Michigan State University Athletics
Spartans Entertain Unbeaten Irish
9/20/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 20, 2008
2008 MSU Football Game Notes vs. Notre Dame 
FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about the MSU-Notre Dame matchup) -
• Saturday's game marks the 72nd meeting between Michigan State and Notre Dame. Eight of the last nine games in the series have been decided by 10 points or less. The Irish lead the all-time series 44-26-1, including an 18-13-1 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich., and a 16-11-1 mark in games played in Spartan Stadium. The visiting team has won the last seven meetings (2001-07). Overall, the Spartans have won eight of the last 11 meetings, including six-straight victories in Notre Dame Stadium.
• Michigan State ranks second (tied with Purdue) among opponents in all-time victories (26) over Notre Dame. Only Southern Cal (32) has posted more wins over the Irish than the Spartans and Boilermakers.
• Since 1949, the winner of the Michigan State-Notre Dame game has been presented the Megaphone Trophy, sponsored jointly by the Detroit alumni clubs of both schools.
• Michigan State has compiled a 29-10 record (.744) in games played against non-conference opponents since 1999. The Spartans have won 12 of their last 15 non-league games.
• For the second week in a row, senior running back Javon Ringer has been named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Despite playing in a downpour, Ringer set career highs for rushing attempts (43) and rushing yards (282) in Michigan State's 17-0 victory over Florida Atlantic. His 282 rushing yards represent the fourth-best single-game total in Spartan history and the second-highest rushing total in the NCAA Bowl Subdivision thus far this season. He outgained the entire Florida Atlantic team (282 rushing yards vs. 225 total yards for the Owls). Ringer became just the sixth running back in MSU history to eclipse the 3,000-yard career milestone. He scored on runs of 21 and 11 yards against the Owls, and his 32-yard run set up a third-quarter fi eld goal. Ringer accounted for a career-best 308 all-purpose yards against Florida Atlantic, becoming just the eighth player in school history to amass 4,000 career all-purpose yards. His 308 all-purpose yards mark the second-best single-game total in school history, trailing only Eric Allen who produced 397 yards at Purdue in 1971.
• The 5-foot-9, 202-pound Ringer leads the NCAA in rushing touchdowns (9) and scoring (18.0 points per game). He also ranks among the national leaders in rushing (No. 3 at 166.0 yards per game) and all-purpose yards (No. 4 at 237.7 ypg.).
• Ringer becomes the fi rst Spartan to earn back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Week honors since Drew Stanton in 2005. This marks the third time in Ringer's career that he has won the award, as he garnered the honor once last season after rushing for 202 yards against Indiana.
• In a 17-0 victory over Florida Atlantic, Michigan State recorded its fi rst shutout since November 1999 (34-0 vs. Northwestern). It also marked MSU's fi rst home shutout since September 1996 (47-0 vs. Eastern Michigan). The Spartans limited Florida Atlantic to nine fi rst downs, 143 passing yards and 225 total yards. The Owls came into the game averaging 19.0 first downs, 306.5 passing yards and 423.0 total yards.
• Senior strong safety Otis Wiley leads the Big Ten in interceptions (0.67 per game) and passes defended (8: 6 pass break-ups and 2 interceptions). In addition, he ranks third in the league in punt returns, averaging 14.5 yards.
• Michigan State's offensive line has permitted only one sack in 79 pass attempts this season, ranking second in the Big Ten (tied with Penn State) and ninth nationally. Notre Dame is one of eight NCAA Bowl Subdivision teams that has not allowed a sack in 2008 (55 pass attempts).
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Mark Dantonio (South Carolina 1979) is 9-7 (.563) in his second year with the Spartans and 27-24 (.529) in fi ve seasons as a college head coach. In his first season as head coach at Michigan State, Dantonio led the Spartans to a 7-5 regular-season record, securing the program's first bowl bid in four years with a berth against Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla. He became just the third first-year coach in Michigan State history to earn a postseason bowl bid, joining Nick Saban (1995 Independence Bowl vs. LSU) and John L. Smith (2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Nebraska). 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).
Notre Dame's Charlie Weis (Notre Dame 1978) is 24-15 (.615) in his fourth year as head coach of the Fighting Irish. In his first two seasons, Weis led the Irish back-to-back BCS appearances: 2006 Fiesta Bowl (9-3 in 2005) and 2007 Sugar Bowl (10-3 in 2006). Weis previously spent 15 seasons as an assistant coach in the National Football League, winning four Super Bowl championship rings. In his five seasons (2000-04) as offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick, New England won three Super Bowl crowns (following the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons). Weis spent 10 years as an assistant coach under Bill Parcells, including stints with the New York Giants (1990-92), New England Patriots (1993-96) and New York Jets (1997-99).
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Notre DameBasic Offense Multiple Pro Set Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 Multiple Offensive Starters Returning 7 9 Defensive Starters Returning 6 8 Specialists Returning 3 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Notre DameOffensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 302 6-6, 305 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 210 6-1, 213 Defensive Line 6-4, 265 6-2, 283 Linebackers 6-1, 228 6-3, 239 Defensive Backs 6-2, 200 6-1, 196
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Michigan State Defense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores
Notre Dame Offense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 3 sophomores, 1 freshman
Notre Dame Defense: 5 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after three games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (104 carries for 498 yards, 4.8 avg., 9 TDs)
Passing - Brian Hoyer (33 of 75 for 557 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs)
Receiving - Mark Dell (13 catches for 320 yards, 24.6 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Eric Gordon (19 tackles, 6 solos, 13 assists, 2.5 TFL)
Notre Dame (after two games):
Rushing - Robert Hughes (36 carries for 133 yards, 3.7 avg., 2 TDs)
Passing - Jimmy Clausen (31 of 55 for 384 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving - Golden Tate (10 catches for 220 yards, 22.0 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Kyle McCarthy (20.5 tackles, 17 solos, 7 assists)
CURRENT SPARTANS vs. NOTRE DAME -
Career Stat Leaders
Rushing - Javon Ringer (3 games: 44 carries for 244 yards, 5.5 avg., 0 TDs)
Passing - Brian Hoyer (1 game: 11 of 24 for 135 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT)
Receiving - Javon Ringer (3 games: 4 catches for 43 yards, 10.8 avg., 1 TDs)
Tackles - Otis Wiley (3 games: 11 tackles, 6 solos, 5 assists, 1 sack)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Notre DameScoring 30.0 28.0 First Downs 20.7 17.0 Total Offense 389.0 301.0 Rushing Yards 192.7 109.0 Passing Yards 196.3 192.0 Time of Possession 32:31 29:20 Third Down Conversions .364 .250 Points Allowed 16.0 15.0 Total Offense Allowed 344.7 366.5 Rushing Yards Allowed 137.3 115.0 Passing Yards Allowed 207.3 251.5
MSU/NOTRE DAME SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 72nd meeting between Michigan State and Notre Dame. Eight of the last nine games in the series have been decided by 10 points or less. The Irish lead the all-time series 44-26-1, including an 18-13-1 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich., and a 16-11-1 mark in games played in Spartan Stadium. The visiting team has won the last seven meetings (2001-07). Overall, the Spartans have won eight of the last 11 meetings, including six-straight victories in Notre Dame Stadium.
SPARTANS RANK SECOND IN ALL-TIME VICTORIES vs. NOTRE DAME -
Michigan State ranks second (tied with Purdue) among opponents in all-time victories (26) over Notre Dame. Only Southern Cal (32) has posted more wins over the Irish than the Spartans and Boilermakers.
All-Time Wins vs. Notre Dame
Opponent Games Played Wins vs. NDSouthern Cal 79 32Michigan State 71 26 Purdue 79 26 Michigan 36 20 Pittsburgh 63 18
THE LAST MEETING -
Sept. 22, 2007, in Notre Dame, Ind.: Brian Hoyer threw four touchdown passes and Javon Ringer rushed for 144 yards to lead Michigan State to a 31-14 victory over Notre Dame. Michigan State (4-0) became the fi rst opponent to win six in a row at Notre Dame Stadium. The Spartans blew the game open with a pair of third-quarter TDs, a 16-yard catch by Mark Dell and a 30-yard catch by Kellen Davis on a fourth-and-2 play to make it 31-14. Davis also had a 3-yard TD catch and Devin Thomas had a 7-yard scoring catch. Notre Dame finally scored its first offensive touchdown of the season on a 1-yard run by Travis Thomas to cap a 9-yard drive in the first quarter. The score was setup by a Michigan State fumble. Hoyer was 11-of-24 passing for 135 yards as the Spartans amassed 354 yards total offense. Jehuu Caulcrick added 83 yards rushing for the Spartans. Jimmy Clausen was 7-of-13 passing for 53 yards for Notre Dame, while Evan Sharpley, who played the fourth quarter, went 4-of-7 passing for 33 yards. The Irish, who had given up 23 sacks through their first three games, were sacked four times by the Spartans. MSU defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic sacked Clausen for a 17-yard loss and stripped the ball from the quarterback in the second quarter.
THE LAST MEETING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Sept. 23, 2006, in East Lansing, Mich.: Cornerback Terrail Lambert capped a furious rally by returning an interception 27 yards for a touchdown with 2:53 remaining to give No. 12 Notre Dame a 40-37 victory over Michigan State. The Irish offense also clicked late, led by quarterback Brady Quinn, who started slow, going just 2-of-8 for 6 yards in the first quarter as the Spartans jumped out to a 17-0 lead. Quinn finished 20-of-36 for 319 yards with fi ve TDs against one interception. The Irish trailed 37-21 entering the fourth quarter. But Quinn threw TD passes to Jeff Samardzija (43 yards) and Rhema McKnight (14 yards) to cut the lead to 37-33 with 4:57 remaining. McKnight's score was set up by another big play from the defense. Notre Dame safety Chinedum Ndukwe stripped the ball from Drew Stanton and recovered it at the MSU 24 with about 6 minutes remaining. Michigan State's Jehuu Caulcrick finished with 111 yards and a TD on eight carries. Stanton ran for 53 yards, and completed 10 of 22 passes for 114 yards. He had two TD passes and the two interceptions. It was all Michigan State early, as the Spartans rolled up 260 yards of offense in the fi rst half en route to a 31-14 halftime lead. After forcing a Notre Dame punt, the Spartans scored on a three-play, 73-yard drive on their first possession. The drive was capped by a 34-yard touchdown pass from Stanton to Kerry Reed. Notre Dame's Tom Zbikowski fumbled a punt that Michigan State's punter, Brandon Fields, recovered at the 50. The Spartans scored on a trick play, with receiver Matt Trannon throwing a 26-yard TD pass to a wide-open Javon Ringer. Brett Swenson added a 32-yard field goal late in the first quarter to make it 17-0. But the Spartans struggled in the second half as turnovers and penalties cost them.
MEGAPHONE TROPHY -
Since 1949, the winner of the Michigan State-Notre Dame game has been presented the Megaphone Trophy, sponsored jointly by the Detroit alumni clubs of both schools. The megaphone is printed half blue, with a gold ND monogram, and half white, with a green MSC. All previous game scores are listed on the trophy. Michigan State and Notre Dame played 36 consecutive seasons from 1959-94 until the two-year interruption of the series in 1995-96. The current series contract runs through the 2013 season.
MSU/NOTRE DAME CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State offensive line coach Dan Roushar and Notre Dame offensive coordinator and running backs coach Mike Haywood spent the 1994 season together at Ball State. Roushar served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Cardinals, while Haywood acted as running backs coach and co-special teams coordinator.
• Notre Dame special teams coordinator Brian Polian began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Michigan State in 1997, working for former Spartan head coach Nick Saban.
• Michigan State's veteran play-by-play radio announcer George Blaha graduated from Notre Dame in 1966 with a degree in economics. Blaha is in his 30th season as the Spartans' radio voice.
MSU vs. NOTRE DAME RANKS AMONG NATION'S OLDEST RIVALRIES -
The Michigan State-Notre Dame series began 111 years ago in 1897, making it one of the 27 oldest rivalries in college football. It also ranks as one of only three rivalries - joining Army-Navy and Auburn-Georgia Tech - that does not involve either intrastate or current conference rivals.
First Game Opponents (Series leader listed first) Games Played1888 Miami (Ohio)-Cincinnati 1121888 North Carolina-Wake Forest 1031890 Minnesota-Wisconsin 1171890 Navy-Army 1081891 Kansas-Missouri 1161891 Purdue-Indiana 1101892 Nebraska-Kansas 1141892 North Carolina-Virginia 1121892 Auburn-Georgia 1111892 Stanford-California 1101892 Utah-Utah State 1081892 Illinois-Northwestern 1011892 Nebraska-Missouri 1011892 Tennessee-Vanderbilt 1011892 Auburn-Georgia Tech 921893 Tennessee-Kentucky 1031893 Penn State-Pittsburgh 961893 Georgia-Georgia Tech 1001893 Louisiana State-Tulane 961894 Texas-Texas A&M 1141894 Oregon-Oregon State 1111894 New Mexico-New Mexico State 981895 N.C. State-Wake Forest 1011895 Pittsburgh-West Virginia 1001896 Clemson-South Carolina 1051896 Nebraska-Iowa State 1021897 Michigan-Ohio State 1041897 Connecticut-Rhode Island 931897 Notre Dame-Michigan State 71
SPARTANS TOUGH IN NON-CONFERENCE GAMES -
Michigan State has compiled a 29-10 record (.744) in games played against non-conference opponents since 1999. The Spartans have won 12 of their last 15 non-league games. Here's a look at Michigan State's non-conference results since 1999:
Date Opponent MSU Result SiteSept. 13, 2008 Florida Atlantic W, 17-0 Spartan StadiumSept. 6, 2008 Eastern Michigan W, 42-10 Spartan StadiumAug. 30, 2008 California L, 31-38 Berkeley, Calif.Dec. 28, 2007 Boston College L, 21-24 Orlando, Fla.Sept. 22, 2007 Notre Dame W, 31-14 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 15, 2007 Pittsburgh W, 17-13 Spartan StadiumSept. 8, 2007 Bowling Green W, 28-17 Spartan StadiumSept. 1, 2007 UAB W, 55-18 Spartan StadiumSept. 23, 2006 Notre Dame L, 37-40 Spartan StadiumSept. 16, 2006 Pittsburgh W, 38-23 Pittsburgh, Pa.Sept. 9, 2006 Eastern Michigan W, 52-20 Spartan StadiumSept. 2, 2006 Idaho W, 27-17 Spartan StadiumSept. 17, 2005 Notre Dame W, 44-41 (OT) South Bend, Ind.Sept. 10, 2005 Hawaii W, 42-14 Spartan StadiumSept. 3, 2005 Kent State W, 49-14 Spartan StadiumDec. 4, 2004 Hawaii L, 38-41 Honolulu, HawaiiSept. 18, 2004 Notre Dame L, 24-31 Spartan StadiumSept. 11, 2004 Central Michigan W, 24-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 4, 2004 Rutgers L, 14-19 Piscataway, N.J.Dec. 29, 2003 Nebraska L, 3-17 San Antonio, TexasSept. 20, 2003 Notre Dame W, 22-16 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 13, 2003 Louisiana Tech L, 19-20 Spartan StadiumSept. 6, 2003 Rutgers W, 44-28 Spartan StadiumAug. 30, 2003 Western Michigan W, 26-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 21, 2002 Notre Dame L, 17-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 14, 2002 California L, 22-46 Spartan StadiumSept. 7, 2002 Rice W, 27-10 Spartan StadiumAug. 31, 2002 Eastern Michigan W, 56-7 Spartan StadiumDec. 31, 2001 Fresno State W, 44-35 San Jose, Calif.Dec. 1, 2001 Missouri W, 55-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 22, 2001 Notre Dame W, 17-10 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 8, 2001 Central Michigan W, 35-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 23, 2000 Notre Dame W, 27-21 Spartan StadiumSept. 16, 2000 Missouri W, 13-10 Columbia, Mo.Sept. 9, 2000 Marshall W, 34-24 Spartan StadiumJan. 1, 2000 Florida W, 37-34 Orlando, Fla.Sept. 18, 1999 Notre Dame W, 23-13 South Bend, Ind.Sept. 11, 1999 Eastern Michigan W, 51-7 Spartan StadiumSept. 2, 1999 Oregon W, 27-20 Spartan Stadium
JIM MORRISSEY NAMED HONORARY CAPTAIN -
Former All-Big Ten linebacker Jim Morrissey has been selected honorary captain for Saturday's game against Notre Dame. Morrissey will address the team during the pre-game meal, accompany the team on its pre-game walk from the Kellogg Center to Spartan Stadium and join the 2008 captains at midfi eld for the coin toss.
A four-year letterman from 1981-84, Morrissey led the Spartans in tackles in back-to-back seasons, recording 130 stops in 1983 and 137 in 1984. The Flint, Mich., native was voted team MVP by his teammates as a senior in 1984. Morrissey produced 329 career tackles, including 15 for losses, and five interceptions.
He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 11th round of the 1985 National Football League Draft. Morrissey, who registered 646 career tackles and nine interceptions in nine NFL seasons, won a Super Bowl championship ring as a rookie with Chicago.
He currently serves as a fi nancial consultant for AXA Equitable in Northbrook, Ill.
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2008:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAARushing Offense 192.7 6th 31stPassing Offense 196.3 7th 79thTotal Offense 389.0 8th 52ndScoring Offense 30.0 8th 51stRushing Defense 137.3 9th 69thPassing Defense 207.3 7th 63rdTotal Defense 344.7 8th 64thScoring Defense 16.0 6th 32ndPassing Efficiency 107.3 11th 94thPass Efficiency Defense 101.9 6th 34thTurnover Margin 0.0 t-7th t-55thNet Punting 31.7 9th 90thPunt Returns 15.8 3rd 28thKickoff Returns 19.3 9th 81st
NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2008:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Rushing: Javon Ringer (3rd at 166.0 yards per game)
Receiving Yards: Mark Dell (16th at 106.7 yards per game)
Interceptions: Otis Wiley (t-16th at 0.67 interceptions per game)
Punting: Aaron Bates (49th with 39.7-yard average)
Punt Returns: Otis Wiley (27th at 14.5 yards per return)
Scoring: Javon Ringer (1st at 18.0 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Javon Ringer (4th at 237.7 yards per game)
RINGER EARNS BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS AGAIN -
Senior running back Javon Ringer leads the NCAA in rushing touchdowns (9) and scoring (18.0 points per game). In three games, he has nine rushing TDs after scoring six all of last season. The 5-foot-9, 202-pound Ringer also ranks third in the nation in rushing (166.0 yards per game) and fourth in all-purpose yards (237.7 ypg.). He leads the Big Ten in those three statistical categories: rushing, scoring and all-purpose yards.
His 104 carries also lead the nation - 25 more attempts than the second running back on the list. The last player to have as many rushing attempts through three games was Wisconsin's Michael Bennett in 2000.
For the second week in a row, Ringer has been named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Despite playing in a downpour, he set career highs for rushing attempts (43) and rushing yards (282) in Michigan State's 17-0 victory over Florida Atlantic. His 282 rushing yards represent the fourth-best single-game total in Spartan history and the second-highest rushing total in the NCAA Bowl Subdivision thus far this season. Ringer outgained the entire Florida Atlantic team (282 rushing yards vs. 225 total yards for the Owls). He became just the sixth running back in MSU history to eclipse the 3,000-yard career milestone. Ringer scored on runs of 21 and 11 yards against the Owls, and his 32-yard run set up a third-quarter field goal. He accounted for a career-best 308 all-purpose yards against Florida Atlantic, becoming just the eighth player in school history to amass 4,000 career allpurpose yards. His 308 all-purpose yards mark the second-best single-game total in school history, trailing only Eric Allen who produced 397 yards at Purdue in 1971.
Ringer becomes the first Spartan to earn back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Week honors since Drew Stanton in 2005. This marks the third time in Ringer's career that he has won the award, as he garnered the honor once last season after rushing for 202 yards against Indiana.
Ringer shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (with Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber and Penn State running back Evan Royster) after rushing for 135 yards and a career-best five TDs to lead Michigan State to a 42-10 victory over Eastern Michigan. His fi ve rushing TDs represent the second-best single-game total in Spartan history, just one short of the school record held by Blake Ezor (six rushing TDs vs. Northwestern, 1989). Ringer scored on runs of 4, 6, 2, 1 and 2 yards. He rushed a career-best 34 times against the Eagles - the highest single-game total by a Spartan since Marc Renaud had 35 carries for 229 yards against Minnesota in 1995. Ringer accounted for 205 all-purpose yards against EMU (135 rushing, 8 receiving and 62 kickoff return yards).
He accounted for 200 all-purpose yards in the 2008 season opener at California (81 rushing yards, 17 receiving yards and 102 kickoff return yards). Ringer rushed 27 times for 81 yards against the Golden Bears and scored on runs of 1 and 10 yards.
The Dayton, Ohio, native ranks sixth on MSU's all-time rushing list with 3,259 career yards (557 carries), and his 5.85 yards per carry ranks as the sixth-highest rushing average in school history. Ringer also ranks among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision active career leaders in all-purpose yards (5th at 4,088 yards), rushing yards per carry (6th at 5.85 avg.) and rushing yards (7th at 3,259 yards). He has 14 career 100-yard rushing games and six career multi-TD games.
Ringer has been nominated for three national awards: Maxwell Award (Player of the Year), Walter Camp Player of the Year and Doak Walker Award (nation's top running back).
DELL DELIVERS BIG PLAYS IN PASSING GAME -
Sophomore split end Mark Dell ranks second in the Big Ten and 16th in the NCAA in receiving yards, averaging 106.7 per game. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound Dell ranks ninth in the Big Ten in receptions, averaging 4.3 per game. In three games, he has 320 receiving yards on 13 catches (24.6 avg.). In 13 games as a true freshman last year, Dell had 20 catches for 220 yards (11.0 avg.).
Twelve of his 13 receptions (92 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a touchdown, including eight gains of 20 yards or more.
His 47-yard reception against Florida Atlantic helped set up Javon Ringer's 11-yard TD run that gave the Spartans a 17-0 lead.
He caught three passes for 71 yards (23.7 avg.) in Michigan State's 42-10 victory over Eastern Michigan, including a pair of 29-yard grabs from Brian Hoyer that set up TD runs for Ringer.
Dell recorded career highs in receptions (9) and receiving yards (202) in MSU's 38-31 loss at California. His 202 receiving yards mark the fifth-best single-game total in Spartan history and the fourth-highest total in the NCAA Bowl Subdivision thus far this season. He became the first Spartan to post a 200-yard receiving game since Charles Rogers (10 catches for 270 yards) against Fresno State in the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic.
Eight of his nine receptions in the 2008 season opener resulted in either a first down or a TD, including five gains of 20 yards or more.
Dell had five catches for 141 yards in the fourth quarter against the Golden Bears. His 29-yard TD reception from Hoyer with 3:09 left in the game cut MSU's deficit to seven (38-31). Earlier in the fourth quarter, his 52-yard grab set up a Spartan field goal.
Heading into the 2008 season, MSU's biggest challenge on offense was filling the shoes of NFL second-round draft pick Devin Thomas (Washington Redskins), who set Spartan single-season records for receptions (79) and 100-yard receiving games (7). His 1,260 receiving yards represented the third-best single-season total in school history.
After just two games, here's how Dell's 2008 production stacks up against Thomas' 2007 numbers:
Receiving Comparison G Rec. Yds. Avg. TDMark Dell - 2008 3 13 320 24.6 1Devin Thomas - 2007 3 12 315 26.3 2
HOYER LISTED AMONG TOP PRESEASON CANDIDATES FOR UNITAS AWARD -
Fifth-year senior quarterback Brian Hoyer ranks among the Big Ten leaders in passing (No. 5 at 185.7 yards per game) and total offense (No. 7 at 182.0 ypg.). He has completed 33-of-75 throws (.440) for 557 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
In Michigan State's 42-10 victory over Eastern Michigan, Hoyer completed 8-of-12 passes for 148 yards. His 29-yard completion to Mark Dell sparked a six-play, 50-yard scoring drive late in the first half as the Spartans built a 21-7 halftime lead, and his 46-yard strike to B.J. Cunningham late in the third quarter set up Javon Ringer's fourth touchdown run.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hoyer recorded his fourth career 300-yard passing game, completing 20-of-48 passes for 321 yards in the 2008 season opener at California. He threw for 186 yards (9-23) in the fourth quarter against the Golden Bears, including a 29-yard TD strike to Dell as the Spartans pulled to within 38-31 with 3:09 to play.
The North Olmsted, Ohio, native already ranks among MSU's career leaders in TD passes (tied for No. 6 with 27), pass completions (No. 8 at 353), pass attempts (No. 8 at 618), completion percentage (No. 9 at .571) and passing yards (No. 7 at 4,312). He has compiled a 9-8 record in 17 career starts.
Hoyer, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the media in 2007, is listed among 26 preseason candidates for the 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually since 1987 to the nation's top senior quarterback by Transamerica Insurance and Investment Group. Hoyer is one of four Big Ten quarterbacks being considered for the Unitas Golden Arm Award, including Northwestern's C.J. Bacher, Ohio State's Todd Boeckman and Purdue's Curtis Painter.
The award is named in honor of National Football League legend Johnny Unitas, who threw for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns during his 18-year pro career (Baltimore Colts, 1956-72; San Diego Chargers, 1973). He threw a TD pass in an NFL-record 47 consecutive games. Unitas, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, made 10 Pro Bowl appearances, earned All-Pro honors nine times and was selected league MVP on three occasions (1959, 1964 and 1967).
A four-year letterman at Louisville from 1951-54, Unitas passed for more than 3,000 yards and 27 TDs during his collegiate career. He ranks as the only player in Louisville football history to have his jersey number (No. 16) retired.
The 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be presented on Dec. 5 at the Tremont Grand in Baltimore, Md.
WILEY EMERGES AS DEFENSIVE, SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYMAKER -
Senior strong safety Otis Wiley leads the Big Ten in interceptions (0.67 per game) and passes defended (8: 6 pass break-ups and 2 interceptions). In addition, he ranks third in the league in punt returns, averaging 14.5 yards. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Wiley ranks second (tied with linebacker Eric Gordon) on the team in production points (41) and fifth in tackles (15).
The Flint, Mich., native posted five tackles and matched his career high with four pass break-ups in the Spartans' 17-0 victory over Florida Atlantic. It marked Michigan State's fi rst shutout since November 1999 (34-0 vs. Northwestern) and its fi rst home shutout since September 1996 (47-0 vs. Eastern Michigan). The Spartans limited Florida Atlantic to nine fi rst downs, 143 passing yards and 225 total yards. The Owls came into the game averaging 19.0 first downs, 306.5 passing yards and 423.0 total yards per game.
Wiley amassed 113 punt return yards on five returns (22.6 avg.) against Eastern Michigan, tying for the fourth-best single-game performance in Spartan history. Michigan State only managed 126 punt return yards all of last season on 31 attempts (4.1 avg.). Wiley's 78-yard scamper to open the fourth quarter was the 10th-longest in school history. The MSU single-game record is 137 punt return yards on six returns by Derrick Mason against Eastern Michigan in 1996. He also contributed four stops and a pass break-up against the Eagles.
Wiley recorded six tackles, two interceptions - returning one 31 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter - and a pass break-up in MSU's 38-31 loss at California in the 2008 season opener. With the two interception returns for 84 yards, Wiley moved into eighth place on MSU's all-time list with 161 career return yards.
SWENSON FEATURED ON LOU GROZA AWARD WATCH LIST -
Michigan State junior Brett Swenson, who needs 10 points to crack MSU's Top 10 in career scoring, is listed among 30 preseason candidates for the 2008 Lou Groza Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate placekicker by the FedEx Orange Bowl and sponsored by the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Sports Commission.
The 5-foot-8, 169-pound Swenson accounted for seven points in the 2008 season opener at California, converting 1-of-2 field-goal attempts and all four PATs. His 34-yard fi eld goal with 4:38 left in the fourth quarter against the Golden Bears pulled the Spartans to within a touchdown at 31-24.
The Pompano Beach, Fla., native already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in extra points (tied for fi fth with 98 made) and fi eld goals (eighth with 32 made). Swenson also ranks among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision active career leaders in extra points made (12th with 98), fi eld goals made (t-17th with 32) and scoring (19th with 194 total points).
The placekicker 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 fi nalists, selects the recipient.
The selection committee will identify 20 semifi nalists on Nov. 11, while three finalists will be named on Nov. 26. The winner will be announced during the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11 in Orlando, Fla.
THE CLOSE CALLS -
Over the last two seasons (2007-08), Michigan State has lost seven games by a combined total of 38, including two in overtime (Northwestern and Iowa in 2007). All seven games have been decided by seven points or less.
SPARTANS TOUGH ON HOME TURF - Spartan Stadium is in its 85th season as home to Michigan State football. Michigan State has compiled a 312-138-13 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 fi rst unbeaten and untied home slate since 1965 (5-0-0).
ALWAYS A CROWD FAVORITE -
Michigan State has ranked among the NCAA's top 25 in attendance each of the last 52 seasons, including No. 22 in 2007, averaging 70,540 fans per game.
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 93-27-1 (.773) when it scores at least 24 points and 15-78-1 (.165) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that 19-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of 108-105-2 (.507).
SPARTAN SINGLE-GAME BESTS UNDER DANTONIO -
Here's a look at the top single-game totals produced by Michigan State during head coach Mark Dantonio's tenure (2007-08; 16 games):
Rushing Yards: 368 vs. Indiana, 2007
Passing Yards: 323 vs. Wisconsin, 2007
Total Yards: 593 vs. UAB, 2007
First Downs: 28 vs. UAB and Indiana, 2007
Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: 12 by UAB, 2007
Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 53 by Iowa, 2007
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 193 by Indiana, 2007
Fewest First Downs Allowed: 9 by Florida Atlantic, 2008; by Notre Dame and Indiana, 2007
Sacks By: 7 vs. Bowling Green, 2007
Turnovers Forced: 3 vs. Bowling Green, Pittsburgh and Purdue, 2007
Points (Game): 55 vs. UAB, 2007
Points (Half): 45 (1st) vs. UAB, 2007
Points (Quarter): 24 (2nd) vs. UAB and Purdue, 2007
Victory Margin: 37 vs. UAB, 2007
SPARTANS IN THE NFL -
Michigan State had 21 former players listed on opening-day rosters for National Football League teams in 2008. Here's a complete list of Spartans currently playing in the NFL (opening-day rosters as of Monday, Sept. 1):
Baltimore Ravens: WR Derrick Mason
Carolina Panthers: WR Muhsin Muhammad
Chicago Bears: TE Kellen Davis
Cincinnati Bengals: C Kyle Cook, DT Domata Peko
Cleveland Browns: DL Robaire Smith
Dallas Cowboys: OT Flozell Adams
Detroit Lions: QB Drew Stanton
Miami Dolphins: P Brandon Fields, S Renald Hill
Minnesota Vikings: LB David Herron
New York Giants: WR Plaxico Burress
New York Jets: TE Chris Baker, S Eric Smith
Oakland Raiders: C Chris Morris
St. Louis Rams: DT Clifton Ryan
San Diego Chargers: DT Brandon McKinney
Seattle Seahawks: RB T.J. Duckett, LB Julian Peterson
Tennessee Titans: DT Kevin Vickerson
Washington Redskins: WR Devin Thomas
Three former Michigan State players are listed on NFL practice squads (as of Monday, Sept. 1):
Chicago Bears: DE Ervin Baldwin
Cleveland Browns: DB Travis Key
New York Jets: RB Jehuu Caulcrick
