Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Travels To Northwestern
10/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 20, 2006
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DATE: Oct. 21, 2006
SITE: Ryan Field (47,130/natural grass), Evanston, Ill.
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 30,000
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Jim Miller, sideline reporter Jason Strayhorn and broadcast host Mike Kamin, will broadcast the game to 39 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240) and WMMQ (FM 94.9) and in Detroit on WJR Radio (AM 760). The MSU-Northwestern game can be heard live on XM Satellite Radio (Channel 198). In addition, all Spartan football broadcasts will be streamed live on the MSU Athletics Department web site at www.msuspartans.com. Television - ESPN Plus will televise the Michigan State-Northwestern game live on a regional basis, with Wayne Larrivee handling the play-by-play and Kelly Stouffer providing color commentary.
FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about Saturday's MSU-Northwestern matchup) -
• Saturday's game marks the 47th meeting between Michigan State and Northwestern. The Spartans lead the all-time series 31-15, including a 14-10 record in games played in Evanston, Ill.
• MSU and Northwestern have split the last 10 meetings.
• The Spartans' last win at Ryan Field came on Nov. 13, 1999, 34-0.
• Seven Michigan State offensive players (from the two-deep lineup) have been sidelined for a combined 16 games due to injuries in 2006. The offensive line has been particularly hard hit by injuries as the Spartans will utilize their fifth different starting combination Saturday against Northwestern (LT Rocco Cironi, LG Pete Clifford, C Kyle Cook, RG Roland Martin and RT Jesse Miller).
• Michigan State's 70-man travel roster features two players from Illinois: junior wide receiver Terry Love (Bellwood/Proviso East HS) and sophomore offensive guard Roland Martin (Chicago/Harper).
• Michigan State fifth-year senior quarterback Drew Stanton ranks among NCAA I-A active career leaders in completion percentage (No. 4 at .646), total offense (No. 10 with 7,321 yards) and passing efficiency rating (No. 11 at 140.7). Stanton also is listed among the Big Ten's career leaders in completion percentage (No. 2) and passing efficiency rating (No. 9).
• Senior flanker Kerry Reed leads the team in receptions (29), receiving yards (355) and touchdown catches (4).
• Sophomore free safety Otis Wiley leads the Spartans in tackles (56 total), tackles for losses (5.5 for 10 yards) and production points (105).
• Brandon Fields' career 45.5-yard punting average ranks No. 1 on MSU's and the Big Ten's all-time lists as well as first among NCAA I-A active punters.
• Michigan State ranks second in the Big Ten in "red zone" offense, scoring on 24 of 26 possessions (.923) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 2006. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 18 touchdowns (11 rushing TDs and 7 passing TDs) and six field goals.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 21-22 (.488) in his fourth year with the Spartans and 131-82 (.615) in 18 seasons as a college head coach. Smith ranks No. 13 among active Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as NCAA I-A) coaches in career victories. Twelve of his 17 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-consecutive 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.
Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern 1996) is 2-5 (.286) in his first year with the Wildcats. Fitzgerald, an assistant coach at Northwestern for five seasons, was promoted to the head coaching position following the sudden death of Randy Walker on June 29, 2006. At age 31, he ranks as the youngest head coach in NCAA I-A football. Prior to joining the Northwestern coaching staff in 2001, Fitzgerald spent the 2000 season as an assistant coach at Idaho where he worked with the linebackers and special teams. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant, serving one year each at Maryland (1998) and Colorado (1999). A two-time All-American for Coach Gary Barnett at Northwestern, Fitgerald earned national defensive player of the year honors in 1995 and '96.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State NorthwesternBasic Offense Spread Multiple I (Spread) Basic Defense 4-2-5 Multiple 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 8 Defensive Starters Returning 6 9 Specialists Returning 1 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State NorthwesternOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 299 6-3, 288 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 212 6-2, 197 Defensive Line 6-3, 275 6-4, 288 Linebackers 6-1, 242 6-2, 245 Defensive Backs 6-0, 200 5-11, 195
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 3 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores
Northwestern Offense: 4 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Northwestern Defense: 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores, 2 freshmen
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after seven games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (61 carries for 438 yards, 7.2 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Drew Stanton (109 of 179 for 1241 yards, 8 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving - Kerry Reed (29 catches for 355 yards, 12.2 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Otis Wiley (56 tackles, 34 solos, 22 assists, 5.5 TFL, 5 PBU)
Northwestern (after seven games):
Rushing - Tyrell Sutton (87 carries for 487 yards, 5.6 avg., 3 TDs) Passing - Mike Kafka (51 of 88 for 477 yards, 1 TD, 5 INTs) Receiving - Shaun Herbert (24 catches for 221 yards, 9.2 avg., 0 TDs) Tackles - Nick Roach (59 tackles, 40 solos, 19 assists, 4 TFL)
CURRENT SPARTANS vs. NORTHWESTERN -
Career Stat Leaders
Rushing - Jehuu Caulcrick (1 game: 9 carries for 32 yards, 3.6 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Drew Stanton (1 game: 20 of 38 for 234 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs)
Receiving - Kerry Reed (1 game: 4 catches for 35 yards, 8.8 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Greg Cooper (1 game: 6 tackles, 5 solos, 1 assist)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State NorthwesternScoring 27.7 14.1 First Downs 18.7 14.7 Total Offense 382.3 285.4 Rushing Yards 175.3 164.7 Passing Yards 207.0 120.7 Time of Possession 30:23 28:03 Third Down Conversions .469 .344 Points Allowed 27.4 25.6 Total Offense Allowed 346.6 375.4 Rushing Yards Allowed 132.6 148.6 Passing Yards Allowed 214.0 226.9
MSU/NORTHWESTERN SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 47th meeting between Michigan State and Northwestern. The Spartans lead the all-time series 31-15, including a 14-10 record in games played in Evanston, Ill. Michigan State and Northwestern have split the last 10 meetings. The Spartans' last win at Ryan Field came on Nov. 13, 1999, 34-0.
THE LAST MEETING -
Oct. 22, 2005, in East Lansing, Mich.: Brett Basanez accounted for 348 total yards and four touchdowns to lead Northwestern to a 49-14 victory over No. 22 Michigan State in Spartan Stadium. The Wildcats scored 21 points off four Spartan turnovers. Michigan State took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards in three plays to take a 7-0 lead. On the first play from scrimmage, Drew Stanton completed a 53-yard bomb to Kyle Brown, who got tripped up at the Northwestern 22. Two plays later, Kerry Reed scored on an 18-yard TD strike from Stanton. Northwestern pulled even at 7 on a 4-yard keeper by Basanez with 6:09 remaining in the first quarter. The Spartans responded with a 16-play, 66-yard drive; however, Brendan Smith intercepted a Stanton pass attempt in the end zone and returned it 37 yards to set up the Wildcats' second touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Tyrell Sutton finished off the six-play, 63-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run as Northwestern took a 14-7 lead. On its next series, Michigan State drove inside the Wildcat 10, but Stanton fumbled on a third-and-5 play and Demetrius Eaton returned it 86 yards for a score to give Northwestern a 21-7 lead with 10:08 to play in the first half. The Spartans outgained the Wildcats in total yards, 295-234, in the first half and held a 20:15-9:45 edge in time of possession. Northwestern broke the game open by scoring on its first four possessions of the second half. The Wildcats took the second-half kickoff and drove 65 yards in seven plays, with Eric Peterman scoring on a 14-yard toss from Basanez as Northwestern built a 28-7 lead. Basanez capped a nine-play, 81-yard drive with another 4-yard TD run as Northwestern moved out to a 35-7 advantage with 6:34 left in the third quarter. Brandon Roberson's 31-yard romp set up Sutton's second TD run, this time from 9 yards out, as the Wildcats increased their lead to 42-7 with 2:06 remaining in the third quarter. Herschel Henderson's 47-yard interception return set up Northwestern's final score, a 21-yard pass from Basanez to Mark Philmore with 11:44 left in the game. Michigan State answered on its next series as Jehuu Caulcrick polished off an 11-play, 59-yard drive with a 1-yard TD plunge with 7:16 on the clock. The Wildcats rolled up 533 total yards, including 299 yards in the second half. Basanez completed 24-of-30 throws for 331 yards and two scores. Stanton recorded his eighth-straight 200-yard passing game, hitting 20-of-38 passes for 234 yards. Javon Ringer posted his second 100-yard game of the season, rushing for 104 yards on 18 carries.
THE LAST MEETING AT RYAN FIELD -
Sept. 29, 2001, in Evanston, Ill.: David Wasielewski's 47-yard field goal as time expired gave No. 16 Northwestern a 27-26 victory over No. 23 Michigan State. There were six lead changes in the contest, including four in the last five minutes. Michigan State scored on its first series as T.J. Duckett capped a five-play, 47-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with 11:28 left in the first quarter. A fumbled punt set up Northwestern's game-tying touchdown as Zak Kustok scored on a 1-yard sneak to tie the game at 7 with 8:13 remaining in the first quarter. The Wildcats put together a seven-play, 80-yard drive and took a 14-7 lead thanks to Kustok's 22-yard TD strike to Kunle Patrick with 1:35 left in the opening quarter. Another Michigan State turnover, an interception thrown inside the Northwestern 20, resulted in points for the Wildcats as Wasielewski converted a 44-yard field goal with 3:01 left in the first half. The Spartans responded with a 10-play, 74-yard drive to cut their halftime deficit to 17-14 on Damon Dowdell's 3-yard keeper around right end. After a scoreless third quarter, Michigan State regained the lead at 20-17 on Charles Rogers' 64-yard punt return with 4:42 left in the game. Kustok finished off a 15-play, 70-yard drive with a 10-yard TD toss to Patrick to put the Wildcats back on top, 24-20, with 29 seconds left. Northwestern's lead lasted only 11 seconds as Herb Haygood returned the ensuing kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown as Michigan State reclaimed the lead at 26-24. Kustok's 54-yard Hail Mary completion to Jon Schweighardt with :08 left on the clock helped set up Wasielewski's game-winning kick. Northwestern gained 127 of its 422 total yards on its last two fourth-quarter drives. The Spartan defense held Heisman hopeful Damien Anderson to 75 yards on 28 rushes. Kustok accounted for 336 yards and three touchdowns. Duckett recorded his ninth career 100-yard game, picking up 104 yards on 22 carries.
MSU/NORTHWESTERN COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Northwestern defensive coordinator Greg Colby spent three years at Michigan State (1995-97), where he coached the defensive line, outside linebackers and special teams under Nick Saban.
MSU/NORTHWESTERN CONNECTIONS, PART II -
• Northwestern head athletic trainer Tory Lindley earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State in 1991. Lindley later spent four years as an assistant trainer at Michigan State (1996-2000).
SPARTANS FROM THE LAND OF LINCOLN -
Michigan State's 70-man travel roster features two players from Illinois: junior wide receiver Terry Love (Bellwood/Proviso East HS) and sophomore offensive guard Roland Martin (Chicago/Harper).
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2006:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAARushing Offense 175.3 4th 23rdPassing Offense 207.0 6th 56thTotal Offense 382.3 5th 33rdScoring Offense 27.7 7th 39thRushing Defense 132.6 5th 67thPassing Defense 214.0 7th 82ndTotal Defense 346.6 7th 74thScoring Defense 27.4 9th 91stPassing Efficiency 134.7 5th 46thPass Efficiency Defense 144.3 8th 95thTurnover Margin -0.29 7th 77thNet Punting 37.8 3rd 26thPunt Returns 7.7 8th 67thKickoff Returns 20.8 5th 57th
NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2006:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Total Offense: Drew Stanton (39th at 219.6 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (9th at 44.6 yards per punt)
Punt Returns: Terry Love (46th at 7.7 yards per return)
Field Goals: Brett Swenson (t-42nd at 1.0 field goals made per game)
STANTON CONTINUES ASSAULT ON SPARTAN RECORD BOOK -
Fifth-year senior Drew Stanton ranks among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (No. 5 at 219.6 yards per game), passing efficiency (No. 7 at 126.1 rating) and passing yards (No. 9 at 177.3 ypg.). He also is listed among the NCAA leaders in total offense (No. 39).
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Stanton recorded his 17th career 200-yard passing game against No. 6 Michigan, completing 20-of-35 throws for 252 yards. He accounted for 276 total yards against the Wolverines, adding 24 yards on seven carries including a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Stanton extended his school-record streak of consecutive games with at least one TD pass to 16, with a 15-yard scoring toss to Kerry Reed late in the second quarter against No. 12 Notre Dame.
He accounted for 303 total yards and three TDs to lead Michigan State to a 38-23 victory at Pittsburgh. Stanton completed 16-of-25 passes for 198 yards, including scoring strikes of 2 yards to Kellen Davis and 12 yards to Reed. He also recorded his third career 100-yard rushing game, gaining 105 yards on 13 carries against the Panthers. Stanton capped an eight-play, 75-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run late in the third quarter as MSU took a 24-10 lead.
He produced 287 total yards and five TDs in MSU's 52-20 victory over Eastern Michigan. Stanton completed 24-of-32 throws for 254 yards, three TDs and one interception. He hooked up with Matt Trannon for scoring plays of 17 and 7 yards, and hit T.J. Williams with an 8-yard TD strike. Stanton also rushed nine times for 33 yards and two TDs against EMU, scoring on runs of 1 and 6 yards.
In the 2006 season opener against Idaho, he completed 16-of-25 passes for 225 yards, including a 27-yard scoring toss to Reed in the first quarter.
Stanton has compiled an 11-14 record in 25 career starts. The Farmington Hills, Mich., native ranks among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (first at .646), passing efficiency rating (second at 140.7), pass completions (second at 488), passing yards (second at 5,958), total offense (second at 7,321 yards), 200-yard passing games (second at 17), TD passes (fifth at 38) and pass attempts (fifth at 756).
He ranks among NCAA I-A active career leaders in completion percentage (fourth), total offense (10th) and passing efficiency rating (11th). Stanton also is listed among the Big Ten's career leaders in completion percentage (second) and passing efficiency rating (ninth).
STANTON EARNS HERBIE AWARD -
Fifth-year senior Drew Stanton has been ranked among the nation's best quarterbacks, according to a preseason list compiled by ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. Stanton is rated as the second-best "New School (run and pass like Michael Vick)" quarterback by Herbstreit, behind Ohio State's Troy Smith.
STANTON RUNS OFFENSE AT FULL THROTTLE -
In Drew Stanton's 25 career starts at quarterback, Michigan State is averaging 210.6 rushing yards, 253.4 passing yards, 464.1 total yards and 31.6 points per game.
Here's a complete breakdown of Michigan State's offensive production in Stanton's 25 career starts (11-14 record):
@ 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
Opponent (MSU Result) Rushing Yds. Passing Yds. Total Yds. Points2004
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 18 Penn State (L) 168 233 401 22
2006 Idaho (W) 175 225 400 27 Eastern Michigan (W) 264 322 586 52 @ Pittsburgh (W) 335 198 533 38 Notre Dame (L) 248 140 388 37 Illinois (L) 82 177 259 20 @ Michigan (L) 60 252 312 13 Ohio State (L) 63 135 198 7 25-Game Totals 5,266 6,336 11,602 789 25-Game Averages 210.6 253.4 464.1 31.6
INJURIES IMPACT SPARTAN OFFENSIVE LINEUP -
Seven Michigan State offensive players (from the two-deep lineup) have been sidelined for a combined 16 games due to injuries in 2006.
The offensive line has been particularly hard hit by injuries as the Spartans will utilize their fifth different starting combination Saturday against Northwestern (LT Rocco Cironi, LG Pete Clifford, C Kyle Cook, RG Roland Martin and RT Jesse Miller).
Pos., Player (Injury) Games MissedRB Jehuu Caulcrick (sprained foot) (1) Eastern MichiganOG Pete Clifford (sprained knee) (3) Eastern Michigan, Pittsburgh, Notre DameOT Mike Gyetvai (shoulder) (2) Ohio State, NorthwesternRB Javon Ringer (sprained knee) (3) Michigan, Ohio State, NorthwesternOG Kenny Shane (back) (2) Notre Dame, IllinoisWR Matt Trannon (sprained ankle) (2) Ohio State, NorthwesternOG Daniel Zynn (broken leg) (3) Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern
REED EMERGES AS STEADY PLAYMAKER IN PASSING GAME -
Senior flanker Kerry Reed has emerged as one of the Spartans' top playmakers in the passing game. Reed leads the team in receptions (29), receiving yards (355) and touchdown catches (4). He is listed among the Big Ten leaders in receptions (tied for eighth with 4.1 per game). Fifteen of his 29 catches (52 percent) have resulted in first downs.
A native of Miami, Fla., Reed has been Drew Stanton's favorite target in four games this season. He had four catches each against Illinois (45 yards) and Michigan (32).
Reed scored on touchdown catches of 34 and 15 yards from Stanton against No. 12 Notre Dame.
The 6-foot-2, 198-pound Reed recorded the first 100-yard receiving game of his career against Pittsburgh, with a career-best seven catches for 103 yards including a 12-yard TD grab from Stanton early in the fourth quarter.
He caught five passes for 42 yards against Eastern Michigan. Reed had four receptions for 63 yards (15.8 avg.) in the 2006 season opener against Idaho, including a 27-yard scoring pass from Stanton in the first quarter.
Eighty percent of his career receptions (48 of 60) have come over the last 12 games. Reed has 48 catches for 577 yards and seven scores during that stretch.
TRANNON SHOWCASES HIS ALL-AROUND TALENTS -
Fifth-year senior Matt Trannon, who is sidelined for the second-straight game with a sprained ankle, ranks second on the team in receptions with 25 for 274 yards (11.0 avg.) and two touchdowns. He ranks seventh in the Big Ten in receptions (4.2 per game). Fourteen of his 25 catches (56 percent) have resulted in first downs.
The Flint, Mich., native had four receptions for 61 yards against No. 6 Michigan. He saw limited playing time against Illinois due to a sore hamstring, and his streak of consecutive games with at least one reception ended at 24.
Trannon also has made his presence known as a passer, with his 686.2 passing efficiency rating. His two completions have gone for 61 yards and both resulted in touchdowns, including a 26-yard scoring toss to Javon Ringer in the first quarter against Notre Dame.
The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Trannon was selected Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after catching a school-record 14 passes for a career-best 151 yards and two TDs in MSU's 52-20 victory over Eastern Michigan. He broke the single-game mark previously held by Plaxico Burress, who had 13 receptions (185 yards) against Florida in the 2000 Florida Citrus Bowl. Trannon scored on TD grabs of 17 and 7 yards from Drew Stanton. It marked his second career 100-yard receiving game. Trannon also threw a 35-yard scoring pass to A.J. Jimmerson in the second quarter that gave the Spartans a 24-3 lead.
Trannon, who ranks seventh on MSU's career list with 129 receptions, needs just 18 more catches to overtake Andre Rison (146, 1985-88) and become the school's all-time leader.
FROSH PLACEKICKER OFF TO IMPRESSIVE START -
True freshman placekicker Brett Swenson leads the team in scoring with 44 points, converting 7-of-9 field-goal attempts and all 23 extra-point tries. Swenson ranks among the Big Ten leaders in field-goal percentage (tied for third at .778), field goals (tied for fourth with 1.0 made per game) and kick scoring (seventh at 6.3 points per game). The 5-foot-8, 151-pound Swenson is listed among the NCAA leaders in field goals (tied for 42nd).
The Pompano Beach, Fla., native has made at least one field goal in five of the first seven games. Swenson has converted six of his last seven field-goal attempts, including two against Illinois in the Big Ten opener. His 27-yarder with 2:46 left in the fourth quarter against the Illini tied the game at 20.
He hit a season-long 43-yarder at Pittsburgh.
Swenson accounted for nine points in the 2006 season opener against Idaho, hitting 2-of-3 field-goal attempts and all three extra-point tries. His 35-yard field goal in the second quarter was longer than any of the five made by the Spartans last season. Swenson's 23-yard field goal with 30 seconds left iced the game as Michigan State extended its lead to 10 at 27-17.
PLAYING LIKE A "WILEY" VETERAN -
Sophomore free safety Otis Wiley leads the Spartans in tackles (56 total), tackles for losses (5.5 for 10 yards) and production points (105). He ranks second on the team in pass break-ups (5). Wiley ranks seventh (tied with Penn State's Dan Connor) in the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 8.0 per game.
The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Wiley posted double figures in tackles for the third time this season against top-ranked Ohio State, with 10 stops including seven solo hits. He made eight solo tackles, including one for a loss, against No. 6 Michigan. Wiley registered 11 stops and a pass break-up against Illinois.
The Flint, Mich., native recorded eight tackles, including seven solo hits, against Eastern Michigan. Wiley also produced two tackles for losses (3 yards) against the Eagles.
In his first career start, Wiley recorded 12 tackles, including a 4-yard sack, and three pass break-ups against Idaho. He also forced a fumble against the Vandals, accounting for four of his 36 production points.
STARTING LINEUP FEATURED 10 FIRST-TIME STARTERS -
Michigan State's starting lineup for the 2006 season opener against Idaho featured 10 first-time starters, including four on the offensive side of the football, five on defense and one specialist.
First-time starters on offense included: left guard Pete Clifford (6-7, 300, Jr.), right guard Roland Martin (6-5, 325, So.), right tackle Jesse Miller (6-6, 306, So.) and running back Javon Ringer (5-9, 198, So.). For fourth-year Spartan head coach John L. Smith, the toughest challenge on offense has been retooling an offensive line that lost three veterans in (left tackle) Stefon Wheeler, (center) Chris Morris and (right guard) Gordon Niebylski, who were responsible for 83 combined starting assignments.
First-time starters on defense included: stud end Justin Kershaw (6-4, 254, So.), defensive tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo (6-4, 297, Jr.), rush end Ervin Baldwin (6-2, 252, Jr.), strong safety Nehemiah Warrick (6-1, 203, Jr.) and free safety Otis Wiley (6-2, 209, So.).
In his debut as the starting placekicker, true freshman Brett Swenson (5-8, 151) converted 2-of-3 field-goal attempts against Idaho, including a 23-yarder with 30 seconds left that iced the game.
2006 CAPTAINS ELECTED -
Four fifth-year seniors - center Kyle Cook, linebacker David Herron Jr., defensive tackle Clifton Ryan and quarterback Drew Stanton - were elected captains by their peers during a Friday, Aug. 11 team meeting. It marked the first time during John L. Smith's four-year tenure that the Spartan captains were selected solely by a team vote.
In its 109-year football history, eight Michigan State players have been named multi-year captains as Ryan (2005-06) and Stanton (2005-06) join center Robert McCurry (1946-47-48), quarterback John Leister (1981-82), linebacker Carl Banks (1982-83), linebacker Ike Reese (1996-97), linebacker Josh Thornhill (2000-01) and linebacker Ronald Stanley (2003-04).
WINNING IN THE CLASSROOM -
In three seasons under head coach John L. Smith, 41 student-athletes have been named Academic All-Big Ten, the highest three-year total in football program history. In 2005, a school-record 18 Spartans earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, tying for the most selections by any conference institution.
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 85-22-1 (.792) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-72-1 (.157) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 17-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 98-94-2 (.510).
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 (2003-06; 43 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 Eastern Michigan, 2006; 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
2006 SPARTAN SCOUT TEAM PLAYERS OF THE WEEK -
Opponent Offense DefenseIdaho TB Derrick Johnson DT Tramonte PointerEastern Michigan OT Mike Schmeding CB Jesse JohnsonPittsburgh QB Jacob Ball LB Jon MischNotre Dame WR Blair White DT John StipekIllinois RB Brandon Denson CB Emmanuel JohnsonMichigan RB Brandon Denson DE Colin NeelyOhio State WR David Williams S Enrique ShawNorthwestern QB Connor Dixon DE Colin Neely
