Spartan Football Concludes Three-Game Homestand Against Pitt
9/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 14, 2007
Football Media Center:
Caulcrick, Spartans Learn From Past - South Bend Tribune
Pitt Takes Note of MSU Running Backs - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Spartans Powering Past Foes in 2007 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
2007 MSU Football Weekly Release vs. Pitt
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DATE: Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007
SITE: Spartan Stadium (75,005/natural grass), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 12:02 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-Pitt game can be heard live on XM Satellite Radio (Channel 196). Television - ESPN will televise the Michigan State-Pitt game live, with Dave Pasch handling the play-by-play, Andre Ware providing color commentary and Quint Kessenich serving as the sideline reporter.
FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about Saturday's MSU-Pittsburgh matchup) - • Saturday's game marks just the seventh meeting between Michigan State and Pittsburgh. The Spartans lead the all-time series 5-0-1, including a 2-0 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. Last September, Drew Stanton accounted for 303 total yards and three touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 38-23 victory over the Panthers at Heinz Field.
• Michigan State's 2007 roster features four players from Pennsylvania, including red-shirt freshman quarterback Connor Dixon (South Park), red-shirt freshman defensive end Colin Neely (Bethlehem/Freedom), red-shirt freshman punter Ed Wagner (Barto) and red-shirt freshman wide receiver David Williams (Monroeville/Gateway).
• Michigan State has compiled a 22-9-2 record (.697) against current members of the BIG EAST Conference (1-1 vs. Cincinnati, 1-2 vs. Louisville, 5-0-1 vs. Pittsburgh, 2-3 vs. Rutgers, 9-3-1 vs. Syracuse and 4-0 vs. West Virginia). The Spartans are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games played against current BIG EAST teams.
• Michigan State has compiled a 25-8 record (.758) in games played against non-conference opponents since 1999. The Spartans have won eight of their last nine non-league games.
• Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing offense (No. 2 at 220.0 yards per game), passing offense (No. 2 at 272.5 ypg.), total offense (No. 3 at 492.5 ypg.) and scoring offense (No. 4 at 41.5 points per game).
• Defensively, the Spartans rank among the conference leaders in rushing defense (No. 3 at 29.5 ypg.) and sacks (No. 3 with 12).
• MSU flanker Devin Thomas leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 8 in the NCAA in receiving yards, averaging 131.0 yards per game. Thomas also leads the league and ranks No. 10 nationally in all-purpose yards, averaging 204.0 ypg.
• MSU running back Jehuu Caulcrick scored his 23rd career rushing touchdown, with a 5-yard TD run in the third quarter against Bowling Green that gave MSU the lead for good at 21-14. With that scoring run, Caulcrick moved into a tie for ninth place on MSU's all-time list for rushing TDs (tied with Duane Goulbourne and LeRoy Bolden).
• MSU quarterback Brian Hoyer ranks among the Big Ten (No. 2) and NCAA (No. 17) leaders in passing efficiency with his 162.6 rating. Hoyer has recorded four-straight 200-yard passing games.
• In its first two games, Michigan State's defense has recorded 12 sacks, including seven against Bowling Green. The Spartans produced just 16 sacks in 12 games during the entire 2006 season.
THE COACHES - Mark Dantonio (South Carolina 1979) is 2-0 (1.000) in his first year with the Spartans and 20-17 (.541) 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).
Pittsburgh's Dave Wannstedt (Pittsburgh 1974) is 13-12 (.520) in his third year with the Panthers. Wannstedt returned to the college ranks after spending 16 years in the National Football League, including 11 seasons as a head coach. He compiled an 82-87 record (.485) in NFL regular-season games, including six seasons in Chicago (1993-98) and five years in Miami (2000-04). Wannstedt previously spent four years as the defensive coordinator under Jimmy Johnson in Dallas where he helped the Cowboys to a victory over Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVII. His college coaching credits include stints at Miami-Fla. (1986-88), Southern Cal (1983-85), Oklahoma State (1979-81) and Pittsburgh (1975-78).
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State PittsburghBasic Offense Multiple Pro Style Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 8 Defensive Starters Returning 6 6 Specialists Returning 1 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State PittsburghOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 303 6-4, 304 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 212 6-0, 206 Defensive Line 6-3, 268 6-3, 274 Linebackers 6-0, 231 6-2, 227 Defensive Backs 6-1, 206 5-11, 191
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 3 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 sophomore, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 1 sophomore, 1 freshman
Pittsburgh Offense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 3 sophomores, 1 freshman
Pittsburgh Defense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after two games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (35 carries for 163 yards, 4.7 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Brian Hoyer (31 of 46 for 451 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving - Devin Thomas (9 catches for 262 yards, 29.1 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Kendell Davis-Clark (19 tackles, 11 solos, 8 assists, 1 sack, 3 PBUs)
Pittsburgh (after two games):
Rushing - LeSean McCoy (29 carries for 175 yards, 6.0 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Kevan Smith (17 of 26 for 220 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Receiving - Oderick Turner (5 catches for 95 yards, 19.0 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Scott McKillop (16 tackles, 9 solos, 7 assists, 1 sack, 2 PBUs)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State PittsburghScoring 41.5 30.5 First Downs 24.0 16.5 Total Offense 492.5 323.0 Rushing Yards 220.0 124.5 Passing Yards 272.5 198.5 Time of Possession 29:54 31:28 Third Down Conversions .520 .444 Points Allowed 17.5 6.5 Total Offense Allowed 284.0 192.0 Rushing Yards Allowed 29.5 61.5 Passing Yards Allowed 254.5 130.5
MSU/PITTSBURGH SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks just the seventh meeting between Michigan State and Pittsburgh. The Spartans lead the all-time series 5-0-1, including a 2-0 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. Last September, Drew Stanton accounted for 303 total yards and three touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 38-23 victory over the Panthers at Heinz Field. The Spartans opened the series with four-straight victories, including two each in Pittsburgh (1945, 12-7; and 1950, 19-0) and East Lansing (1951, 53-26; and 1958, 22-8), before the 1960 meeting in Pitt Stadium resulted in a 7-7 tie. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 148 in the 2007 MSU Football Media Guide.)
MSU/PITTSBURGH CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State graduate assistant coach Glen Young and Pittsburgh running backs coach David Walker were teammates at Syracuse from 1989-92.
• Michigan State director of player development/high school relations Dino Folino coached the defensive backs at Pittsburgh for four years where he worked under both Jackie Sherrill (1981) and Foge Fazio (1982-84).
• Michigan State Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations Mark Hollis spent two years at Pittsburgh where he worked under former Athletics Director Oval Jaynes.
SPARTANS FROM THE KEYSTONE STATE -
Michigan State's 2007 roster features four players from Pennsylvania, including red-shirt freshman quarterback Connor Dixon (South Park), red-shirt freshman defensive end Colin Neely (Bethlehem/Freedom), red-shirt freshman punter Ed Wagner (Barto) and red-shirt freshman wide receiver David Williams (Monroeville/Gateway).
MICHIGAN STATE vs. BIG EAST TEAMS -
Michigan State has compiled a 22-9-2 record (.697) against current members of the BIG EAST Conference (1-1 vs. Cincinnati, 1-2 vs. Louisville, 5-0-1 vs. Pittsburgh, 2-3 vs. Rutgers, 9-3-1 vs. Syracuse and 4-0 vs. West Virginia). The Spartans are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games played against current BIG EAST teams.
Here's a look at Michigan State's last 10 games vs. current BIG EAST teams:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteSept. 16, 2006 Pittsburgh W, 38-23 Pittsburgh, Pa.Sept. 4, 2004 Rutgers L, 14-19 Piscataway, N.J.Sept. 6, 2003 Rutgers W, 44-28 Spartan StadiumSept. 21, 1996 Louisville L, 20-30 Spartan StadiumSept. 16, 1995 Louisville W, 30-7 Louisville, Ky.Dec. 28, 1993 Louisville L, 7-18 Liberty BowlSept. 28, 1991 Rutgers L, 7-14 Spartan StadiumSept. 29, 1990 Rutgers W, 34-10 East Rutherford, N.J.Sept. 15, 1990 Syracuse T, 23-23 Syracuse, N.Y.Sept. 10, 1988 Rutgers L, 13-17 Spartan Stadium
GEORGE PERLES NAMED HONORARY CAPTAIN -
Former Michigan State head football coach George Perles, who guided the Spartans to seven bowl appearances in his 12 seasons, has been selected as an honorary captain for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh. Last weekend, Perles was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame. In May 2007, he joined the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Perles compiled a 68-67-4 record (.503) during his 12-year tenure (1983-94), leading the Spartans to the Big Ten championship in 1987 and a 20-17 victory over Southern Cal in the '88 Rose Bowl. Three of his teams finished among the nation's Top 25, including the '87 team which ranked No. 8 in the final polls. Perles tutored nine first-team All-Americans at Michigan State, including four consensus selections: running back Lorenzo White (1985 and '87), offensive tackle Tony Mandarich (1988), offensive tackle Bob Kula (1989) and linebacker Percy Snow (1989). In addition, he coached three first-team Academic All-Americans: defensive back Dean Altobelli (1985-86), linebacker Shane Bullough (1986) and strong safety Steve Wasylk (1992-93).
A native of Allen Park, Mich., Perles lettered as a tackle for legendary Michigan State head coach Duffy Daugherty in 1958. After serving as an assistant coach under Daugherty (1967-71), Perles moved on to the National Football League where he spent 10 years an assistant coach under Chuck Noll (1972-81).
After working as the Steelers' defensive line coach for six seasons, Perles was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1978. A year later, he took on additional duties as Noll's assistant head coach. During his 10 seasons in Pittsburgh, the Steelers compiled a combined regular-season record of 105-42-1 (.713), including four Super Bowl championships (1974, '75, '78 and '79). Pittsburgh made eight straight play-off appearances from 1972-79.
In its first-ever Super Bowl (IX) appearance, Pittsburgh's defense limited Minnesota to 119 total yards, including just 17 yards on the ground, as the Steelers posted a 16-6 victory in New Orleans, La.
During Perles' tenure in Pittsburgh, the Steelers led the NFL in scoring defense twice, 1976 (9.9 points per game) and '78 (12.2 ppg.). Pittsburgh also led the league in total defense twice, 1974 (219.6 yards per game) and '76 (237.3 ypg.). In addition, Perles coached seven players that were selected for multiple Pro Bowls: defensive tackle Joe Greene, defensive end Dwight White, defensive end L.C. Greenwood, linebacker Jack Ham, linebacker Jack Lambert, cornerback Mel Blount and safety Donnie Shell.
MSU/STEEL CITY CONNECTION -
• Former Michigan State quarterback Jim Miller, now in his second year as the color analyst on the Spartan Radio Network, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 1994 NFL Draft. In two seasons with the Steelers (1995-96), Miller played in five regular-season games, completing 45-of-81 passes (.556) for 520 yards and two touchdowns.
THOMAS EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER IN PASSING GAME -
Junior flanker Devin Thomas leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 8 in the NCAA in receiving yards, averaging 131.0 yards per game. He also leads the league and ranks No. 10 nationally in all-purpose yards, averaging 204.0 ypg.
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound Thomas leads the team in receptions with nine for 262 yards, averaging an impressive 29.1 yards per catch. Eight of his nine receptions have resulted in either a touchdown or a first down, including five gains of 20 yards or more.
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 career-long 76-yard reception from Brian 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 recorded 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.
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 two games of the 2007 season. A tight end by trade, Davis ranks second on the team in receptions with five for 67 yards. In addition, he has recorded a sack in each of the first two games while seeing limited action at defensive end.
The 6-foo-6, 246-pound Davis had three catches for 23 yards in MSU's 28-17 victory over Bowling Green, including a 7-yard touchdown grab from Brian Hoyer in the second quarter that tied the game at 14. He sacked Tyler Sheehan for a 5-yard loss in the third quarter and was credited with two quarterback hurries. Davis played a total of 81 snaps against the Falcons, including 67 on offense, nine on defense and five on special teams (field goal/PAT unit).
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.
CAULCRICK BULLS HIS WAY INTO THE MSU RECORD BOOK -
Fifth-year senior Jehuu Caulcrick scored his 23rd career rushing touchdown, with a 5-yard TD run in the third quarter against Bowling Green that gave MSU the lead for good at 21-14. With that scoring run, Caulcrick moved into a tie for ninth place on MSU's all-time list for rushing TDs (tied with Duane Goulbourne and LeRoy Bolden).
The 6-foot, 255-pound Caulcrick leads the Big Ten and ranks sixth (tied) in the NCAA in scoring, averaging 15.0 points per game. He leads the Spartans with five rushing TDs and ranks second in rushing with 163 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Twelve of his 24 carries this season have resulted in either a touchdown or a first down.
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 1,669 career yards and ranks among the NCAA's Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as NCAA I-A) active career leaders in rushing TDs (No. 12).
HOYER OFF TO AN IMPRESSIVE START -
Junior quarterback Brian Hoyer ranks second in the Big Ten and No. 17 nationally in passing efficiency with his 162.6 rating. Hoyer has completed 31-of-46 throws (.674) for 451 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Six of his completions have resulted in gains of 20 yards or more. He has recorded four-straight 200-yard passing games, dating back to last season.
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Hoyer hit 17-of-29 passes for 250 yards in MSU's 28-17 victory over Bowling Green, including TD tosses of 7 yards to Kellen Davis in the second quarter and 17 yards to Devin Thomas in the fourth quarter. His career-long 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.
SAINT-DIC SACKS BOWLING GREEN -
Despite being a last-minute scratch from Michigan State's starting lineup against Bowling Green, fifth-year senior defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic enjoyed his most productive game 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 compiled a career-best 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.
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 17 points, hitting 2-of-3 field-goal attempts and all 11 PATS.
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 220.0 2nd 24th Passing Offense 272.0 2nd 26th Total Offense 492.0 3rd 18th Scoring Offense 41.5 4th 18th Rushing Defense 29.5 3rd 5th Passing Defense 254.5 9th 92nd Total Defense 284.0 6th 30th Scoring Defense 17.5 8th 38th Passing Efficiency 159.3 2nd 18th Pass Efficiency Defense 107.1 6th 37th Turnover Margin +0.5 t-3rd t-33rd Net Punting 35.8 4th 56th Punt Returns 1.5 11th 111th Kickoff Returns 26.2 4th 21st
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)
Passing Efficiency: Brian Hoyer (17th with 162.6 rating)
Receiving Yards: Devin Thomas (8th at 131.0 receiving yards per game)
Interceptions: Roderick Jenrette/Chris L. Rucker/Otis Wiley (t-32nd at 0.5 interception per game)
Kickoff Returns: Devin Thomas (16th at 29.5 yards per return)
Field Goals: Brett Swenson (t-46th at 1.0 field goals made per game)
Scoring: Jehuu Caulcrick (t-6th at 15.0 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Devin Thomas (t-10th at 204.0 all-purpose yards per game)
Sacks: Jonal Saint-Dic (t-3rd at 1.5 sacks per game); Kellen Davis (t-10th at 1.0 spg.)
TRUE FRESHMEN IMPACT SPARTAN DEPTH CHART -
No fewer than seven true freshmen are currently listed on Michigan State's (two-deep) depth chart, including two on offense, four on offense 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 (4): NT Antonio Jeremiah, LB Greg Jones, 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 307-136-13 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 88-22-1 (.797) when it scores at least 24 points and 13-76-1 (.150) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 18-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 101-98-2 (.507).
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER DANTONIO -
Here's how Michigan State has fared during head coach Mark Dantonio's first season (2007: 2 games):
Games played in Spartan Stadium: 2-0
Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-0
When leading at halftime: 1-0
When trailing at halftime: 0-0
When tied at halftime: 1-0
When scoring first: 2-0
When opponent scores first: 0-0
When leading after first quarter: 2-0
When trailing after first quarter: 0-0
When tied after first quarter: 0-0
When leading after three quarters: 2-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-0
When tied after three quarters: 0-0
Overtime games: 0-0
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 1-0
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 0-0
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 1-0
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 1-0
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 0-0
When outrushing opponent: 2-0
When being outrushed by opponent: 0-0
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 2-0
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 2-0
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 2-0
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 0-0
When leading in time of possession: 0-0
When trailing in time of possession: 2-0
