For the first time since a 17-10 loss at Kansas in 1994, Michigan State will play its season opener on the road. The Spartans have opened a season on the road just four times (1-2-1 record) since 1984. Here's a brief look at Michigan State's season openers played on the road since 1984:
Date Opponent MSU ResultSept. 10, 1994 at Kansas L, 10-17Sept. 15, 1990 at Syracuse T, 23-23Sept. 13, 1986 at Arizona State L, 17-20Sept. 8, 1984 at Colorado W, 24-21In its 107-year football history, Michigan State has compiled an 8-22-2 record (.281) in 32 season openers played on the road. JOHN L. SMITH'S RECORD IN SEASON OPENERS -
Michigan State second-year head coach John L. Smith has compiled a 10-5 record (.667) in season openers during his 15-year career. His teams have won six of their last eight season-opening games. Here's a look at how Smith's teams have fared in season-opening games:
Date Opponent ResultMichigan State (1-0)Aug. 30, 2003 Western Michigan W, 26-21Louisville (3-2)Sept. 1, 2002 Kentucky L, 17-22Aug. 23, 2001 New Mexico State W, 45-24Sept. 2, 2000 Kentucky (0T) W, 40-34Sept. 4, 1999 at Kentucky W, 56-28Sept. 5, 1998 Kentucky L, 34-68Utah State (2-1)Aug. 30, 1997 at Utah W, 21-14Aug. 31, 1996 Utah W, 20-17Sept. 2, 1995 at Arkansas State L, 17-21Idaho (4-2)Sept. 3, 1994 Southern Utah W, 43-10Sept. 2, 1993 at Stephen F. Austin W, 38-20Sept. 5, 1992 St. Cloud State W, 42-9Sept. 7, 1991 Sonoma State W, 49-7Sept. 1, 1990 Montana State L, 24-27Sept. 2, 1989 at Washington State L, 7-41SPARTANS TOUGH IN NON-CONFERENCE GAMES -
Since 1999, Michigan State has compiled a 16-4 record (.800) in games played against non-conference opponents. Here's a look at Michigan State's non-conference results since 1999:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteDec. 29, 2003 Nebraska L, 3-17 San Antonio, TexasSept. 20, 2003 Notre Dame W, 22-16 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 13, 2003 Louisiana Tech L, 19-20 Spartan StadiumSept. 6, 2003 Rutgers W, 44-28 Spartan StadiumAug. 30, 2003 Western Michigan W, 26-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 21, 2002 Notre Dame L, 17-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 14, 2002 California L, 22-46 Spartan StadiumSept. 7, 2002 Rice W, 27-10 Spartan StadiumAug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7 Spartan StadiumDec. 31, 2001 Fresno State W, 44-35 San Jose, Calif.Dec. 1, 2001 Missouri W, 55-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 22, 2001 Notre Dame W, 17-10 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 8, 2001 Central Michigan W, 35-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 23, 2000 Notre Dame W, 27-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 16, 2000 Missouri W, 13-10 Columbia, Mo.Sept. 9, 2000 Marshall W, 34-24 Spartan StadiumJan. 1, 2000 Florida W, 37-34 Orlando, Fla.Sept. 18, 1999 Notre Dame W, 23-13 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 11, 1999 Eastern Michigan W, 51-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 2, 1999 Oregon W, 27-20 Spartan StadiumQUOTING JOHN L. SMITH -
Rutgers Scouting Report: "We were fortunate to win the football game last year. This is a much different football team than the one we faced a year ago. This Rutgers team matured a great deal last year. Coach (Greg) Schiano returns 50 lettermen from his 2003 team, including 19 starters. Rutgers has a scary football team. It's a highly skilled football team, with supreme speed. "Rutgers has tremendous depth at running back, with the top four rushers all returning from 2003. "Fullback Brian Leonard is a versatile football player that can beat you in several ways. Leonard is a tough, hard-nosed ball carrier, who also is capable of making big plays catching the ball out of the backfield. "Quarterback Ryan Hart is a well-coached player that doesn't make a lot of mistakes. Wide receiver Tres Moses is a talented all-around player, who can deliver big plays in the passing game as well as a return specialist. "Offensively, Rutgers gives you a lot of different sets to prepare for: a two-back package, a one-back package and a play-action package. "On the defensive side of the ball, Rutgers again has a lot of guys that can run, so this team isn't afraid to gamble. Rutgers is skilled enough in the secondary that those guys can run with our receivers, so this defense won't be afraid to blitz. "Rutgers really utilizes its great speed on special teams. This team has had great competition for the placekicking duties between veteran Ryan Sands and freshman Jeremy Ito. Punter Joe Radigan, who averaged nearly 40 yards last year, also returns. "We're going to have to play a heckuva game to steal a win on the road." Playing the Season Opener on the Road: "I really don't mind opening the 2004 season on the road. We have enough veterans returning that can explain to the newcomers the businesslike approach we take on the road. We approach road games like they're job interviews. "We experienced some success on the road last year, so we certainly hope that there's some carry-over. The veterans understand that it takes a warrior attitude to win on the road." SPARTAN SCOUT TEAM PLAYERS OF THE WEEK - The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following Scout Team Players of the Week for their contributions in practice prior to the Sept. 4 season opener vs. Rutgers: Offense - RB Derrick Johnson
Defense - LB Tyrone McKenzie
RETOOLING THE SPARTAN O-LINE IN 2004 -
In 2004, one of the toughest obstacles is rebuilding an offensive line that lost three starters. Left guard Joe Tate, right guard Paul Harker and right tackle Steve Stewart were responsible for 96 combined starting assignments. By comparison, the six returning lettermen have accounted for 48 combined starts. Chris Morris, a preseason candidate for the Rimington Trophy, anchors Michigan State's offensive line from the center position for the second year in a row. Left tackle Stefon Wheeler started the first 10 games in 2003 before suffering a season-ending neck injury vs. Ohio State. Morris and Wheeler each have 13 career starts to their credit. Right guard William Whitticker, a backup to Harker in 2003, ranks as MSU's most experienced offensive lineman, with 19 career starts under his belt. Here's a brief comparison between the starting experience of Michigan State's offensive line in 2003 and '04:
2003 Starters Lost 2004 Returning LettermenSteve Stewart - OT 37 William Whitticker - OG 19Paul Harker - OG 30 Chris Morris - C 13Joe Tate - OG 29 Stefon Wheeler - OT 13Combined Starts 96 Sean Poole - OT 2 Gordon Niebylski - OT/OG 1 Kyle Cook - OG 0 Combined Starts 48FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS IMPACT SPARTAN DEPTH CHART -
No fewer than seven first-year players are currently listed on Michigan State's depth chart, including two on offense, four on defense and one specialist. Here's a complete breakdown of true freshmen and junior college transfers included on the depth chart: True Freshmen (5): BANDIT Sir Darean Adams, WR Carl Grimes, LT Tom Kaczmarek, DE Nick Smith and RCB Miles Williams.
Junior College Transfers (2): PK/P John Goss and DE Domata Peko.
SPARTAN ROAD WARRIORS -
During the 2003 regular season, Michigan State compiled a 3-2 record on the road - its best mark since 1999. The Spartans won the first three road contests in 2003: Sept. 20 at Notre Dame, 22-16; Oct. 11 at Illinois, 49-14; and Oct. 18 at No. 25 Minnesota, 44-38. The Spartans posted an identical 3-2 record on the road during the 1999 regular season, producing wins at No. 24 Notre Dame (23-13), Illinois (27-10) and Northwestern (34-0). Michigan State won a fourth game away from Spartan Stadium in 1999, knocking off No. 10 Florida, 37-34, in the 2000 Citrus Bowl. The Spartans finished the 1999 season with a 10-2 record overall and ranked No. 7 in the final polls. 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 upcoming 2004 season: junior wide receiver Kyle Brown, senior BANDIT Tyrell Dortch, senior free safety Jason Harmon and senior MIKE linebacker Ronald Stanley. "These four players have taken ownership of this football team," Coach Smith said. "They have been personally accountable for their actions both on and off the field. These guys have displayed great work ethic and a blue-collar attitude. These players really deserved to be congratulated because they're committed to doing things the right way." The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Brown enters his second season as Michigan State's starting flanker. He saw action in 12 games in 2003, including seven starts (vs. Rutgers, Louisiana Tech, Notre Dame, Iowa, Indiana, Penn State and Nebraska). Brown, who caught at least one pass in 11 games, ranked fifth on the team in receptions with 29 for 481 yards (16.6 avg.) and three touchdowns. He caught three passes for a career-best 126 yards vs. Penn State, including an 80-yard TD toss from Jeff Smoker. Brown scored on a 21-yard TD strike from Smoker vs. Wisconsin. He had three catches for 80 yards in the 2003 season opener vs. Western Michigan, including a 59-yard TD grab from Smoker. The West Bloomfield, Mich., native earned CoSIDA Academic All-District IV (second team) and Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2003. Dortch, a fifth-year senior from Hoboken, N.J., made the transition from running back to the BANDIT position during spring drills. He saw action in 10 games in 2003, including two starts at running back (vs. Western Michigan and Rutgers), and ranked second on the team in rushing with 279 yards on 65 carries (4.3 avg.) and scored three TDs. The 5-10, 208-pound Dortch gained 50 yards on 11 attempts vs. Penn State, including a 14-yard TD run off a counter-draw play. He rushed for 35 yards and two TDs on six carries vs. Illinois. Dortch picked up 64 yards on 13 carries vs. Notre Dame. He accounted for a career-high 96 all-purpose yards in the 2003 season opener vs. Western Michigan, including a career-high 16 carries for 58 yards and three catches for 38 yards. 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. The 5-11, 202-pound Harmon ranks as Michigan State's most experienced player in the defensive backfield, with 22 career starts. The honorable mention All-Big Ten selection started all 13 games in 2003, including the first nine at free safety and the last four at strong safety. Harmon led the Spartans in tackles (career-best 108: 64 solos, 44 assists), interceptions (3 for 74 yards), forced fumbles (4) and defensive production points (159). He finished second on the team with 10 pass break-ups. The Ironton, Ohio, native excelled down the stretch, averaging 9.5 tackles (76 total) over the last eight games. He produced double figures in tackles three times, including a season-high 13 stops (5-8) vs. Michigan to go along with an interception. Harmon compiled 11 tackles (7-4) vs. Minnesota. He earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors vs. Illinois after registering eight tackles (4-4), including one for a 3-yard loss, an interception and returning a fumble 52 yards for a touchdown. Harmon made 10 stops (6-4) vs. Indiana, including one for a loss. A communication major, Harmon earned his bachelor's degree at the conclusion of the 2004 summer session. The 6-0, 234-pound Stanley moves into his fourth season as a starting linebacker, his second year at the MIKE position. He needs 86 tackles in 2004 to crack MSU's all-time top 10. Stanley, who started 12 games at MIKE linebacker in 2003, ranked third on the team in tackles (career-best 101: 55 solos, 46 assists) and seventh in production points (115). He produced double figures in tackles five times. The Saginaw, Mich., native reached double digits in tackles in four-straight games: 10 vs. Ohio State (6-4), 13 vs. Michigan (7-6), career-best 16 vs. Minnesota (6-10) and 12 vs. Illinois (6-6). Stanley registered 10 tackles (5-5) vs. Notre Dame, including one for a loss, and forced a fumble. REAVES BATTLING FOR STARTING NOD AT QUARTERBACK IN 2004 OPENER -
Red-shirt freshman Stephen Reaves is battling fifth-year senior Damon Dowdell for the starting nod at quarterback for the 2004 season opener at Rutgers. Reaves completed 11-of-24 passes (.458) for 214 yards and two touchdowns in two preseason scrimmages, while Dowdell connected on 9-of-17 attempts (.529) for 153 yards, one TD and one interception. Reaves could make his collegiate debut in the starting lineup at Rutgers. Dowdell has appeared in 16 games during his career, including six starting assignments. Here's how Michigan State's last 13 quarterbacks fared in their first college starts: • 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.
2004 OPPONENTS UPDATE -
Date vs.
MSU Opponent 2004 Season Opener Sept. 4 @ Rutgers (5-7) vs. Michigan State Sept. 11 Central Michigan (3-9) @ Indiana Sept. 18 Notre Dame (5-7) @ BYU Sept. 25 @ Indiana (2-10) vs. Central Michigan Oct. 2 @ Iowa (10-3) vs. Kent State Oct. 9 Illinois (1-11) vs. Florida A&M Oct. 16 Minnesota (10-3) vs. Toledo Oct. 30 @ Michigan (10-3) vs. Miami-Ohio Nov. 6 Ohio State (11-2) vs. Cincinnati Nov. 13 Wisconsin (7-6) vs. Central Florida Nov. 20 @ Penn State (3-9) vs. Akron Dec. 4 @ Hawaii (9-5) vs. Florida Atlantic Michigan State's 2004 opponents had a combined winning percentage of .503 (76-75) last season, including six teams that played in bowl games. NCAA Stat Leaders -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranked among the NCAA stat leaders in 2003: Team Statistics
Rushing Offense: 111th at 97.4 yards per game
Passing Offense: 23rd at 270.0 yards per game
Passing Efficiency: 54th at 127.7 rating
Total Offense: 73rd at 367.4 yards per game
Scoring Offense: 49th at 27.9 points per game
Rushing Defense: 27th at 124.8 yards per game
Passing Defense: 97th at 255.2 yards per game
Pass Efficiency Defense: 75th at 129.3 rating
Total Defense: 62nd at 379.9 yards per game
Scoring Defense: 40th at 22.5 points per game
Turnover Margin: t-10th at +0.85 turnovers per game
Net Punting: 6th at 40.7 yards per punt
Punt Returns: 109th at 6.1 yards per return
Kickoff Returns: 13th at 23.7 yards per return
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Jeff Smoker (47th at 128.8 rating)
Total Offense: Jeff Smoker (27th at 252.2 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (2nd at 46.4 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: DeAndra Cobb (11th at 27.2 yards per return)
Field Goals: Dave Rayner (t-10th at 1.69 made per game)
Scoring: Dave Rayner (28th at 8.1 points per game)
Points Responsible For: Jeff Smoker (t-42nd at 11.1 points per game)
Sacks: Greg Taplin (t-21st at 0.83 sacks per game)
SMITH NAMED 2003 BIG TEN COACH OF THE YEAR -
Michigan State head coach John L. Smith, who orchestrated the nation's fifth-biggest regular-season turnaround in 2003, earned the Dave McClain Coach of the Year award as selected by the Big Ten media panel. Smith, who inherited a team that went 4-8 in 2002 and finished eighth in the league at 2-6, produced an 8-4 regular-season record in 2003 and climbed to fourth in the final Big Ten standings at 5-3. The 55-year-old Smith became just the fourth coach in Spartan history to earn Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, joining Denny Stolz (1974), Darryl Rogers (1978) and George Perles (1987). His eight wins marked the most by a first-year coach in school history. Smith also became only the second first-year coach in Spartan history to earn a postseason bowl bid in his initial season, joining Nick Saban who guided the 1995 team to a 6-5-1 record including a trip to the Independence Bowl. Michigan State opened the 2003 campaign with a 7-1 record - its best start since 1966. The Spartans put together a five-game winning streak that featured victories over three ranked opponents: Notre Dame (NR/No. 23), Iowa (No. 13/9) and Minnesota (No. 25/19). Following its 44-38 victory at Minnesota, Michigan State ascended to No. 9 in The Associated Press poll - its first appearance in the AP Top 10 since the 1999 season. In addition, the Spartans opened Big Ten play 4-0 for just the third time since joining the league in 1953. Here's a closer look at the NCAA's (I-A) most improved teams during the 2003 regular season:
School 2002 Record 2003 Record Improvement1. Tulsa 1-11 8-4 +7.02. Navy 2-10 8-4 +6.03. Memphis 3-9 8-4 +5.04. Miami (Ohio) 7-5 12-1 +4.55. Michigan State 4-8 8-4 +4.0 Kansas 2-10 6-6 +4.0 Rutgers 1-11 5-7 +4.0TAKING CARE OF THE PIGSKIN -
Michigan State head coach John L. Smith and offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin preached the importance of ball security in executing the spread offense, and the Spartans' skill position players responded to the sermon. In 2003, Michigan State committed just 18 turnovers - the Big Ten's fourth-lowest total (No. 15 in the NCAA). The Spartans lost just three fumbles - the NCAA's best mark. Michigan State played five complete games without committing a turnover, including a streak of four straight contests (Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota). The Spartans came within three seconds of extending that streak to five games in a row, but Jeff Smoker's Hail Mary pass into the end zone against Michigan was intercepted by Scott McClintock as time expired. TAKEAWAYS FUEL SPARTAN TURNAROUND -
Michigan State generated 26 percent of its scoring off turnovers in 2003 (7.4 points per game). The Spartans ranked among the Big Ten (second) and NCAA (tied for 10th) in turnover margin (+11 overall). Michigan State parlayed 29 takeaways into 96 points, while its opponents converted 18 Spartan miscues into 52 points. The Spartans forced at least one turnover in all 12 regular-season games, scoring 13 or more points on three occasions: 13 points vs. Iowa (four takeaways), 21 vs. Illinois (three) and 17 vs. Minnesota (three). Michigan State failed to produce points off turnovers just three times in 2003 - in back-to-back games vs. Ohio State and Wisconsin and vs. Nebraska in the Alamo Bowl. By comparison, Michigan State ranked eighth in the Big Ten and No. 83 nationally in turnover margin (-7 overall; -0.58 per game) in 2002. MANY HAPPY SPARTAN RETURNS -
Michigan State scored seven non-offensive touchdowns in 2003, including three kickoff, two fumble and two interception returns. DeAndra Cobb returned an NCAA-record tying three kickoffs for TDs, including a 93-yarder vs. Ohio State, a 100-yarder vs. Minnesota and a 94-yarder vs. Rutgers. The Spartan defense produced four TDs, with defensive end Clifford Dukes (65 yards vs. Michigan) and free safety Jason Harmon (52 yards vs. Illinois) returning fumbles for scores. Defensive end Greg Taplin (40 yards vs. Notre Dame) and BANDIT Monquiz Wedlow (29 yards vs. Rutgers) returned interceptions for TDs. SPARTANS LEAD THE BIG TEN IN SACKS -
Michigan State ranked among the Big Ten (sixth) and NCAA (27th) leaders in rushing defense (124.8 yards allowed per game) in 2003, thanks largely to its relentless pass rush. The Spartans produced a Big Ten-best 45 sacks for 299 yards. It marked the first time since 1999 that the Spartans led the league in sacks (school-record 54 for 381 yards). By comparison, the Spartans finished ninth in the league in sacks in 2002, compiling only 19 (113 yards). Michigan State ranked fifth in the NCAA in sacks, trailing only Southern Cal (55 for 415), Kansas State (51 for 345), Washington State (50 for 345) and Hawaii (46 for 303).
2003 NCAA Sack LeadersRank Team (games played) Sacks-Yards1. Southern Cal (13) 55-4152. Kansas State (15) 51-3453. Washington State (13) 50-3454. Hawaii (14) 46-3035. Michigan State (13) 45-299 Oklahoma (14) 45-2697. Louisiana State (14) 44-3668. Texas (13) 41-3039. Connecticut (12) 40-254 Purdue (13) 40-211The Spartans recorded six sacks (36 yards) against Indiana, including three (15 yards) by senior defensive end Greg Taplin. Michigan State sacked Western Michigan's Chad Munson six times for 45 yards in the 2003 season opener, including four (28 yards) by junior defensive tackle Matthias Askew. He equaled the second-best single-game sack total in Spartan history, falling just one short of the record held by Travis Davis (five for 37 yards vs. Ohio State, 1987). PLAYING IN FRONT OF A FULL HOUSE -
Michigan State has played before a sellout crowd in 41 of its last 46 home games, including the last 33 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 296-126-13 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 72-16-1 (.815) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-61-1 (.180) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 14-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 85-77-2 (.524). SPARTANS IN THE NFL -
Michigan State has 27 former players vying for spots on opening-day rosters for National Football League teams in 2004. Active rosters must be reduced to 53 players by Sunday, Sept. 5. Here's a complete list of Spartans currently playing in the NFL (preseason rosters as of Thursday, Sept. 2): Arizona Cardinals - CB Renaldo Hill
Atlanta Falcons - RB T.J. Duckett, OT Steve Stewart
Carolina Panthers - WR Muhsin Muhammad
Chicago Bears - K Paul Edinger
Cincinnati Bengals - DT Matthias Askew
Dallas Cowboys - OT Flozell Adams
Detroit Lions - WR Charles Rogers
Houston Texans - QB Tony Banks, DE Robaire Smith
Indianapolis Colts - C Tupe Peko
Jacksonville Jaguars - OG Joe Tate
Kansas City Chiefs - K Morten Andersen
New York Giants - QB Ryan Van Dyke
New York Jets - TE Chris Baker, RB Little John Flowers
Philadelphia Eagles - LB Ike Reese
Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Plaxico Burress
St. Louis Rams - OT Greg Randall, QB Jeff Smoker
San Francisco 49ers - LB Julian Peterson, DT Josh Shaw
Tennessee Titans - WR Derrick Mason, DE Ivory McCoy, S Thomas Wright
Washington Redskins - LB Lemar Marshall, WR Gari Scott
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER SMITH -
Here's how Michigan State has fared during head coach John L. Smith's tenure (13 games): Games played in Spartan Stadium: 5-2
Games played on the road/neutral site: 3-3
When leading at halftime: 7-1
When trailing at halftime: 0-4
When tied at halftime: 1-0
When scoring first: 6-2
When opponent scores first: 2-3
When leading after first quarter: 5-1
When trailing after first quarter: 1-1
When tied after first quarter: 2-3
When leading after three quarters: 8-1
When trailing after three quarters: 0-4
When tied after three quarters: 0-0
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 5-0
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 2-5
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 1-0
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 0-0
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 0-3
When outrushing opponent: 5-2
When being outrushed by opponent: 3-3
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 7-3
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 5-4
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 5-0
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 3-5
When leading in time of possession: 4-1
When trailing in time of possession: 4-4
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 (13 games): Rushing Yards: 181 vs. Notre Dame, 2003
Passing Yards: 382 vs. Indiana, 2003
Total Yards: 486 vs. Indiana, 2003
First Downs: 30 vs. Indiana, 2003
Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: minus 2 by Rutgers, 2003
Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 158 by Iowa, 2003
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 238 by Penn State, 2003
Fewest First Downs Allowed: 12 by Rutgers, 2003
Sacks By: 6 vs. Indiana and Western Michigan, 2003
Turnovers Forced: 5 vs. Louisiana Tech, 2003
Points (Game): 49 vs. Illinois, 2003
Points (Half): 34(first) vs. Minnesota, 2003
Points (Quarter): 24 (2nd) vs. Rutgers, 2003
Victory Margin: 35 vs. Illinois, 2003
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