Spartan Football Entertains Minnesota In Home Finale
11/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 10, 2006
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DATE: Nov. 11, 2006
KICKOFF: 12:03 p.m. EST
SITE: Spartan Stadium (75,005/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 68,000
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-Minnesota game can be heard live on XM Satellite Radio (Channel 199). In addition, all Spartan football broadcasts will be streamed live on the MSU Athletics Department web site at www.msuspartans.com. Television - ESPNU will televise the Michigan State-Minnesota game live, with Clay Matvick handling the play-by-play and Chris Martin providing color commentary.
 In two career starts against Minnesota, Stanton has accounted for 777 yards total offense (388.5 ypg.), including two 300-yard passing games.  | |
FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about Saturday's MSU-Minnesota matchup) -
• Saturday's game marks the 41st meeting between Michigan State and Minnesota. The Spartans lead the all-time series 25-15, including a 14-5 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. The Golden Gophers have won four of the last six games; however, Michigan State has won 19 of the last 23 meetings overall.
• Drew Stanton has been named one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually since 1987 to the nation's top senior quarterback.
• In two career starts against Minnesota, Stanton has accounted for 777 yards total offense (388.5 ypg.), including two 300-yard passing games. He has completed 49-of-76 throws (.645) for 620 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. Stanton also has rushed 19 times for 157 yards (8.3 avg.).
• Stanton ranks among NCAA I-A active career leaders in completion percentage (No. 5 at .641), total offense (No. 9 with 8,030 yards) and passing efficiency rating (No. 14 at 138.7). He also is listed among the Big Ten's career leaders in completion percentage (No. 3).
• Senior flanker Kerry Reed leads the team in receptions (46), receiving yards (578) and touchdown catches (4). He eclipsed the 1,000-yard career milestone, with five catches for 97 yards against Purdue. In 21 career games, Reed now has 77 career receptions for 1,016 yards (13.2 avg.) and nine TDs.
• Michigan State's backfield features three career 1,000-yard rushers: Drew Stanton (328 carries for 1,517 yards), Jehuu Caulcrick (303 for 1,515) and Javon Ringer (193 for 1,291). That trio has combined to rush for 4,323 career yards and 39 career touchdowns.
• Michigan State's receiving corps features three career 1,000-yard receivers: Jerramy Scott (133 catches for 1,717 yards), Matt Trannon (133 for 1,538) and Kerry Reed (77 for 1,016). That trio has combined for 343 receptions, 4,271 yards and 26 career TDs.
• Fifth-year senior Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 14 in the NCAA in punting with his 43.9-yard average, has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award.
• Eight Michigan State offensive players (from the two-deep lineup) have been sidelined for a combined 23 games due to injuries in 2006. The offensive line has been particularly hard hit by injuries as the Spartans utilized their seventh different starting combination last Saturday against Purdue (LT Pete Clifford, LG Kyle Cook, C John Masters, RG Roland Martin and RT Jesse Miller).
• Michigan State ranks second in the Big Ten in "red zone" offense, scoring on 33 of 35 possessions (.943) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 2006. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 24 touchdowns (14 rushing TDs and 10 passing TDs) and nine field goals.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 22-24 (.478) in his fourth year with the Spartans and 132-84 (.611) 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.
Minnesota's Glen Mason (Ohio State 1972) is 62-56 (.525) in his 10th year with the Golden Gophers and 121-120-1 (.502) in 21 seasons as a college head coach. Mason has guided Minnesota to postseason appearances six of the last seven years, including trips to the Sun (1999), Micronpc.com (2000), Music City (2002, 2004, 2005) and Sun (2003) Bowls. He compiled a 47-54-1 record (.466) in nine seasons at Kansas (1988-96), including two trips to the Aloha Bowl (1992 and '95). Mason produced a 12-10 worksheet (.545) in two years at Kent State (1986-87).
2006 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
Sept. 2 IDAHO (ESPN Plus) W, 27-17 Sept. 9 EASTERN MICHIGAN (ESPN Plus) W, 52-20 Sept. 16 at Pittsburgh (ESPN2/ABC) W, 38-23 Sept. 23 NOTRE DAME (ABC) L, 37-40 Sept. 30 ILLINOIS (ESPN Plus) L, 20-23 Oct. 7 at Michigan (ESPN) L, 13-31 Oct. 14 OHIO STATE (ABC) L, 7-38 Oct. 21 at Northwestern (ESPN Plus) W, 41-38 Oct. 28 at Indiana (ESPN Plus) L, 21-46 Nov. 4 PURDUE (ESPNU) L, 15-17 Nov. 11 MINNESOTA (ESPNU) 12:03 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at Penn State (ESPN2) 12 p.m. EST
MICHIGAN STATE (4-6, 1-5 Big Ten)Date Opponent Time/Result
MINNESOTA (4-6, 1-5 Big Ten) Date Opponent Time/Result Aug. 31 at Kent State W, 44-0 Sept. 9 at California L, 17-42 Sept. 16 TEMPLE W, 62-0 Sept. 23 at Purdue L, 21-27 Sept. 30 MICHIGAN L, 14-28 Oct. 7 PENN STATE L, 27-28 (OT) Oct. 14 at Wisconsin L, 12-48 Oct. 21 NORTH DAKOTA STATE W, 10-9 Oct. 28 at Ohio State L, 0-44 Nov. 4 INDIANA W, 63-26 Nov. 11 at Michigan State 11:03 a.m. CST Nov. 18 IOWA 11 a.m. CST
MSU/MINNESOTA SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 41st meeting between Michigan State and Minnesota. The Spartans lead the all-time series 25-15, including a 14-5 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. The Golden Gophers have won four of the last six games; however, Michigan State has won 19 of the last 23 meetings overall. Minnesota's last win in Spartan Stadium came on Oct. 19, 2002, 28-7.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State MinnesotaBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense 4-2-5 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 7 Defensive Starters Returning 6 7 Specialists Returning 1 3
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State MinnesotaOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 300 6-5, 293 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 208 6-2, 212 Defensive Line 6-2, 276 6-4, 269 Linebackers 6-1, 242 6-2, 227 Defensive Backs 6-0, 200 5-11, 198
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 3 juniors, 4 sophomores
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 5 juniors, 1 sophomore
Minnesota Offense: 5 seniors, 5 juniors, 1 freshman
Minnesota Defense: 1 senior, 6 juniors, 4 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 10 games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (71 carries for 474 yards, 6.7 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Drew Stanton (162 of 267 for 1796 yards, 12 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving - Kerry Reed (46 catches for 578 yards, 12.6 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Otis Wiley (81 tackles, 51 solos, 30 assists, 5.5 TFL, 6 PBU)
Minnesota (after 10 games):
Rushing - Amir Pinnix (172 carries for 861 yards, 5.0 avg., 7 TDs)
Passing - Bryan Cupito (161 of 270 for 2046 yards, 15 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving - Logan Payne (44 catches for 626 yards, 14.2 avg., 7 TDs)
Tackles - Mike Sherels (78 tackles, 47 solos, 31 assists, 5 PBU)
CURRENT SPARTANS vs. MINNESOTA -
Career Stat Leaders
Rushing - Drew Stanton (2 games: 19 carries for 157 yards, 8.3 avg., 0 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (2 games: 49 of 76 for 620 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving - Jerramy Scott (3 games: 14 catches for 158 yards, 11.3 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles - David Herron Jr. (3 games: 17 tackles, 12 solos, 5 assists, 1 TFL)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State MinnesotaScoring 27.1 27.0 First Downs 18.3 18.3 Total Offense 363.2 359.9 Rushing Yards 153.3 149.8 Passing Yards 209.9 210.1 Time of Possession 29:24 27:41 Third Down Conversions .429 .349 Points Allowed 29.3 25.2 Total Offense Allowed 367.5 410.5 Rushing Yards Allowed 136.7 176.8 Passing Yards Allowed 230.8 233.7
THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 12, 2005, in Minneapolis, Minn.: Amir Pinnix rushed 32 times for a career-high 206 yards and a touchdown to lead Minnesota to a 41-18 victory over Michigan State in the Metrodome. Minnesota took the opening kickoff and drove 77 yards in seven plays to take a 7-0 lead. The key play in the drive came on third-and-9 from the Gopher 37 as Gary Russell turned a screen pass from Bryan Cupito into a 56-yard gain. Three plays later, Russell scored on a 1-yard run. Early in the second quarter, the Spartans pulled to within 7-3 as a 12-play, 65-yard drive resulted in Matt Haughey's 31-yard field goal. The Golden Gophers answered with an eight-play, 67-yard drive and built a 14-3 lead on Cupito's 7-yard TD toss to Matt Spaeth with 10:39 remaining in the first half. Russell capped an 18-play, 80-yard drive that took more than seven minutes off the clock with another 1-yard TD run as Minnesota moved out to a 21-3 lead with 1:41 to play in the second quarter. On its first possession of the second half, Minnesota put together a 14-play, 80-yard drive and extended its lead to 28-3 on Cupito's 20-yard TD pass to Ernest Wheelwright in the right corner of the end zone. Michigan State responded with a nine-play, 91-yard drive and rallied to within 28-10 on Drew Stanton's 20-yard TD strike to Dwayne Holmes with 14:30 left in the fourth quarter. On Minnesota's next series, Pinnix finished off a seven-play, 51-yard drive with a 4-yard TD run to give the Gophers a 34-10 advantage with 10:26 to play. Stanton opened Michigan State's next possession with a 42-yard completion to Kerry Reed. The 11-play, 76-yard drive culminated in Stanton's 4-yard TD pass to Terry Love as the Spartans cut their deficit to 34-18 with 6:28 on the clock. Jason Lamers scored Minnesota's final TD on a 1-yard plunge with 12 second left. Despite trailing in time of possession by nearly 13 minutes, Michigan State outgained Minnesota in total yards, 457-450. Stanton recorded his fourth 300-yard passing game of the season, completing 29-of-45 throws for 312 yards.
THE LAST MEETING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Oct. 16, 2004, in East Lansing, Mich.: Drew Stanton accounted for a school-record 410 yards to lead Michigan State to a 51-17 Homecoming victory over No. 19 Minnesota. Stanton became the first quarterback in Spartan history to throw for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game. MSU scored on its first two possessions to build a 14-0 lead. DeAndra Cobb returned the opening kickoff 50 yards to the Gopher 43 and six plays later, Jehuu Caulcrick scored on an 18-yard run. Stanton capped a nine-play, 83-yard drive with a 25-yard touchdown toss to Eric Knott. Justin Fraley's 17-yard interception return set up Minnesota's first score, a 37-yard field goal by Rhys Lloyd. The Spartans answered on the next series as Jason Teague scored on a 43-yard jaunt. Late in the first quarter, the Gophers pulled to within 21-10 on Bryan Cupito's 58-yard TD pass to Ernest Wheelwright. MSU extended its lead to 31-10 on Stanton's 36-yard TD strike to Knott and Dave Rayner's 22-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. The Spartans broke the game open in the third quarter, scoring on their first three possessions to take a 44-10 lead. Caulcrick scored his second TD on a 10-yard run and Rayner added field goals from 23 and 37 yards. Late in the third quarter, Cupito again hooked up with Wheelwright, this time for a 35-yard scoring play, as Minnesota cut its deficit to 44-17. Stanton punctuated his record-setting performance with a 56-yard TD throw to Terry Love midway through the fourth quarter. MSU produced 636 total yards, including 407 yards in the first half. The Spartan defense limited Minnesota to 102 yards rushing (29 attempts) - 199 yards below its season average. The Gophers entered the game with the NCAA's third-best rushing attack.
MSU/MINNESOTA COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State head coach John L. Smith and Minnesota defensive secondary coach Craig Bray worked together for a combined total of 13 years, including stints at Nevada (1977-79), Idaho (1984-85 and 1989-93), Wyoming (1986) and Washington State (1987-88).
• Minnesota guards and centers coach Gordon Shaw worked for Michigan State head coach John L. Smith at Idaho in 1989. Shaw served as defensive coordinator under Smith, who was in his first season as the Vandals' head coach.
SENIORS BID FAREWELL -
Sixteen seniors will make their final appearance in Spartan Stadium Saturday vs. Minnesota. This senior class has helped Michigan State to a combined record of 22-24 (.478) since 2003, including a trip to the 2003 Alamo Bowl.
The Class of 2006 includes bandit Kiel Beltinck (Mount Pleasant, Mich.), snapper Brian Bury (Marion, Ohio), offensive lineman Kyle Cook (Macomb, Mich.), cornerback Greg Cooper (Flint, Mich.), punter Brandon Fields (Toledo, Ohio), linebacker David Herron Jr. (Warren, Ohio), linebacker Steve Juarez (Torrance, Calif.), placekicker Kyle Mayer (Grand Haven, Mich.), wide receiver Kerry Reed (Miami, Fla.), defensive tackle Clifton Ryan (Saginaw, Mich.), wide receiver Jerramy Scott (Jupiter, Fla.), defensive tackle David Stanton (Los Angeles, Calif.), quarterback Drew Stanton (Farmington Hills, Mich.), wide receiver Matt Trannon (Flint, Mich.), cornerback Demond Williams (Jackson, Ala.) and offensive guard Daniel Zynn (South Pasadena, Calif.).
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2006:
Rushing Offense 153.3 6th 39th Passing Offense 209.9 6th 48th Total Offense 363.2 6th 41st Scoring Offense 27.1 4th 39th Rushing Defense 136.7 7th 63rd Passing Defense 230.8 8th 96th Total Defense 367.5 8th 86th Scoring Defense 29.3 10th 98th Passing Efficiency 131.5 5th 46th Pass Efficiency Defense 153.4 10th 109th Turnover Margin -0.2 7th 75th Net Punting 37.6 1st 18th Punt Returns 8.7 6th 61st Kickoff Returns 18.1 7th 98th NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAA
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 (32nd at 224.6 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (14th at 43.9 yards per punt)
Field Goals: Brett Swenson (t-37th at 1.2 field goals made per game)
INJURIES IMPACT SPARTAN OFFENSIVE LINEUP -
Eight Michigan State offensive players (from the two-deep lineup) have been sidelined for a combined 23 games due to injuries in 2006. The offensive line has been particularly hard hit by injuries as the Spartans utilized their seventh different starting combination last Saturday against Purdue (LT Pete Clifford, LG Kyle Cook, C John Masters, RG Roland Martin and RT Jesse Miller).
Pos., Player (Injury): Games Missed
RB Jehuu Caulcrick (sprained foot): (1) Eastern Michigan
OT Rocco Cironi (ankle): (1) Purdue
OG Pete Clifford (sprained knee): (3) Eastern Michigan, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame
OT Mike Gyetvai (shoulder): (4) Ohio State, Northwestern, Indiana, Purdue
RB Javon Ringer (sprained knee): (4) Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern, Indiana
OG Kenny Shane (back): (3) Notre Dame, Illinois, Purdue
WR Matt Trannon (sprained ankle): (2) Ohio State, Northwestern
OG Daniel Zynn (broken leg): (5) Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern, Indiana, Purdue
STANTON NAMED JOHNNY UNITAS GOLDEN ARM AWARD FINALIST -
Drew Stanton has been named one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually since 1987 to the nation's top senior quarterback. The other finalists are BYU's John Beck, Houston's Kevin Kolb, Notre Dame's Brady Quinn and Ohio State's Troy Smith. The 2006 recipient will be announced on Dec. 1, with formal presentation of the award to be made on Dec. 8 in Baltimore, Md.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Stanton has completed 60.7 percent of his throws (162 of 267) for 1,796 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The fifth-year senior has rushed 106 times for 450 yards and five scores. Stanton ranks among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (No. 4 at 224.6 yards per game), passing efficiency (No. 7 at 124.5 rating) and passing yards (No. 8 at 179.6 ypg.). He also is listed among the NCAA leaders in total offense (No. 32).
Stanton shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (with Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith) after accounting for 331 total yards and three scores in engineering the greatest comeback in NCAA I-A history as Michigan State rallied from a 35-point third-quarter deficit for a 41-38 victory at Northwestern. In addition, he was nominated for ESPN/Cingular All-America Player of the Week honors.
Stanton recorded his fourth 200-yard passing game of the season and 18th of his career against Northwestern, completing 27-of-37 throws for 294 yards and two touchdowns. The Spartans pulled to within 38-10 on his 18-yard TD toss to Jehuu Caulcrick with 7:03 left in the third quarter. Stanton finished off a seven-play, 60-yard drive with a 12-yard TD run as MSU cut its deficit to 38-31 with 7:54 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Spartans tied the score at 38 on his 9-yard TD strike to T.J. Williams in the back, right corner of the end zone with 3:43 to play. Stanton completed 18-of-25 passes for 203 yards in the second half.
With 294 passing yards against the Wildcats, Stanton became just the second quarterback in MSU history to reach the 6,000-yard passing milestone in a career, joining Jeff Smoker (2000-03).
He completed 20-of-35 throws for 252 yards against No. 6 Michigan, He accounted for 276 total yards against the Wolverines, adding 24 yards on seven carries including a 2-yard TD 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 a 12-16 record in 28 career starts. The Farmington Hills, Mich., native ranks among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (first at .641), pass completions (second at 541), pass attempts (second at 844), passing yards (second at 6,513), total offense (second at 8,030 yards), 200-yard passing games (second at 18), passing efficiency rating (third at 138.7) and TD passes (fifth at 42).
He ranks among NCAA I-A active career leaders in completion percentage (fifth), total offense (ninth) and passing efficiency rating (14th). Stanton also is listed among the Big Ten's career leaders in completion percentage (third).
STANTON RUNS OFFENSE AT FULL THROTTLE -
In Drew Stanton's 28 career starts at quarterback, Michigan State is averaging 199.0 rushing yards, 249.5 passing yards, 448.5 total yards and 30.9 points per game.
 Kerry Reed leads the team in receptions (46), receiving yards (578) and TD catches (4). | |
REED EMERGES AS STEADY PLAYMAKER IN PASSING GAME -
Senior flanker Kerry Reed has emerged as the Spartans' top playmaker in the passing game. Reed leads the team in receptions (46), receiving yards (578) and touchdown catches (4). He is listed among the Big Ten leaders in receptions (fourth with 4.6 per game) and receiving yards (eighth at 57.8 yards per game). Twenty-seven of his 46 catches (59 percent) have resulted in first downs.
A native of Miami, Fla., Reed has been Drew Stanton's favorite target in six games this season. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard career milestone, with five catches for 97 yards against Purdue. In 21 career games, Reed now has 77 career receptions for 1,016 yards (13.2 avg.) and nine TDs. His season-long 44-yard reception from Stanton set up a field goal against the Boilermakers.
He had a career-high nine receptions for 101 yards against Northwestern as the Spartans rallied from a 35-point third-quarter deficit for a 41-38 victory.
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 seven catches for a career-best 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.
TRANNON SHOWCASES HIS ALL-AROUND TALENTS -
Fifth-year senior Matt Trannon ranks second on the team in receptions with 29 for 301 yards (10.4 avg.) and two touchdowns. Fifteen of his 29 catches (52 percent) have resulted in first downs. Trannon, who was sidelined for two weeks (vs. Ohio State and Northwestern) with a sprained ankle, returned to the lineup against Indiana.
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 ranks fifth (tied with Jerramy Scott, 2002-06; and Chris Baker, 1998-2001) on MSU's career list with 133 receptions.
FIELDS NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR RAY GUY AWARD -
Fifth-year senior Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 14 in the NCAA in punting with his 43.9-yard average, has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Fields has hit 16 punts 50 or more yards and has had 15 kicks downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. (He was one of three finalists for the 2004 Ray Guy Award after leading the NCAA in punting as a sophomore, with his 47.9-yard average.)
He averaged 40.4 yards on eight punts against top-ranked Ohio State, including four kicks downed inside the Buckeyes' 20-yard line. Fields averaged 53.8 yards on four punts against Michigan, including a pair of 63-yarders. He averaged 46.9 yards on seven punts against Notre Dame, including a season-long 73-yarder. Fields averaged 55.7 yards on three punts in the 2006 season opener against Idaho, including a 63-yarder.
The Toledo, Ohio, native ranks second among NCAA I-A active punters with his 45.2-yard career average. His career punting average also ranks No. 1 on MSU's all-time list (tied with Greg Montgomery, 1985-87) and No. 2 in Big Ten history, trailing only Iowa's Reggie Roby (45.5 avg., 1979-82).
FROSH PLACEKICKER BECOMES KEY OFFENSIVE WEAPON -
True freshman placekicker Brett Swenson leads the team in scoring with 67 points, converting 12-of-14 field-goal attempts and all 31 extra-point tries. His .857 field-goal percentage leads the Big Ten. He ranks among the league leaders in kick scoring (fourth at 6.7 points per game), field goals (tied for fifth with 1.2 made per game) and overall scoring (sixth). Swenson also is listed among the NCAA leaders in field goals (tied for 37th).
The 5-foot-8, 151-pound Swenson has made at least one field goal in seven of the first 10 games. Swenson has converted 11 of his last 12 field-goal attempts, including the last five in a row.
The Pompano Beach, Fla., native was perfect on three field-goal attempts against Purdue, including a season-long 46-yarder in the second quarter. He also converted field-goal attempts from 22 and 40 yards against the Boilermakers.
Swenson was named one of the Lou Groza Award's Top Three Stars of the Week after his 28-yard field goal with 13 seconds left gave Michigan State a 41-38 victory at Northwestern, completing the greatest comeback in NCAA I-A history as the Spartans rallied from a 35-point third-quarter deficit. He accounted for 11 points against the Wildcats, hitting 2-of-2 field-goal attempts and all five PATs. His 32-yard field goal with 10:07 remaining in the first quarter opened the scoring.
He made two field goals against Illinois in the Big Ten opener, including a 27-yarder with 2:46 left in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 20.
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 (81 total) and production points (149). He ranks second on the team in pass break-ups (6) and fourth in tackles for losses (5.5 for 10 yards). Wiley ranks sixth in the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 8.1 per game.
The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Wiley has led the team in tackles five times this season, including three of the last four games.
He made nine tackles against Northwestern and eight stops each against Indiana and Purdue.
Wiley posted double figures in tackles for the third time this season against top-ranked Ohio State, with 10 stops including seven solo hits.
Wiley made eight solo tackles, including one for a loss, against No. 6 Michigan. He 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.
RETURN TO SENDER -
During John L. Smith's tenure as head coach, Michigan State's special teams have produced eight touchdowns, including five kickoff returns and three blocked punts that have resulted in scores.
2006
Oct. 21 vs. Northwestern: Ashton Henderson returned a blocked punt (by Devin Thomas) 33 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
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.
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.
SPARTANS TOUGH ON HOME TURF -
Spartan Stadium is in its 83rd season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 305-135-13 record (.688) 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 86-22-1 (.794) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-74-1 (.153) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 17-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 99-96-2 (.508).
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; 46 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 (2nd) vs. Northwestern, 2006; (1st) vs. Illinois, 2005
Points (Quarter): 28 (2nd) vs. Illinois, 2005
Victory Margin: 47 vs. Illinois, 2005
