MSU Football Concludes Two-Game Homestand Against Indiana
10/26/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 26, 2005
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DATE: Oct. 29, 2005
SITE: Spartan Stadium (75,005/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 12:10 p.m. EDT
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 72,000
LAST WEEK: No. 22/22 Michigan State lost to Northwestern, 49-14; Indiana lost to No. 14/13 Ohio State, 41-10.
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 - ESPN Plus will televise the Michigan State-Indiana game live on a regional basis, with Wayne Larrivee handling the play-by-play, Randy Wright providing color commentary and Quint Kessenich serving as the sideline reporter.
2005 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/Result Sept. 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) L, 24-35 Oct. 22 NORTHWESTERN (ESPN2) L, 14-49 Oct. 29 INDIANA (ESPN Plus) 12:10 p.m. EDT Nov. 5 at Purdue (ESPNU/ESPN Plus) 12 p.m. EST Nov. 12 at Minnesota TBA Nov. 19 PENN STATE TBA
INDIANA (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/Result Sept. 2 at Central Michigan W, 20-13 Sept. 10 NICHOLLS STATE W, 35-31 Sept. 17 KENTUCKY W, 38-14 Oct. 1 at Wisconsin L, 24-41 Oct. 8 ILLINOIS W, 36-13 Oct. 15 at Iowa L, 21-38 Oct. 22 OHIO STATE L, 10-41 Oct. 29 at Michigan State 11:10 a.m. CDT Nov. 5 MINNESOTA 12 p.m. EDT Nov. 12 at Michigan TBA Nov. 19 PURDUE TBA
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 17-15 (.531) in his third year with the Spartans and 127-75 (.629) 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.
Indiana's Terry Hoeppner (Franklin College 1969) is 4-3 (.571) in his first year with the Hoosiers and 52-28 (.650) in seven seasons as a college head coach. Hoeppner compiled a 48-25 record (.658) in six seasons at Miami-Ohio (1999-2004), including back-to-back bowl appearances in 2003-04. In 2003, the RedHawks went 13-1 overall and finished ranked in the final Associated Press (No. 10) and ESPN/USA TODAY (No. 12) Polls. Hoeppner previously spent 13 seasons as an assistant coach at Miami-Ohio (1986-98), including a four-year stint as defensive coordinator under Randy Walker.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State IndianaBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 8 5 Defensive Starters Returning 5 7 Specialists Returning 1 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State IndianaOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 301 6-2, 299 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-2, 218 6-1, 213 Defensive Line 6-3, 303 6-3, 266 Linebackers 6-1, 243 5-11, 233 Defensive Backs 5-11, 195 5-11, 189
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores
Indiana Offense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore, 2 freshmen
Indiana Defense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 3 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after seven games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (85 carries for 584 yards, 6.9 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (145 of 212 for 2040 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving - Kyle Brown (29 catches for 443 yards, 15.3 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Eric Smith (65 tackles, 44 solos, 21 assists, 1 INT, 3 PBUs)
Indiana (after seven games):
Rushing - Chris Taylor (100 carries for 478 yards, 4.8 avg., 2 TDs)
Passing - Blake Powers (145 of 255 for 1592 yards, 20 TDs, 8 INTs)
Receiving - James Hardy (48 catches for 771 yards, 16.1 avg., 8 TDs)
Tackles - Kyle Killion (49 tackles, 29 solos, 20 assists, 5 TFL) and John Pannozzo (49 tackles, 38 solos, 11 assists, 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State IndianaScoring 37.9 26.3 First Downs 26.9 20.4 Total Offense 538.3 371.6 Rushing Yards 223.9 140.9 Passing Yards 314.4 230.7 Time of Possession 32:05 32:32 Third Down Conversions .467 .405 Points Allowed 28.7 27.3 Total Offense Allowed 420.9 382.1 Rushing Yards Allowed 134.0 180.1 Passing Yards Allowed 286.9 202.0
MSU/INDIANA SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 54th meeting between Michigan State and Indiana. The Spartans lead the all-time series 37-14-2, including a 19-6-1 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State has won eight of the last nine games and 13 of the last 16 meetings overall (Note: Streaks do not include MSU's forfeited win in 1994). Indiana's last win in the series came on Nov. 10, 2001, 37-28, in Spartan Stadium. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 133 in the 2005 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Sept. 25, 2004, in Bloomington, Ind.: Drew Stanton accounted for 306 total yards and two scores in his first collegiate start at quarterback, while leading Michigan State to a 30-20 victory at Indiana in the 2004 Big Ten opener. Indiana jumped out to a 3-0 lead as a 12-play, 81-yard drive resulted in Bryan Robertson's 23-yard field goal with 4:42 left in the first quarter. Michigan State answered on its next series as Stanton capped a 13-play, 81-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run that gave the Spartans a 7-3 lead with 14:17 remaining in the second quarter. The Hoosiers responded with a nine-play, 80-yard drive and took a 10-7 lead on Matt LoVecchio's 12-yard TD toss to Chris Rudanovic with 10:18 left in the first half. Indiana extended its lead to 17-7 on Lance Bennett's 94-yard punt return with 4:25 to play in the second quarter. Tracy Porter's 17-yard interception return to the MSU 18 set up Robertson's 31-yard field goal as Indiana built a 20-7 halftime advantage. Michigan State scored 23 unanswered points in the second half, dominating play on both sides of the football. Stanton's 28-yard completion to Agim Shabaj set up his second TD run, a 1-yard plunge on fourth-and-goal, as the Spartans pulled to within 20-14 with 6:24 remaining in the third quarter. Stanton opened MSU's next possession with a 57-yard bomb to Matt Trannon. The drive stalled at the IU 27, but Dave Rayner came on and converted a 44-yard field goal as the Spartans rallied to within 20-17 with 2:58 to play in the third quarter. Michigan State opened the fourth quarter with a 10-play, 78-yard drive and took the lead for good at 24-20 on Jason Teague's 1-yard TD run with 9:45 left in the game. Stanton's 36-yard run set up Rayner's second field goal, a 22-yarder with 5:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, as the Spartans moved out to a 27-20 lead. A 35-yard run by Stanton highlighted MSU's final scoring drive as Rayner tacked on a 39-yard field goal with 2:36 on the clock. Stanton rushed for 134 yards on 12 carries to become the first Spartan quarterback to record a 100-yard rushing game since Charlie Baggett gained 120 yards vs. Northwestern in 1975. Michigan State gained 310 of its 413 total yards in the second half, while the Spartan defense limited Indiana to just two first downs and 41 total yards after halftime.
THE LAST MEETING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Oct. 4, 2003, in East Lansing, Mich.: Jeff Smoker threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns plus ran for another score to lead No. 25 Michigan State to a 31-3 Homecoming victory over Indiana as the Spartans retained the Old Brass Spittoon. Michigan State scored on its first possession as Smoker finished off an eight-play, 60-yard drive with a 12-yard TD toss to Jason Randall, who broke three tackles en route to the end zone. Smoker's 31-yard TD strike to Jaren Hayes gave the Spartans a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. Indiana answered on its next series as a 14-play, 73-yard drive resulted in Bryan Robertson's 21-yard field goal. Michigan State opened the second half with a 10-play, 62-yard drive and extended its lead to 17-3 on Dave Rayner's 49-yard field goal. Chris Taylor fumbled on Indiana's next possession and Clifford Dukes recovered at the MSU 20. Jason Teague capped off an 11-play, 80-yard drive with an 11-yard TD run as the Spartans moved out to a 24-3 lead with 4:04 left in the third quarter. Michigan State put together an eight-play, 71-yard drive midway through the fourth quarter and Smoker closed out the scoring with a 2-yard TD run. The Spartans outgained the Hoosiers in total yards, 486-285. Michigan State sacked Indiana's Matt LoVecchio six times for 36 yards, including three by Greg Taplin (15 yards).
BATTLE FOR THE OLD BRASS SPITTOON -
Since 1950, the winner of the Michigan State-Indiana game has been presented the Old Brass Spittoon. The trophy was initiated by the junior and senior classes and the MSU student council at Michigan State, and soon accepted by the IU Student Senate. The brass spittoon came from one of Michigan's earliest trading posts and is widely believed to be nearly 150 years old. Legend has it that the spittoon was around when both institutions were founded - Indiana in 1820 and MAC in 1855. Since '50, Michigan State leads the series 37-11-1.
MSU/INDIANA COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Indiana cornerbacks coach/recruiting coordinator Troy Douglas spent two years as defensive secondary coach at Michigan State (2001-02) under Bobby Williams.
SPARTANS FROM THE HOOSIER STATE -
Michigan State's 2005 roster features two players from Indiana: sophomore center John Masters (Carmel) and junior offensive tackle Kenny Shane (Indianapolis/North Central High School).
 Blake Miller was named to MSU's all-time Old-Timers Team (pre-1940).  | |
HALL OF FAME WEEKEND -
Michigan State University will induct five members into its Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 29 prior to the Spartans' home football game vs. Indiana. The Class of 2005 includes: Blake Miller (football/baseball/basketball) from the Pioneer Era, Herb Odom (boxing) from the Early Era, Julie Farrell-Ovenhouse (swimming & diving) from the Contemporary Era, John Fuzak (faculty athletics representative) and Gene Kenney (soccer) from the former coach/administrator category. In addition, the Class of 2005 will be introduced at the conclusion of the first quarter during the MSU-Indiana football game in Spartan Stadium.
The MSU Athletics Hall of Fame, located in the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center, opened on Oct. 1, 1999, and displays key moments in Spartan athletics history as well as plaques of the 77 current inductees. The charter class of 30 former Spartan student-athletes, coaches and administrators was inducted in 1992.
Here are bullet-point sketches of MSU's Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2005:
Blake Miller (Football, 1912-15)
Hometown - Tonawanda, N.Y.
Named to MSU's all-time Old-Timers Team (pre-1940) in 1970 . . . 1915 All-American . . . Earned All-Western honors in 1913-14 . . . He and teammate Jerry DaPrato were MSU's first-ever All-Americans . . . 1915 co-captain . . . Won nine varsity letters at MSU: four in football, three in baseball and two in basketball . . . Rushed for 115 yards in a 24-0 win over Michigan in 1915, prompting Wolverine head coach Fielding Yost to present him the game ball . . . Played six seasons of professional football in Detroit.
Herb Odom (Boxing, 1952-55)
Hometown - Flint, Mich.
Won back-to-back NCAA Championships at 147 pounds in 1954-55 . . . Led MSU to 1955 team National Championship . . . Two-time All-American (1954-55) . . . Compiled a 29-5-2 career record . . . Reached U.S. Olympic Boxing Team semifinals in 1952 . . . 1950 Michigan Golden Gloves Lightweight champion . . . Became oldest licensed boxer in Illinois history when he turned professional in 1979 at age 46.
Julie Farrell-Ovenhouse (Swimming & Diving, 1988-91)
Hometown - Holt, Mich.
1990 NCAA champion on the one-meter board . . . 1990 NCAA Diver of the Year . . . 1991 NCAA champion on the three-meter board . . . Six-time All-American . . . Three-time Big Ten Diver of the Year (1989-91) . . . 1991 Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year . . . MSU's only three-time winner of the George Alderton Athlete of the Year Award . . . 1991 Academic All-American Second Team . . . Placed fifth on the three-meter board at the 1992 Olympics.
John Fuzak (Faculty Athletics Representative, 1959-79)
Hometown - Crewe, Va.
Served as MSU's Faculty Representative for 20 years (1959-79) . . . Twice served as chairman for the Big Ten Faculty Representatives . . . MSU's Vice President of Student Affairs from 1961-66 . . . NCAA President (1975-76) . . . Received first-ever Faculty Chairman Award from All-American Football Foundation in 1997 . . . Served as Associate Commissioner and Interim Commissioner for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Gene Kenney (Soccer Coach, 1956-69)
Hometown - Urbana, Ill.
Led MSU to back-to-back National Championships in 1967-68 . . . 1967 US Soccer Magazine National Collegiate Coach of the Year . . . His teams made eight-straight trips to the NCAA Tournament from 1962-69, including six appearances in the national semifinals . . . His .866 career winning percentage (120-13-13) ranks second in NCAA history . . . Coached 13 first-team and six second-team All-Americans . . . Founded MSU's Summer Sports School . . . Served as an administrator in the MSU Athletics Department for 23 years.
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 223.9 2nd 14th Passing Offense 314.4 2nd 12th Total Offense 538.3 1st 3rd Scoring Offense 37.9 2nd t-12th Rushing Defense 134.0 4th t-48th Passing Defense 286.9 9th 110th Total Defense 420.9 8th 94th Scoring Defense 28.7 8th 83rd Passing Efficiency 166.1 1st 2nd Pass Efficiency Defense 144.0 9th 102nd Turnover Margin 0.0 5th t-58th Net Punting 38.5 5th 32nd (36.2) Punt Returns 7.8 9th 74th Kickoff Returns 20.1 10th 74th
NCAA STATE 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 (47th at 83.4 yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Drew Stanton (3rd with 168.5 rating)
Total Offense: Drew Stanton (10th at 312.4 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (26th at 42.5 yards per punt)
Points Responsible For: Drew Stanton (t-14th at 16.0 points per game)
SPARTANS FEATURE EXPLOSIVE OFFENSIVE ATTACK -
Michigan State ranks among the NCAA leaders in all four offensive categories: No. 14 in rushing offense (223.9 yards per game), No. 12 in passing offense (314.4 ypg.), No. 3 in total offense (538.3 ypg.) and No. 12 in scoring offense (37.9 points per game). The Spartans lead the Big Ten in total offense while ranking second in rushing offense, passing offense and scoring offense.
Michigan State produced 456 total yards in a 35-24 loss at No. 15 Ohio State, which entered the game ranked fourth in the NCAA in total defense, allowing 238.2 yards 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.
Quarterback Drew Stanton leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 3 in the NCAA in passing efficiency with his 168.5 rating. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound junior has completed 145-of-212 throws (.684) for 2,040 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 10 in the NCAA in total offense, averaging 312.4 yards per game.
Stanton hit 20-of-38 passes for 234 yards, one TD and three interceptions vs. Northwestern. It marked his eighth-straight 200-yard passing game (including the 2004 season finale at Hawaii), tying the school record held by Jeff Smoker (2003).
Stanton completed 26-of-36 throws for a career-best 340 yards vs. No. 15 Ohio State, including a 36-yard TD strike to Jerramy Scott in the second quarter. He produced those totals against the Big Ten's No. 2 pass defense, which entered the game allowing an average of 182 passing yards. It marked Stanton's fifth career 300-yard passing game, his third of the 2005 campaign.
He 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. 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 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 1,296 yards and 13 TDs on 211 attempts.
The 5-9, 195-pound Ringer paces the ground game with 584 yards (85 rushes) and four TDs, while averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. He ranks ninth in the Big Ten in rushing, averaging 83.4 yards per game. In league games, Ringer is averaging 102.8 ypg. He recorded his second 100-yard game of the season vs. Northwestern, gaining 104 yards on 18 rushes. 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 70 times for 391 yards (5.6 avg.) and a team-leading six TDs. He has scored a rushing TD in each of the last three games (vs. Michigan, Ohio State and Northwestern). 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 321 yards on 56 attempts and scored three times. 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.
 Drew Stanton has recorded eight-straight 200-yard passing games, tying the school record held by Jeff Smoker (2003). | |
TRACKING STANTON IN THE SPARTAN RECORD BOOK -
Junior quarterback Drew Stanton leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 3 in the NCAA in passing efficiency with his 168.5 rating. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound Stanton has completed 68 percent (145-212) of his passes for 2,040 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 10 in the NCAA in total offense, averaging 312.4 yards per game.
His .684 completion percentage (first), 16 TD passes (seventh) and 2,040 passing yards (tied for 10th) all rank among the top single-season totals in Spartan history.
The Farmington Hills, Mich., native has recorded eight-straight 200-yard passing games (including the 2004 season finale at Hawaii) - tying the school record held by Jeff Smoker (2003).
In less than two full seasons as a starter, Stanton already ranks among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (first at .662), TD passes (sixth at 24), total offense (seventh at 4,556 yards), pass attempts (10th at 435), pass completions (10th at 288) and passing yards (10th at 3,680).
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. Five Spartans have at least 16 receptions, including Kyle Brown (29 for 443 yards), Jerramy Scott (27 for 445), Matt Trannon (25 for 367), Terry Love (22 for 349) and Kerry Reed (16 for 251). All five of those receivers have at least one touchdown grab.
STANTON RUNS OFFENSE AT FULL THROTTLE -
In Drew Stanton's 14 career starts at quarterback, Michigan State is averaging 241.9 rushing yards, 274.1 passing yards, 516.0 total yards and 34.9 points per game.
Here's a complete breakdown of Michigan State's offensive production in Stanton's 14 career starts (7-7 record):
Opponent (MSU Result) Rushing Yds. Passing Yds. Total Yds. Points2004@ Indiana (W) 241 172 413 30 @ Iowa (L) 204 245 449 16 Illinois (W) 253 234 487 38 Minnesota (W) 324 312 636 51 @ Michigan (L) 368 167 535 37 @ Penn State (L) 161 177 338 13 @ Hawaii (L) 268 330 598 382005 Kent State (W) 354 331 685 49 Hawaii (W) 198 301 499 42 @ Notre Dame (W) 161 327 488 44 @ Illinois (W) 376 329 705 61 Michigan (L) 173 282 455 31 @ Ohio State (L) 116 340 456 24 Northwestern (L) 189 291 480 1414-Game Totals 3,386 3,838 7,224 488 14-Game Averages 241.9 274.1 516.0 34.9
MORRIS NAMED SI.COM MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN -
Center Chris Morris, who anchors the offensive line for one of the NCAA's most prolific offenses, has been named Midseason All-American by SI.com. Michigan State ranks among the NCAA leaders in all four offensive categories: No. 14 in rushing offense (223.9 yards per game), No. 12 in passing offense (314.4 ypg.), No. 3 in total offense (538.3 ypg.) and No. 12 in scoring offense (37.9 points per game). The Spartans lead the Big Ten in total offense while ranking second in rushing offense, passing offense and scoring offense.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Morris, who ranks as a top contender for the Rimington Trophy, has graded out 97 percent or higher in all seven games in 2005. He also ranks second on the team with 29 pancake blocks. Morris scored 98 percent each vs. Michigan, including a season-high seven pancakes, and Northwestern. He graded 99 percent vs. Illinois as the Spartans amassed a school-record 705 total yards en route to a 61-14 victory. Morris also scored 99 percent in the season opener vs. Hawaii.
A native of Lambertville, Mich., Morris has started 32-consecutive games at center for the Spartans. He has been a model of consistency, grading out 90 percent or better in 37 of 40 career games played. Morris, who has recorded 166 career pancakes, has not allowed a sack over the last two seasons (2004-05: approximately 610 passing plays).
RINGER PROVIDES HOME-RUN THREAT AT RUNNING BACK -
Javon Ringer ranks fourth among all (NCAA I-A) true freshman running backs with 584 yards on 85 carries. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Ringer has led the Spartans in rushing in three of the last four games.
The Dayton, Ohio, native recorded his second 100-yard game of the season vs. Northwestern, gaining 104 yards on 18 rushes. Ringer picked up 76 yards on 16 attemtps vs. Ohio State. He 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.
NCAA I-A True Freshman Rushing LeadersRank Player, School Att. Yards Avg. TD LG1. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern 157 970 6.2 14 62 2. Ontario Sneed, Central Michigan 133 726 5.5 6 80 3. Darren McFadden, Arkansas 86 682 7.9 8 704. Javon Ringer, Michigan State 85 584 6.9 4 59 5. Kevin Smith, Central Florida 122 560 4.6 3 44 6. Keegan Herring, Arizona State 90 546 6.1 5 67
 Eric Smith needs 13 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 (65 total) and production points (141). He ranks sixth in the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 9.3 per game. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Smith needs 13 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 three times in 2005, including 13 stops each vs. Notre Dame and Northwestern plus 11 stops vs. Michigan.
Smith ranks as the Spartans' most experienced player in the defensive backfield with 32 career starts, including the last 18 in a row. He has produced double figures in tackles 11 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 (42) and fourth in production points (59).
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 13 first-year players are currently listed on Michigan State's depth chart, including four on offense, eight on defense and one specialist. Here's a complete breakdown of true freshmen and junior college transfers included on the depth chart:
True Freshmen (8): WR Ryan Allison, LB Adam Decker, K Matt Haughey, 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.
SPARTAN FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS SOLD OUT -
Michigan State Athletics Department officials reported Saturday, Aug. 27 that football season-ticket sales have exceeded 60,000 for just the fourth time in school history and as a result, season-ticket sales have been suspended for both the general public and MSU students.
As of Friday, Aug. 26, 60,692 football season tickets have been sold, an increase of 4,160 season tickets from last season and the third-highest total in MSU history. That figure also reflects an increase in the demand for student season tickets with 12,037 sold, up 1,485 from 2004. It marks the highest number of student season tickets purchased since 1991 (13,360). Since the late 1990s, the MSU Athletics Department has allocated approximately 10,500 football season tickets for students. In 2005, MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason approved measures to meet the increased ticket demand from the student body.
Spartan football season-ticket sales topped the 60,000 mark for three-straight years from 1999-2001, with an all-time record 61,479 season tickets purchased in 2000.
With the addition of suites and club seats, the current stadium capacity is listed at 75,005.
All-Time Football Season-Ticket SalesRank Season Tickets Sold1. 2000 61,479 2. 2001 61,1983. 2005 60,692 4. 1999 60,109
ALMOST ALWAYS A FULL HOUSE -
Michigan State has played 43-consecutive home games before crowds in excess of 72,000. A capacity crowd of 79,401 witnessed the Oct. 1 game vs. Michigan - the 10th-largest crowd in Spartan Stadium history.
A crowd of 73,949 attended the 2005 season/home opener vs. Kent State - the largest crowd for a home opener since 1987 vs. Southern Cal (77,922).
The Spartans have ranked among the NCAA's top 20 in attendance each of the last 49 years, including No. 20 in 2004, averaging 73,602 fans per game.
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.
SPARTANS FACE ONE OF THE NCAA'S TOUGHEST SCHEDULES DOWN THE STRETCH -
Michigan State's four remaining opponents comprise the nation's 24th-most difficult schedule (tied with Washington State), according to NCAA figures. The Spartans' future opponents have a combined record of 17-11 (.607) against other NCAA Division I-A teams. The remaining schedule features three opponents with winning records, including two teams listed in this week's USA TODAY Coaches' Poll: No. 22 Minnesota (Nov. 12) and No. 12 Penn State (Nov. 19).
SPARTANS TOUGH ON HOME TURF -
Spartan Stadium is in its 82nd season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 302-130-13 record (.693) since taking up residency in Spartan Stadium in 1923. With its 49-14 victory over No. 4 Wisconsin in the 2004 home finale, Michigan State recorded its 300th win in Spartan Stadium. 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 81-21-1 (.791) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-66-1 (.169) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 16-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 94-87-2 (.519).
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 (2003-05; 32 games):
Rushing Yards: 430 vs. Wisconsin, 2004
Passing Yards: 382 vs. Indiana, 2003
Total Yards: 705 vs. Illinois, 2005
First Downs: 35 vs. Kent State, 2005
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): 61 vs. Illinois, 2005
Points (Half): 38 (1st) vs. Illinois, 2005
Points (Quarter): 28 (2nd) vs. Illinois, 2005
Victory Margin: 47 vs. Illinois, 2005
