Spartan Football Opens Two-Game Homestand Against Purdue
11/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 3, 2006
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
DATE: Nov. 4, 2006
KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m. EST
SITE: Spartan Stadium (75,005/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE: 70,000
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-Purdue 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 - ESPNU will televise the Michigan State-Purdue game live, with Dave Armstrong handling the play-by-play and Chris Martin providing color commentary.
FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about Saturday's MSU-Purdue matchup) -
• Saturday's game marks the 59th meeting between Michigan State and Purdue. The Spartans lead the all-time series 28-27-3, including a 17-11 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich.
• The Boilermakers have won three in a row and six of the last seven meetings overall.
• The last three games in the MSU-Purdue series all have been decided by 10 points or less.
• Michigan State assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Blaine Bennett spent the last five seasons as quarterbacks coach at Purdue (2001-05). In addition to his responsibilities as quarterbacks coach, Bennett served as the recruiting coordinator for head coach Joe Tiller.
• 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.
• Stanton ranks among NCAA I-A active career leaders in completion percentage (No. 6 at .644), passing efficiency rating (No. 14 at 139.9) and total offense (No. 9 with 7,786 yards). He also is listed among the Big Ten's career leaders in completion percentage (No. 2) and passing efficiency rating (No. 10).
• Senior flanker Kerry Reed leads the team in receptions (41), receiving yards (481) and touchdown catches (4). Reed needs 81 more receiving yards to reach the 1,000-yard career milestone. In 20 games, he has 72 career receptions for 919 yards (12.8 avg.) and nine TDs.
• Fifth-year senior Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 12 in the NCAA in punting with his 44.3-yard average, has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award.
• Michigan State ranks second in the Big Ten in "red zone" offense, scoring on 32 of 34 possessions (.941) 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 eight field goals.
• Seven Michigan State offensive players (from the two-deep lineup) have been sidelined for a combined 21 games due to injuries in 2006. The offensive line has been particularly hard hit by injuries as the Spartans utilized their sixth different starting combination last Saturday against Indiana (LT Rocco Cironi, LG Kenny Shane, C Kyle Cook, RG Roland Martin and RT Jesse Miller).
2006 SCHEDULES & SCOREBOARDS - MICHIGAN STATE (4-5, 1-4 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) 3:30 p.m. EST Nov. 11 MINNESOTA (ESPNU) 12 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at Penn State TBA
Date Opponent Time/Result
PURDUE (5-4, 2-3 Big Ten)
Date Opponent Time/Result Sept. 2 INDIANA STATE W, 60-35 Sept. 9 MIAMI (OHIO) W, 38-31 (OT) Sept. 16 BALL STATE W, 38-28 Sept. 23 MINNESOTA W, 27-21 Sept. 30 at Notre Dame L, 21-35 Oct. 7 at Iowa L, 17-47 Oct. 14 at Northwestern W, 31-10 Oct. 21 WISCONSIN L, 3-24 Oct. 28 PENN STATE L, 0-12 Nov. 4 at Michigan State 3:30 p.m. EST Nov. 11 at Illinois 11 a.m. CST Nov. 18 INDIANA TBA Nov. 25 at Hawaii 6:05 p.m. HST
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's John L. Smith (Weber State 1971) is 22-23 (.489) in his fourth year with the Spartans and 132-83 (.614) 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.
Purdue's Joe Tiller (Montana State 1965) is 72-47 (.605) in his 10th year with the Boilermakers and 111-77-1 (.590) in 16 seasons as a college head coach. Tiller guided Purdue to eight-straight bowl appearances from 1997-2004. He compiled a 39-30-1 record (.564) in six seasons at Wyoming (1991-96), including a 10-2 worksheet in 1996. His college coaching credits also include stops as an assistant at Washington State (1971-73 and 1989-90), Wyoming (1987-88), Purdue (1983-86) and Montana State (1964-70).
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State PurdueBasic Offense Spread One-Back Basic Defense 4-2-5 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 7 Defensive Starters Returning 6 4 Specialists Returning 1 0
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State PurdueOffensive Line & Tight End 6-4, 300 6-5, 297 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-2, 220 6-2, 201 Defensive Line 6-2, 276 6-3, 265 Linebackers 6-1, 242 6-2, 234 Defensive Backs 6-0, 200 5-11, 184
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 3 sophomores Michigan State Defense: 5 seniors, 5 juniors, 1 sophomore Purdue Offense: 4 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores Purdue Defense: 2 seniors, 7 juniors, 2 freshmen
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after nine games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (61 carries for 438 yards, 7.2 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Drew Stanton (146 of 238 for 1635 yards, 11 TDs, 9 INTs)
Receiving - Kerry Reed (41 catches for 481 yards, 11.7 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Otis Wiley (73 tackles, 47 solos, 26 assists, 5.5 TFL, 5 PBU)
Purdue (after nine games):
Rushing - Kory Sheets (103 carries for 529 yards, 5.1 avg., 9 TDs)
Passing - Curtis Painter (204 of 348 for 2589 yards, 13 TDs, 11 INTs)
Receiving - Dorien Bryant (50 catches for 601 yards, 12.0 avg., 3 TDs)
Tackles - Anthony Spencer (71 tackles, 53 solos, 18 assists, 20.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks)
CURRENT SPARTANS vs. PURDUE -
Career Stat Leaders
Rushing - Javon Ringer (1 game: 12 carries for 47 yards, 3.9 avg., 0 TDs)
Passing - Drew Stanton (1 game: 22 of 30 for 248 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Receiving - Jerramy Scott (1 game: 9 catches for 86 yards, 9.6 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles - David Herron Jr. (1 game: 7 tackles, 5 solos, 2 assists)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State PurdueScoring 28.4 26.1 First Downs 18.2 22.2 Total Offense 369.7 426.0 Rushing Yards 154.3 130.3 Passing Yards 215.3 295.7 Time of Possession 29:18 27:14 Third Down Conversions .446 .459 Points Allowed 30.7 27.0 Total Offense Allowed 368.0 416.8 Rushing Yards Allowed 143.3 175.2 Passing Yards Allowed 224.7 241.6
MSU/PURDUE SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 59th meeting between Michigan State and Purdue. The Spartans lead the all-time series 28-27-3, including a 17-11 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. The Boilermakers have won three in a row and six of the last seven meetings overall. The last three games in the series all have been decided by 10 points or less. Michigan State's last win in the series came on Nov. 11, 2000, 30-10, in Spartan Stadium.
THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 5, 2005, in West Lafayette, Ind.: Jerod Void rushed for a season-high 134 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 28-21 victory over Michigan State in Ross-Ade Stadium as the Boilermakers snapped a six-game losing streak. Michigan State took the opening kickoff and drove 68 yards in four plays and took a 7-0 lead on Drew Stanton's 16-yard TD toss to Jason Teague. Purdue responded with a nine-play, 43-yard drive but failed to put points on the scoreboard as Ben Jones missed a 42-yard field-goal attempt wide right. The Boilermakers pulled even at 7 on Void's 64-yard TD run with 8:13 remaining in the first quarter. Michigan State answered on its next series as Stanton capped a seven-play, 80-yard drive with a 1-yard sneak as the Spartans moved out to a 14-7 lead with 5:32 left in the first quarter. Terry Love's 49-yard punt return to the Purdue 34 late in the first quarter set up another scoring chance for the Spartans; however, Matt Haughey pushed a 26-yard field-goal try wide right. Midway through the second quarter, Purdue tied the score at 14 on Curtis Painter's 39-yard TD strike to Dorien Bryant. Late in the first half, the Boilermakers put together a 13-play, 71-yard drive, but on second-and-goal from the MSU 8, SirDarean Adams sacked Painter and forced a fumble that David Herron Jr. scooped up and returned 19 yards before losing the handle. Teammate Eric Smith recovered the loose ball and returned it the final 65 yards for a TD with 11 seconds left, giving the Spartans a 21-14 halftime advantage. Purdue took the second-half kickoff and drove 76 yards in 14 plays, with Void scoring on a 2-yard run as the Boilermakers rallied to tie the game at 21. The Spartans appeared headed for a go-ahead score, marching 55 yards to the Purdue 25, but MSU turned the ball over on downs as Stanton's fourth-down pass to Jerramy Scott was broken up in the end zone by Brian Hickman. On its next possession, Void finished off a 12-play, 75-yard drive with a 6-yard TD run as Purdue took its first lead at 28-21 with 13:45 left in the game. In the final minute, Stanton completed three-straight passes for 47 yards as Michigan State drove the ball to the Boilermaker 34, but two plays later, Bernard Pollard iced the game with a sliding interception at the Purdue 10 with 5 seconds to play. Purdue outgained Michigan State in total yards, 447-351, marking the Spartans' lowest offensive output of the 2005 season. Painter completed 20-of-32 for a season-high 226 yards.
THE LAST MEETING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Nov. 16, 2002, in East Lansing, Mich.: Kyle Orton came off the bench to complete a 40-yard touchdown pass to John Standeford on a fourth-and-8 play with 3:18 left in the fourth quarter to give Purdue a 45-42 victory over Michigan State. There were seven lead changes in the contest as the two teams combined for 87 points and 875 total yards. Purdue's Joey Harris fumbled on the second play from scrimmage and the Spartans parlayed the turnover into points as Dave Rayner kicked a 49-yard field goal with 13:06 left in the first quarter. Purdue answered on its next possession as Harris capped an eight-play, 86-yard drive with a 24-yard TD run as the Boilermakers took a 7-3 lead. Ashton Watson's 35-yard interception return to midfield set up Michigan State's first touchdown. Five plays later, David Richard scored on a 14-yard run as the Spartans took a 10-7 lead with 5:20 remaining in the first quarter. Michigan State increased its lead to 17-7 as DeMario Suggs returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown with 9:05 left in the second quarter. Purdue scored 17 straight points to build a 24-17 halftime advantage. Early in the third quarter, Damon Dowdell hooked up with Charles Rogers for a 16-yard scoring pass as the Spartans pulled to within one at 24-23. The Boilermakers moved out to a 31-23 lead on Jerod Void's 1-yard TD run with 2:18 to play in the third quarter. Michigan State responded 19 seconds later as Rogers caught a pass on a crossing route and raced 65 yards for a touchdown. The Spartans took a 36-31 lead early in the fourth quarter on Thomas Wright's 57-yard interception return. Purdue regained the lead at 37-36 on Brandon Kirsch's 33-yard TD strike to Anthony Chambers on a fourth-and-4 play with 11:11 on the clock. Michigan State put together a 10-play, 75-yard drive and moved ahead 42-37 on Richard's 10-yard TD run with 7:43 left. Purdue outgained Michigan State in total yards, 555-320. The Spartans scored 23 points off five Purdue turnovers.
MSU/PURDUE COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Blaine Bennett spent the last five seasons as quarterbacks coach at Purdue (2001-05). In addition to his responsibilities as quarterbacks coach, Bennett served as the recruiting coordinator for head coach Joe Tiller.
• Purdue running backs coach Joel Thomas spent the 2002 season on John L. Smith's coaching staff at Louisville, serving in the same capacity.
• Purdue co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ed Zaunbrecher spent three years as an assistant coach under George Perles at Michigan State, working with the quarterbacks (1991) and inside linebackers (1992-93).
• Michigan State assistant athletics director/director of football operations Mike Vollmar and Purdue defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo spent the 1991 season together at Syracuse. Vollmar worked as recruiting and personnel coordinator while Anarumo served as a graduate assistant under Paul Pasqualoni.
SPARTANS FROM THE HOOSIER STATE -
Michigan State's 2006 roster features three players from Indiana: junior center John Masters (Carmel), red-shirt junior offensive guard Kenny Shane (Indianapolis/North Central) and junior defensive tackle Chris Smith (Brookville/Franklin County).
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 154.3 6th 43rdPassing Offense 215.3 4th 43rdTotal Offense 369.7 5th 39thScoring Offense 28.4 3rd 30thRushing Defense 143.3 7th 73rdPassing Defense 224.7 9th 90thTotal Defense 368.0 7th 87thScoring Defense 30.7 11th 101stPassing Efficiency 134.2 4th 43rdPass Efficiency Defense 151.2 10th 107thTurnover Margin -0.22 t-7th t-72ndNet Punting 37.9 1st 16thPunt Returns 8.7 6th 56thKickoff Returns 19.5 5th 68th
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 (35th at 222.4 yards per game)
Punting: Brandon Fields (12th at 44.3 yards per punt)
Field Goals: Brett Swenson (t-44th at 1.0 field goals made per game)
INJURIES IMPACT SPARTAN OFFENSIVE LINEUP -
Seven Michigan State offensive players (from the two-deep lineup) have been sidelined for a combined 21 games due to injuries in 2006. The offensive line has been particularly hard hit by injuries as the Spartans utilized their sixth different starting combination last Saturday against Indiana (LT Rocco Cironi, LG Kenny Shane, C Kyle Cook, RG Roland Martin and RT Jesse Miller).
Pos., Player (Injury): Games Missed
RB Jehuu Caulcrick (sprained foot): (1) Eastern Michigan
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): (2) Notre Dame, Illinois
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 61.3 percent of his throws (146 of 238) for 1,635 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The fifth-year senior has rushed 93 times for 367 yards and five scores. Stanton ranks among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (No. 4 at 222.4 yards per game), passing efficiency (No. 7 at 126.7 rating) and passing yards (No. 8 at 181.7 ypg.). He also is listed among the NCAA leaders in total offense (No. 35).
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound 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 an 12-15 record in 27 career starts. The Farmington Hills, Mich., native ranks among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (first at .644), pass completions (second at 525), pass attempts (second at 815), passing yards (second at 6,352), total offense (second at 7,786 yards), 200-yard passing games (second at 18), passing efficiency rating (third at 139.9) and TD passes (fifth at 41).
He ranks among NCAA I-A active career leaders in completion percentage (sixth), total offense (ninth) and passing efficiency rating (14th). Stanton also is listed among the Big Ten's career leaders in completion percentage (second) and passing efficiency rating (10th).
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 27 career starts at quarterback, Michigan State is averaging 201.0 rushing yards, 252.8 passing yards, 453.8 total yards and 31.5 points per game.
Here's a complete breakdown of Michigan State's offensive production in Stanton's 27 career starts (12-15 record):
Opponent (MSU Result) Rushing Yds. Passing Yds. Total Yds. Points2004@ Indiana (W) 241 172 413 30@ Iowa (L) 204 245 449 16Illinois (W) 253 234 487 38Minnesota (W) 324 312 636 51@ Michigan (L) 368 167 535 37@ Penn State (L) 161 177 338 13@ Hawaii (L) 268 330 598 38
2005Kent State (W) 354 331 685 49Hawaii (W) 198 301 499 42@ Notre Dame (W) 161 327 488 44@ Illinois (W) 376 329 705 61Michigan (L) 173 282 455 31@ Ohio State (L) 116 340 456 24Northwestern (L) 189 291 480 14Indiana (W) 237 256 493 46@ Purdue (L) 103 248 351 21@ Minnesota (L) 145 312 457 18Penn State (L) 168 233 401 22
2006Idaho (W) 175 225 400 27Eastern Michigan (W) 264 322 586 52@ Pittsburgh (W) 335 198 533 38Notre Dame (L) 248 140 388 37Illinois (L) 82 177 259 20@ Michigan (L) 60 252 312 13Ohio State (L) 63 135 198 7@ Northwestern (W) 96 340 436 41@ Indiana (L) 66 149 215 2127-Game Totals 5,428 6,825 12,253 85127-Game Averages 201.0 252.8 453.8 31.5
 Kerry Reed needs 81 more receiving yards to reach the 1,000-yard career milestone.  | |
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 (41), receiving yards (481) and touchdown catches (4). He is listed among the Big Ten leaders in receptions (tied for fourth with 4.56 per game). Twenty-three of his 41 catches (56 percent) have resulted in first downs.
A native of Miami, Fla., Reed has been Drew Stanton's favorite target in five games this season. 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.
He needs 81 more receiving yards to reach the 1,000-yard career milestone. In 20 games, Reed has 72 career receptions for 919 yards (12.8 avg.) and nine TDs.
TRANNON SHOWCASES HIS ALL-AROUND TALENTS -
Fifth-year senior Matt Trannon ranks second on the team in receptions with 27 for 293 yards (10.9 avg.) and two touchdowns. Fifteen of his 27 catches (56 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 seventh on MSU's career list (tied with Plaxico Burress, 1998-99) with 131 receptions.
 Brandon Fields ranks first among NCAA I-A active punters with his 45.3-yard career average. | |
FIELDS NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR RAY GUY AWARD -
Fifth-year senior Brandon Fields, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 12 in the NCAA in punting with his 44.3-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 first among NCAA I-A active punters with his 45.3-yard career average. His career punting average also ranks No. 1 on MSU's all-time list 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 58 points, converting 9-of-11 field-goal attempts and all 31 extra-point tries. Swenson ranks among the Big Ten leaders in field-goal percentage (tied for second at .818), field goals (tied for sixth with 1.0 made per game) and kick scoring (sixth at 6.4 points per game). He is listed among the NCAA leaders in field goals (tied for 44th).
The 5-foot-8, 151-pound 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.
The Pompano Beach, Fla., native has made at least one field goal in six of the first eight games. Swenson has converted eight of his last nine field-goal attempts.
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.
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 (73 total) and production points (132). He ranks second on the team in pass break-ups (5) and third in tackles for losses (5.5 for 10 yards). Wiley ranks sixth (tied) 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 each of the last three games. He made nine tackles against Northwestern and eight stops against Indiana. 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.
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.
THREE SPARTANS LISTED ON ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT BALLOT -
Three Michigan State players - senior punter Brandon Fields, senior quarterback Drew Stanton and junior linebacker Kaleb Thornhill - have been nominated for the Academic All-District IV Team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
To be nominated for the Academic All-District Team, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his career. He also must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing.
District IV includes all schools from the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.
Players named to the Academic All-District Team (released Nov. 9) will have their names appear on the national ballot for Academic All-America honors.
Spartan Academic All-District IV Candidates
Name Major (GPA)Brandon Fields kinesiology (3.50) Drew Stanton kinesiology (3.42) Kaleb Thornhill human resources & society (3.27)
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 305-134-13 record (.689) 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 13-73-1 (.155) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 17-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 99-95-2 (.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; 45 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
