Spartan Football Entertains No. 5 Penn State In Home Finale
11/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 19, 2005
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DATE: Nov. 19, 2005
KICKOFF: 4:11 p.m. EST
SITE: Spartan Stadium (75,005/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 75,005 (sellout expected)
LAST WEEK: Michigan State lost at Minnesota, 41-18; No. 6/6 Penn State had an open week following its Nov. 5 victory over No. 14/14 Wisconsin, 35-14.
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Sherm Lewis, sideline reporter Rex Trautman 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 will televise the Michigan State-Penn State game live to a national audience, with Mike Tirico handling the play-by-play, Mike Gottfried providing color commentary and Alex Flannagan serving as the sideline reporter.
2005 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten)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) W, 46-15 Nov. 5 at Purdue (ESPNU/ESPN Plus) L, 21-28 Nov. 12 at Minnesota (ESPN Plus) L, 18-41 Nov. 19 PENN STATE (ESPN) 4:11 p.m. EST
Date Opponent Time/Result
PENN STATE (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/Result Sept. 3 SOUTH FLORIDA W, 23-13 Sept. 10 CINCINNATI W, 42-24 Sept. 17 CENTRAL MICHIGAN W, 40-3 Sept. 24 at Northwestern W, 34-29 Oct. 1 MINNESOTA W, 44-14 Oct. 8 OHIO STATE W, 17-10 Oct. 15 at Michigan L, 25-27 Oct. 22 at Illinois W, 63-10 Oct. 29 PURDUE W, 33-15 Nov. 5 WISCONSIN W, 35-14 Nov. 19 at Michigan State 4:11 p.m. EST
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 18-17 (.514) in his third year with the Spartans and 128-77 (.624) 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.
Penn State's Joe Paterno (Brown 1950) is 352-117-3 (.749) in his 40th year as a college head coach, all with the Nittany Lions. The four-time National Coach of the Year is in his 56th season on the Penn State staff. Paterno is one of just nine coaches in NCAA history (five in I-A) to record 300 wins, reaching the milestone faster than anyone (380 games). He has led the Nittany Lions to five undefeated seasons, two national championships (1982 and '86) and 20 bowl victories.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Penn StateBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 Multiple Offensive Starters Returning 8 8 Defensive Starters Returning 5 9 Specialists Returning 1 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Penn StateOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 301 6-4, 298 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 208 6-0, 202 Defensive Line 6-3, 303 6-4, 276 Linebackers 6-1, 243 6-2, 221 Defensive Backs 5-11, 195 6-1, 198
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 7 seniors, 3 juniors, 1 sophomore
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores
Penn State Offense: 7 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 freshmen
Penn State Defense: 7 seniors, 3 juniors, 1 sophomore
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 10 games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (119 carries for 811 yards, 6.8 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (213 of 318 for 2844 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs)
Receiving - Jerramy Scott (44 catches for 635 yards, 14.4 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Eric Smith (94 tackles, 67 solos, 27 assists, 2 INTs, 4 PBUs)
Penn State (after 10 games):
Rushing - Tony Hunt (154 carries for 958 yards, 6.2 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Michael Robinson (131 of 252 for 1992 yards, 15 TDs, 9 INTs)
Receiving - Deon Butler (32 catches for 632 yards, 19.8 avg., 8 TDs)
Tackles - Paul Posluszny (106 tackles, 58 solos, 48 assists, 10 TFL, 3 sacks)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Penn StateScoring 35.0 35.6 First Downs 26.1 22.2 Total Offense 506.9 437.4 Rushing Yards 205.2 222.7 Passing Yards 301.7 214.7 Time of Possession 31:00 29:25 Third Down Conversions .458 .447 Points Allowed 28.5 15.9 Total Offense Allowed 421.2 297.1 Rushing Yards Allowed 162.3 92.2 Passing Yards Allowed 258.9 204.9
MSU/PENN STATE SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 23rd meeting between Michigan State and Penn State. The Spartans lead the all-time series 11-10-1, including a 7-3 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. The home team has won eight of the last nine games. Overall, Penn State has won nine of the last 12 meetings. Michigan State's last win in the series came on Nov. 22, 2003, 41-10, in Spartan Stadium. Penn State's last win in Spartan Stadium came on Nov. 24, 2001, 42-37. (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. 20, 2004, in State College, Pa.: Zack Mills accounted for 179 total yards and three touchdowns to lead Penn State to a 37-13 victory over Michigan State in Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions parlayed five interceptions into 17 points. The Spartans opened the game with a 13-play, 78-yard drive that resulted in Dave Rayner's 19-yard field goal. A 17-yard punt return by Calvin Lowry set up Robbie Gould's game-tying field goal, a 47-yarder with 1:43 left in the second quarter. MSU took a 6-3 lead to the locker room as Rayner connected on a 52-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Penn State took the second-half kickoff and drove 75 yards in 12 plays, with Tony Hunt scoring on a 1-yard run to give the Nittany Lions a 10-6 advantage. Two plays later, Tamba Hali intercepted a pass in the Spartan backfield and returned it 5 yards to the MSU 8-yard line. On the next play, Mills scored on a keeper as Penn State built a 17-6 lead. Paul Posluszyn's 17-yard interception return set up Mills' second rushing TD, a 10-yarder that extended the Nittany Lions' lead to 24-6 with 3:18 remaining in the third quarter. A blocked punt by Donnie Johnson set up Penn State's next score, a 6-yard toss from Mills to Michael Robinson with 21 seconds left in the third quarter. A Lowry interception led to a 27-yard field goal by Gould early in the fourth quarter as Penn State forged a 34-6 lead. Stephen Reaves finished off a nine-play, 48-yard drive with a 12-yard TD strike to Jerramy Scott as MSU pulled to within 34-13 with 8:57 to play. Gould provided the final margin, converting a 43-yard field goal with 6:32 on the clock.
THE LAST MEETING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Nov. 22, 2003, in East Lansing, Mich.: Jeff Smoker became the first quarterback in Michigan State history to reach the 3,000-yard passing milestone in a season, completing 29-of-50 throws for 357 yards and a school record-tying four touchdowns in the Spartans' 41-10 victory over Penn State in the home finale. Smoker produced those totals against the nation's No. 2 pass defense, allowing only 192 yards per game. The Nittany Lions scored on their first possession as a 10-play, 52-yard drive resulted in a 29-yard field goal from Robbie Gould. With 3:14 left in the first quarter, Michigan State took the lead for good at 7-3 on Smoker's 80-yard TD strike to Kyle Brown, who caught a 5-yard pass at the Spartan 25, sidestepped two tacklers and raced down the near sideline. Tyrell Dortch capped a 10-play, 68-yard drive with a 14-yard TD run off a counter-draw play as the Spartans moved out to a 14-3 lead with 9:39 remaining in the second quarter. Smoker completed seven-straight passes for 98 yards during a nine-play scoring drive, including a 14-yard TD toss to Eric Knott with 3:10 left in the first half, as Michigan State built a 21-3 halftime advantage. Drew Stanton's 29-yard run off a fake punt on fourth-and-4 from the MSU 43 set up Smoker's third TD pass, a 17-yarder to Jerramy Scott with 5:27 to play in the third quarter. Michigan State got the ball back three minutes later at the Penn State 46 after Kiel Beltinck partially blocked a punt. Eight plays later, Smoker fired a 5-yard TD pass to Jason Randall in the back of the end zone as the Spartans took a 35-3 lead with 13:27 left in the game. Jason Harmon's 34-yard interception return to the Penn State 6 led to Michigan State's final score, a 1-yard run by Jason Teague with 4:07 on the clock. Penn State's only touchdown came on Michael Robinson's 13-yard scoring pass to Terrance Phillips with 11 seconds left. Michigan State outgained the Nittany Lions in total yards, 476-238.
BATTLE FOR THE LAND-GRANT TROPHY -
Since the renewal of the series in 1993, the winner of the Michigan State-Penn State game has been presented the Land-Grant Trophy. The trophy honors the two universities' unique places in history as the two pioneer land-grant schools in the nation. Each institution was founded in 1855, Michigan State on Feb. 12 and Penn State on Feb. 22. The schools were the prototypes after which the land-grant system was patterned. The trophy features pictures of campus landmarks, Michigan State's Beaumont Tower and Penn State's Old Main, plus replicas of the Spartan and Nittany Lion. Since 1993, Penn State leads the series 9-3.
SPARTANS FROM THE KEYSTONE STATE -
Michigan State's 2005 roster features three players from Pennsylvania, including senior defensive end Michael Bazemore (Philadelphia/West Catholic), red-shirt freshman strong safety Tom Dance (Erie/Cathedral Prep School) and senior cornerback Jaren Hayes (Lebanon/Cedar Crest).
CURRENT SPARTANS vs. PENN STATE -
Career Stat Leaders
Rushing - Jason Teague (3 games: 22 carries for 101 yards, 4.6 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Drew Stanton (2 games: 12 of 19 for 89 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving - Jerramy Scott (2 games: 9 catches for 102 yards, 11.3 avg., 2 TDs); Kyle Brown (2 games: 8 catches for 173 yards, 21.6 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Eric Smith (2 games: 15 tackles, 11 solos, 4 assists, 1 TFL, 1 PBU)
UPSET SPECIALS -
Michigan State is 18-17 (.514) in its last 35 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.
The Spartans are 1-1 vs. AP Top 25 teams in 2005, including an overtime win at No. 10 Notre Dame (44-41) and a loss at No. 15 Ohio State (35-24).
Here's a look at Michigan State's last 35 games against AP Top 25 teams:
Date Result (Associated Press Ranking) SiteOct. 15, 2005 No. 15 Ohio State 35, No. 16 MSU 24 Columbus Sept. 17, 2005 MSU 44, No. 10 Notre Dame 41 (OT) South Bend Nov. 13, 2004 MSU 49, No. 4 Wisconsin 14 East Lansing Oct. 30, 2004 No. 12 Michigan 45, MSU 37 (3 OT) Ann Arbor Oct. 16, 2004 MSU 51, No. 19 Minnesota 17 East Lansing Dec. 29, 2003 No. 22 Nebraska 17, MSU 3 San Antonio Nov. 8, 2003 No. 7 Ohio State 33, No. 14 MSU 23 Columbus Nov. 1, 2003 No. 11 Michigan 27, No. 9 MSU 20 East Lansing Oct. 18, 2003 No. 15 MSU 44, No. 25 Minnesota 38 Minneapolis Sept. 27, 2003 MSU 20, No. 13 Iowa 10 East Lansing Nov. 23, 2002 No. 15 Penn State 61, MSU 7 State College Nov. 2, 2002 No. 15 Michigan 49, MSU 3 Ann Arbor Oct. 12, 2002 No. 17 Iowa 44, MSU 16 Iowa City Sept. 21, 2002 No. 12 Notre Dame 21, MSU 17 East Lansing Dec. 31, 2001 MSU 44, No. 20 Fresno State 35 San Jose Nov. 3, 2001 MSU 26, No. 6 Michigan 24 East Lansing Sept. 29, 2001 No. 16 Northwestern 27, No. 23 MSU 26 Evanston Sept. 22, 2001 MSU 17, No. 23 Notre Dame 10 South Bend Nov. 11, 2000 MSU 30, No. 9 Purdue 10 East Lansing Nov. 4, 2000 No. 16 Ohio State 27, MSU 13 Columbus Oct. 21, 2000 No. 16 Michigan 14, MSU 0 Ann Arbor Sept. 23, 2000 No. 23 MSU 27, No. 16 Notre Dame 21 East Lansing Jan. 1, 2000 No. 9 MSU 37, No. 10 Florida 34 Orlando Nov. 20, 1999 No. 15 MSU 35, No. 13 Penn State 28 East Lansing Nov. 6, 1999 No. 19 MSU 23, No. 20 Ohio State 7 East Lansing Oct. 23, 1999 No. 17 Wisconsin 40, No. 11 MSU 10 Madison Oct. 16, 1999 No. 20 Purdue 52, No. 5 MSU 28 West Lafayette Oct. 9, 1999 No. 11 MSU 34, No. 3 Michigan 31 East Lansing Sept. 18, 1999 MSU 23, No. 24 Notre Dame 13 South Bend Nov. 28, 1998 No. 23 Penn State 51, MSU 28 State College Nov. 7, 1998 MSU 28, No. 1 Ohio State 24 Columbus Sept. 12, 1998 MSU 45, No. 10 Notre Dame 23 East Lansing Aug. 29, 1998 No. 15 Colorado State 23, No. 23 MSU 16 East Lansing Dec. 25, 1997 No. 21 Washington 51, No. 25 MSU 23 Aloha Bowl Nov. 29, 1997 MSU 49, No. 4 Penn State 14 East Lansing
SENIORS BID FAREWELL -
Thirteen seniors will make their final appearance in Spartan Stadium Saturday vs. Penn State. This senior class has helped Michigan State to a combined record of 22-25 (.468) since 2002, including a trip to the 2003 Alamo Bowl.
The Class of 2005 includes wide receiver Aaron Alexander (Richmond, Va.), defensive end Michael Bazemore (Philadelphia, Pa.), wide receiver Kyle Brown (West Bloomfield, Mich.), cornerback Jaren Hayes (Lebanon, Pa.), defensive tackle Brandon McKinney (Dayton, Ohio), center Chris Morris (Lambertville, Mich.), offensive guard Gordon Niebylski (Farmington, Mich.), defensive tackle Domata Peko (Pago Pago, American Samoa), strong safety Eric Smith (Groveport, Ohio), running back Jason Teague (St. Petersburg, Fla.), cornerback Ashton Watson (Huber Heights, Ohio), offensive tackle Stefon Wheeler (Passaic, N.J.) and tight end Ryan Woods (Florissant, Mo.).
"SPARTANS PLAY GOOD BALL" ON SENIOR DAY -
Since 1996, Michigan State has compiled an impressive 8-1 record (.889) in Senior Day games, with the only setback coming to Purdue, 45-42, in the 2002 home finale. Here's a brief look at MSU's Senior Day results since 1996:
Date Opponent MSU ResultNov. 13, 2004 No. 4 Wisconsin W, 49-14 Nov. 22, 2003 Penn State W, 41-10 Nov. 16, 2002 Purdue L, 42-45 Dec. 1, 2001 Missouri W, 55-7 Nov. 11, 2000 No. 9 Purdue W, 30-10 Nov. 20, 1999 No. 13 Penn State W, 35-28 Nov. 21, 1998 Illinois W, 41-9 Nov. 29, 1997 No. 4 Penn State W, 49-14 Nov. 9, 1996 Indiana W, 38-15
The Spartans have outscored their last nine Senior Day opponents, 380-152, for an average score of 42-17. Michigan State has scored more than 40 points in each of the last four Senior Day games.
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 205.2 3rd 20th Passing Offense 301.7 2nd 13th Total Offense 506.9 1st 5th Scoring Offense 35.0 3rd 14th Rushing Defense 162.3 7th 79th Passing Defense 258.9 9th 96th Total Defense 421.2 7th 95th Scoring Defense 28.5 7th t-79th Passing Efficiency 156.6 1st 8th Pass Efficiency Defense 139.6 9th 96th Turnover Margin +0.2 4th t-50th Net Punting 37.2 6th 53rd (34.5) Punt Returns 10.1 8th t-50th Kickoff Returns 22.6 4th 34th
NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2005:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Drew Stanton (8th with 158.4 rating)
Total Offense: Drew Stanton (9th at 310.1 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (30th at 42.3 yards per punt)
Kickoff Returns: Demond Williams (18th at 27.1 yards per return)
Points Responsible For: Drew Stanton (10th at 16.4 points per game)
Tackles: Eric Smith (t-35th at 9.4 tackles per game)
SPARTANS FEATURE EXPLOSIVE OFFENSIVE ATTACK -
Michigan State ranks among the NCAA leaders in all four offensive categories: No. 20 in rushing offense (205.2 yards per game), No. 13 in passing offense (301.7 ypg.), No. 5 in total offense (506.9 ypg.) and No. 14 in scoring offense (35.0 points per game). The Spartans lead the Big Ten in total offense while ranking second in passing offense and third in rushing 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.
Drew Stanton, one of 15 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 8 in the NCAA in passing efficiency with his 158.4 rating. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound junior has completed 213-of-318 throws (.670) for 2,844 yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 9 in the NCAA in total offense, averaging 310.1 yards per game. Stanton also ranks second in the league in passing yards (284.4 per game) and TD passes (21).
With 312 passing yards (29-45) vs. Minnesota, Stanton extended his school-record streak of consecutive 200-yard passing games to 11 (including the 2004 season finale at Hawaii). He padded another record by registering his 11th-straight game with at least one TD pass, including scoring tosses of 20 yards to Dwayne Holmes and 4 yards to Terry Love. His 29 completions vs. Minnesota matched his career best (vs. Iowa, 2004). It also marked Stanton's sixth career 300-yard passing game, his fourth of the 2005 season. He produced 367 total yards against the Golden Gophers, gaining 55 yards on six rushes.
Stanton connected on 22-of-30 throws for 248 yards vs. Purdue, including a 16-yard TD toss to Jason Teague in the first quarter.
He accounted for 271 total yards and three TDs in MSU's 46-15 victory over Indiana as the Spartans snapped a three-game losing streak. Stanton completed 17-of-31 passes for 244 yards, including TD tosses of 3 yards to Kerry Reed and 39 yards to Love. He added 27 yards on 10 carries vs. Indiana, including a 1-yard TD run.
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.
He connected on 20-of-30 passes for 282 yards vs. Michigan, including a 61-yard TD toss to 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 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 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 1,622 yards and 15 TDs on 268 attempts.
The 5-9, 195-pound Ringer paces the ground game with 811 yards (119 rushes) and five TDs, while averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. He ranks eighth in the Big Ten in rushing, averaging 81.1 yards per game. Ringer is averaging 91.1 rushing yards per game in league play.
He has recorded three 100-yard rushing games in 2005, including back-to-back efforts vs. Northwestern (18 carries for 104 yards) and Indiana (11 for 109). Ringer became the first Spartan true freshman to produce consecutive 100-yard games since Sedrick Irvin in 1996. He scored on a 45-yard run in the third quarter vs. Indiana. 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 80 times for 450 yards (5.6 avg.) and a team-leading seven TDs. During a recent stretch, he scored a rushing TD in four-consecutive games (vs. Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern and Indiana). 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 361 yards on 69 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.
SPARTANS THREATEN BIG TEN TOTAL OFFENSE RECORD -
With one game left in the 2005 regular season, Michigan State (school-record 506.9 yards per game) is one of two Big Ten teams producing more than 500 total yards per game, leading Minnesota (503.2 ypg.). In the previous 109 seasons of Big Ten football, only Penn State had eclipsed the 500-yard milestone, averaging 512.7 total yards in 1994.
TRACKING STANTON IN THE SPARTAN RECORD BOOK -
Junior Drew Stanton, one of 15 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 8 in the NCAA in passing efficiency with his 158.4 rating. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound Stanton has completed 67 percent (213-318) of his passes for 2,844 yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 9 in the NCAA in total offense, averaging 310.1 yards per game. Stanton also ranks second in the league in passing yards (284.4 per game) and TD passes (21).
His 21 TD passes (tied for first), .670 completion percentage (second), 3,101 total yards (second), 213 pass completions (third), 2,844 passing yards (second) and 318 pass attempts (fourth) all rank among the top single-season totals in Spartan history.
Stanton needs 156 passing yards vs. Penn State to become only the second quarterback in school history to reach the 3,000-yard milestone in a season (Jeff Smoker threw for 3,279 yards in 2003). He also needs only 178 total yards against the Nittany Lions to overtake Smoker (2000-03) and become MSU's single-season leader in total offense.
The Farmington Hills, Mich., native has produced a school-record 11-straight 200-yard passing games (including the 2004 season finale at Hawaii), shattering the mark previously held by Smoker (eight-consecutive games in 2003). In addition, Stanton has thrown at least one TD pass in 11-consecutive games, breaking another Spartan record set by Smoker (nine-straight games in 2001).
In less than two full seasons as a starter, Stanton already ranks among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (first at .658), total offense (third at 5,470 yards), TD passes (fifth at 29), pass completions (seventh at 356), passing yards (sixth at 4,484) and pass attempts (eighth at 541).
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 27 receptions, including Jerramy Scott (44 for 635), Kyle Brown (35 for 521 yards), Matt Trannon (33 for 480), Terry Love (28 for 430) and Kerry Reed (27 for 406). All five of those receivers have at least two touchdown grabs. Michigan State is the only NCAA I-A team to have five players with at least 400 receiving yards each.
Scott (No. 9 at 4.4 catches per game; No. 8 at 63.5 yards per game) and Brown (No. 10 at 4.38 cpg.; No. 7 at 65.1 ypg.) rank among the Big Ten leaders in both receptions and receiving yards.
STANTON RUNS OFFENSE AT FULL THROTTLE -
In Drew Stanton's 17 career starts at quarterback, Michigan State is averaging 227.7 rushing yards, 273.8 passing yards, 501.5 total yards and 33.7 points per game.
Here's a complete breakdown of Michigan State's offensive production in Stanton's 17 career starts (8-9 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 38
2005 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 14 Indiana (W) 237 256 493 46 @ Purdue (L) 103 248 351 21 @ Minnesota (L) 145 312 457 1817-Game Totals 3,871 4,654 8,525 573 17-Game Averages 227.7 273.8 501.5 33.7
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. 20 in rushing offense (205.2 yards per game), No. 13 in passing offense (301.7 ypg.), No. 5 in total offense (506.9 ypg.) and No. 14 in scoring offense (35.0 points per game). The Spartans lead the Big Ten in total offense while ranking second in passing offense and third in rushing offense and scoring offense.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Morris, who ranks as a top contender for the Rimington Trophy, has graded out 96 percent or higher in all 10 games in 2005. 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 each vs. Kent State in the season opener and vs. Minnesota. He graded 98 percent each vs. Michigan, Northwestern and Indiana. Morris also ranks second on the team with 37 pancake blocks, including seven each vs. Michigan and Indiana.
A native of Lambertville, Mich., Morris has started 35-consecutive games at center for the Spartans. He has been a model of consistency, grading out 90 percent or better in 40 of 43 career games played. Morris, who has recorded 174 career pancakes, has allowed only one sack (vs. Indiana, 2005) over the last two seasons (approximately 725 passing plays).
J-SCOTT REACHES RECEIVING MILESTONE -
With six catches for 76 yards vs. Minnesota, junior Jerramy Scott eclipsed the century mark for career receptions. The 5-foot-10, 186-pound Scott now has 102 career receptions for 1,291 yards (12.7 avg.) and nine touchdowns.
He leads the Spartans in receptions (44), receiving yards (635) and TD catches (4; tied with Matt Trannon and Kerry Reed). Scott ranks among the Big Ten leaders in both receptions (No. 9 at 4.4 per game) and receiving yards (No. 8 at 63.5 per game). He caught a career-best nine passes for 86 yards vs. Purdue. Scott had seven catches for a career-high 129 yards vs. Ohio State, including a 36-yard TD grab from Drew Stanton in the second quarter. He had six receptions for 85 yards vs. Hawaii, including a 20-yard TD strike from Stanton in the third quarter. Scott caught five passes for 70 yards in the 2005 season opener vs. Kent State, including a 21-yard TD reception from Stanton in the third quarter.
The Jupiter, Fla., native has caught at least one pass in 14-consecutive games.
RINGER PROVIDES HOME-RUN THREAT AT RUNNING BACK -
Javon Ringer ranks sixth among all (NCAA I-A) true freshman running backs with 811 yards on 119 carries. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Ringer has led the Spartans in rushing in six of the last seven games.
The Dayton, Ohio, native has recorded three 100-yard rushing games in 2005, including back-to-back efforts vs. Northwestern (18 carries for 104 yards) and Indiana (11 for 109). Ringer became the first Spartan true freshman to produce consecutive 100-yard games since Sedrick Irvin in 1996. He scored on a 45-yard run in the third quarter vs. Indiana. 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 Leaders
Rank Player, School Att. Yards Avg. TD LG1. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern 198 1178 5.9 16 62 2. Ontario Sneed, Central Michigan 201 1004 5.0 8 80 3. Darren McFadden, Arkansas 131 891 6.8 8 70 4. Tyrell Fenroy, Louisiana-Lafayette 159 889 5.6 9 46 5. Ray Rice, Rutgers 151 817 5.4 3 33 6. Javon Ringer, Michigan State 119 811 6.8 5 59 7. Kevin Smith, Central Florida 189 810 4.3 5 44 8. Jamaal Charles, Texas 102 772 7.6 9 80 9. Keegan Herring, Arizona State 132 771 5.8 6 67 10. Aaron Brown, TCU 116 710 6.1 5 73
"RED ZONE" PRODUCTION KEY -
In its five victories in 2005, Michigan State has scored touchdowns on 22 of its 29 possessions (.759) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line. By contrast, the Spartans have produced just 10 TDs in 24 trips (.417) inside the "red zone" in the five losses.
SMITTY REACHES 300-TACKLE MILESTONE - Senior strong safety Eric Smith leads the team in tackles (94 total) and production points (204) and ranks second in interceptions (2 for 16 yards). He ranks sixth in the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 9.4 per game.
Smith has posted double figures in tackles five times in 2005, including 13 stops each vs. Notre Dame and Northwestern, 12 vs. Minnesota and 11 each vs. Michigan and Indiana.
With six stops vs. Purdue, the 6-foot-1, 202-pound Smith became just the 15th player in Spartan history to reach the 300-tackle milestone. He also scored the first touchdown of his career against the Boilermakers, returning a fumble 65 yards in the second quarter to give the Spartans a 21-14 halftime lead.
Smith ranks as the Spartans' most experienced player in the defensive backfield with 35 career starts, including the last 21 in a row. He has recorded 316 career tackles and needs only 16 more stops to crack MSU's all-time Top 10. The Groveport, Ohio, native has produced double figures in tackles 13 times during his career.
PEKO EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER ON D-LINE -
Senior Domata Peko leads the defensive line and ranks fifth on the team in tackles, with a career best 47 (29 solos, 18 assists). The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Peko ranks third overall on the defensive leaderboard with 127 production points.
He has produced 17 total tackles (15 solos, 2 assists) in his last two starts (vs. Purdue and Minnesota). Peko recorded a career-high nine tackles - all solos - against Minnesota. The Pago Pago, American Samoa, native posted eight stops (6-2) vs. Purdue.
Peko made six tackles (3-3) vs. Michigan, and his 74-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter tied the game at 31. He also registered the first sack of his career against the Wolverines. Peko tallied seven tackles (3-4) vs. Notre Dame, including 1.5 for losses (3 yards), and forced a fumble near the goal line that prevented an Irish rushing touchdown early in the third quarter.
ADAMS FINDS HOME AT BANDIT POSITION -
Sophomore bandit SirDarean Adams leads the team in tackles for losses (5 for 29 yards) and interceptions (3 for 54 yards) while ranking fourth in total tackles (55) and production points (86).
The 6-foot, 222-pound Adams had six tackles vs. Minnesota. He registered five solos hits, including an 8-yard sack, a pass break-up and forced a fumble vs. Purdue. Adams made 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. The Bradenton, Fla., native 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 12 first-year players are currently listed on Michigan State's depth chart, including four on offense, seven on defense and one specialist. Here's a complete breakdown of true freshmen and junior college transfers included on the depth chart:
True Freshmen (7): WR Ryan Allison, 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.
RETURN TO SENDER -
During John L. Smith's tenure as head coach, Michigan State's special teams have produced seven touchdowns, including five kickoff returns and two blocked punts that have resulted in scores.
2005
Oct. 29 vs. Indiana: Demond Williams returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a TD.
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.
FOUR SPARTANS EARN ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONORS -
Four Michigan State players - senior center Chris Morris, senior offensive guard Gordon Niebylski, senior strong safety Eric Smith and junior quarterback Drew Stanton - have earned Academic All-District IV First-Team honors as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
To be nominated for the Academic All-District Team, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his career. He also must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing.
District IV includes all schools from the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.
Players named to the Academic All-District First Team now have their names listed on the national ballot for Academic All-America honors (released Dec. 1).
Spartan Academic All-District IV First-Team Selections
Name Major (GPA)Chris Morris finance (3.50) Gordon Niebylski supply chain management (3.53) Eric Smith criminal justice (3.21) Drew Stanton kinesiology (3.37)
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.
ALMOST ALWAYS A FULL HOUSE -
Michigan State has played 44-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.
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 TOUGH ON HOME TURF -
Spartan Stadium is in its 82nd season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 303-130-13 record (.694) 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 82-21-1 (.793) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-68-1 (.165) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 16-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 95-89-2 (.516).
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; 35 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
