Michigan State University Athletics
No. 11 Spartans Face Rutgers on Senior Day
11/21/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
| Game 11: No. 11 Michigan State (8-2, 5-1 B1G) vs. Rutgers (6-4, 2-4 B1G) | |
| Date | Time | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 12:01 p.m. |
| Location | East Lansing, Mich. Spartan Stadium (75,005/Natural Grass) |
| Televison | BTN |
| Broadcast Team | Cory Provus (play-by-play) Stanley Jackson (analyst) | Rick Pizzo (sidelines) |
| Internet Coverage | Watch Live (BTN2Go) | | Live Stats (Mobile Users) |
| Radio | Spartan Sports Network (Listen Live) | Affiliates |
| Satellite Radio | Ch. 132 (Sirius)/Ch. 196 (XM) |
| Radio (Mobile) | Broadcast available on Spartan Sports Network Mobile App: iPhone/iPad | Android |
| Parking/Tailgating/Stadium Information | Gameday Central | Gameday Answers |
| Tickets | msuspartans.com ($50-$80) |
| Parking | Lots will open at 7 a.m. |
| Game Notes | Michigan State | Rutgers |
| Social Media | @MSU_Football  | #MSURU | Facebook  |
FIRST-AND-10 -
• No. 11 Michigan State (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten) plays host to Rutgers (6-4, 2-4) on Senior Day Saturday, Nov. 22 at 12 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans are coming off their school-record ninth straight Big Ten road win with a 37-15 victory at Maryland last Saturday, while the Scarlet Knights snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating Indiana at home, 45-23. MSU moved up one spot to No. 11 in this week's College Football Playoff rankings. In addition, Michigan State improved two spots to No. 10 in this week's Associated Press Poll and three spots to No. 9 in the Amway Coaches Poll. The Spartans have been ranked in the AP Top 10 all but three weeks (10 of 13 polls) this season.
• Saturday's game marks the sixth meeting between Michigan State and Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights lead the all-time series, 3-2, including a 2-1 record in games played in East Lansing. In the last meeting, Rutgers defeated MSU in the 2004 season opener on Sept. 4, 19-14, in Piscataway, New Jersey. MSU head coach Mark Dantonio went 1-1 against Rutgers during his three seasons at Cincinnati (2004-06), including a 30-11 upset win over the seventh-ranked Scarlet Knights in 2006.
• With a 39-12 record, the 2014 senior class is already the second-winningest senior class in school history, trailing only the class of 2013 (42 wins). The 18-member 2014 senior class, which has been a part of a school-record three straight bowl wins (2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose) and won the 2013 Big Ten Championship, will be recognized Saturday in a pregame ceremony. MSU is 5-2 on Senior Day under Dantonio.
• The Spartans lead the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in turnover margin (+1.80 per game). MSU is +18 in the turnover department and has forced 28 turnovers this season (15 fumbles, 13 interceptions), which is tied for second most in the FBS. Conversely, the Spartans have turned the ball over just 10 times (four fumbles, six interceptions), fewest in the Big Ten and tied for 10th fewest in the FBS. MSU has scored 89 points off of turnovers, which ranks 14th most in the FBS.
• Michigan State's offense is on pace to become the most prolific in school history. The Spartans have already set school records for most points (438) and offensive touchdowns (55) in a single season, and rank fourth in rushing touchdowns with 34 (school record: 38 in 1948) and 10th in total offense with 5,051 yards (school record: 5,520 yards in 2004). MSU ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring, averaging 43.8 points per game (modern-day school record: 37.4 ppg. in 1978). Michigan State also leads the Big Ten and ranks seventh in the NCAA FBS in total offense, averaging 514.0 yards per game (school record: 497.3 ypg. in 2005). In addition, MSU ranks among the FBS Top 20 in yards per play (14th with 6.68), rushing offense (17th with 245.9 ypg.) and passing efficiency (18th with 151.8 rating).
• Michigan State is the only team in the FBS to rank in the Top 10 in total offense (seventh at 514.0 ypg.) and total defense (ninth at 305.5 ypg.).
• Mark Dantonio has always stressed the importance of a balanced offense, and the 2014 Spartans couldn't be more balanced statistically. MSU is one of just four teams in the FBS, along with Marshall, Ohio State and Toledo, to average more than 245 yards in both rushing and passing. The Spartans are averaging 245.9 yards rushing with 34 TDs and 268.1 yards passing with 21 TDs. Twelve different offensive players have scored touchdowns this season for the Spartans, including 10 with at least two touchdowns.
• A trademark of Mark Dantonio's Michigan State teams has been their ability to produce wins late in the regular season. Under Dantonio, Michigan State has compiled a 19-6 record (.760) in November. His teams have won 13 of the last 16 games in November (3-0 in 2010; 4-0 in 2011; 1-2 in 2012; 4-0 in 2013; 1-1 in 2014). In the four seasons (2003-06) prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU went just 2-11 (.154) in November.
• Michigan State, which has ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten and Top 10 in the NCAA FBS the past three seasons in total defense and rushing defense, ranks fourth in the Big Ten and ninth in the NCAA FBS in total defense in 2014 (305.5 ypg.). Alabama, Florida, Florida State and Michigan State are the only four schools in the FBS to rank in the Top 10 in total defense the past three seasons (since 2011). MSU is ranked eighth in the FBS in rushing defense (103.7 ypg.).
• Under Dantonio, Michigan State has produced a 43-12 record (.782) in home games, including a 15-game winning streak (7-0 in 2010, 7-0 in 2011, won first game in 2012) and a 12-game winning streak (7-0 in 2013, won first five games in 2014). MSU is 28-6 (.823) at home since 2010.
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 10 games):
Rushing - Jeremy Langford (203 carries for 1,116 yards, 5.5 avg., 15 TDs)
Passing - Connor Cook (159 of 274 for 2,466 yards, 19 TDs, 5 INTs)
Receiving - Tony Lippett (51 catches for 999 yards, 19.6 avg., 9 TDs)
Tackles - Kurtis Drummond (53 tackles, 36 solos, 17 assists, 3 INTs, 9 PBUs)
Rutgers (after 10 games):
Rushing - Desmon Peoples (115 carries for 447 yards, 3.9 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Gary Nova (139 of 239 for 2,212 yards, 16 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving - Leonte Carroo (46 catches for 933 yards, 20.3 avg., 8 TDs)
Tackles - Steve Longa (74 tackles, 50 solos, 24 assists, 4.5 TFL)
MSU/RUTGERS SERIES NOTES -
• Saturday's game marks the sixth meeting between Michigan State and Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights lead the all-time series, 3-2, including a 2-1 record in games played in East Lansing. In the last meeting, Rutgers defeated MSU in the 2004 season opener on Sept. 4, 19-14, in Piscataway, New Jersey.
• MSU head coach Mark Dantonio went 1-1 against Rutgers during his three seasons at Cincinnati (2004-06), including a 30-11 upset win over the seventh-ranked Scarlet Knights in 2006.
Here's a look at MSU's all-time results against Rutgers (2-3):
Sept. 10, 1988: Rutgers 17, Michigan State 13 (East Lansing)
Sept. 29, 1990: Michigan State 34, Rutgers 10 (Piscataway)
Sept. 28, 1991: Rutgers 14, Michigan State 7 (East Lansing)
Sept. 6, 2003: Michigan State 44, Rutgers 28 (East Lansing)
Sept. 4, 2004: Rutgers 19, Michigan State 14 (Piscataway)
Connor Kruse NAMED FOURTH GAME CAPTAIN -
• Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio has named fifth-year senior offensive lineman Connor Kruse the fourth game captain against Rutgers on Senior Day. Kruse also was named the fourth captain while making his first career start at Purdue. The native of Lowell, Michigan, missed the first three games with an injury he suffered in the second preseason scrimmage, but returned for the Wyoming game and played 48 snaps against Nebraska. A former walk-on, Kruse has seen action in 35 career games and can play all five positions on the offensive line. In seven games this season, including five starts (four at right guard, one at center), Kruse has recorded 54 knockdowns. He earned his second letter after playing in 13 games on last season's Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl Championship team.
SECOND-WINNINGEST SENIOR CLASS IN MSU HISTORY -
• With a 39-12 record, the 2014 senior class is already the second-winningest senior class in school history, trailing only the class of 2013 (42 wins). The 2014 senior class, which has been a part of a school-record three straight bowl wins (2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose) and won the 2013 Big Ten Championship, will be recognized Saturday in a pregame ceremony. The 39 wins by the class of 2014 since 2011 is tied for the most in the Big Ten Conference, along with Ohio State.
• The 18-member senior class includes: OL James Bodanis (Toronto, Ontario), OG Adam Brown (Columbia, Md.), S Kurtis Drummond (Masury, Ohio), SN Leland Ewing ( Jackson, Mich.), TE Andrew Gleichert (Ann Arbor, Mich.), LB Mylan Hicks (Detroit, Mich.), RB Nick Hill (Chelsea, Mich.), OL Travis Jackson (New Albany, Ohio), WR John Jakubik (Plymouth, Mich.), LB Taiwan Jones (New Baltimore, Mich.), DL James Kittredge (Ramsey, N.J.), OL Connor Kruse (Lowell, Mich.), RB Jeremy Langford (Wayne, Mich.), WR Tony Lippett (Detroit, Mich.), WR Keith Mumphery (Vienna, Ga.), FB Matt Rea (Rochester, Mich.), DE Marcus Rush (Cincinnati, Ohio) and P Mike Sadler (Grand Rapids, Mich.). Skyler Burkland (Sunbury, Ohio) and Patrick Rhomberg (Columbus, Ohio), who both retired early from football due to injuries, are also being recognized with the 2014 class.
• Seven members of the 2014 senior class have already received their undergraduate degrees: Hicks (psychology), Hill (psychology), Jackson (psychology), Jakubik (kinesiology), Kruse (economics), Mumphery (communication), and Sadler (applied engineering sciences).
SPARTANS FROM THE GARDEN STATE -
• Michigan State has three players on its 2014 roster from New Jersey: junior defensive end Shilique Calhoun (Middletown/Middletown North High School), fifth-year senior defensive lineman James Kittredge (Ramsey/Don Bosco Prep) and freshman running back Gerald Owens (Thorofare/West Deptford High School).
MSU/RUTGERS COACHING CONNECTIONS -
• Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and Rutgers offensive line coach Mitch Browning coached together on the same staff at Kansas for four seasons (1991-95) under Glen Mason. Dantonio was the secondary coach, while Browning coached the offensive line.
• Browning also has coached with Michigan State co-offensive coordinator/running backs coach Dave Warner. Browning and Warner coached together on the offensive staff at Kent State for four seasons (1984-87). Warner worked with the running backs (1984-85) and quarterbacks (1986-87), while Browning worked with the quarterbacks and wide receivers in 1984 and was the offensive coordinator from 1985-87. The two then worked together at Kansas for nine seasons (1988-96) under Glen Mason.
• Michigan State Director of Football Operations Tim Allen and Browing worked together at Minnesota for 10 seasons (1997-2006) under Glen Mason. Allen was the Director of Football Operations at Minnesota while Browning worked with the tight ends and was the offensive coordinator from 2000-06.
• Michigan State co-offensive coordinator/running backs coach Dave Warner and Rutgers assistant head coach/running backs coach Norries Wilson spent two seasons on the same staff at Connecticut (1999-2000). Warner was the offensive coordinator for those two seasons, while Norries was the offensive line coach.
• Michigan State assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi and Rutgers secondary coach Darrell Wilson spent one season on the same staff together at Rhode Island (1998).
A QUICK GLANCE AT RUTGERS (6-4, 2-4 BIG TEN) -
• Rutgers is led by third-year head coach Kyle Flood, who owns a 21-15 record at the school. Flood is the first coach in school history to lead the Scarlet Knights to bowl games in his first two seasons (2012 Russell Athletic Bowl, 2013 Pinstripe Bowl). He was named the 2012 BIG EAST Coach of the Year is in first season after leading Rutgers to a share of the conference championship with a 5-2 league mark. Flood has been with the Rutgers program since 2005, as he was an assistant for eight seasons before being named head coach on Jan. 31, 2012.
• The Scarlet Knights became bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive year following their 45-23 victory over Indiana at home last Saturday. Rutgers has played in bowl games eight of the past nine years.
• Rutgers is tied for fifth in the Big Ten East Division with a 2-4 conference record. The Scarlet Knights went 4-0 in non-conference games, including a victory over Washington State in the season opener. RU's first win in Big Ten play came against Michigan, 26-24, on Oct. 4.
• Rutgers ranks seventh in the Big Ten in total offense (382.1 ypg.) and passing (228.6 ypg.), eighth in scoring offense (26.3 ppg.) and 10th in rushing offense (153.5 ypg.).
• Defensively, the Scarlet Knights are 10th in the Big Ten in scoring defense (28.8 ypg.) and pass defense (226.0 ypg.), 11th in total defense (427.8 ypg.) and 13th in rushing defense (201.8 ypg.).
• Senior quarterback Gary Nova leads the FBS in passing yards per completion (15.9) and also ranks among the Big Ten leaders in passing efficiency (third with 149.6 rating), passing touchdowns (third with 16) and passing (fourth with 221.2 ypg.).
• Sophomore Desmon Peoples paces the ground game with 447 yards on 115 carries (44.7 ypg.). Junior Paul James was leading the team with 363 yards (90.8 ypg.) and five rushing TDs in four games, but is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in the fourth game against Navy.
• Junior Leonte Carroo is one of the top receivers in the Big Ten, ranking second in receiving (93.3 ypg.), tied for second in touchdown receptions (8) and seventh in receptions (46; 4.6 pg.).
• Sophomore linebacker Steve Longa leads the team with 74 tackles, while red-shirt freshman defensive lineman Kemoko Turay ranks first on the team and fourth in the Big Ten with 7.5 sacks (59 yards).
DANTONIO RANKS SECOND IN WINS AT MICHIGAN STATE -
• Eighth-year Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio won his 71st game at MSU on Oct. 25 against Michigan to move into second place all-time in victories in school history (record: Duffy Daugherty, 109)
• Dantonio is one of just four Spartan head coaches to coach in at least 100 games at MSU (Duffy Daugherty: 183; George Perles: 139; Charlie Bachman: 114). In addition, Dantonio is one of 20 active coaches in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision to have coached at least 100 games at the same school.
• Dantonio owns a 72-31 (.699) record as head coach of the Spartans. His .699 winning percentage currently ranks tied for fourth best at MSU.
• Dantonio's .694 winning percentage (43-19) in Big Ten games ranks first at MSU (minimum 10 Big Ten games).
• Dantonio is one of 13 coaches on the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Watch List. Last season, Dantonio was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, the Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year and the Bobby Bowden National Coach of the Year.
• Along with Dantonio, five Spartan assistant coaches - Harlon Barnett, Pat Narduzzi, Mark Staten, Mike Tressel and Dave Warner - have also coached in more than 100 games at MSU.
TOUGH TO BEAT IN NOVEMBER -
• A trademark of Mark Dantonio's Michigan State teams has been their ability to produce wins late in the regular season. Under Dantonio, Michigan State has compiled a 19-6 record (.760) in November. His teams have won 13 of the last 16 games in November (3-0 in 2010; 4-0 in 2011; 1-2 in 2012; 4-0 in 2013; 1-1 in 2014). In the four seasons (2003-06) prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU went just 2-11 (.154) in November.
POLL SPEAK -
• Michigan State has been ranked in The Associated Press Top 10 in 10 of the 13 polls released in 2014. It's the most weeks MSU has spent in the AP Top 10 in one season since 1966. The Spartans are currently ranked No. 10 and have spent the whole season ranked in the Top 15.
• Michigan State is 37-11 (.771) as a ranked team in the AP Poll under Mark Dantonio. As a ranked team, Michigan State has not lost to an unranked opponent under Dantonio (27-0).
• Michigan State was ranked No. 8 in the Preseason Associated Press and Amway Coaches Polls. It marked MSU's highest preseason ranking in the AP Poll since 1967 (No. 3). It also marked the Spartans' 14th appearance in the Preseason AP Top 10. Since 1950, Michigan State has appeared in the Preseason AP Poll 28 times. It marked MSU's highest preseason ranking in the Coaches Poll since USA TODAY began administering the poll in 1991.
• MSU's No. 3 final ranking in 2013 was the highest for the program since 1966 (No. 2). Michigan State did not enter the AP Poll until Week 10 (week of Oct. 27) last season.
• The Spartans have appeared in the final Top 25 rankings four times in the last six years (2008: No. 24 both polls; 2010: No. 14 both polls; 2011: No. 10 USA TODAY/No. 11 AP; and 2013: No. 3 both polls).
MARYLAND: POST-GAME NOTES (NO. 12 MICHIGAN STATE 37, MARYLAND 15) -
• Last Saturday's game marked the first meeting between Michigan State and Maryland since 1950 and the sixth overall in series history . . . MSU leads the overall series, 5-1, including a 2-0 record in College Park . . . it marked the first game between the two schools as members of the Big Ten Conference.
• Michigan State won its school-record ninth straight Big Ten road game . . . MSU is 22-9 (.710) in Big Ten road games under MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, including a 15-3 record (.833) since 2010 . . . Michigan State's nine-game road Big Ten winning streak, dating back to 2012, eclipses the previous record of eight set in 1965-67, and also again in 1988-90.
• A trademark of Mark Dantonio's Michigan State teams has been their ability to produce wins late in the regular season. Under Dantonio, Michigan State has compiled an 19-6 record (.760) in November. His teams have won 13 of the last 16 games in November (3-0 in 2010; 4-0 in 2011; 1-2 in 2012; 4-0 in 2013; 1-1 in 2014).
• The Spartans have won eight consecutive road games in November and nine of 10 November road games under Dantonio (only November road loss: Nov. 22, 2008, at No. 7 Penn State).
• Michigan State has won 15 of its last 16 games against Big Ten opponents, including 14 wins by double-figures (only win not by double-figures: 27-22 victory over No. 19 Nebraska on Oct. 4, 2014).
OFFENSE
• Michigan State's offense set two school season records against Maryland: most points (438) in school history (previous record: 434 in 2011) and most offensive touchdowns with 55 (previous record: 54 in 1978). MSU is averaging 43.8 points per game (school record: 37.4 in 1978).
• Jeremy Langford had 138 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns on 25 carries . . . he has now rushed for more than 100 yards in 13 straight Big Ten games and 14 consecutive games against Big Ten opponents, dating back to last season's game against Indiana Oct. 12 . . . Langford's 13 consecutive 100-yard rushing performances in Big Ten regular-season games is a school record and it's also the longest streak in the FBS in the last 10 seasons . . . Langford crossed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in the game and now has 1,116 yards this season . . . he is the first Spartan running back since Javon Ringer in 2007-08 and just the sixth in school history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons (career-high 1,422 rushing yards in 2013) . . . Langford has scored 11 touchdowns in the past four games and now has 15 for the season and 33 for his career . . . the 33 rushing TDs are the most ever by a Spartan in a two-season span . . . he's also the first Spartan to record at least 15 rushing TDs in back-to-back seasons . . . Langford has rushed for more than 100 yards in seven consecutive games, one shy of his school record eight-game streak he had last season.
• Connor Cook completed 14-of-31 throws for 240 yards . . . it marked his sixth straight 200-yard passing game . . . Cook's streak of 16 consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass came to an end; the streak is tied for the longest in school history, along with Kirk Cousins and Drew Stanton.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
• Fifth-year defensive end Marcus Rush set MSU's all-time starts record with the 50th of his career Saturday against Maryland (previous record holders: LB Eric Gordon and OG Joel Foreman with 49) . . . Rush tied a career high with two sacks against the Terrapins.
• The Spartans forced four Maryland turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble).
• Michigan State tied a school record by holding Maryland to zero rushing first downs . . . it marked the seventh time MSU had held an opponent without a rushing first down, including the fourth time under Mark Dantonio (2013 vs. Iowa; 2012 vs. Minnesota; 2011 vs. Florida Atlantic).
• MSU held Maryland to 6 yards rushing, the fewest by a Spartan opponent this season . . . it marked the sixth time in 10 games in 2014 MSU has held its opponent to under 100 yards rushing, and the fourth time under 50 yards . . . since 2012, MSU has held its opponent under-50 yards rushing 13 times, most in the FBS.
• RJ Williamson returned an interception 22 yards for a touchdown with 1:06 left in the third quarter to give MSU a 23-7 lead . . . it marked Williamson's second interception return for a touchdown this season (29 yards vs. Michigan) . . . it was Williamson's third interception of the season and sixth of his career . . . it was MSU's third defensive TD of the season (Darien Harris 15-yard interception return for a TD at Purdue) . . . it was MSU's 22nd defensive touchdown under head coach Mark Dantonio.
• Kurtis Drummond recorded his third interception of the season and 11th of his career in the first quarter . . . Drummond is now tied for 10th in school history with 11 career interceptions . . . Drummond also had two pass break-ups in the game.
• Michigan State held Maryland to 2-of-14 on third-down conversions and 1-of-3 on fourth down.
• Ed Davis led the team with a career-high nine tackles, including a 3-yard loss.
• Michael Geiger made a season-high three field goals (22, 34 and 35 yards) . . . Geiger is now 11-of-18 on field-goal attempts this season after going 3-for-4 against Maryland.
Connor Cook NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR MAXWELL, O'BRIEN AWARDS -
Junior quarterback Connor Cook, who was named to the ESPN.com and Phil Steele Midseason All-Big Ten Teams, has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, which is given annually to the collegiate player of the year. He also is one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award.
Cook leads the Big Ten in passing (246.6 ypg.) and ranks second in the conference and 14th in the NCAA FBS in passing efficiency with a 152.9 rating. He also ranks among the Big Ten leaders in touchdown passes (second with 19), total offense (second with 253.0 ypg.) and completion percentage (sixth at .580). Cook tied a school record, shared by Kirk Cousins and Drew Stanton, by throwing for a TD pass in 16 straight games, but the streak was snapped at Maryland.
Cook, who went 12-1 in his first season as the starter in 2013, owns a 20-3 record (.869) as the starting quarterback, including a 14-1 record against Big Ten opponents. He won 11 consecutive games, spanning the 2013 Big Ten opener against Iowa to the 2014 season opener against Jacksonville State, which was the second-longest streak by a starting Spartan QB in school history. Al Dorow won 15 straight games as the starter in 1950-51.
Cook recorded his sixth straight 200-yard passing game by throwing for 240 yards on 14-of-31 attempts at Maryland, but had his streak of consecutive games with a touchdown pass halted at 16.
The Hinckley, Ohio, native threw for a career-high 358 yards, completing 25-of-45 throws in the loss to No. 14 Ohio State Nov. 8. The 358 yards were the fifth most in a single-game in MSU history and second most against Ohio State (Jim Miller, 360 yards, 1993). Cook fired two touchdown passes (15 yards to Keith Mumphery, 16 yards to Josiah Price) to tie a school record with 16 straight games with at least one touchdown pass.
Cook completed 12-of-22 throws for 227 yards with one TD in leading the Spartans to their second straight win against Michigan Oct. 25. With the one TD, he became the seventh MSU QB to throw for at least 40 career TDs.
Cook was 24-of-32 passing for 332 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the 56-17 victory at Indiana Oct. 18. For his effort at Indiana, Cook was named one of eight quarterback "Stars of the Week" by The Manning Award.
Cook threw for 238 yards on 19-of-27 throws and three TDs in the 45-31 win at Purdue Oct. 11.
In the Big Ten opener against No. 19 Nebraska Oct. 4, Cook was 11-of-29 passing for 234 yards, one touchdown (55 yards to Tony Lippett) and one interception.
In limited action against Eastern Michigan (Sept. 20) and Wyoming (Sept. 27), Cook threw for two touchdowns and completed 5-of-6 passes for 83 yards against EMU, and had two TDs and 126 yards on 8-of-12 throws against the Cowboys.
Cook completed 12-of-13 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener against Jacksonville State Aug. 29, and set career highs in completions (29) and attempts (47) while passing for 343 yards at No. 3 Oregon Sept. 6.
Cook was named the Most Outstanding Player in the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game after throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns, and he topped that performance by racking up 332 passing yards and two touchdowns against Stanford while being named the 2014 Rose Bowl Game's Offensive MVP. He finished his first year as the starter with one of the best statistical seasons in school history, ranking second in the MSU single-season record book in touchdown passes (22), fourth in total offense (2,831 yards) and pass attempts (380), fifth in passing yards (2,755), and sixth in pass completions (223).
Cook already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in passing efficiency (third with 141.9 rating), touchdown passes (tied for sixth with 42), total offense (sixth with 5,452 yards), passing yards (eighth with 5,315), pass completions (ninth with 391) and completion percentage (ninth at .583). His 16 200-yard passing games rank fourth most in MSU history, and his five 300-yard passing games are tied for third most.
Tony Lippett LEADS BIG TEN IN RECEIVING AND TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS -
Senior wide receiver Tony Lippett is having a career year in his last season wearing the Green and White. The Detroit, Michigan, native, who was named to the Phil Steele Midseason All-America Third Team, ranks first in the Big Ten and 14th in the FBS with 99.9 receiving yards per game. He leads the Big Ten and ranks tied for ninth in the FBS with nine TD receptions this season. Lippett already ranks among MSU's single-season leaders in 100-yard receiving games (tied for third with six), touchdown catches (tied for fifth with nine) and receiving yards (eighth with 999). He has caught a touchdown pass in nine of his last 12 games and has at least one reception in 20 consecutive games.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Lippett also is tied for fourth in the conference with 5.1 receptions per game (career-high 51 catches for career-high 999 yards; 19.6 avg.). He needs just one yard to record the eighth 1,000-yard receiving season in MSU single-season history.
Forty-four of Lippett's 51 catches (86 percent) have gone for either a touchdown or first down, and he leads the receivers with 16 receptions of 20-plus yards. His 316 yards after the catch (YAC) lead the team.
Lippett recorded his sixth 100-yard receiving game of the season, with three receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown with a 70-yard TD catch, in the win over Michigan Oct. 25. The 70-yarder was Lippett's second longest of the season and his career, behind a 71-yarder in the season-opener against Jacksonville State.
Lippett led the Spartans with seven catches for 123 yards at Indiana; however, his streak of eight straight games with a touchdown catch was snapped.
He caught a touchdown pass for the eighth straight game with a 39-yard TD reception from Connor Cook in the first quarter at Purdue. He ended up with 138 receiving yards on seven catches against the Boilermakers.
In the Big Ten opener against Nebraska, Lippett had three receptions for 105 yards, including a 55-yard TD from Cook. He also scored on a 32-yard TD run on a double reverse in the third quarter for his first career rushing touchdown.
Lippett caught two touchdown passes (23 and 8 yards) in limited action vs. Eastern Michigan; he finished with three receptions for 45 yards against the Eagles. In the non-conference finale against Wyoming, Lippett hauled in four catches for 76 yards, including a 19-yard TD pass from Cook.
At No. 3 Oregon Sept. 6, Lippett had a career-best 11 receptions for 133 yards, becoming the first Spartan receiver to record back-to-back 100-yard receiving games since B.J. Cunningham in 2011. The 11 receptions tied for seventh most in MSU single-game history.
Lippett established a career high with 167 receiving yards on just four catches in the season opener against Jacksonville State, including touchdown receptions of 71 and 64 yards from Cook in the first quarter.
Lippett led the Spartans with 44 catches for 613 yards and two TDs in 2013.
A three-year letterwinner, Lippett has 135 catches for 2,048 yards (15.2 avg.) and 13 touchdowns in 51 career games, including 25 starts. Lippett moved to wide receiver full-time in 2012 after playing both receiver and cornerback in 2011. He currently ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in receptions (tied for fifth with 135), receiving yards (10th with 2,048) and touchdown receptions (tied for 11th with 13).
LANGFORD CONTINUES 100-YARD RUSHING STREAK AGAINST BIG TEN OPPONENTS -
Fifth-year senior running back Jeremy Langford has rushed for more than 100 yards in 13 straight Big Ten games and 14 consecutive games against Big Ten opponents, dating back to last season's game against Indiana Oct. 12. Langford's 13 consecutive 100-yard rushing performances in Big Ten regular-season games is a school record. It's also the longest active 100-yard streak in the FBS for regular-season conference games in the last 10 seasons.
Langford leads the team and ranks fifth in the Big Ten in rushing (111.6 ypg.); in conference games, he ranks fourth in rushing (129.3 ypg.). He has collected 1,116 rushing yards on 203 carries (5.5 avg.) with 15 touchdowns, including a team-best 12 runs of 20-plus yards. Langford also leads team in all-purpose yards (1,171; 117.1 ypg.) and scoring (90 points; 9.0 ppg.). He ranks eighth in the FBS in rushing TDs (15) and 19th in rushing (111.6 ypg.).
A year after setting an MSU record with eight consecutive 100-yard rushing games, Langford enters the Rutgers game with seven straight 100-yard games. He's the first running back to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons since Javon Ringer in 2007-08, and just the sixth in Spartan history (Blake Ezor, 1988-89; Tico Duckett, 1990-92; Sedrick Irvin, 1996-98; T.J. Duckett, 2000-01; Ringer, 2007-08).
Langford, who scored a Big Ten-leading 18 rushing touchdowns in 2013, has scored 33 rushing TDs since the beginning of last season. The 33 rushing TDs are the most ever by a Spartan in a two-season span (previous record: Blake Ezor with 30 rushing TDs in 1988-89). Nine of Langford's 33 rushing TDs since 2013 have come in the fourth quarter, including five of 25 yards or longer.
Langford posted his fourth straight multiple touchdown game with two rushing touchdowns at Maryland. He also compiled his 13th straight 100-yard rushing game against a Big Ten opponent with 138 yards on the ground on 25 carries against the Terrapins.
Langford recorded three rushing touchdowns as he scored on a pair of 1-yard runs and also a 33-yarder Nov. 8 vs. No. 14 Ohio State. He finished with 137 yards on 18 attempts (7.6 avg.) against the Buckeyes.
Langford tallied career highs in rushing yards (177) and carries (35) and tied a career best with three rushing touchdowns in the 35-11 victory over Michigan Oct. 25 in Spartan Stadium. It marked the fifth-highest single-game rushing total for a Spartan against the Wolverines. In his last two games vs. Michigan, Langford rushed 61 times for 297 yards (148.5 ypg.) and four touchdowns. He was named the fourth game captain for the Spartans vs. Michigan.
The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Langford rushed 21 times for 109 yards and three touchdowns at Indiana.
Langford began the Big Ten season by collecting 111 rushing yards against No. 19 Nebraska, and followed that effort with a 104-yard performance at Purdue. His first 100-yard rushing effort of the season came against Wyoming (16 attempts for 137 yards and one TD).
Langford ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in total touchdowns (tied for fourth with 35), 100-yard rushing games (tied for fifth with 15), rushing touchdowns (tied for sixth with 33), rushing yards (11th with 2,561) and carries (13th with 504). The Wayne, Michigan, product, who ranked first in the Big Ten in 2013 with 18 rushing touchdowns, also ranked sixth in the Big Ten in rushing (101.6 ypg.) in 2013 and established a school record by rushing for more than 100 yards in eight consecutive games. His career-high 1,422 rushing yards as a junior rank eighth most in an MSU single-season.
EXPLOSIVE OFFENSE ON PACE FOR RECORD-BREAKING SEASON -
• The Spartans returned seven starters and 16 players with starting experience on offense from last year's Rose Bowl and Big Ten Championship team, including junior quarterback Connor Cook, who went 12-1 in his first season as the starter in 2013. Overall, the Spartans returned 97 percent of their total offense from a year ago, 99 percent of their rushing yards and 79 percent of their receiving yards.
• Michigan State's offense is on pace to become the most prolific in school history. The Spartans have already set school records for most points (438) and offensive touchdowns (55) in a single season, and rank fourth in rushing touchdowns with 34 (school record: 38 in 1948) and 10th in total offense with 5,051 yards (school record: 5,520 yards in 2004).
• MSU ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring, averaging 43.8 points per game (modern-day school record: 37.4 ppg. in 1978). Michigan State also leads the Big Ten and ranks seventh in the NCAA FBS in total offense, averaging 514.0 yards per game (school record: 497.3 ypg. in 2005). In addition, MSU ranks among the FBS Top 20 in yards per play (14th with 6.68), rushing offense (17th with 245.9 ypg.) and passing efficiency (18th with 151.8 rating).
• Mark Dantonio has always stressed the importance of a balanced offense, and the 2014 Spartans couldn't be more balanced statistically. MSU is one of just four teams in the FBS, along with Marshall, Ohio State and Toledo, to average more than 245 yards in both rushing and passing. The Spartans are averaging 245.9 yards rushing with 34 TDs and 268.1 yards passing with 21 TDs. Twelve different offensive players have scored touchdowns this season for the Spartans, including 10 with at least two touchdowns.
SPARTAN OFFENSE PRODUCTIVE AND HIGHLY EFFICIENT -
• Michigan State's offense has not only been incredibly productive this season, but also remarkably efficient, scoring touchdowns on 40 percent of its possessions (.401 percent, 55-of-137). The Spartans also are scoring on 48 percent of their possessions (66-of-137, 55 touchdowns, 11 field goals). [Not including drives of two plays or fewer to end a half].
• MSU's scoring margin of +21.1 ranks seventh in the FBS. In addition, MSU has outscored teams in the first half by 169 points (273-104) and in the first quarter by 97 points (125-28).
• Michigan State ranks No. 2 in the NCAA FBS in time of possession (35:37). Under Mark Dantonio, Michigan State is 55-10 (.846) when leading in time of possession, including a 42-7 record (.857) since 2010. The Spartans ranked second in the Big Ten and seventh in the NCAA FBS in time of possession (33:19 per game) in 2013.
• Michigan State has scored at least 45 points in five games thus far in 2014; it marks just the third time in school history (1948, 1978) that the Spartans have scored at least 45 points in a season five times.
• Michigan State has collected more than 500 yards of total offense five times this season (564 vs. Jacksonville State, 533 vs. Wyoming, 532 vs. Purdue, 662 vs. Indiana, 536 vs. Ohio State).
• Against Eastern Michigan (73 points) and Wyoming (56 points), MSU scored 50 points in back-to-back games for the first time since 1978. In addition, the Spartans have scored 50 points three times this season (Indiana, 56) for the first time since 1978.
• Michigan State has produced 300-plus total yards in the first half in six of 10 games this season.
• MSU has gotten off to a fast start in games this season, scoring touchdowns on its first possession in seven of its 10 games this season.
SPARTAN OFFENSIVE LINE FEATURES DEPTH AND EXPERIENCE -
• Although the Spartans lost three starters (RT Fou Fonoti, RG Dan France, LG Blake Treadwell) from the strongest offensive line of the Mark Dantonio era in 2013, MSU brought back five veterans that have played extensively up front. The eight-man playing rotation in 2014, which has used four different starting combinations this season, is proving to be just as deep and versatile as the 2013 unit. The five listed starters on the offensive line have a combined 104 starts (C Jack Allen: 32; LG Travis Jackson: 28; LT Jack Conklin: 23; RT Donavon Clark: 16; RG Connor Kruse: 5).
• Junior Jack Allen, who is on the Rimington Trophy Watch List for the nation's top center, is in his second season as the starting center. He has played in 33 career games, including 32 starts (27 at center, five at left guard). He was named a Midseason All-American by CBSSports.com (second team) and Phil Steele (third team).
• Sophomore Jack Conklin has started 20 consecutive games at left tackle and has only allowed 1.5 sacks in 24 career games. The former walk-on, who was awarded a scholarship after the 2012 season, was a first-team All-Big Ten Midseason selection by ESPN.com and Phil Steele and is on the watch list for the Outland Trophy. Conklin leads the team with 88 knockdowns and has played a team-high 732 snaps. Conklin is one 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy (former walk-on).
• Fifth-year senior Travis Jackson is in his third year as a starter on the offensive line, his first at left guard. He has played in 38 career games, including 28 starting assignments (18 at center, nine at left guard, one at right guard).
• Junior Donovan Clark has started all 10 games (six games at right guard and four at right tackle).
• Fifth-year senior Connor Kruse, who missed the first three games of the season after suffering an injury in preseason camp, can play any position on the offensive line. He has started four games at right guard (vs. Purdue, Michigan, Ohio State and Maryland) and one at center (vs. Indiana).
• In Kruse's absence during the early portion of the season, sophomore Kodi Kieler was inserted into the starting rotation at right tackle. Kieler has started six games at right tackle. Freshman Brian Allen, who received his first career start against Wyoming at left guard, has played extensively on the line at three positions: center, left guard and right guard. Junior Brandon Clemons, who has seen action on both the offensive and defensive lines this season, will also see time in the playing rotation for the Spartans.
• The eight-man rotation at offensive line has given up just eight sacks (36 yards) in 2014, tied for third fewest in the FBS. Michigan State's offensive line allowed 17 sacks (1.21 per game) in 2013, which ranked second fewest in the Big Ten and 15th in the NCAA FBS.
TRULY ELITE -
• Since 2011, Michigan State's defense has been one of the most consistent in the FBS. The Spartans are one of just four schools, along with Alabama, Florida and Florida State, to rank among the FBS Top 10 in total defense the past three seasons (No. 6 in 2011, No. 4 in 2012, No. 2 in 2013). MSU is on pace to rank in the FBS Top 10 in total defense for the fourth consecutive year, currently ranking ninth in the FBS in total defense (305.5 ypg.) through 10 games in 2014.
• Michigan State and Alabama are the only teams to rank in the FBS top 11 the past three years in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and passing defense.
• The Spartans are one of just two NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision schools, along with Alabama, to rank in the Top 10 nationally in total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense the last three years.
• The Spartans are the only school in the NCAA FBS to rank among the nation's Top 20 in pass defense and pass efficiency defense the past three seasons.
• MSU has finished in the Top 25 nationally in rushing defense four of the past five seasons (24th in 2009; ninth in 2011; eighth in 2012; second in 2013). MSU is currently ranked eighth in the FBS in rushing defense (103.7 ypg.).
• In 103 games under Mark Dantonio, MSU has held its opponents under 100 yards rushing 51 times (49 percent).
• Since the start of the 2012 season, Michigan State has held opponents to 50 rushing yards or less 13 times (five times in 2012, four in 2013, four in 2014), most of any school in the FBS.
• Since the beginning of 2011, Michigan State has held 31 opponents under 100 rushing yards (seven in 2011; eight in 2012; 10 in 2013; six in 2014), which ranks third most in the NCAA FBS.
SPARTAN DEFENSE RANKED AMONG NATION'S BEST ONCE AGAIN IN 2014 -
• Michigan State, which has ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten the past three seasons in total defense and rushing defense, ranks fourth in the conference and ninth in the NCAA FBS in total defense (305.5 ypg.). MSU also ranks fourth in the Big Ten and eighth in the NCAA FBS in rushing defense (103.7 ypg.).
• The Spartans are putting pressure on the quarterback, as they rank first in the Big Ten and tied for ninth in the FBS with 33 sacks (3.3 per game). Junior defensive end Shilique Calhoun leads the team with 6.5 sacks.
• Michigan State ranks fourth in the Big Ten and ninth in the FBS in third-down conversion defense (41 of 137, .299). Last season, MSU ranked second in the FBS in third-down conversion defense (57 of 204, .279).
• MSU ranks fourth in the FBS in first downs allowed (143) and first in rushing first downs allowed (49).
SPARTAN DEFENSE FORCING TURNOVERS -
• The Spartans lead the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in turnover margin (+1.80 per game). MSU is +18 in the turnover department and has forced 28 turnovers this season (15 fumbles, 13 interceptions), which is tied for second most in the FBS. Conversely, the Spartans have turned the ball over just 10 times (four fumbles, six interceptions), fewest in the Big Ten and tied for 10th fewest in the FBS.
• MSU has scored 89 points off of turnovers, which ranks 12th most in the FBS.
• Michigan State ranked first in the Big Ten and tied for 10th in the FBS in turnover margin (+13, 0.93 per game) in 2013. The Spartans forced the most turnovers in the Big Ten (28) and also turned the ball over the least amount of times (15) in the conference.
• Michigan State has forced at least one turnover in 83 of 103 games over the last eight seasons (81 percent of the games played since 2007), including nine games in 2014.
THREE-AND-OUT -
• In 10 games this season, the Spartans have forced their opponents to go three-and-out on 57 of 136 possessions (.419 percent; 5.7 per game), which ranks seventh in the nation. The Spartans are forcing an average of 5.7 three-and-outs per game, which also ranks seventh in the FBS. [Three-and-out: either holding opponent without a first down within its first three plays on a new series or forcing a turnover in the first three plays.]
Trae Waynes NAMED THORPE AWARD SEMIFINALIST -
Junior cornerback Trae Waynes has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually since 1986 to the nation's top defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Waynes is the only defensive back from the Big Ten and one of seven corners featured on the list of semifinalists.
A first-team Midseason All-American by SI.com, Waynes ranks second on the team with six pass break-ups, tied for third with two interceptions, and has 36 tackles, including two for losses (9 yards) with a 4-yard sack. He also was named a Midseason All-American by CBSSports.com (second team) and Phil Steele (third team).
As a team, the Spartans rank 22nd in passing efficiency defense (110.3 rating).
Waynes led the secondary with 20 production points, including four tackles and a pass break-up, in Michigan State's 37-15 win at Maryland.
The 6-foot-1, 182-pound native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, recorded five tackles and a pass break-up in MSU's 35-11 win over Michigan Oct. 25, the Spartans' biggest win (24 points) over the Wolverines since 1967. Waynes helped the secondary limit Michigan to 125 yards passing.
Waynes recorded a career-best two tackles for loss (9 yards), including a 4-yard sack, in MSU's 56-17 win at Indiana Oct. 18. He led the secondary with 20 production points at Purdue after collecting five tackles and recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter.
In the Big Ten opener against No. 19 Nebraska, Waynes tied his career high with two interceptions and also posted career bests in tackles (7) and pass break-ups (2). His second interception with 30 seconds remaining in the game sealed the 27-22 victory over the Huskers.
Waynes, who has started 24 consecutive games, has 91 tackles, five interceptions and 11 pass break-ups in 33 career contests. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore in 2013, recording 50 tackles, three interceptions and five pass break-ups as the Spartans led the NCAA FBS in pass efficiency defense.
Shilique Calhoun CONTINUES TO WREAK HAVOC ON OPPOSING OFFENSES -
A year after being named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, junior defensive end Shilique Calhoun continues to produce big plays for the Spartans. Calhoun leads the team in sacks (6.5 for 79 yards) and is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss (11.0 for 97 yards). He ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth in the FBS in both sack yardage (79 yards) and tackles for loss yardage (97). Calhoun also ranks among the Big Ten leaders in sacks (tied for sixth with 0.65 per game) and tackles for loss (tied for eighth with 1.10 per game). In addition, he blocked a field goal in the Wyoming game and recovered a fumble and returned it 38 yards against No. 19 Nebraska. He ranks third on the team with 128 production points.
A product of Middletown, New Jersey, Calhoun was named one of 20 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, which is awarded to the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year. He was also one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award (college lineman of the year) and one of 20 quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. Calhoun earned Midseason All-America honors from CBSSports.com (second team) and Phil Steele (third team).
The 6-foot-5, 256-pound Calhoun has a tackle for loss in nine of MSU's 10 games. He recorded a tackle for loss in his eighth straight game with a 2-yard loss at Maryland, as the Spartans held the Terrapins to just 6 yards rushing.
Calhoun led the Spartan defense with 19 production points against No. 14 Ohio State, recording five tackles, including 1.5 for losses (9 yards) and a half sack (4 yards). He also led the Spartan defensive linemen with 15 production points in the win over Michigan Oct. 25, including three solo tackles with a 5-yard sack.
Calhoun paced the Spartans with 17 production points at Indiana after collecting four tackles, including 2.5 for losses (20 yards) and one sack (11 yards).
In MSU's Big Ten opener, a 27-22 win over No. 19 Nebraska, Calhoun had four tackles, including a 7-yard sack, and scooped up an Ameer Abdullah fumble at the MSU 7-yard line and returned it 38 yards.
Calhoun ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in tackles for loss yardage (sixth with 174), sack yardage (seventh with 125), sacks (tied for ninth with 15), and fumble recoveries (tied for 10th with five). In 37 career games, including 24 consecutive starts, he has 76 tackles with 27.5 resulting in losses (36 percent). Last season, Calhoun was a second-team All-American after recording 37 tackles, including 14 for losses with 7.5 sacks. He tied a school record with three defensive touchdowns and had four fumble recoveries.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS -
• Michigan State has won 15 of its last 16 games against Big Ten opponents, including 14 wins by double-figures (only win not by double-figures: 27-22 victory over No. 19 Nebraska on Oct. 4, 2014).
• Under Dantonio, Michigan State has compiled a 57-8 record (.877) when leading after three quarters, including a perfect 8-0 in 2014.
• Michigan State is 22-9 (.710) in Big Ten road games under MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, including a school-record nine-game winning streak and a 15-3 record (.833) since 2010. Dantonio has won at least one road game at every Big Ten stadium (excluding Rutgers, who joined the Big Ten in 2014 and where MSU has yet to play a conference game). Michigan State's nine-game road Big Ten winning streak, dating back to 2012, is the longest in school history, besting the previous record of eight straight set in 1965-67 and 1988-90.
• A trademark of Mark Dantonio's Michigan State teams has been their ability to produce wins late in the regular season. Under Dantonio, Michigan State has compiled a 19-6 record (.760) in November. His teams have won 13 of the last 16 games in November (3-0 in 2010; 4-0 in 2011; 1-2 in 2012; 4-0 in 2013; 1-1 in 2014). In the four seasons (2003-06) prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU went just 2-11 (.154) in November.
• The Spartans have won eight consecutive road games in November and nine of 10 November road games under Dantonio (only November road loss: Nov. 22, 2008 at No. 7 Penn State).
• Under Dantonio, Michigan State is 58-11 (.855) when outrushing its opponent, including a 42-4 record (.913) since 2010. The Spartans are 27-3 (.900) in games when gaining 200 or more rushing yards under Dantonio.
• Under Dantonio, Michigan State has produced a 43-12 record (.782) in home games, including a 15-game winning streak (7-0 in 2010, 7-0 in 2011, won first game in 2012) and a 12-game winning streak (7-0 in 2013, won first five games in 2014).
• Since the beginning of the 2010 season, Michigan State is 16-7 (.696) in games decided by 10 points or less. The losses have come against Wisconsin in the 2011 Big Ten Championship Game (42-39), Ohio State (17-16), Iowa (19-16 in 2OT), Michigan (12-10), Nebraska (28-24) and Northwestern (23-20) in 2012, and Notre Dame (17-13) in 2013.
GIDEON SMITH HONORED WITH AFCA TRAILBLAZER AWARD -
Gideon Smith, the first African-American athlete at Michigan State, and former head coach at Hampton University, has been named the American Football Coaches Association's recipient of the 2014 Trailblazer Award. The award will be presented posthumously at the AFCA President's Kickoff Luncheon on Jan. 12 at the 2015 AFCA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Smith passed away in 1968 at the age of 78.
The AFCA Trailblazer Award was created to honor early leaders in the football coaching profession who coached at historically black colleges and universities. The award is given each year to a person that coached in a particular decade ranging from 1920-1970. This year's winner coached from 1920 to 1929.
Smith was a standout defensive tackle for Michigan Agricultural College known for his brutal and physical play. Smith was the first African-American athlete to play a sport for Michigan Agricultural College and was one of the very first African-American men to play college football. In 1913, Smith and the Aggies defeated the Michigan Wolverines for the first time in school history, 12-7. Smith played a key role in the game by taking down Michigan's quarterback several times. After becoming the first African-American male to graduate from Michigan Agricultural College, Smith left for a professional football career.
Smith played his professional career with the Canton Bulldogs, and although he only played a single season, Smith and teammate Jim Thorpe led the team to a league championship. Following one season with the Bulldogs, Smith left to serve in World War I. Upon his return in 1920, he would become a professor at Hampton Institute (Hampton University) and become the head football coach one year later. In his second season as head coach, Smith and the Hampton Pirates won the black college national championship in 1922 with a 5-1 record. Smith would go on to be the face of Hampton football and lead the team from the sidelines until 1940. Under Smith, the Hampton Pirates claimed five Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference championships, a 97-46-12 overall record, and had one of the most dominating defenses of their time.
After retiring from coaching in 1940, Smith served as Hampton's assistant athletic director for 15 years. In 1947, Smith showed his devotion to education by returning to Michigan Agricultural College to earn his masters degree. In 1955, Smith retired from his position as assistant athletic director at Hampton.
In addition to being recognized as the 2014 AFCA Trailblazer Award recipient, Smith has been inducted to the Hampton University Athletics Hall of Fame and was a charter member of the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame.
