Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Faces Northwestern In Big Ten Home Opener
10/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 5, 2007
2007 MSU Football Weekly Release vs. Northwestern
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DATE: October 6, 2007
SITE: Spartan Stadium (75,005/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 12:07 p.m. EDT
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 Will Tieman, will broadcast the game to 38 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240) and WMMQ (FM 94.9) and in Detroit on WJR Radio (AM 760). The MSU-Northwestern game can be heard live on XM Satellite Radio (Channel 198). Television - The Big Ten Network will televise the Michigan State-Northwestern game live, with Wayne Larrivee handling the play-by-play, Charles Davis providing color commentary and Charissa Thompson serving as the sideline reporter.
FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about Saturday's MSU-Northwestern matchup) -
• Saturday's game marks the 48th meeting between Michigan State and Northwestern. The Spartans lead the all-time series 32-15, including a 17-5 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State and Northwestern have split the last 10 meetings. Last October, Drew Stanton accounted for 331 total yards and three scores while engineering the greatest comeback in NCAA I-A history as MSU rallied from a 35-point third-quarter deficit for a 41-38 victory at Northwestern. The Spartans have won seven of the last 10 meetings in East Lansing.
• Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio and Northwestern defensive coordinator Greg Colby worked together at Michigan State from 1995-97. Dantonio served as secondary coach under Nick Saban, while Colby coached the defensive line, outside linebackers and special teams.
• Fifth-year senior Jonal Saint-Dic ranks second in the Big Ten and third in the NCAA (tied) in sacks (7 for 56 yards), averaging 1.4 per game. He has recorded at least one sack in each of his last four games, tying the school record held by Courtney Ledyard (1996 vs. Louisville, Eastern Michigan, Iowa and Illinois) and Julian Peterson (1999 vs. Ohio State, Northwestern, Penn State and Florida).
• Jonal Saint-Dic leads the NCAA in forced fumbles (6), averaging 1.2 per game. His six forced fumbles represent the second-best single-season total in Big Ten history, just one behind Penn State's Michael Haynes (2002: 7 in 13 games).
• Michigan State ranks as one of three Big Ten teams and one of 15 teams in the NCAA to average 200 yards or more in both rushing offense and passing offense. The Spartans rank among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (No. 2 at 446.0 yards per game), rushing offense (No. 3 at 208.8 ypg.) and passing offense (No. 5 at 237.2 ypg.).
• Through five games, Michigan State ranks third in the Big Ten and No. 20 in the NCAA in rushing offense, averaging 208.8 yards per game. That's an improvement of 79.6 yards per game over last season when the Spartans finished ninth in the league in rushing, averaging just 129.2 ypg. Junior Javon Ringer and fifth-year senior Jehuu Caulcrick have combined to rush for 917 yards and nine touchdowns in 2007. The Spartans are the only Big Ten team to feature two players ranked among the league's Top 10 rushers: No. 4 Ringer (108.8 ypg.) and No. 9 Caulcrick (74.6 ypg.).
• Junior flanker Devin Thomas ranks among the Big Ten (No. 2) and NCAA (No. 8) leaders in all-purpose yards, averaging 193.4 yards per game. He ranks No. 3 in the league and No. 18 in the NCAA in receiving yards, averaging 96.2 ypg.
• Devin Thomas leads the team in receptions (20), receiving yards (481), touchdown receptions (4) and yards per catch (24.0). Sixteen of his 20 receptions have resulted in either a TD or a first down, including eight gains of 20 yards or more.
• Junior Javon Ringer ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (No. 4), averaging 108.8 yards per game. Ringer leads the Spartans in rushing with 544 yards on 91 carries (6.0 avg.), including back-to-back 100-yard games against Notre Dame (career-high 26 carries for 144 yards) and Wisconsin (10 attempts for season-high 145 yards).
• Fifth-year senior Jehuu Caulcrick has rushed for 1,896 career yards and ranks among the NCAA's Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as NCAA I-A) active career leaders in rushing TDs (tied for No. 11). Caulcrick needs 104 rushing yards against Northwestern to become just the 13th player in Spartan history to reach the 2,000-yard career milestone.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Mark Dantonio (South Carolina 1979) is 4-1 (.800) in his first year with the Spartans and 22-18 (.550) in four seasons as a college head coach. Dantonio compiled an 18-17 record (.514) in three seasons at Cincinnati, including two postseason bowl appearances. Prior to accepting his first head coaching position at Cincinnati, he spent three years as defensive coordinator under Jim Tressel at Ohio State (2001-03) where he helped the Buckeyes to a combined record of 32-6 (.842), including the 2002 National Championship. Dantonio previously spent six seasons as secondary coach at Michigan State (1995-2000), including five years under Nick Saban and one under Bobby Williams. His college full-time coaching credits also include stops at Kansas (1991-94), Youngstown State (1986-90) and Akron (1985).
Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern 1996) is 6-11 (.353) in his second year with the Wildcats. Fitzgerald, an assistant coach at Northwestern for five seasons, was promoted to the head coaching position following the sudden death of Randy Walker on June 29, 2006. At age 31, he ranks as the youngest head coach in NCAA I-A football. Prior to joining the Northwestern coaching staff in 2001, Fitzgerald spent the 2000 season as an assistant coach at Idaho where he worked with the linebackers and special teams. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant, serving one year each at Maryland (1998) and Colorado (1999). A two-time All-American for Coach Gary Barnett at Northwestern, Fitzgerald earned national defensive player of the year honors in 1995 and '96.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State NorthwesternBasic Offense Multiple Multiple I (Spread) Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 Multiple 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 7 Defensive Starters Returning 6 8 Specialists Returning 1 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State NorthwesternOffensive Line & Tight End 6-6, 293 6-6, 299 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 211 6-1, 211 Defensive Line 6-3, 268 6-4, 275 Linebackers 6-0, 231 6-2, 228 Defensive Backs 6-1, 202 6-1, 198
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 1 sophomore, 1 freshman
Northwestern Offense: 4 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 sophomore
Northwestern Defense: 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after five games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (91 carries for 544 yards, 6.0 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Brian Hoyer (78 of 134 for 1,092 yards, 9 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving - Devin Thomas (20 catches for 481 yards, 24.0 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Kendell Davis-Clark (32 tackles, 19 solos, 13 assists, 2 sacks, 4 PBUs)
Northwestern (after five games):
Rushing - Brandon Roberson (54 carries for 272 yards, 5.0 avg., 2 TDs)
Passing - C.J. Bacher (112 of 198 for 1,247 yards, 4 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving - Ross Lane (20 catches for 266 yards, 13.3 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Adam Kadela (48 tackles, 18 solos, 30 assists, 3 TFL)
MSU/NORTHWESTERN SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 48th meeting between Michigan State and Northwestern. The Spartans lead the all-time series 32-15, including a 17-5 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State and Northwestern have split the last 10 meetings. Last October, Drew Stanton accounted for 331 total yards and three scores while engineering the greatest comeback in NCAA I-A history as MSU rallied from a 35-point third-quarter deficit for a 41-38 victory at Northwestern. The Spartans have won seven of the last 10 meetings in East Lansing. The Wildcats' last win in Spartan Stadium came on Oct. 22, 2005, 49-14. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 147 in the 2007 MSU Football Media Guide.)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State NorthwesternScoring 33.0 20.0 First Downs 21.6 21.0 Total Offense 446.0 378.2 Rushing Yards 208.8 126.6 Passing Yards 237.2 251.6 Time of Possession 30:37 31:53 Third Down Conversions .453 .395 Points Allowed 19.8 27.4 Total Offense Allowed 304.8 374.8 Rushing Yards Allowed 119.4 135.0 Passing Yards Allowed 185.4 239.8
THE LAST MEETING -
Oct. 22, 2006, in Evanston, Ill.: Drew Stanton accounted 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. The Spartans trailed 38-3 with 9:54 left in the third quarter after Northwestern's C.J. Bacher threw his third touchdown pass, a 5-yarder to Shaun Herbert. MSU pulled to within 38-10 on Stanton's 18-yard TD toss to Jehuu Caulcrick with 7:03 left in the third quarter. A.J. Jimmerson capped off an eight-play, 53-yard drive with a 4-yard TD run as the Spartans rallied to within 38-17 with 2:47 remaining in the third quarter. MSU then made it 38-24 early in the final period when Devin Thomas blocked a Northwestern punt and Ashton Henderson returned it 33 yards for a TD. 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 Stanton's 9-yard TD strike to T.J. Williams in the back, right corner of the end zone with 3:43 to play. MSU won it when Brett Swenson kicked a 28-yard field goal with 13 seconds left following a 10-yard interception return by Travis Key. Stanton completed 27-of-37 throws for 294 yards and two TDs. Until Michigan State's win, the biggest comeback in NCAA I-A was 31 points - when Maryland beat Miami-Fla., 42-40, on Nov. 10, 1984, and when Ohio State defeated Minnesota, 41-37, on Oct. 28, 1989.
THE LAST MEETING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Oct. 22, 2005, in East Lansing, Mich.: Brett Basanez accounted for 348 total yards and four touchdowns to lead Northwestern to a 49-14 victory over No. 22 Michigan State in Spartan Stadium. The Wildcats scored 21 points off four Spartan turnovers. Michigan State took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards in three plays to take a 7-0 lead. On the first play from scrimmage, Drew Stanton completed a 53-yard bomb to Kyle Brown, who got tripped up at the Northwestern 22. Two plays later, Kerry Reed scored on an 18-yard TD strike from Stanton. Northwestern pulled even at 7 on a 4-yard keeper by Basanez with 6:09 remaining in the first quarter. The Spartans responded with a 16-play, 66-yard drive; however, Brendan Smith intercepted a Stanton pass attempt in the end zone and returned it 37 yards to set up the Wildcats' second touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Tyrell Sutton finished off the six-play, 63-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run as Northwestern took a 14-7 lead. On its next series, Michigan State drove inside the Wildcat 10, but Stanton fumbled on a third-and-5 play and Demetrius Eaton returned it 86 yards for a score to give Northwestern a 21-7 lead with 10:08 to play in the first half. The Spartans outgained the Wildcats in total yards, 295-234, in the first half and held a 20:15-9:45 edge in time of possession. Northwestern broke the game open by scoring on its first four possessions of the second half. The Wildcats took the second-half kickoff and drove 65 yards in seven plays, with Eric Peterman scoring on a 14-yard toss from Basanez as Northwestern built a 28-7 lead. Basanez capped a nine-play, 81-yard drive with another 4-yard TD run as Northwestern moved out to a 35-7 advantage with 6:34 left in the third quarter. Brandon Roberson's 31-yard romp set up Sutton's second TD run, this time from 9 yards out, as the Wildcats increased their lead to 42-7 with 2:06 remaining in the third quarter. Herschel Henderson's 47-yard interception return set up Northwestern's final score, a 21-yard pass from Basanez to Mark Philmore with 11:44 left in the game. Michigan State answered on its next series as Jehuu Caulcrick polished off an 11-play, 59-yard drive with a 1-yard TD plunge with 7:16 on the clock. The Wildcats rolled up 533 total yards, including 299 yards in the second half. Basanez completed 24-of-30 throws for 331 yards and two scores. Stanton hit 20-of-38 passes for 234 yards, while Javon Ringer rushed for 104 yards on 18 carries.
MSU/NORTHWESTERN COACHING CONNECTIONS -
Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio and Northwestern defensive coordinator Greg Colby worked together at Michigan State from 1995-97. Dantonio served as secondary coach under Nick Saban, while Colby coached the defensive line, outside linebackers and special teams.
MSU/NORTHWESTERN CONNECTIONS, PART II -
• Northwestern video coordinator Matt Harper graduated from Michigan State in 1999 with a degree in telecommunication. Harper spent six seasons as a Spartan football manager (1994-99) and one year as assistant video coordinator (2000).
• Northwestern assistant athletics director/head athletic trainer Tory Lindley earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State in 1991. Lindley later spent four years as an assistant trainer at Michigan State (1996-2000).
SPARTANS FROM THE LAND OF LINCOLN -
Michigan State's 2007 roster features four players from Illinois: freshman running back Andre Anderson (Barrington), senior tight end Eric Andino (Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove), fifth-year senior wide receiver Terry Love (Bellwood/Proviso East) and junior offensive guard Roland Martin (Chicago/Harper).
 In 1989, Courtney Hawkins became MSU's first 1,000-yard receiver, with 60 catches for 1,080 yards and six TDs.  | |
HAWKINS NAMED HONORARY CAPTAIN -
Former two-time All-Big Ten wide receiver Courtney Hawkins has been selected as honorary captain for Saturday's game against Northwestern. The Flint, Mich., native was a four-year letterman (1988-91) for Coach George Perles and appeared in three postseason bowl games (1989 Gator, 1989 Aloha and 1990 John Hancock Bowls). Hawkins still ranks among MSU's all-time Top 10 in receptions (No. 3 with 138) and receiving yards (No. 4 with 2,210). He has six career 100-yard receiving games.
In 1989, Hawkins became MSU's first 1,000-yard receiver, with 60 catches for 1,080 yards and six touchdowns. He also led the team in receptions in 1991 with 47 for 656 yards and five scores. Hawkins earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media in 1989 and '91.
He was a college teammate of current Spartan assistant coaches Harlon Barnett and Dan Enos.
A second-round selection (No. 44 overall) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992, Hawkins spent nine years in the pros (Tampa Bay, 1992-96; and Pittsburgh, 1997-2000). He finished his NFL career with 366 receptions for 4,573 yards and 18 TDs.
 Jonal Saint-Dic ranks second in the Big Ten and third in the NCAA (tied) in sacks (7 for 56 yards), averaging 1.4 per game. | |
SAINT-DIC LIVES UP TO "SACKMASTER" NICKNAME -
Fifth-year senior defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic ranks second in the Big Ten and third in the NCAA (tied) in sacks (7 for 56 yards), averaging 1.4 per game. He has recorded at least one sack in each of his last four games, tying the school record held by Courtney Ledyard (1996 vs. Louisville, Eastern Michigan, Iowa and Illinois) and Julian Peterson (1999 vs. Ohio State, Northwestern, Penn State and Florida).
Saint-Dic also ranks among the conference (tied for second) and national (tied for fourth) leaders in tackles for loss (9 for 59 yards), averaging 1.8 per game. In addition, he leads the NCAA in forced fumbles (6), averaging 1.2 per game. His six forced fumbles represent the second-best single-season total in Big Ten history, just one behind Penn State's Michael Haynes (2002: 7 in 13 games).
Through five games, the 6-foot-1, 255-pound Saint-Dic leads the Spartan defense in production points with 124. Nine of his 18 total tackles have resulted in losses.
Late in the first quarter while recording an 11-yard sack against Wisconsin's Tyler Donovan, Saint-Dic forced his sixth fumble of the season, breaking MSU's single-season record of five previously held by Rob Fredrickson (1993) and Broderick Nelson (2001). He was credited with four tackles and three quarterback hits against the ninth-ranked Badgers.
He compiled a career-best 35 production points in Michigan State's 31-14 victory at Notre Dame, registering four tackles including two for losses (18 yards). Early in the second quarter, Saint-Dic sacked Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen for a 17-yard loss while stripping the ball from him and recovering the fumble at the Irish 14. Four plays later, Brett Swenson converted a 27-yard field goal as the Spartans built a 17-7 lead. MSU's defense held Notre Dame scoreless in the second half while limiting the Irish to three first downs and 79 total yards.
Saint-Dic shared Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors (with Ohio State's linebacker James Laurinaitis) after recording five tackles, including three for losses (13 yards), and forcing two fumbles in MSU's 17-13 victory over Pittsburgh. Two of Saint-Dic's three tackles for losses resulted in sacks (11 yards). He accumulated 34 production points against the Panthers. It marked the second-straight week that Saint-Dic recorded at least two sacks and forced two fumbles. With MSU leading 14-13 with 4:04 to play, Saint-Dic stripped the ball from Pitt's T.J. Porter on a reverse that Ogemdi Nwagbuo recovered at the Panther 22. Five plays later, Swenson connected on a 23-yard field-goal attempt to extend MSU's lead to 17-13 with 2:54 remaining. MSU's defense forced three turnovers, resulting in all 17 points, and held Pitt to 0-for-12 on third downs.
Despite being a last-minute scratch from MSU's starting lineup against Bowling Green, Saint-Dic enjoyed one of his most productive games in a Spartan uniform, recording four solo tackles including a career-best three sacks (17 yards). His three sacks tied the sixth-best single-game total in Spartan history. Overall, MSU produced seven sacks against the Falcons - its highest single-game total since registering eight sacks against Northwestern in 1999. Saint-Dic tallied 32 production points against the Falcons, forcing two fumbles and registering three quarterback hits. In the second half, the Spartan defense limited Bowling Green to just six first downs, 98 total yards and three points.
Born in Haiti, Saint-Dic impressed his teammates with his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks in practice, earning himself the nickname "sackmaster."
SPARTANS FEATURE BALANCED OFFENSIVE ATTACK -
Michigan State ranks as one of three Big Ten teams and one of 15 teams in the NCAA to average 200 yards or more in both rushing offense and passing offense. The Spartans rank among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (No. 2 at 446.0 yards per game), rushing offense (No. 3 at 208.8 ypg.) and passing offense (No. 5 at 237.2 ypg.).
TAKE A RIDE ON THE SPARTAN EXPRESS -
Through five games, Michigan State ranks third in the Big Ten and No. 20 in the NCAA in rushing offense, averaging 208.8 yards per game. That's an improvement of 79.6 yards per game over last season when the Spartans finished ninth in the league in rushing, averaging just 129.2 ypg.
Junior Javon Ringer and fifth-year senior Jehuu Caulcrick have combined to rush for 917 yards and nine touchdowns in 2007. The Spartans are the only Big Ten team to feature two players ranked among the league's Top 10 rushers: No. 4 Ringer (108.8 ypg.) and No. 9 Caulcrick (74.6 ypg.).
THOMAS SHOWCASES HIS ALL-PURPOSE SKILLS -
Junior flanker Devin Thomas ranks among the Big Ten (No. 2) and NCAA (No. 8) leaders in all-purpose yards, averaging 193.4 yards per game. He ranks No. 3 in the league and No. 18 in the NCAA in receiving yards, averaging 96.2 ypg. In addition, Thomas is listed among the conference (No. 3) and national (No. 27) leaders in kickoff returns, averaging 28.0 yards.
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound Thomas leads the team in receptions (20), receiving yards (481), touchdown receptions (4) and yards per catch (24.0). Sixteen of his 20 receptions have resulted in either a TD or a first down, including eight gains of 20 yards or more.
Thomas recorded his third 100-yard receiving game of the season, with four receptions for 111 yards at ninth-ranked Wisconsin. Midway through the second quarter, he turned a screen pass from Brian Hoyer into an 80-yard scoring play as the Spartans tied the game at 21. Thomas accounted for 230 all-purpose yards against the Badgers, rushing five times for 61 yards and returning three kickoffs for 58 yards.
He accounted for 153 all-purpose yards in Michigan State's 31-14 victory at Notre Dame. Thomas had a game-high four catches for 55 yards, including a 7-yard TD grab from Hoyer that tied the score at 7 midway through the first quarter. His 25-yard reception on a third-and-7 play kept the Spartans' first scoring drive alive. Thomas returned the second-half kickoff 52 yards to the Notre Dame 45 to help set up MSU's third touchdown.
Thomas had four receptions for a career-best 156 yards and a touchdown in MSU's 28-17 victory over Bowling Green. It marked his second-straight 100-yard receiving game. His 76-yard reception from Hoyer in the first quarter set up MSU's first touchdown. His 42-yard catch in the third quarter set up Jehuu Caulcrick's 5-yard TD run, which gave MSU the lead for good at 21-14. Thomas scored on a 17-yard TD grab from Hoyer early in the four quarter. Thomas accounted for a career-high 261 all-purpose yards against Bowling Green. In addition to his 156 receiving yards, he returned three kickoffs for 100 yards, including a 39-yard runback, and rushed twice for 5 yards.
Thomas posted the first 100-yard receiving game of his career against UAB, with a career-best five catches for 106 yards including a 44-yard touchdown grab from Hoyer early in the second quarter. Four of his five receptions resulted in either a first down or a TD against the Blazers.
The Ann Arbor, Mich., native appeared in the first 10 games of the 2006 season and finished with just six receptions for 90 yards and one score.
RINGER PACES EXPLOSIVE GROUND GAME -
Junior Javon Ringer ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (No. 4 at 108.8 yards per game) and all-purpose yards (No. 6 at 140.6 ypg.). He also is listed among the NCAA leaders in both statistical categories: No. 23 in rushing and No. 50 in all-purpose yards.
The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Ringer leads the Spartans in rushing, with 544 yards on 91 carries (6.0 avg.), while ranking second on the team in receptions (14 for 159 yards) and all-purpose yards (703). Eight of his 105 touches have resulted in gains of 20 yards or more (five rushes and three receptions). He has caught at least one pass in each of the first five games in 2007.
Ringer has recorded back-to-back 100-yard rushing games against Notre Dame (career-high 26 carries for 144 yards) and Wisconsin (10 attempts for season-high 145 yards).
Against the ninth-ranked Badgers, his 53-yard run midway through the first quarter set up Jehuu Caulcrick's 2-yard touchdown plunge and his season-long 70-yard gallop on the opening drive of the second half led to a 19-yard field goal by Brett Swenson. Ringer accounted for a career-best 233 all-purpose yards against Wisconsin, setting career highs in receptions (7) and receiving yards (88).
The Dayton, Ohio, native has rushed for 1,858 career yards (299 carries) and seven TDs. Ringer needs 142 rushing yards against Northwestern to reach the 2,000-yard career milestone. He is attempting to become the first running back to lead the Spartans in rushing for three-straight seasons since Sedrick Irvin (1996-98). Ringer led the team in rushing as a true freshman in 2005 (817 yards) and as a sophomore in 2006 (497). His 6.21 yards per carry ranks as the third-highest rushing average in school history (tied with Sherm Lewis, 1961-63).
Kellen Davis MAKES HIS PRESENCE KNOWN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FOOTBALL -
Senior multi-purpose end Kellen Davis has showcased his athleticism and versatility in the first five games of the 2007 season. A tight end by trade, Davis ranks third on the team in receptions with 11 for 172 yards (15.6 avg.) and three scores. In addition, he has recorded four tackles, including two sacks (12 yards), while seeing limited action at defensive end in the first five games.
The 6-foot-6, 246-pound Davis caught two passes for 34 yards at No. 9 Wisconsin. He played 82 snaps against the Badgers, including 67 on offense, eight on defense and seven on special teams (field goal/PAT unit).
He had two receptions for 33 yards against Notre Dame, with both catches resulting in TDs. His 3-yard TD grab from Brian Hoyer late in the first quarter gave Michigan State the lead for good at 14-7. Late in the third quarter, Davis iced the game by scoring on a 30-yard strike from Hoyer on a fourth-and-2 play. He played a season-high 92 snaps against the Irish, including 74 on offense, 11 on defense and seven on special teams.
Davis caught two passes for 38 yards in MSU's 17-13 victory over Pittsburgh, including a career-long 32-yard reception from Hoyer that set up Jehuu Caulcrick's 2-yard touchdown run. He played a total of 88 snaps against the Panthers, including 71 on offense, 13 on defense and four on special teams.
He had three catches for 23 yards in MSU's 28-17 victory over Bowling Green, including a 7-yard TD grab from Hoyer in the second quarter that tied the game at 14. Davis sacked Tyler Sheehan for a 5-yard loss in the third quarter and was credited with two quarterback hurries. He played a total of 81 snaps against the Falcons, including 67 on offense, nine on defense and five on special teams.
In the 2007 season opener against UAB, Davis caught two passes for 44 yards, including a 25-yard grab from Hoyer that set up MSU's second TD. He produced two tackles against the Blazers, including a 7-yard sack in the fourth quarter. Davis played a total of 57 downs against UAB, including 41 on offense, seven on defense and nine on special teams.
Davis became the first Spartan to pull triple duty since linebacker Mark Goebel was forced to expand his role against Iowa on Sept. 27, 2003. Goebel was thrust into the defensive lineup after starting linebacker Ronald Stanley suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter. He played a total of 76 snaps against the Hawkeyes, including 47 on defense. Goebel also played six downs on offense as the fullback in MSU's "Thunder" package and 23 snaps on special teams.
 Jehuu Caulcrick needs 104 rushing yards against Northwestern to become just the 13th player in Spartan history to reach the 2,000-yard career milestone. | |
CAULCRICK APPROACHES 2,000-YARD CAREER RUSHING MILESTONE -
Fifth-year senior Jehuu Caulcrick ranks among the Big Ten leaders in scoring (No. 4 at 9.6 points per game) and rushing (No. 9 at 74.6 yards per game). He leads the Spartans with eight rushing touchdowns and ranks second in rushing with 373 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Caulcrick has scored at least one rushing TD in four of the first five games. Twenty-five of his 82 carries this season have resulted in either a touchdown or a first down.
The 6-foot, 255-pound Caulcrick gained 73 yards on 17 carries at No. 9 Wisconsin, scoring on a pair of 2-yard runs in the second quarter. It marked the fifth multi-TD game of his career. His 26 career rushing TDs rank seventh on MSU's all-time list (tied with Tico Duckett, 1989-92).
Caulcrick rushed 20 times for 83 yards in Michigan State's 31-14 victory at Notre Dame.
He scored his 24th career rushing touchdown, with a 2-yard TD run early in the second quarter against Pittsburgh that gave the Spartans a 7-0 lead. With that scoring run, Caulcrick moved into sole possession of ninth place on MSU's all-time list for rushing TDs. He gained 71 yards on a career-high 21 carries against the Panthers.
Caulcrick shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (with Wisconsin's quarterback Tyler Donovan) after rushing 10 times for 93 yards and four touchdowns - all in the first half - to lead Michigan State to a 55-18 season-opening victory over UAB. His four rushing TDs represent a career high and equal the school record for rushing TDs in a half (Blake Ezor vs. Northwestern, 1989). Caulcrick's four rushing TDs also marked the second-best single-game total in Spartan history (Ezor scored six rushing TDs vs. Northwestern, 1989).
Against UAB, seven of his 10 carries resulted in either a TD or a first down. Caulcrick finished off MSU's first three possessions, scoring on runs of 1, 5 and 42 yards. The 42-yarder marked the longest scoring run of his career. He added another 5-yard TD run early in the second quarter as the Spartans jumped out to a 35-0 lead.
The Findley Lake, N.Y., native has rushed for 1,896 career yards and ranks among the NCAA's Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as NCAA I-A) active career leaders in rushing TDs (tied for No. 11). Caulcrick needs 104 rushing yards against Northwestern to become just the 13th player in Spartan history to reach the 2,000-yard career milestone.
HOYER OFF TO AN IMPRESSIVE START -
Junior quarterback Brian Hoyer ranks among the Big Ten leaders in passing efficiency (fifth with his 144.4 rating) and passing yards (sixth at 218.4 ypg.). Hoyer has completed 78-of-134 throws (.582) for 1,092 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. Fourteen of his completions have resulted in gains of 20 yards or more.
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Hoyer completed 22-of-36 throws for 323 yards and two TDs in MSU's 37-34 loss at ninth-ranked Wisconsin. It marked Hoyer's second career 300-yard passing game. His career-long 80-yard TD strike to Devin Thomas tied the score at 21 midway through the second quarter. Hoyer's 3-yard TD toss to Mark Dell on a third-and-goal play early in the third quarter pulled the Spartans within three at 34-31.
He completed 11-of-24 passes for 135 yards and a career-best four TDs to lead Michigan State to a 31-14 victory over Notre Dame, as the Spartans became the first team to win six-straight games in Notre Dame Stadium. He threw TD passes of 7 yards to Thomas, 3 and 30 yards to Kellen Davis and 16 yards to Dell. Hoyer became the first Spartan QB to throw four TD passes in a game since Drew Stanton had five scoring tosses at Illinois in 2005.
He hit 17-of-29 passes for 250 yards in MSU's 28-17 victory over Bowling Green, including TD tosses of 7 yards to Davis in the second quarter and 17 yards to Thomas in the fourth quarter. His 76-yard bomb to Thomas set up Javon Ringer's 4-yard TD run late in the first quarter. The North Olmsted, Ohio, native connected on 14-of-17 throws (.824) for 201 yards in MSU's 55-18 victory over UAB in the 2007 season opener, including a 44-yard touchdown strike to Thomas in the second quarter.
The Spartans scored touchdowns on their first six possessions against UAB, with five of those scoring drives directed by Hoyer. He completed his first 10 pass attempts for 172 yards against the Blazers.
SWENSON FEATURED ON LOU GROZA AWARD WATCH LIST -
Michigan State sophomore Brett Swenson is listed among 30 preseason candidates for the 2007 Lou Groza Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate placekicker by the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Sports Commission.
The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Swenson ranks second on the team in scoring with 39 points, hitting 6-of-10 field-goal attempts and all 21 PATS.
He made 2-of-3 field-goal attempts at No. 9 Wisconsin, connecting from 19 and 35 yards and his game-tying 53-yard attempt with 3:23 remaining in the game had the distance but sailed wide left.
His 23-yard field goal with 2:54 left in the game against Pittsburgh gave MSU a four-point cushion, 17-13.
Swenson accounted for a career-best 13 points in the season opener against UAB, hitting 2-of-2 field-goal attempts and all seven extra-point tries. On the final play of the first half, he converted a 45-yard field-goal attempt as the Spartans built a 45-3 halftime lead. Swenson capped off a 14-play, 60-yard drive with a 38-yard field goal late in the third quarter as MSU extended its lead to 48-5.
In 2006, he earned first-team Freshman All-America honors from Scripps/Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, CollegeFootballNews.com and Rivals.com. Swenson led the team in scoring with 78 points, converting 15-of-19 field-goal attempts and all 33 extra-point tries. His 15 made field goals represent the ninth-best single-season total in Spartan history (tied with Morten Andersen, 1981). An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media, Swenson ranked among the conference leaders in field goals (tied for third with 1.25 made per game), field-goal percentage (tied for third at .789), kick scoring (fourth at 6.5 points per game) and overall scoring (sixth).
The award is named in honor of former National Football League great Lou Groza, who earned the nickname "The Toe." Groza, who scored 1,608 points in 21 years with the Cleveland Browns (1946-59, 1961-67), was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. The former Ohio State Buckeye made nine Pro Bowl appearances as a standout offensive tackle and placekicker.
A national panel of 300-plus voters, including college head coaches, sports writers, sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers and previous Lou Groza Award finalists, selects the recipient.
The selection committee will identify 20 semifinalists on Nov. 6, while three finalists will be named on Nov. 20. The winner will be announced during the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Dec. 6 in Orlando, Fla.
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2007:
Rushing Offense 208.8 3rd 20th Passing Offense 237.2 5th 50th Total Offense 446.0 2nd 27th Scoring Offense 33.0 4th 35th Rushing Defense 119.4 5th 37th Passing Defense 185.4 4th 31st Total Defense 304.8 4th 25th Scoring Defense 19.8 6th 35th Passing Efficiency 144.6 5th 24th Pass Efficiency Defense 107.8 4th 26th Turnover Margin +0.8 4th 29th Net Punting 34.1 5th 71st Punt Returns 7.4 9th 85th Kickoff Returns 26.3 2nd 13th Sacks 4.6 2nd 2nd Tackles for Loss 9.8 1st t-5th
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 2007:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Rushing: Javon Ringer (23rd at 108.8 rushing yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Brian Hoyer (28th with 144.4 rating)
Receiving Yards: Devin Thomas (18th at 96.2 receiving yards per game)
Kickoff Returns: Devin Thomas (27th at 28.0 yards per return)
Scoring: Jehuu Caulcrick (t-30th at 9.6 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Devin Thomas (8th at 193.4 all-purpose yards per game); Javon Ringer (50th at 140.6 all-purpose ypg.)
Sacks: Jonal Saint-Dic (t-3rd at 1.4 sacks per game)
Tackles For Loss: Jonal Saint-Dic (t-4th at 1.8 tackles for loss per game); Ervin Baldwin (t-27th at 1.4 TFL per game)
TRUE FRESHMEN IMPACT SPARTAN DEPTH CHART -
No fewer than eight true freshmen are currently listed on Michigan State's (two-deep) depth chart, including two on offense, five on defense and one specialist. Here's a complete breakdown of true freshmen included on the (two-deep) depth chart:
Offense (2): WR Mark Dell and QB Nick Foles.
Defense (5): NT Antonio Jeremiah, LB Greg Jones, DE Kevin Pickelman, CB Chris L. Rucker and NT Oren Wilson.
Specialist (1): P Aaron Bates.
OPENING-DAY STARTING LINEUP FEATURED SEVEN FIRST-TIME STARTERS -
Michigan State's starting lineup for the 2007 season opener against UAB featured seven first-time starters, including two on the offensive side of the football, four on defense and one specialist.
First-time starters on offense included: wide receiver Mark Dell (6-2, 185, Fr.) and fullback Andrew Hawken (6-2, 240, So.). First-time starters on defense included: defensive end Brandon Long (6-4, 245, Jr.), linebackers Jon Misch (6-2, 200, R-Fr.) and Eric Gordon (6-0, 220, R-Fr.), and cornerback Ross Weaver (6-1, 202, R-So.). Aaron Bates (6-0, 190, Fr.) also made his debut as the starting punter.
SPARTANS TOUGH ON HOME TURF -
Spartan Stadium is in its 84th season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 308-136-13 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 89-23-1 (.792) when it scores at least 24 points and 14-76-1 (.159) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 18-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 103-99-2 (.510).
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER DANTONIO -
Here's how Michigan State has fared during head coach Mark Dantonio's first season (2007: 5 games):
Games played in Spartan Stadium: 3-0
Games played on the road/neutral site: 1-1
When leading at halftime: 3-0
When trailing at halftime: 0-1
When tied at halftime: 1-0
When scoring first: 3-0
When opponent scores first: 1-1
When leading after first quarter: 3-1
When trailing after first quarter: 0-0
When tied after first quarter: 1-0
When leading after three quarters: 4-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-1
When tied after three quarters: 0-0
Overtime games: 0-0
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 3-0
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 0-1
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 1-0
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 2-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 1-1
When outrushing opponent: 3-1
When being outrushed by opponent: 1-0
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 2-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 2-1
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 4-1
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 0-0
When leading in time of possession: 2-0
When trailing in time of possession: 2-1
