Spartan Football Faces Penn State In 2006 Season Finale
11/16/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 16, 2006
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DATE: Nov. 18, 2006
KICKOFF: 12:02 p.m. EST
SITE: Beaver Stadium (107,282/natural grass), University Park, Pa.
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 107,000-plus
ROADCAST 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-Penn State 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 - ESPN2 will televise the Michigan State-Penn State game live, with Pam Ward handling the play-by-play, Rod Gilmore providing color commentary and Jimmy Dykes serving as the sideline reporter.
FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about Saturday's MSU-Penn State matchup) -
• Saturday's game marks the 24th meeting between Michigan State and Penn State, with the all-time series tied 11-11-1. The home team has won eight of the last 10 games. Overall, the Nittany Lions have won 10 of the last 13 meetings.
• The Spartans have lost six-straight games in Beaver Stadium, including a 37-13 loss on Nov. 20, 2004. Michigan State's last win in University Park came on Sept. 25, 1965, 23-0 - the year before Joe Paterno took over as Penn State's head coach.
• Fifth-year senior Drew Stanton, who has started 24 consecutive games at quarterback, is listed as questionable for Saturday's season finale at Penn State. He played only 10 snaps against Minnesota after suffering a concussion midway through the first quarter.
• Stanton ranks among NCAA I-A active career leaders in completion percentage (No. 5 at .642), total offense (No. 12 with 8,036 yards) and passing efficiency rating (No. 15 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 (57), receiving yards (725) and touchdown catches (4). His 57 receptions represent the seventh-best single-season total in Spartan history (tied with Agim Shabaj, 2003, and Herb Haygood, 2001).
• Fifth-year senior Matt Trannon moved into second place on MSU's career list with 140 receptions, with seven grabs (131 yards) against Minnesota. Trannon needs only seven more catches to overtake Andre Rison (146, 1985-88) and become the school's all-time leader.
• Michigan State's backfield features three career 1,000-yard rushers: Jehuu Caulcrick (308 carries for 1,523 yards), Drew Stanton (332 for 1,512) and Javon Ringer (205 for 1,316). That trio has combined to rush for 4,351 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 (140 for 1,669) and Kerry Reed (88 for 1,163). That trio has combined for 361 receptions, 4,549 yards and 27 career TDs.
• Fifth-year senior Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 15 in the NCAA in punting with his 43.5-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 25 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 Nov. 4 against Purdue (LT Pete Clifford, LG Kyle Cook, C John Masters, RG Roland Martin and RT Jesse Miller).
2006 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS -
MICHIGAN STATE (4-7, 1-6 Big Ten)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) L, 18-31 Nov. 18 at Penn State (ESPN2) 12:02 p.m. EST
Date Opponent Time/Result
PENN STATE (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/Result Sept. 2 AKRON W, 34-16 Sept. 9 at Notre Dame L, 17-41 Sept. 16 YOUNGSTOWN STATE W, 37-3 Sept. 23 at Ohio State L, 6-28 Sept. 30 NORTHWESTERN W, 33-7 Oct. 7 at Minnesota W, 28-27 (OT) Oct. 14 MICHIGAN L, 10-17 Oct. 21 ILLINOIS W, 26-12 Oct. 28 at Purdue W, 12-0 Nov. 4 at Wisconsin L, 3-13 Nov. 11 TEMPLE W, 47-0 Nov. 18 MICHIGAN STATE 12:02 p.m. EST
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 22-25 (.468) in his fourth year with the Spartans and 132-85 (.608) in 18 seasons as a college head coach. Smith ranks No. 13 among active 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.
Penn State's Joe Paterno (Brown 1950) is 361-121-3 (.747) in his 41st 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 21 bowl victories.
MSU/PENN STATE SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 24th meeting between Michigan State and Penn State, with the all-time series tied 11-11-1. The home team has won eight of the last 10 games.
Penn State is 7-4-1 in games played in University Park, Pa. The Spartans have lost six-straight games in Beaver Stadium, including a 37-13 loss on Nov. 20, 2004. Michigan State's last win in University Park came on Sept. 25, 1965, 23-0 - the year before Joe Paterno took over as Penn State's head coach.
Overall, the Nittany Lions have won 10 of the last 13 meetings. Michigan State's last win in the series came on Nov. 22, 2003, 41-10, in Spartan Stadium.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Penn StateBasic Offense Spread Multiple Basic Defense 4-2-5 Multiple Offensive Starters Returning 6 5 Defensive Starters Returning 6 4 Specialists Returning 1 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Penn StateOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 296 6-3, 295 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-2, 205 6-1, 212 Defensive Line 6-3, 275 6-2, 270 Linebackers 6-1, 242 6-2, 228 Defensive Backs 5-11, 197 6-0, 193
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores
Penn State Offense: 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
Penn State Defense: 5 seniors, 1 junior, 5 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 11 games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (83 carries for 499 yards, 6.0 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Drew Stanton (164 of 269 for 1807 yards, 12 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving - Kerry Reed (57 catches for 725 yards, 12.7 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Otis Wiley (88 tackles, 54 solos, 34 assists, 6.5 TFL, 6 PBU)
Penn State (after 11 games):
Rushing - Tony Hunt (217 carries for 1098 yards, 5.1 avg., 11 TDs)
Passing - Anthony Morelli (177 of 324 for 2007 yards, 8 TDs, 8 INTs)
Receiving - Deon Butler (41 catches for 534 yards, 13.0 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Paul Posluszny (100 tackles, 62 solos, 38 assists, 7.0 TFL)
CURRENT SPARTANS vs. PENN STATE -
Career Stat Leaders
Rushing - Drew Stanton (3 games: 27 carries for 166 yards, 6.1 avg., 0 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (3 games: 35 of 55 for 322 yards, 1 TD, 6 INTs)
Receiving - Jerramy Scott (3 games: 14 catches for 189 yards, 13.5 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - David Herron Jr. (3 games: 16 tackles, 9 solos, 7 assists, 1 sack)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Penn StateScoring 26.3 23.0 First Downs 18.5 18.4 Total Offense 361.5 349.5 Rushing Yards 139.6 151.1 Passing Yards 221.8 198.4 Time of Possession 29:26 28:58 Third Down Conversions .435 .388 Points Allowed 29.5 14.9 Total Offense Allowed 367.3 276.6 Rushing Yards Allowed 135.4 94.5 Passing Yards Allowed 231.9 182.1
THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 19, 2005, in East Lansing, Mich.: Michael Robinson accounted for 195 total yards and two touchdowns and Alan Zemaitis intercepted three passes to lead No. 5 Penn State to a 31-22 victory over Michigan State as the Nittany Lions claimed a share of the Big Ten Conference title and earned a trip to the Bowl Championship Series. Penn State took the opening kickoff and an 11-play, 65-yard drive resulted in a 32-yard field goal by Kevin Kelly. The Nittany Lions built a 17-0 halftime lead as Matt Hahn recovered a punt blocked by Donnie Johnson in the end zone and Robinson scored on a 33-yard run in the second quarter. Michigan State took the second-half kickoff and drove 75 yards in eight plays, with Jason Teague scoring on a 25-yard run as the Spartans pulled to within 17-7. Zemaitis returned his second interception 17 yards to the MSU 4 to set up Penn State's third touchdown. Three plays later, Deon Butler scored on a 3-yard pass from Robinson as the Nittany Lions extended their lead to 24-7 with 6:56 remaining in the third quarter. The Spartans responded with an 11-play, 56-yard drive and rallied to within 24-14 as Jerramy Scott took a direct snap from center and scored on a 4-yard run. Early in the fourth quarter, Tony Hunt capped a 10-play, 64-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run as Penn State moved out to a 31-14 lead. Late in the fourth quarter, Michigan State's defense forced a turnover as David Herron Jr. recovered a fumble at the Nittany Lion 27. Four plays later, Drew Stanton fired a 15-yard TD strike to Kerry Reed and then Stanton scored on a 2-point run as MSU cut its deficit to 31-22 with 53 seconds left.
THE LAST MEETING IN BEAVER STADIUM -
Nov. 20, 2004, in University Park, 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 Posluszny'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.
TURN BACK THE CLOCK -
Michigan State's last win in State College, Pa., came 41 years ago when . . .
• Joe Paterno was associate coach at Penn State under Rip Engle.
• President Lyndon Johnson occupied the White House.
• Penn State's game program sold for 50 cents in Beaver Stadium.
Sept. 25, 1965 (Michigan State 23, Penn State 0)
Steve Juday completed 10-of-13 passes for 100 yards and ran for a touchdown to lead Michigan State to a 23-0 victory over Penn State in Beaver Stadium. The Spartans jumped out to a 20-0 halftime lead on two field goals by Dick Kenney (from 24 and 29 yards) and TD runs of 4 yards by Juday and 35 yards by Bob Apisa. Kenney closed out the scoring with his third field goal in the fourth quarter, a 36-yarder. Clinton Jones (14 for 81) and Apisa (13 for 76) combined for 157 yards rushing on 27 carries to pace MSU's ground attack. The Spartans outgained Penn State in total yards, 290-215.
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 10-3.
SPARTANS FROM THE KEYSTONE STATE -
Michigan State's 2006 roster features five players from Pennsylvania: sophomore bandit Tom Dance (Erie/Cathedral Prep School), freshman quarterback Connor Dixon (South Park), freshman defensive end Colin Neely (Bethlehem/Freedom), freshman punter Ed Wagner (Barto/The Peddie School - Hightstown, N.J.) and freshman wide receiver David Williams (Monroeville/Gateway).
SENIORS BID FAREWELL -
Fourteen seniors will make their final appearance in a Spartan uniform Saturday at Penn State. This senior class has helped Michigan State to a combined record of 22-25 (.468) 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.), 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.) and cornerback Demond Williams (Jackson, Ala.).
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 139.6 9th 58th Passing Offense 221.8 t-3rd t-37th Total Offense 361.5 6th 45th Scoring Offense 26.3 6th 44th Rushing Defense 135.4 7th 62nd Passing Defense 231.9 10th 98th Total Defense 367.3 7th 86th Scoring Defense 29.5 10th 100th Passing Efficiency 127.6 5th 53rd Pass Efficiency Defense 152.9 10th 110th Turnover Margin -0.45 t-7th t-87th Net Punting 37.6 1st 14th Punt Returns 8.4 7th 65th Kickoff Returns 18.5 7th 86th
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAA
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 (45th at 204.7 yards per game)
Receptions: Kerry Reed (29th at 5.18 catches per game)
Receiving Yards: Kerry Reed (45th at 65.9 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (15th at 43.5 yards per punt)
Field Goals: Brett Swenson (36th at 1.18 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 25 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 Nov. 4 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): (5) Ohio State, Northwestern, Indiana, Purdue, Minnesota
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): (6) Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern, Indiana, Purdue, Minnesota
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 61 percent of his throws (164 of 269) for 1,807 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The fifth-year senior has rushed 110 times for 445 yards and five scores. Stanton ranks among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (No. 5 at 204.7 yards per game), passing efficiency (No. 6 at 124.7 rating) and passing yards (No. 9 at 164.3 ypg.). He also is listed among the NCAA leaders in total offense (No. 45).
Stanton, who has started 24 consecutive games at quarterback, is listed as questionable for Saturday's season finale at Penn State. He played only 10 snaps against Minnesota after suffering a concussion midway through the first quarter. 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.
He 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 12-17 record in 29 career starts. The Farmington Hills, Mich., native ranks among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (first at .642), pass completions (second at 543), pass attempts (second at 846), passing yards (second at 6,524), total offense (second at 8,036 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 (12th) and passing efficiency rating (15th). Stanton also is listed among the Big Ten's career leaders in completion percentage (third).
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 29 career starts at quarterback, Michigan State is averaging 192.2 rushing yards, 252.7 passing yards, 444.9 total yards and 30.5 points per game.
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 (57), receiving yards (725) and touchdown catches (4). His 57 receptions represent the seventh-best single-season total in Spartan history (tied with Agim Shabaj, 2003, and Herb Haygood, 2001).
He ranks second in the Big Ten in both receptions (5.18 per game) and receiving yards (65.9 yards per game). Reed also is listed among the NCAA leaders in receptions (29th) and receiving yards (45th). Thirty-five of his 57 catches (61 percent) have resulted in first downs.
A native of Miami, Fla., Reed has been the quarterback's favorite target in seven games this season. He set career highs for receptions (11) and receiving yards (147) against Minnesota, while posting his third 100-yard game of the season.
He eclipsed the 1,000-yard career milestone, with five catches for 97 yards against Purdue. His season-long 44-yard reception from Stanton set up a field goal against the Boilermakers.
He had 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 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.
In 22 career games, Reed now has 88 career receptions for 1,163 yards (13.2 avg.) and nine TDs. He has caught at least one pass in a team-leading 22 consecutive games.
 With 140 career receptions, Matt Trannon needs only seven more catches to overtake Andre Rison (146, 1985-88) and become the school's all-time leader.  | |
TRANNON SHOWCASES HIS ALL-AROUND TALENTS -
Fifth-year senior Matt Trannon ranks second on the team in receptions with 36 for 432 yards (12.0 avg.) and three touchdowns. Twenty of his 36 catches (56 percent) have resulted in first downs. Earlier this season, Trannon was sidelined for two weeks (vs. Ohio State and Northwestern) with a sprained ankle.
With seven grabs (131 yards) against Minnesota, Trannon moved into second place on MSU's career list with 140 receptions. He needs only seven more catches to overtake Andre Rison (146, 1985-88) and become the school's all-time leader.
Against the Golden Gophers, Trannon had a season-long 49-yard reception and scored on a 26-yard grab from Brian Hoyer late in the fourth quarter.
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.
 Ray Guy Award semifinalist Brandon Fields leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 15 in the NCAA in punting with his 43.5-yard average. | |
FIELDS NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR RAY GUY AWARD -
Fifth-year senior Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 15 in the NCAA in punting with his 43.5-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 45.1-yard career average. His career punting average also ranks No. 2 on MSU's all-time list and No. 3 in Big Ten history, trailing only Iowa's Reggie Roby (45.5 avg., 1979-82) and former Spartan Greg Montgomery (45.2 avg., 1985-87).
 Freshman Brett Swenson has converted 12 of his last 13 field-goal attempts, including the last six in a row. | |
FROSH PLACEKICKER BECOMES KEY OFFENSIVE WEAPON -
True freshman placekicker Brett Swenson leads the team in scoring with 71 points, converting 13-of-15 field-goal attempts and all 32 extra-point tries. His .867 field-goal percentage leads the Big Ten. He ranks among the league leaders in kick scoring (tied for fourth at 6.5 points per game), field goals (fifth with 1.18 made per game) and overall scoring (tied for eighth). Swenson also is listed among the NCAA leaders in field goals (36th).
The 5-foot-8, 151-pound Swenson has made at least one field goal in eight of the first 11 games. Swenson has converted 12 of his last 13 field-goal attempts, including the last six 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 (88 total) and production points (165). He ranks second on the team in tackles for losses (6.5 for 17 yards) and pass break-ups (6). Wiley ranks seventh in the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 8.0 per game.
The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Wiley has led the team in tackles five times this season, including three of the last five games.
He contributed seven stops against Minnesota, including one behind the line of scrimmage (7-yard loss).
Wiley made nine tackles against Northwestern and eight stops each against Indiana and Purdue.
He 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.
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).
RETURN TO SENDER -
During John L. Smith's tenure as head coach, Michigan State's special teams have produced nine touchdowns, including five kickoff returns and four 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.
Nov. 11 vs. Minnesota: Kiel Beltinck recovered a blocked punt (by Brandon Denson) in the end zone for a score early in the first 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.
FIELDS EARNS ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONORS -
Senior punter Brandon Fields, who graduated with 3.50 grade-point average in kinesiology in May 2006, has earned Academic All-District IV Second-Team honors as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Two more Michigan State players - senior quarterback Drew Stanton (kinesiology, 3.42) and junior linebacker Kaleb Thornhill (human resources & society, 3.27) - were nominated for the Academic All-District IV Team.
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.
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 86-22-1 (.794) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-75-1 (.152) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 17-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 99-97-2 (.505).
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; 47 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
