MSU Football Seeks Sixth Win To Become Bowl Eligible

Nov. 8, 2005

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State coach John L. Smith says playing with more emotion will be a big factor in turning around his football team's sagging fortunes.

Better execution and more depth wouldn't hurt, either.

Despite a 4-0 start this season, Michigan State is scrambling to make a bowl game. The Spartans (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten) must win either Saturday at Minnesota (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) or at home Nov. 19 against No. 6 Penn State to notch the sixth victory needed to be eligible for an invitation.

Smith says his players should be playing with emotion for themselves and each other, and not necessarily to make a bowl game in itself.

"The rewards take care of themselves if we play for each other," Smith said at his Monday press conference.

"We all have to take a look at ourselves. We all have to do what we can to make a difference."

Michigan State has lost four of its last five games. It continues a trend of late season struggles under Smith.

Smith, in his third season at Michigan State, has a 10-3 record in games played in August and September. The record levels off to 6-5 in October, and 2-8 in games played in November and December.

Lack of depth has been an issue in all three seasons. An injury to tackle Stefon Wheeler started a juggling along the offensive line that has hurt the Spartans in recent weeks. Injuries to receivers Kyle Brown and Matt Trannon also may have affected the offense. All are expected to play this week against Minnesota.

Michigan State still ranks fifth in the nation and first in the Big Ten in total offense, averaging 512 yards per game. Quarterback Drew Stanton ranks fifth in the nation in passing efficiency.

But the production has dropped off in recent games, capped by a season-low 351 yards of total offense in last week's 28-21 loss at Purdue.

The Boilermakers (3-6, 1-5 Big Ten) likely were better than their record indicated, but the loss was still a disappointment for Michigan State.

Smith said part of the problem may have been a lack of emotion from the Spartans. He said it was noticeable from a muted celebration after Michigan State's first touchdown of the game.

This week, Smith said he plans to show his team highlights of games when they have played with fire -- including last season's 51-17 victory over Minnesota in East Lansing.

"All 11 people have to be in the end zone celebrating," he said. "That is how the game has to be played."

Minnesota, which became bowl eligible by beating Indiana last week, features the nation's top-rated rushing offense at 291 yards per game.

Laurence Maroney leads Big Ten running backs, averaging 152 yards per game.

Smith is 2-0 against Minnesota. Golden Gophers coach Glen Mason is 3-3 against Michigan State.

By TIM MARTIN, The Associated Press