Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Opens Big Ten Play At Ninth-Ranked Wisconsin
9/29/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 28, 2007
2007 MSU Football Weekly Release vs. Wisconsin
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FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about Saturday's MSU-Wisconsin matchup) -
• Saturday's game marks the 46th meeting between Michigan State and Wisconsin. The Spartans lead the all-time series 26-19, including a 13-11 record in games played in Madison, Wis. However, the Badgers have won seven of the last 10 meetings. The last meeting between the two schools came in 2004 with MSU posting a 49-14 victory over No. 4 Wisconsin in Spartan Stadium. MSU's last win in Camp Randall Stadium came on Oct. 27, 2001, 42-28.
• Michigan State has opened the season 4-0 for the second time in the last three years and for the 16th time in school history.
• With a 31-14 victory at Notre Dame, Mark Dantonio became the first coach in Michigan State history to begin his first season with a 4-0 record.
• With its 31-14 victory at Notre Dame, Michigan State (4-0) made its first appearance in the Top 25 since Oct. 16, 2005, ranking No. 23 in this week's USA TODAY Coaches Poll.
• Michigan State leads the NCAA in sacks with 5.25 per game. Through four games, the Spartans have recorded 21 sacks, five more than they produced during the entire 2006 season (12 games).
• Michigan State also ranks among the NCAA leaders in total defense (No. 14 at 265.8 yards per game), scoring defense (No. 14 at 15.5 points per game), pass efficiency defense (No. 16 with a 97.5 rating), pass defense (No. 22 at 170.0 ypg.) and rushing defense (No. 26 at 95.8 ypg.).
• Michigan State's defense has held back-to-back opponents to less than 100 yards passing: 85 by Pittsburgh and 86 by Notre Dame. It marks the first time the Spartans have accomplished that feat since holding three-straight opponents below the century mark in passing in 1999: 59 yards by Wisconsin (Oct. 23), 79 by Ohio State (Nov. 6) and 41 by Northwestern (Nov. 13).
• MSU defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic leads the Big Ten and ranks second in the NCAA (tied with Virginia's Chris Long) in sacks (6 for 45 yards), averaging 1.5 per game. He has recorded at least one sack in each of his last three games. Saint-Dic also ranks among the conference (tied for second) and national (tied for fourth) in tackles for loss (8 for 48 yards), averaging 2.0 per game. In addition, he leads the NCAA in forced fumbles (5), averaging 1.25 per game.
• MSU flanker Devin Thomas ranks among the Big Ten leaders in all-purpose yards (second at 184.2 yards per game), receiving yards (third at 92.5 ypg.), kickoff returns (fourth with 30.4 avg.) and receptions (10th at 4.0 catches per game).
• Brian Hoyer ranks among the Big Ten leaders in passing efficiency (fourth with 140.5 rating) and passing yards (sixth at 192.2 yards per game). Hoyer completed 11-of-24 throws for 135 yards and a career-best four touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 31-14 victory over Notre Dame, as the Spartans became the first team in history to win six-straight games in Notre Dame Stadium.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Mark Dantonio (South Carolina 1979) is 4-0 (1.000) in his first year with the Spartans and 22-17 (.564) 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).
Wisconsin's Bret Bielema (Iowa 1992) is 16-1 (.941) in his second year as head coach of the Badgers. Bielema earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 2006 after leading the Badgers to a 12-1 record, including a 17-14 victory over Arkansas in the 2007 Capital One Bowl. He previously spent two years as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin (2004-05). Prior to joining the Badgers coaching staff, Bielema served as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for two years under Bill Snyder at Kansas State (2002-03). He began his collegiate career at Iowa (1996-2001) where he spent six seasons as linebackers coach, working for head coaches Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State WisconsinBasic Offense Multiple Multiple Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 9 Defensive Starters Returning 6 7 Specialists Returning 1 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State WisconsinOffensive Line & Tight End 6-6, 296 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: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 freshmen
Wisconsin Offense: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 1 sophomore, 2 freshmen
Wisconsin Defense: 1 senior, 7 juniors, 3 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after four games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (81 carries for 399 yards, 4.9 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Brian Hoyer (56 of 98 for 769 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving - Devin Thomas (16 catches for 370 yards, 23.1 avg., 3 TDs)
Tackles - Kendell Davis-Clark (26 tackles, 15 solos, 11 assists, 2 sacks, 3 PBUs)
Wisconsin (after four games):
Rushing - P.J. Hill (105 carries for 512 yards, 4.9 avg., 7 TDs)
Passing - Tyler Donovan (59 of 98 for 761 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT)
Receiving - Luke Swan (20 catches for 359 yards, 18.0 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Elijah Hodge (28 tackles, 12 solos, 16 assists, 4.5 TFL)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State WisconsinScoring 32.8 31.0 First Downs 21.5 20.8 Total Offense 416.5 400.2 Rushing Yards 200.8 202.8 Passing Yards 215.8 197.5 Time of Possession 31:47 33:50 Third Down Conversions .458 .500 Points Allowed 15.5 19.5 Total Offense Allowed 265.8 309.8 Rushing Yards Allowed 95.8 96.8 Passing Yards Allowed 170.0 213.0
MSU/WISCONSIN SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 46th meeting between Michigan State and Wisconsin. The Spartans lead the all-time series 26-19, including a 13-11 record in games played in Madison, Wis. However, the Badgers have won seven of the last 10 meetings, including MSU's forfeited victory (40-21) from 1993. Michigan State's last win in Camp Randall Stadium came on Oct. 27, 2001, 42-28. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series scores, please refer to page 149 in the 2007 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 13, 2004, in East Lansing, Mich.: Jehuu Caulcrick and Jason Teague combined to rush for 258 yards and two scores to lead Michigan State to a 49-14 victory over No. 4 Wisconsin in Spartan Stadium. Caulcrick gained a career-best 146 yards on 13 carries, while Teague picked up a career-high 112 yards on 17 attempts. Wisconsin scored on its third play from scrimmage as Anthony Davis raced 45 yards for a touchdown. Teague's 42-yard run set up MSU's first TD, a 4-yard toss from Damon Dowdell to Eric Knott. The Spartans moved out to a 14-7 lead late in the first quarter as Travis Key recovered a punt blocked by Marshall Campbell at the goal line. Early in the second quarter, Wisconsin pulled even at 14 as Matt Bernstein scored on a 9-yard TD run. MSU took the lead for good at 21-14 on a trick play as wide receiver Aaron Alexander threw a 30-yard scoring pass to Teague. The Spartans preserved the halftime lead by stopping Wisconsin on four-straight plays from inside the 1-yard line as David Herron Jr. and Roderick Maples tackled Davis short of the goal line on fourth-and-inches. The Spartans recovered an on-side kick to open the second half and Caulcrick capped a nine-play, 54-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run as MSU doubled its lead to 28-14. MSU extended its lead to 35-14 on Drew Stanton's 31-yard TD strike to Matt Trannon late in the third quarter. DeAndra Cobb scored on a 55-yard run early in the fourth quarter as the Spartans built a 42-14 lead. Wisconsin put together a 17-play, 79-yard drive but came up empty as Kaleb Thornhill stuffed Booker Stanley on a fourth-and-goal play from the MSU 1. Caulcrick's 59-yard gallop set up MSU's seventh TD, a 1-yard plunge by Teague. The Spartans amassed 430 yards on the ground against a team that entered the game ranked sixth in the NCAA in rushing defense, allowing just 87 yards per game.
THE LAST MEETING IN CAMP RANDALL STADIUM -
Nov. 15, 2003, in Madison, Wis.: Lee Evans caught 10 passes for a school-record 258 yards and tied the Big Ten single-game record with five touchdown receptions to lead Wisconsin to a 56-21 triumph over No. 21 Michigan State. Wisconsin took the opening kickoff and drove 65 yards in nine plays to take a 7-0 lead on Jim Sorgi's 9-yard scoring pass to Evans. Jim Leonhard's 25-yard interception return to the Badger 46 set up Wisconsin's second TD. Five plays later, Dwayne Smith scored on a 3-yard run to give Wisconsin a 14-0 advantage late in the first quarter. Evans scored on a 75-yard bomb from Sorgi as the Badgers jumped out to a 21-0 lead with 4:21 to play in the second quarter. Chad Simon's 59-yard kickoff return to the Wisconsin 25 led to Michigan State's first score, a 21-yard TD strike from Jeff Smoker to Kyle Brown with 2:51 left in the first half. Wisconsin answered quickly as Smith's 60-yard run set up Evans' third TD grab, an 18-yarder from Sorgi, as the Badgers built a 28-7 halftime lead. With 9:13 left in the third quarter, Evans caught a 6-yard pass in the right flat, stepped away from Darren Barnett's attempted tackle and raced 70 yards for a score and a 35-7 lead. Michigan State scored on its next possession as Smoker capped a five-play, 64-yard drive with a 30-yard TD pass to Aaron Alexander to make it 35-14. Seven plays later, Evans put his name in the Big Ten record book with an 18-yard diving catch in the end zone. Sorgi's 40-yard completion to Darrin Charles preceded Smith's second TD run, a 14-yarder, as Wisconsin extended its lead to 49-14 with 1:32 remaining in the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Brandon Williams returned an interception 23 yards to the Spartan 35 and two plays later, Smith posted his third rushing TD from 26 yards. Late in the fourth quarter, Drew Stanton came off the bench for the Spartans and directed a 10-play, 96-yard drive, scoring on a 13-yard keeper with 4:56 left. Wisconsin produced 630 total yards, with Sorgi completing 16-of-24 passes for 380 yards and Smith rushing for 207 yards on 21 attempts.
BIG TEN OPENERS -
Michigan State enters its 55th season of Big Ten competition with a 29-21-4 record (.574) in league openers. The Spartans are 6-4 in Big Ten openers since 1997.
Michigan State is 4-0 (1.000) in Big Ten openers vs. Wisconsin, including a 2-0 mark in games played in Camp Randall Stadium. The Spartans open Big Ten play against the Badgers for the first time since 1994.
Here's a look at Michigan State's results against Wisconsin in Big Ten openers:
Date MSU Result SiteOct. 1, 1994 W, 29-10* Spartan StadiumOct. 5, 1968 W, 39-0 Madison, Wis.Oct. 7, 1967 W, 35-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 30, 1961 W, 20-0 Madison, Wis.
*Win later forfeited as part of MSU's self-imposed sanctions in 1996.
MSU/WISCONSIN COACHING CONNECTION -
Michigan State defensive line coach Ted Gill served as (Wisconsin head coach) Bret Bielema's position coach at Iowa from 1990-92. Bielema spent the 1994 season as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, working for Coach Gill.
 A four-year letterman, Kurt Larson recorded 211 career tackles and 14 interceptions.  | |
LARSON NAMED HONORARY CAPTAIN -
Former Michigan State outside linebacker Kurt Larson has been selected as an honorary captain for Saturday's game at Wisconsin. A native of Waukesha, Wis., Larson started 32 games for Coach George Perles during his four-year career (1985-88) and appeared in three postseason bowl games (1985 All-American, 1988 Rose and 1989 Gator Bowls). He recorded 211 career tackles and his 14 interceptions rank fourth (tied) on MSU's all-time list.
As a senior, Larson earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after registering 65 tackles and a team-leading eight interceptions. He intercepted two passes in MSU's 48-3 victory at Purdue in 1988, returning one 36 yards for a touchdown.
As a junior on MSU's Big Ten and Rose Bowl championship team, Larson finished fourth on the squad in tackles with 66 and picked off four passes.
He was a college teammate of current Spartan assistant coaches Harlon Barnett and Dan Enos.
Larson, an eighth-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1989 NFL Draft, spent three years in the pros (Indianapolis, 1989-90; and Green Bay, 1991).
UPSET SPECIALS -
Michigan State is 18-21 (.462) in its last 39 games against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, including a 0-3 record in 2006. Fifteen of those 18 wins over ranked teams have come while Michigan State was unranked or ranked below its opponent.
Since November 1997, Michigan State is 9-4 (.692) against teams ranked in the AP Top 10.
SAINT-DIC LIVES UP TO "SACKMASTER" NICKNAME -
Fifth-year senior defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic leads the Big Ten and ranks second in the NCAA (tied with Virginia's Chris Long) in sacks (6 for 45 yards), averaging 1.5 per game. He has recorded at least one sack in each of his last three games. Saint-Dic also ranks among the conference (tied for second) and national (tied for fourth) in tackles for loss (8 for 48 yards), averaging 2.0 per game. In addition, he leads the NCAA in forced fumbles (5), averaging 1.25 per game.
Through four games, the 6-foot-1, 255-pound Saint-Dic leads the Spartan defense in production points with 113. Eight of his 14 total tackles have resulted in losses.
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."
THOMAS EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER IN PASSING GAME -
Junior flanker Devin Thomas ranks No. 3 in the Big Ten and No. 22 (tied) in the NCAA in receiving yards, averaging 92.5 yards per game. He ranks among the league (No. 3) and NCAA (No. 13) leaders in all-purpose yards, averaging 184.2 ypg. In addition, Thomas is listed among the conference (No. 4) and national (No. 13) leaders in kickoff returns, averaging 30.4 yards.
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound Thomas leads the team in receptions with 16 for 370 yards, averaging an impressive 23.1 yards per catch. Thirteen of his 16 receptions have resulted in either a touchdown or a first down, including seven gains of 20 yards or more.
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 Brian 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 career-long 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 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.
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 four games of the 2007 season. A tight end by trade, Davis ranks second on the team in receptions with nine for 138 yards (15.3 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 four games.
The 6-foot-6, 246-pound Davis 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 (field goal/PAT unit).
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.
CAULCRICK BULLS HIS WAY INTO THE MSU RECORD BOOK -
Fifth-year senior Jehuu Caulcrick ranks among the Big Ten leaders in scoring (tied for fifth at 9.0 points per game) and rushing (No. 10 at 75.0 yards per game). He leads the Spartans with six rushing touchdowns and ranks second in rushing with 300 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Caulcrick scored at least one rushing TD in each of the first three games. Nineteen of his 65 carries this season have resulted in either a touchdown or a first down.
The 6-foot, 255-pound 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 1,823 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. 13).
HOYER OFF TO AN IMPRESSIVE START -
Junior quarterback Brian Hoyer ranks among the Big Ten leaders in passing efficiency (fourth with his 140.5 rating) and passing yards (sixth at 192.2 ypg.). Hoyer has completed 56-of-98 throws (.571) for 769 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Ten of his completions have resulted in gains of 20 yards or more.
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Hoyer completed 11-of-24 throws 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 Devin Thomas, 3 and 30 yards to Kellen Davis and 16 yards to Mark 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 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.
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 29 points, hitting 4-of-7 field-goal attempts and all 17 PATS.
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:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAARushing Offense 200.8 7th 31stPassing Offense 215.8 5th 67thTotal Offense 416.5 5th 50thScoring Offense 32.8 6th 38thRushing Defense 95.8 5th 26thPassing Defense 170.0 3rd 22ndTotal Defense 265.8 4th 14thScoring Defense 15.5 4th 14thPassing Efficiency 141.3 4th 32ndPass Efficiency Defense 97.5 4th 16thTurnover Margin +0.75 3rd 30thNet Punting 34.5 5th 68thPunt Returns 7.0 9th 84thKickoff Returns 28.7 2nd 10thSacks 5.25 1st 1stTackles for Loss 10.25 2nd 5th
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 (37th at 99.8 rushing yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Brian Hoyer (37th with 140.5 rating)
Receiving Yards: Devin Thomas (t-22nd at 92.5 receiving yards per game)
Interceptions: Otis Wiley (t-34th at 0.5 interception per game)
Kickoff Returns: Devin Thomas (13th at 30.4 yards per return)
Scoring: Jehuu Caulcrick (t-39th at 9.0 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Devin Thomas (13th at 184.3 all-purpose yards per game)
Sacks: Jonal Saint-Dic (t-2nd at 1.5 sacks per game)
Tackles For Loss: Jonal Saint-Dic (t-4th at 2.0 tackles for loss 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.
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 89-22-1 (.799) 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 103-98-2 (.512).
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER DANTONIO -
Here's how Michigan State has fared during head coach Mark Dantonio's first season (2007: 4 games):
Games played in Spartan Stadium: 3-0
Games played on the road/neutral site: 1-0
When leading at halftime: 3-0
When trailing at halftime: 0-0
When tied at halftime: 1-0
When scoring first: 3-0
When opponent scores first: 1-0
When leading after first quarter: 3-0
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: 0-0
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: 0-0
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 1-0
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 2-0
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 1-0
When outrushing opponent: 3-0
When being outrushed by opponent: 1-0
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 2-0
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 2-0
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 4-0
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 0-0
When leading in time of possession: 2-0
When trailing in time of possession: 2-0
