Top 20 Showdown: Spartan Football Invades Ohio Stadium
10/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 14, 2005
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DATE: Oct. 15, 2005
SITE: Ohio Stadium (102,329/Prescription Athletic Turf), Columbus, Ohio
KICKOFF: 12:10 p.m. EDT
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 102,329 (sold out)
LAST WEEK: No. 19/19 Michigan State had an open week following its Oct. 1 overtime loss to Michigan, 34-31; No. 6/6 Ohio State lost at No.16/18 Penn State, 17-10.
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Sherm Lewis, sideline reporter Will Tieman and broadcast host Mike Kamin, will broadcast the game to 37 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240) and WMMQ (FM 94.9). Television - ABC Sports will televise the Michigan State-Ohio State game live on a regional basis, with Brent Musburger handling the play-by-play, Gary Danielson providing color commentary and Jack Arute serving as the sideline reporter.
2005 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten)Date Opponent Time/ResultSept. 3 KENT STATE (ESPN Plus) W, 49-14 Sept. 10 HAWAII (ESPNU/ESPN Plus) W, 42-14 Sept. 17 at Notre Dame (NBC) W, 44-41 (OT) Sept. 24 at Illinois (ESPNU/ESPN Plus) W, 61-14 Oct. 1 MICHIGAN (ABC) L, 31-34 (OT) Oct. 15 at Ohio State (ABC) 12:10 p.m. EDT Oct. 22 NORTHWESTERN (Homecoming) 12 p.m. EDT Oct. 29 INDIANA TBA Nov. 5 at Purdue TBA Nov. 12 at Minnesota TBA Nov. 19 PENN STATE TBA
OHIO STATE (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) Date Opponent Time/Result Sept. 3 MIAMI (OHIO) W, 34-14 Sept. 10 TEXAS L, 22-25 Sept. 17 SAN DIEGO STATE W, 27-6 Sept. 24 IOWA W, 31-6 Oct. 8 at Penn State L, 10-17 Oct. 15 MICHIGAN STATE 12:10 p.m. EDT Oct. 22 at Indiana 11 a.m. CDT Oct. 29 at Minnesota TBA Nov. 5 ILLINOIS TBA Nov. 12 NORTHWESTERN TBA Nov. 19 at Michigan TBA
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 17-13 (.567) in his third year with the Spartans and 127-73 (.635) in 17 seasons as a college head coach. Smith ranks No. 12 among active NCAA I-A football coaches in career victories and No. 17 in career winning percentage. Twelve of his 16 teams have participated in postseason play, including seven-straight bowl appearances from 1997-2003. 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 43-13 (.768) in his fifth year with the Buckeyes and 178-70-2 (.716) in 20 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.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Ohio StateBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 8 9 Defensive Starters Returning 5 9 Specialists Returning 1 0
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Ohio StateOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 301 6-5, 297 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-2, 218 6-0, 203 Defensive Line 6-3, 303 6-3, 284 Linebackers 6-1, 243 6-2, 249 Defensive Backs 5-11, 195 6-1, 204
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores
Ohio State Offense: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 3 sophomores
Ohio State Defense: 7 seniors, 4 juniors
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after five games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (51 carries for 404 yards, 7.9 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (99 of 138 for 1466 yards, 14 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving - Kyle Brown (21 catches for 315 yards, 15.0 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Eric Smith (43 tackles, 26 solos, 17 assists, 1 INT, 2 PBUs)
Ohio State (after five games):
Rushing - Antonio Pittman (92 carries for 462 yards, 5.0 avg., 0 TDs)
Passing - Troy Smith (45 of 81 for 557 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving - Santonio Holmes (22 catches for 325 yards, 14.8 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - A.J. Hawk (49 tackles, 25 solos, 24 assists, 8 TFL, 3.5 sacks)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Ohio StateScoring 45.4 24.8 First Downs 26.6 20.0 Total Offense 566.4 354.4 Rushing Yards 252.4 171.0 Passing Yards 314.0 183.4 Time of Possession 30:12 33:50 Third Down Conversions .542 .506 Points Allowed 23.4 13.6 Total Offense Allowed 405.4 238.2 Rushing Yards Allowed 119.8 56.2 Passing Yards Allowed 285.6 182.0
MSU/OHIO STATE SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 36th meeting between Michigan State and Ohio State. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 23-12, including a 12-7 record in games played in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State has won three in a row and eight of the last 10 meetings. Michigan State's last win in the series came on Nov. 6, 1999, 23-7, in Spartan Stadium. The Buckeyes have won nine of the last 11 meetings in Ohio Stadium. Michigan State's last win in Columbus came over the top-ranked Buckeyes on Nov. 7, 1998, 28-24. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 135 in the 2005 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 6, 2004, in East Lansing, Mich.: Ted Ginn Jr. accounted for 169 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns to lead Ohio State to a 32-19 victory over Michigan State in Spartan Stadium. Ohio State jumped out to a 17-0 first-quarter lead as Ginn scored on a 17-yard run and 60-yard punt return, while Mike Nugent added a 53-yard field goal. Damon Dowdell capped a 15-play, 86-yard drive with an 8-yard TD toss to Jerramy Scott as the Spartans pulled to within 17-7 early in the second quarter. Michigan State cut its halftime deficit to 17-13 as Dave Rayner converted field goals from 27 and 44 yards. A Buckeye fumble set up another Rayner field goal, this time from 53 yards, as the Spartans closed the gap to 17-16 midway through the third quarter. Michigan State put together a 14-play, 67-yard drive and took its first lead of the game at 19-17 on Rayner's fourth field goal, a 29-yarder, with 3:06 left in the fourth quarter. Ohio State regained the lead on its next series as Ginn scored on a 58-yard scoring pass from Troy Smith. Michigan State's hopes for a comeback ended when A.J. Hawk intercepted a pass in the final minute. Maurice Hall iced the game for the Buckeyes with a 51-yard TD romp with 25 seconds remaining.
THE LAST MEETING IN OHIO STADIUM -
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).
MSU/OHIO STATE COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State head coach John L. Smith is 0-3 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 safeties coach Paul Haynes spent two years as cornerbacks coach at Michigan State (2003-04). Haynes followed John L. Smith to Michigan State after a one-year stint at Louisville (2002).
MSU/OHIO STATE CONNECTIONS, PART II -
• 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.
• 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.
TURN BACK THE CLOCK -
Michigan State has dropped two-straight games in Ohio Stadium. Here's a brief recap of MSU's last win in Columbus, 28-24 over No. 1 Ohio State in 1998:
Nov. 7, 1998 (Michigan State 28, No. 1 Ohio State 24)
Michigan State scored 19 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 28-24 upset victory over top-ranked and previously undefeated Ohio State in Columbus. It marked Michigan State's first win over a top-ranked team since beating Michigan in 1990. Ohio State scored on three of its first four possessions to take a 17-3 lead in the first quarter. The Spartans pulled to within 17-9 at the half, thanks to three first-half field goals by Paul Edinger, from 33, 43 and 22 yards. Ohio State's only second-half points came on Damon Moore's 73-yard interception return with 9:51 left in the third quarter as the Buckeyes built a 24-9 lead. The complexion of the game changed after the Spartans were stopped on their next offensive series and forced to punt. Michigan State caught a break when Craig Jarrett's 34-yard, line-drive punt hit Ohio State's Nate Clements and Scott Ernsberger recovered the free ball for the Spartans near midfield. Five plays later, Bill Burke threw a 23-yard touchdown strike to Lavaile Richardson as the Spartans pulled to within nine at 24-15 with 6:02 remaining in the third quarter. Michael Wiley fumbled on Ohio State's next possession, which led to another Edinger field goal, a 49-yarder, as the Spartans closed to within six at 24-18. Michigan State put together an eight-play, 92-yard drive and took its first lead of the game at 25-24 on Sedrick Irvin's 3-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter. Josh Shaw's 22-yard fumble return to the Ohio State 18 set up Edinger's school record-tying fifth field goal, from 42 yards. Trailing 28-24, Ohio State drove to the MSU 26 but on fourth-and-1 Joe Montgomery was stuffed for no gain by T.J. Turner and Courtney Ledyard. The Spartans produced only one first down on the next series and David Boston's 26-yard punt return gave Ohio State possession at its own 49 with 1:39 to play. Two-straight completions by Joe Germaine gave the Buckeyes a first down at the MSU 15. Cedric Henry broke up his next pass that was intended for Boston in the end zone. On second down, Germaine overthrew Boston and Renaldo Hill tipped away his third-down toss intended for Dee Miller in the end zone. On fourth-and-10, Hill iced the game by stepping in front of Miller on the goal line for an interception. Michigan State outgained Ohio State in total yards, 377-353, as the Spartans held the Big Ten's top-ranked offense to 159 yards below its season average.
NATIONAL RANKINGS ON THE LINE -
For just the 12th time in series history, both Michigan State (No. 16) and Ohio State (No. 15) enter Saturday's game ranked in the Associated Press Poll. The highest ranked team has produced a win in 10 of the previous 11 meetings.
Here's a look at the previous 11 games that featured both teams ranked in the AP Poll:
Date Result (Associated Press Ranking) SiteNov. 8, 2003 No. 7 Ohio State 33, No. 14 MSU 23 ColumbusNov. 6, 1999 No. 19 MSU 23, No. 20 Ohio State 7 East LansingNov. 1, 1997 No. 9 Ohio State 37, No. 21 MSU 13 East LansingOct. 16, 1993 No. 5 Ohio State 28, No. 25 MSU 21 ColumbusOct. 31, 1987 No. 16 MSU 13, No. 15 Ohio State 7 ColumbusSept. 13, 1975 No. 3 Ohio State 21, No. 11 MSU 0 East LansingOct. 11, 1969 No. 1 Ohio State 54, No. 19 MSU 21 ColumbusNov. 2, 1968 No. 2 Ohio State 25, No. 16 MSU 20 ColumbusOct. 29, 1960 No. 8 Ohio State 21, No. 10 MSU 10 East LansingNov. 7, 1953 No. 5 MSU 28, No. 16 Ohio State 13 ColumbusOct. 7, 1951 No. 1 MSU 24, No. 7 Ohio State 20 Columbus
UPSET SPECIALS -
Michigan State is 18-16 (.529) in its last 34 games against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, including an 11-3 record (.786) in games played in Spartan Stadium. Fifteen of those 18 wins over ranked teams have come while Michigan State was unranked or ranked below its opponent.
Since November 1997, Michigan State is 9-1 (.900) against teams ranked in the AP Top 10, including a perfect 6-0 record in games played in Spartan Stadium.
In 2004, the Spartans went 2-1 vs. AP Top 25 teams, including victories over No. 19 Minnesota (51-17) and No. 4 Wisconsin (49-14) and a triple-overtime loss at No. 12 Michigan (45-37).
Here's a look at Michigan State's last 34 games against AP Top 25 teams:
Date Result (Associated Press Ranking) SiteSept. 17, 2005 MSU 44, No. 10 Notre Dame 41 (OT) South BendNov. 13, 2004 MSU 49, No. 4 Wisconsin 14 East LansingOct. 30, 2004 No. 12 Michigan 45, MSU 37 (3 OT) Ann ArborOct. 16, 2004 MSU 51, No. 19 Minnesota 17 East LansingDec. 29, 2003 No. 22 Nebraska 17, MSU 3 San AntonioNov. 8, 2003 No. 7 Ohio State 33, No. 14 MSU 23 ColumbusNov. 1, 2003 No. 11 Michigan 27, No. 9 MSU 20 East LansingOct. 18, 2003 No. 15 MSU 44, No. 25 Minnesota 38 MinneapolisSept. 27, 2003 MSU 20, No. 13 Iowa 10 East LansingNov. 23, 2002 No. 15 Penn State 61, MSU 7 State CollegeNov. 2, 2002 No. 15 Michigan 49, MSU 3 Ann ArborOct. 12, 2002 No. 17 Iowa 44, MSU 16 Iowa CitySept. 21, 2002 No. 12 Notre Dame 21, MSU 17 East LansingDec. 31, 2001 MSU 44, No. 20 Fresno State 35 San JoseNov. 3, 2001 MSU 26, No. 6 Michigan 24 East LansingSept. 29, 2001 No. 16 Northwestern 27, No. 23 MSU 26 EvanstonSept. 22, 2001 MSU 17, No. 23 Notre Dame 10 South BendNov. 11, 2000 MSU 30, No. 9 Purdue 10 East LansingNov. 4, 2000 No. 16 Ohio State 27, MSU 13 ColumbusOct. 21, 2000 No. 16 Michigan 14, MSU 0 Ann ArborSept. 23, 2000 No. 23 MSU 27, No. 16 Notre Dame 21 East LansingJan. 1, 2000 No. 9 MSU 37, No. 10 Florida 34 OrlandoNov. 20, 1999 No. 15 MSU 35, No. 13 Penn State 28 East LansingNov. 6, 1999 No. 19 MSU 23, No. 20 Ohio State 7 East LansingOct. 23, 1999 No. 17 Wisconsin 40, No. 11 MSU 10 MadisonOct. 16, 1999 No. 20 Purdue 52, No. 5 MSU 28 West LafayetteOct. 9, 1999 No. 11 MSU 34, No. 3 Michigan 31 East LansingSept. 18, 1999 MSU 23, No. 24 Notre Dame 13 South BendNov. 28, 1998 No. 23 Penn State 51, MSU 28 State CollegeNov. 7, 1998 MSU 28, No. 1 Ohio State 24 ColumbusSept. 12, 1998 MSU 45, No. 10 Notre Dame 23 East LansingAug. 29, 1998 No. 15 Colorado State 23, No. 23 MSU 16 East LansingDec. 25, 1997 No. 21 Washington 51, No. 25 MSU 23 Aloha BowlNov. 29, 1997 MSU 49, No. 4 Penn State 14 East Lansing
SPARTANS FROM THE BUCKEYE STATE -
Michigan State's 2005 roster features 15 players from Ohio: sophomore free safety Mike Bell (Shaker Heights), junior snapper Brian Bury (Marion/Harding), freshman offensive lineman Rocco Cironi (Warren/Warren G. Harding), junior punter Brandon Fields (Toledo/St. John's), freshman cornerback Dan Fortener (Kettering/Archbishop Alter), red-shirt junior kicker John Goss (Grove City), junior linebacker David Herron Jr. (Warren/Warren G. Harding), red-shirt freshman quarterback Brian Hoyer (North Olmsted/St. Ignatius), red-shirt freshman defensive end Justin Kershaw (Columbus/Reynoldsburg), freshman defensive end Brandon Long (Canton/GlenOak), senior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney (Dayton/Chaminade-Julienne), freshman running back Javon Ringer (Dayton/Chaminade-Julienne), senior strong safety Eric Smith (Groveport/Groveport-Madison), sophomore defensive end Nick Smith (North Canton/GlenOak) and senior cornerback Ashton Watson (Huber Heights/Wayne).
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2005:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAARushing Offense 252.4 2nd 8thPassing Offense 314.0 1st 12thTotal Offense 566.4 1st 2ndScoring Offense 45.4 1st 5thRushing Defense 119.8 4th 37thPassing Defense 285.6 9th 106thTotal Defense 405.4 8th 82ndScoring Defense 23.4 7th 47thPassing Efficiency 187.4 1st 1stPass Efficiency Defense 128.6 7th 70thTurnover Margin -0.2 7th t-70thNet Punting 40.1 4th 14th (38.8)Punt Returns 7.8 t-8th t-74thKickoff Returns 20.6 9th t-63rd
NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2005:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Rushing: Javon Ringer (49th at 80.8 yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Drew Stanton (1st with 190.1 rating)
Total Offense: Drew Stanton (10th at 317.8 yards per game)
Interceptions: SirDarean Adams (t-39th at 0.4 interceptions per game)
Punt Returns: Kyle Brown (34th at 11.0 yards per return)
Points Responsible For: Drew Stanton (t-4th at 20.0 points per game)
SPARTANS FEATURE EXPLOSIVE OFFENSIVE ATTACK -
Michigan State ranks among the NCAA leaders in all four offensive categories: No. 8 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 12 in passing offense (314.0 ypg.), No. 2 in total offense (566.4 ypg.) and No. 5 in scoring offense (45.4 points per game).
The Spartans produced a school-record 705 total yards against the Illini, and the 61 points marked MSU's highest total since scoring 76 vs. Northwestern in 1989.
 Drew Stanton leads the NCAA in passing efficiency (190.1 rating) and ranks No. 10 in total offense (317.8 ypg.).  | |
Quarterback Drew Stanton leads the NCAA in passing efficiency with his 190.1 rating. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound junior has completed 99-of-138 throws (.717) for 1,466 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 10 in the NCAA in total offense, averaging 317.8 yards per game.
Stanton connected on 20-of-30 passes for 282 yards vs. Michigan, including a 61-yard TD toss to Kerry Reed that tied the score at 21 late in the second quarter. It marked his eighth career 200-yard passing game, his fifth of the 2005 season. Stanton capped a 10-play, 80-yard drive with a 4-yard TD run late in the first quarter against the Wolverines.
He shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (with Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney) after completing 20-of-26 throws for 259 yards and a school-record five touchdowns in Michigan State's 61-14 victory at Illinois. Stanton threw TD pass to five different receivers (career-long 75 yards to Kyle Brown, 1 yard to Dwayne Holmes, 10 yards to Jerramy Scott, 2 yards to Kellen Davis and 29 yards to Matt Trannon). He also became the first offensive player in Spartan history to earn back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Week awards.
Stanton earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after accounting for 375 total yards and four TDs in MSU's 44-41 overtime victory at No. 10 Notre Dame. He completed 16-of-27 throws for 327 yards, including TD strikes of 20 and 65 yards to Trannon and 11 yards to Davis. It marked Stanton's fourth career 300-yard passing game, his second of the 2005 season. His 327 passing yards marked the most ever by a Spartan QB in the Notre Dame series. Stanton also rushed for 48 yards on 14 carries, including a 3-yard TD run that gave MSU a 24-17 halftime lead.
He hit 21-of-26 passes (.808) for 301 yards in MSU's 42-14 victory over Hawaii, including scoring tosses of 20 yards to Terry Love, 54 yards to Trannon and 20 yards to Scott.
In MSU's 49-14 victory over Kent State in the season opener, Stanton accounted for 357 total yards, completing 22-of-29 passes for 297 yards and two scores while gaining 60 yards on 10 carries.
The Spartans feature a well-balanced ground attack as freshman Javon Ringer, sophomore Jehuu Caulcrick and senior Jason Teague have combined to rush for 1,024 yards and 10 TDs on 149 attempts. Both Ringer (No. 9 at 80.8 ypg.) and Caulcrick (No. 10 at 71.0 ypg.) rank among the Big Ten's leading rushers.
The 5-9, 195-pound Ringer paces the ground game with 404 yards (51 rushes) and four TDs, while averaging an impressive 7.9 yards per carry. The Dayton, Ohio, native rushed for a Spartan-freshman record 194 yards on 13 carries vs. Illinois, including a 59-yard gallop in the third quarter that set up Stanton's school-record fifth TD pass. Ringer carried 10 times for 80 yards vs. Hawaii and scored on runs of 8, 41 and 15 yards.
Caulcrick has rushed 58 times for 355 yards (6.1 avg.) and four TDs. The 6-0, 245-pound sophomore produced 140 yards on 14 carries in the season opener vs. Kent State, while scoring a career-best three TDs.
The 5-9, 193-pound Teague has gained 265 yards on 40 attempts and scored twice. He rushed eight times for 72 yards (9.0 avg.) vs. Michigan. Teague contributed 63 yards on nine carries vs. Notre Dame, including a 19-yard run in overtime that gave the Spartans the 44-41 victory over the 10th-ranked Irish.
SPARTANS DOMINATE FIRST-HALF ACTION -
Michigan State has outscored its first five opponents, 146-62, in the first half.
Here's a closer look at Michigan State's first-half domination:
Sept. 3 vs. Kent State: The Spartans scored touchdowns on four of their first six possessions en route to building a 27-7 lead.
Sept. 10 vs. Hawaii: Michigan State scored TDs on its first four possessions to build a 28-0 halftime lead.
Sept. 17 at Notre Dame: The Spartans scored on two of their first three drives. Drew Stanton's 3-yard TD run with 27 seconds left in the first half gave MSU a 24-17 halftime lead.
Sept. 24 at Illinois: Michigan State scored on six of its eight first-half possessions en route to a 38-7 halftime lead.
On Oct. 1, Michigan reversed that trend by scoring touchdowns on three of its first four possessions to build a 21-7 lead. The Spartans rallied to tie the score at 21, but the Wolverines took a 24-21 lead to the locker room thanks to a 20-yard field goal by Garrett Rivas with 9 seconds left in the first half.
STANTON SPREADS THE BALL AROUND -
A key to Drew Stanton's throwing success in 2005 has been his ability to utilize all of the weapons at his disposal in Michigan State's spread offense. Four Spartans have at least 17 receptions, including Kyle Brown (21 for 315 yards), Matt Trannon (20 for 337), Terry Love (17 for 277) and Jerramy Scott (17 for 274). All four of those receivers have at least one touchdown grab.
STANTON RUNS OFFENSE AT FULL THROTTLE -
In Drew Stanton's 12 career starts at quarterback, Michigan State is averaging 256.8 rushing yards, 267.3 passing yards, 524.0 total yards and 37.5 points per game.
Here's a complete breakdown of Michigan State's offensive production in Stanton's 12 career starts (7-5 record):
Opponent (MSU Result) Rushing Yds. Passing Yds. Total Yds. Points2004@ Indiana (W) 241 172 413 30@ Iowa (L) 204 245 449 16Illinois (W) 253 234 487 38Minnesota (W) 324 312 636 51@ Michigan (L) 368 167 535 37@ Penn State (L) 161 177 338 13@ Hawaii (L) 268 330 598 382005Kent State (W) 354 331 685 49Hawaii (W) 198 301 499 42@ Notre Dame (W) 161 327 488 44@ Illinois (W) 376 329 705 61Michigan (L) 173 282 455 3112-Game Totals 3,081 3,207 6,288 45012-Game Averages 256.8 267.3 524.0 37.5
 Eric Smith needs 35 more stops to become only the 15th player in Spartan history to reach the 300-tackle milestone. | |
SMITTY APPROACHES 300-TACKLE MILESTONE -
Senior strong safety Eric Smith leads the team in tackles (43 total) and production points (93). The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Smith needs 35 more stops to become only the 15th player in Spartan history to reach the 300-tackle milestone.
The Groveport, Ohio, native has posted double figures in tackles twice in 2005, including 11 stops vs. Michigan and 13 vs. Notre Dame.
Smith ranks as the Spartans' most experienced player in the defensive backfield with 30 career starts, including the last 16 in a row. He has produced double figures in tackles 10 times during his career.
ADAMS FINDS HOME AT BANDIT POSITION -
Sophomore bandit SirDarean Adams leads the team in tackles for losses (4 for 21 yards) and interceptions (2 for 44 yards) while ranking second in total tackles (36) and fourth in production points (57).
The 6-foot, 222-pound Adams registered nine tackles vs. Michigan and his 14-yard interception return to the Wolverine 17 early in the third quarter set up the game-tying field goal (24-24), a 26-yarder by John Goss. He produced a team-best seven tackles vs. Illinois, including one for a 4-yard loss. Adams returned his first career interception 30 yards for a touchdown vs. Notre Dame as the Spartans built a 31-17 lead early in the third quarter. He recorded a career-best 12 tackles (10 solos, 2 assists), including two for losses (14 yards), in Michigan State's 42-14 victory over Hawaii. Adams also posted his first career sack (10 yards) midway through the third quarter against the Warriors.
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS IMPACT SPARTAN DEPTH CHART -
No fewer than 10 first-year players are currently listed on Michigan State's depth chart, including three on offense and seven on defense. Here's a complete breakdown of true freshmen and junior college transfers included on the depth chart:
True Freshmen (5): DE Brandon Long, WR Diego Oquendo, RB Javon Ringer, CB Ross Weaver and FS Otis Wiley.
Junior College Transfers (5): LB Steve Juarez, WR Kerry Reed, DE Jonal Saint-Dic, DT David Stanton and CB Demond Williams.
SPARTAN COACHING STAFF APPOINTS 2005 CAPTAINS -
Michigan State third-year head coach John L. Smith and his coaching staff have appointed four captains for the 2005 season: senior center Chris Morris, junior defensive end Clifton Ryan, senior strong safety Eric Smith and junior quarterback Drew Stanton.
RETURN TO SENDER -
Over the last two seasons, Michigan State's special teams have produced six touchdowns, including four kickoff returns and two blocked punts that have resulted in scores.
2004
Sept. 18 vs. Notre Dame: Jerramy Scott recovered a blocked punt (by Marshall Campbell) in the back of the end zone for a score early in the first quarter. DeAndra Cobb returned a kickoff 89 yards for a TD late in the third quarter.
Nov. 13 vs. Wisconsin: Travis Key recovered a blocked punt (by Marshall Campbell) at the goal line for a score midway through the first quarter.
2003
Sept. 6 vs. Rutgers: DeAndra Cobb returned a kickoff 94 yards for a TD late in the second quarter.
Oct. 18 vs. Minnesota: DeAndra Cobb returned a kickoff 100 yards for a TD with 48 seconds left in the first half.
Nov. 8 vs. Ohio State: DeAndra Cobb returned a kickoff 93 yards for a score early in the third quarter.
WINNING IN THE CLASSROOM -
Last May, six members of Michigan State's 2005 football team earned their undergraduate degrees: defensive end Michael Bazemore (interdisciplinary studies in social science - human resources), snapper Brian Bury (food industry management), linebacker Seth Mitchell (criminal justice), center Chris Morris (finance), offensive guard Gordon Niebylski (supply chain management) and strong safety Eric Smith (criminal justice). Michigan State leads the Big Ten and ranks among the NCAA's top 10 with six football players already in possession of their bachelor's degrees.
Four of those players currently are pursuing master's degrees: Bury (kinesiology), Morris (kinesiology), Niebylski (labor relations and human resources) and Smith (criminal justice). Bazemore (sociology) and Mitchell (family community services) have opted to pursue a second bachelor's degree.
WINNING IN THE CLASSROOM, PART II -
In two seasons under head coach John L. Smith, 23 student-athletes have been named Academic All-Big Ten, the highest two-year total in football program history. In 2004, a school-record 13 Spartans earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 81-20-1 (.799) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-65-1 (.171) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 16-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 94-85-2 (.525).
