No. 10 Spartans Close Regular Season at Penn State

11/26/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football

Nov. 26, 2014

Game 12: No. 10 Michigan State (9-2, 6-1 B1G) at Penn State (6-5, 2-5 B1G)
Date \| Time	Saturday, Nov. 29 \| 3:36 p.m.
Location	University Park, Pa. Beaver Stadium (106,572/Natural Grass)
Televison	ABC/ESPN2
Broadcast Team	Mike Patrick (play-by-play) \| Ed Cunningham (analyst) Jeannine Edwards (sidelines)
Internet Coverage	Watch Live (WatchESPN) \|
Radio	Spartan Sports Network (Listen Live) \| Affiliates
Radio (Mobile)	Broadcast available on Spartan Sports Network Mobile App: iPhone/iPad \| Android
Parking/Tailgating/Stadium Information	Penn State Gameday Central
Game Notes	Michigan State \| Penn State
Social Media	@MSU_Football \| #MSUPSU \| Facebook

FIRST-AND-10 -
• No. 10 Michigan State (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) will look to record its fourth double-digit win season in five years in the regular-season finale Saturday, Nov. 29 at Penn State (6-5, 2-5). The Spartans have five double-digit win seasons in school history, including three under MSU head coach Mark Dantonio (11 in 2010; 11 in 2011; school-record 13 in 2013). MSU is coming off a 45-3 victory over Rutgers on Senior Day last Saturday in Spartan Stadium, while the Nittany Lions fell at Illinois, 16-14. Kickoff at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania, is set for 3:36 p.m. and the game will be televised on ABC (ESPN2 reverse mirror). The Spartans moved up one spot in this week's College Football Playoff rankings to No. 10; MSU is also ranked No. 10 in The Associated Press Poll and stands at No. 8 in the Amway Coaches Poll.

• Saturday's game marks the 29th meeting between Michigan State and Penn State. The Nittany Lions lead the all-time series 14-13-1, including a 9-5-1 record in games played in University Park. The home team has won 11 of the last 15 games, but the Spartans won the last meeting in Beaver Stadium in 2010, 28-22, to clinch a share of the Big Ten Championship. The Spartans are looking for back-to-back wins at Penn State for the second time in school history (1951, 1965) and the first time as Big Ten rivals.

• Since the renewal of the series in 1993, the winner of the Michigan State-Penn State game has been presented the Land-Grant Trophy. The trophy honors the two universities' unique places in history as the two pioneer land-grant schools in the nation. Each institution was founded in 1855, Michigan State on Feb. 12 and Penn State on Feb. 22. The schools were the prototypes after which the land-grant system was patterned. Since 1993, Penn State leads the series, 13-5.

• A year after setting an MSU record with eight consecutive 100-yard rushing games, fifth-year senior running back Jeremy Langford enters the Penn State game with a chance to establish a new school record with his ninth straight 100-yard game. He tied his own record in the Rutgers game with his eighth 100-yard rushing performance in a row with 126 yards and two touchdowns (18 yards, 38 yards) on 16 carries against the Scarlet Knights. Langford has rushed for more than 100 yards in 14 straight Big Ten games and 15 consecutive games against Big Ten opponents, dating back to last season's game against Indiana Oct. 12. Langford's 14 consecutive 100-yard rushing performances in Big Ten regular-season games is a school record. It's also the longest 100-yard streak in the FBS for regular-season conference games since STATS began tracking such records in 1996.

• The Spartans lead the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in turnover margin (+1.73 per game). MSU is +19 in the turnover department and has forced 31 turnovers this season (15 fumbles, 16 interceptions), which is third most in the FBS. Conversely, the Spartans have turned the ball over just 12 times (six fumbles, six interceptions), fewest in the Big Ten and tied for 11th fewest in the FBS. MSU has scored 103 points off of turnovers, which ranks 10th 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 (483), total offense (5,660 yards), offensive touchdowns (61) and made point-after attempts (63). The Spartans also need just one more rushing touchdown to set a school record (currently tied with 1948 team with 38 rushing TDs). MSU ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring, averaging 43.9 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 514.5 yards per game (school record: 497.3 ypg. in 2005). In addition, MSU ranks among the FBS Top 20 in yards per play (12th with 6.75), passing efficiency (14th with 154.1 rating) and rushing offense (19th with 245.5 ypg.).

• 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. It's also the fourth-longest active conference road winning streak in the FBS. 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).

• 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 20-6 record (.769) in November. His teams have won 14 of the last 17 games in November (3-0 in 2010; 4-0 in 2011; 1-2 in 2012; 4-0 in 2013; 2-1 in 2014). In the four seasons (2003-06) prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU went just 2-11 (.154) in November.

• 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, Mississippi State and Ohio State, to average more than 245 yards in both rushing and passing. The Spartans are averaging 245.5 yards rushing with 38 TDs and 269.0 yards passing with 23 TDs. Twelve different offensive players have scored touchdowns this season for the Spartans, including 10 with at least two touchdowns. The Spartans are also balanced offensively and defensively: MSU is the only team in the FBS to rank in the Top 10 in total offense (seventh at 514.5 ypg.) and total defense (eighth at 299.0 ypg.).

• 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 third in the Big Ten and eighth in the NCAA FBS in total defense in 2014 (299.0 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 also ranked eighth in the FBS in rushing defense (102.9 ypg.).

STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after 11 games):
Rushing - Jeremy Langford (219 carries for 1,242 yards, 5.7 avg., 17 TDs)
Passing - Connor Cook (175 of 298 for 2,720 yards, 21 TDs, 5 INTs)
Receiving - Tony Lippett (56 catches for 1,071 yards, 19.1 avg., 10 TDs)
Tackles - Kurtis Drummond (59 tackles, 41 solos, 18 assists, 4 INTs, 9 PBUs)

Penn State (after 11 games):
Rushing - Akeel Lynch (116 carries for 552 yards, 4.8 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Christian Hackenberg (215 of 389 for 2,411 yards, 8 TDs, 14 INTs)
Receiving - DaeSean Hamilton (69 catches for 793 yards, 11.5 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Mike Hull (121 tackles, 66 solos, 55 assists, 9.0 TFL)

MSU/PENN STATE SERIES NOTES -
• Saturday's game marks the 29th meeting between Michigan State and Penn State. The Nittany Lions lead the all-time series 14-13-1, including a 9-5-1 record in games played in University Park. The home team has won 11 of the last 15 games, but the Spartans won the last meeting in Beaver Stadium in 2010, 28-22, to clinch a share of the Big Ten Championship. The Spartans are looking for back-to-back wins at Penn State for the second time in school history (1951, 1965) and the first time as Big Ten rivals. MSU head coach Mark Dantonio is 2-2 against Penn State.

Tony Lippett NAMED FOURTH GAME CAPTAIN -
• Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio has named fifth-year senior wide reciever/cornerback Tony Lippett the fourth game captain for the Penn State game. Lippett was also named the fourth game captain earlier this season for the Nebraska game.

SECOND-WINNINGEST SENIOR CLASS IN MSU HISTORY -
• With a 40-12 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 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. The 40 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, were recognized with the 2014 class on Senior Day.

• 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 KEYSTONE STATE -
• Michigan State has seven players on its 2014 roster from Pennsylvania: junior offensive guard/defensive tackle Brandon Clemons (Milford/Delaware Valley High School), junior defensive back Demetrious Cox (Jeannette/Jeannette High School), junior tight end Paul Lang (Pittsburgh/Mount Lebanon High School), freshman safety Montae Nicholson (Monroeville/Gateway High School), freshman offensive lineman Casey Schreiner (Bethel Park/Bethel Park), sophomore quarterback Damion Terry (Erie/Cathedral Prep) and sophomore running back Delton Williams (Erie/Cathedral Prep).

A QUICK GLANCE AT PENN STATE (6-5, 2-5 BIG TEN) -
• Penn State is led by first-year head coach James Franklin, who owns a 30-20 overall record after guiding Vanderbilt to a 24-15 record during his three seasons (2011-13) in Nashville. Franklin led the Commodores to back-to-back AP Top 25 finishes (No. 23 in 2012, No. 24 in 2013) for the first time in school history. He led Vanderbilt to a bowl game in each of his three seasons, including consecutive wins (2012 Music City Bowl over North Carolina State; 2014 Compass Bowl over Houston).

• The Nittany Lions became bowl eligible with their win over Temple on Nov. 15. PSU last played in a bowl game during the 2011 season (lost to Houston in the TicketCity Bowl on Jan. 2, 2012).

• Penn State is tied for fifth in the Big Ten East Division with a 2-5 conference record. The Nittany Lions went 4-0 in non-conference games, with victories over Central Florida, Akron, Massachusetts and Temple. Penn State's two Big Ten wins have come against Rutgers and Indiana.

• The Nittany Lions feature one of the best defenses in the nation. PSU ranks first in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing just 81.7 yards per game. Penn State also ranks second in the Big Ten and third in the FBS in total defense (267.2 ypg.) and second in the conference and fourth in the FBS in scoring defense (16.2 ppg.). • Offensively, Penn State ranks fifth in the Big Ten in passing offense (224.4 ypg.) and 13th in scoring offense (20.6 ppg.), rushing offense (109.5 ypg.) and total offense (333.9 ypg.).

• Sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg ranks third in the Big Ten in passing (219.2 ypg.) and ninth in passing efficiency (106.9 rating). He has completed 55 percent of his throws (215-of-389) for eight touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

• Junior Akeel Lynch paces the ground game with 552 yards on 116 carries (50.2 ypg.) and three touchdowns. Senior Bill Belton leads the team with six rushing TDs and is second with 515 yards (46.8 ypg.).

• Fifth-year senior linebacker Mike Hull leads the Big Ten in tackles (121; 11.0 avg.).

THE LAST MEETING -
Nov. 27, 2010, in University Park, Pa. (AP): Michigan State marched off the field toward their sliver of boisterous, green-clad fans savoring a memorable trip to chilly Happy Valley.

The Spartans were headed home with a share of their first Big Ten title for the first time in two decades.

Edwin Baker ran for 118 yards and a touchdown, quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns to B.J. Cunningham, and the defense held off a fourth-quarter charge by penalty-prone Penn State for a 28-22 win at blustery Beaver Stadium.

Penn State scored 19 fourth-quarter points, and fans had dreams of an unlikely comeback after Matt McGloin found Derek Moye for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 56 seconds left. Michigan State recovered the ensuing onside kick to finally seal the win after leading 14-3 at halftime.

Penn State managed just a 34-yard field in the first half against a Spartan defense that gave up 85 yards and a touchdown to Evan Royster.

Jerel Worthy's sack of McGloin helped stop one early third-quarter drive, and Penn State followed with another three-and-out deep in its own territory and punted back to the Michigan State 48. Cousins followed with a six-play, 52-yard drive capped by his second touchdown pass to Cunningham for an 18-point lead.

The opening drive set the tone after Baker opened with a 16-yard rush, and a third-and-4 at the Spartans 49 turned into a first down on the Penn State 35 after defensive tackle Devon Still was called for a late hit on Cousins. Baker carried five of the next six plays, capped by his 7-yard dash into the left front pylon of the end zone for a 7-0 lead in a score upheld by replay review.

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; Dantonio: 104). 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 73-31 (.702) record as head coach of the Spartans. His .702 winning percentage currently ranks fourth best at MSU.

• Dantonio's .698 winning percentage (44-19) 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.

DANTONIO'S WINNING PERCENTAGE AT MSU AMONG THE BEST IN THE NATION -
• Mark Dantonio is one of just six active coaches in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision to own at least a .700 winning percentage in at least 100 games at the same school (Les Miles, LSU; Gary Patterson, TCU; Nick Saban, Alabama; Bob Stoops, Oklahoma; Mark Richt, Georgia).

PROGRAM NOTES -
• Michigan State returned 46 letterwinners and 15 starters in 2014 from last season's team that won a school-record 13 games, including a 24-20 victory over No. 5 Stanford in the 2014 Rose Bowl Game and a 34-24 win over No. 2 Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. MSU finished No. 3 in the final 2013 Associated Press and USA TODAY Polls, marking its highest placing in the national polls since 1966. In addition, Michigan State (13-1) became just the third team in Big Ten history to win at least 13 games in a season (Minnesota, 1904; and Ohio State, 2002).

• Michigan State has won eight Big Ten Championships in school history (1953, 1965, 1966, 1978, 1987, 1990, 2010, 2013), including two under head coach Mark Dantonio.

• With a school-record 13 victories in 2013, it marked the fifth time MSU has recorded double-digit wins in a season (10 in 1966, 10 in 1999, 11 in 2010, 11 in 2011, 13 in 2013), including three under Dantonio.

• Michigan State has appeared in a school-record seven consecutive bowl games (2007 Champs Sports, 2009 Capital One, 2010 Alamo, 2011 Capital One, 2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose). The seven-year bowl streak is currently the second longest in the Big Ten and 13th longest in the FBS. Michigan State became bowl eligible for the eighth consecutive year with the victory over Indiana Oct. 18.

• Michigan State's school-record three-game bowl winning streak (2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose Bowl) is also currently the longest active streak in the Big Ten. MSU is one of just six schools in the FBS to win bowl games in each of the last three seasons (Florida State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas A&M).

• With the win over Rutgers, Michigan State has now recorded at least nine wins in a season 14 times (1905, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1965, 1966, 1987, 1999, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014), including five under MSU head coach Mark Dantonio (9 in 2008; 11 in 2010; 11 in 2011; 13 in 2013; 9 in 2014).

• Michigan State is one of only seven schools to have had at least one player chosen every year since the inception of the common NFL Draft in 1967. MSU joins Arizona State, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Tennessee and USC as the only programs with at least one draft choice for 48 consecutive years.

• Michigan State and Florida are the only schools in the country to win multiple National Championships in football and men's basketball. MSU has won six national titles in football (1951, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1965, 1966) and two in men's basketball (1979, 2000). Michigan State is also the only school in the nation to win multiple National Championships in football, men's basketball and hockey.

• MSU's 51 wins since 2010 are tied for seventh most among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams (tied with Oklahoma and LSU) and most in the Big Ten during that same period. The Spartans have posted five consecutive winning seasons, a first for the program since recording six in a row from 1985-90. MSU has won 51 of its last 65 games (.785), dating back to the beginning of the 2010 season. In addition, the Spartans have won 24 of their last 27 games (.888), dating back to the 2012 regular-season finale.

• Since 2008, MSU has recorded 41 Big Ten regular-season victories, the most of any team in the conference (Note: Ohio State has won 47 games, but had to vacate seven victories following the 2010 season). The Spartans produced back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2010-11 for the first time in program history, claimed a share of the Big Ten Championship in 2010, won the inaugural Big Ten Legends Divisions title in 2011, and won the 2013 Big Ten Championship and 2014 Rose Bowl Game.

DAVE WARNER NOMINATED FOR FRANK BROYLES AWARD -
• Michigan State co-offensive coordinator/running backs coach Dave Warner has been nominated for the Frank Broyles Award, which is awarded annually to the nation's top assistant coach. Warner, who is in his eighth year on the MSU staff and second in his current role, has helped developed one of the top offenses in school history this season. The Spartans have already set school records for most points (483), total offense (5,660 yards), offensive touchdowns (61) and made point-after attempts (63). The Spartans also need just one more rushing touchdown to set a school record (currently tied with 1948 team with 38 rushing TDs). MSU ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring, averaging 43.9 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 514.5 yards per game (school record: 497.3 ypg. in 2005).

• Last season, assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi became the first Spartan assistant coach to win the Broyles Award.

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 20-6 record (.769) in November. His teams have won 14 of the last 17 games in November (3-0 in 2010; 4-0 in 2011; 1-2 in 2012; 4-0 in 2013; 2-1 in 2014). In the four seasons (2003-06) prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU went just 2-11 (.154) in November.

ROAD WARRIORS -
• 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. It's also the fourth-longest active conference road winning streak in the FBS.

• 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 a school-record nine consecutive Big Ten road games. Here's a look at where that conference road winning streak stacks up in the FBS:

POLL SPEAK -
• Michigan State has been ranked in The Associated Press Top 10 in 11 of the 14 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 38-11 (.776) 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 (28-0).

• 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).

SPARTANS MAINTAIN SUCCESS IN BIG TEN PLAY -
• Michigan State has won 16 of its last 17 games against Big Ten opponents, including 15 wins by double-figures (only win not by double-figures: 27-22 victory over No. 19 Nebraska on Oct. 4, 2014). Michigan State's 13-game Big Ten winning streak was snapped Nov. 8 in the loss to No. 14 Ohio State. It was the second-longest Big Ten winning streak in school history (16 straight from Oct. 2, 1965 to Oct. 21, 1967). In addition, MSU had won 14 consecutive games against Big Ten opponents (2013 Big Ten Championship Game vs. No. 2 Ohio State).

RUTGERS: POST-GAME NOTES (NO. 11 MICHIGAN STATE 45, RUTGERS 3) -
• Michigan State's senior class was honored before the game against Rutgers, and the 18-member class of 2014 became just the second Spartan senior class to win 40 games, and is second only behind the class of 2013 (42 wins) . . . the 40 wins by the class since 2011 is tied for the most in the Big Ten Conference with Ohio State . . . MSU is 6-2 on Senior Day under head coach Mark Dantonio.

• MSU's leveled the all-time series with Rutgers at 3-3 overall as well as 2-2 in games played in East Lansing . . . MSU head coach Mark Dantonio is 1-0 vs. the Scarlet Knights as head Spartans' coach, but he is 2-1 overall against Rutgers as he had a 1-1 mark as head coach at Cincinnati.

OFFENSE
• Michigan State added to its school record for scoring, as the 2014 edition of Spartan football has scored 483 points and 61 offensive touchdowns . . . with four rushing touchdowns vs. Rutgers, Michigan State tied the single-season record for rushing TDs with 38 . . . with 520 total yards vs. Rutgers, Michigan State set the single-season record for total offense with 5,660 yards.

• MSU's 45 points was its sixth game topping the 40-point mark, as well as scoring 35 or more in a game for the ninth game . . . the Spartans have scored at least 27 points in all 11 games this season and they surpassed that mark in the second quarter vs. Rutgers . . . MSU's 35 first-half points was its most in a half in a Big Ten Conference game this season and the fourth time this season scoring at least 35 points in the first half (49 vs. Eastern Michigan, 42 vs Wyoming, 38 vs. Jacksonville State).

• Tony Lippett played significant minutes on both sides of the football (wide receiver and cornerback) against Rutgers . . . with his first catch of the game on a 9-yard reception in the opening quarter, Lippett surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season, becoming the eighth MSU WR with 1,000 receiving yards in a season . . . he finished the game with 72 yards on five catches and one touchdown and has 1,071 yards on the year - the seventh-best single-season total in MSU history . . . Lippett's 30-yard first-quarter TD was his 10th of the season and 14th of his career . . . his 10 receiving TDs in 2014 are fifth most in an MSU single-season.

• Jeremy Langford rushed for 126 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns vs. Rutgers in his last appearance at Spartan Stadium . . . he went over the 100-yard mark with his first carry of the second half and his game output of 126 yards not only tied his school record of eight straight 100-yard rushing games, but it also extended his school record 15th consecutive 100-yard game against a Big Ten opponent and his 14th straight in conference play . . . his 126 yards pushed his season total to 1,242 yards, for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons after his 1,422 yards in 2013 . . . Langford's 38-yard rushing TD in the second quarter was his seventh rush of the season of 30-plus yards.

• Connor Cook recorded his seventh straight 200-yard passing game, all in Big Ten play, throwing for 254 yards on 16-of-24 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions . . . his two touchdowns gave him 44 for his career, moving up to No. 5 on the Spartans' TD all-time list, passing Dave Yarema (1982-86) . . . Cook threw multiple TD tosses for the eighth game of the season and 15th of his career . . . with his ninth completion, a 5-yard toss to Tony Lippett in the second quarter, Cook became the ninth MSU QB with 400 career pass completions . . . the 16 completions gave Cook 407 for his career.

• Nick Hill matched his career high with two rushing touchdowns, scoring on a 1-yard leap in the second quarter and a 16-yard scamper in the fourth quarter . . . Hill has scored a career-best nine rushing TDs in 2014 . . . the Spartan senior has 11 career rushing TDs . . . Hill finished with 12 carries for 59 yards.

• Michigan State improved to 8-0 this season when rushing for more than 200 yards (44 attempts for 251 yards and four touchdowns vs. Rutgers) . . . the Spartans are now 28-3 when gaining more than 200 rushing yards under Mark Dantonio.

• Michigan State amassed more than 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing in the same game for the sixth time of the season . . . the Spartans rushed for 242 yards and four touchdowns and passed for 254 yards and two more scores against Rutgers . . . Michigan State also produced more than 500 total yards for the sixth time this season (70 plays for 520 total yards).

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
• Michigan State held Rutgers to 95 yards rushing, marking the seventh time in 2014 the Spartan defense has held its opponent to under 100 yards on the ground . . . the Scarlet Knights were also held to 234 yards of total offense, their second-lowest output of the season.

• Kurtis Drummond snared his team-leading fourth interception of the season with his first quarter pick . . . it was Drummond's 12th career interception, which is not only the most among active Spartans, but it also moved Drummond up to a four-way tie for No. 7 on MSU's career interceptions list.

• Riley Bullough's second-quarter interception was his first career interception . . . Arjen Colquhoun also snared his first career interception with the pick in the end zone in the fourth quarter.

• Ed Davis led MSU in tackles for the second straight game, recording seven stops . . . Davis has led the team in tackles three times this season (at Indiana, at Maryland and vs. Rutgers).

• Joel Heath set career highs for tackles (5), tackles for loss (2 for 7 yards) and sacks (1 for 6 yards).

• MSU's defense forced three Rutgers turnovers - all interceptions . . . it marked the 10th time in 11 games that the Spartans have forced at least one turnover . . . it also marked the seventh time of the season that the Spartans recorded multiple takeaways.

• Michael Geiger's 23-yard field goal in the fourth quarter was his 12th field goal this season and 27th upright split of his career . . . Geiger also had a 23-yard rush in the third quarter on a fake field-goal attempt . . . with six PATs, Geiger also extended his MSU single-season record with 62 extra points.

Connor Cook LEADS BIG TEN IN PASSING -
Junior quarterback Connor Cook leads the Big Ten in passing (247.3 ypg.) and ranks second in the conference and 12th in the NCAA FBS in passing efficiency with a 155.3 rating. He also ranks among the Big Ten leaders in touchdown passes (second with 21), total offense (second with 253.5 ypg.) and completion percentage (fourth at .587). 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 has thrown for at least 200 yards in all seven Big Ten games, and leads the league in passing in conference games (269.0 ypg.). His nine 200-yard passing games in 2014 rank fourth most in an MSU single-season and his 21 touchdown passes are tied for fourth most.

Cook was named one of 20 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, which is given annually to the collegiate player of the year, and one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award.

Cook, who went 12-1 in his first season as the starter in 2013, owns a 21-3 record (.875) as the starting quarterback, including a 15-1 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.

The 6-foot-4, 218-pound Cook recorded his seventh straight 200-yard passing game (254 yards) while completing 16-of-24 throws and two touchdowns against Rutgers.

Cook passed 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 143.3 rating), touchdown passes (tied for fourth with 44), total offense (fifth with 5,711 yards), passing yards (seventh with 5,569), pass completions (ninth with 407) and completion percentage (ninth at .586). His 17 200-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 16th in the FBS with 97.4 receiving yards per game. He also leads the Big Ten and ranks tied for ninth in the FBS with 10 TD receptions.

Lippett, who has collected career highs in receptions (56), receiving yards (1,071) and touchdown catches (10) this season, is just the fourth Spartan in school history to record at least 50 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards and 10 TD catches in a single-season (Plaxico Burress: 1999; Charles Rogers: 2001, 2002; B.J. Cunningham: 2011). He ranks among MSU's single-season leaders in 100-yard receiving games (tied for third with six), touchdown catches (fifth with nine), receiving yards (seventh with 1,071) and receptions (14th with 56). He has caught a touchdown pass in 10 of his last 13 games and has at least one reception in 21 consecutive games.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Lippett also is fifth in the conference with 5.1 receptions per game. Forty-eight of his 54 catches (86 percent) have gone for either a touchdown or first down, and he leads the Spartan receivers with 17 receptions of 20-plus yards. His 353 yards after the catch (YAC) lead the team.

Lippett showcased his versatility on Senior Day against Rutgers, as he saw extended time at cornerback in his first appearance on defense since he was a red-shirt freshman in 2011. Lippett, who started five games at cornerback in 2011, had 18 tackles and five pass break-ups his first season. He didn't miss a beat against the Scarlet Knights, breaking up two passes and recording a tackle in his final home game. Lippett will see time at cornerback the remainder of the season and is listed as the starter at field corner on this week's depth chart. He also had a game-high 72 receiving yards on five catches, including a 30-yard touchdown reception, against the Scarlet Knights.

On Saturday against Penn State, Lippett is set to become Michigan State's first two-way starter since Allen Brenner (split end and safety) in 1968.

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 140 catches for 2,120 yards (15.1 avg.) and 14 touchdowns in 52 career games, including 26 starts (21 consecutive). 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 (fourth with 140), receiving yards (eighth with 2,120) and touchdown receptions (tied for ninth with 14).

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 14 straight Big Ten games and 15 consecutive games against Big Ten opponents, dating back to last season's game against Indiana Oct. 12. Langford's 14 consecutive 100-yard rushing performances in Big Ten regular-season games is a school record. It's also the longest 100-yard streak in the FBS for regular-season conference games since STATS began tracking such records in 1996.

Langford leads the team and ranks fifth in the Big Ten in rushing (112.9 ypg.); in conference games, he ranks third in rushing (128.9 ypg.). He has collected 1,242 rushing yards on 219 carries (5.7 avg.) with 17 touchdowns, including a team-best 13 runs of 20-plus yards, which ranks tied for 12th most in the FBS. In addition, he has seven rushes of 30-plus yards. Langford also leads team in all-purpose yards (1,297; 117.9 ypg.) and scoring (102 points; 9.3 ppg.). He ranks seventh in the FBS in rushing TDs (17) and 21st in rushing (112.9 ypg.). Langford has gained 525 of his 1,242 rushing yards (42 percent) after contact, which ranks tied for 11th among Power 5 Conference running backs, according to STATS.

A year after setting an MSU record with eight consecutive 100-yard rushing games, Langford enters the Penn State game with a chance to establish a new school record with nine straight 100-yard games. He tied his own record in the Rutgers game with his eighth 100-yard rushing performance in a row with 126 yards and two touchdowns (18 yards, 38 yards) on 16 carries against the Scarlet Knights. He has scored multiple rushing touchdowns in five straight games (13 rushing TDs over his last five games).

With 1,422 rushing yards as a junior in 2013 and now 1,242 yards as a senior, Langford is the first Spartan 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 35 rushing TDs since the beginning of last season with 17 more in 2014. The 35 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 35 rushing TDs since 2013 have come in the fourth quarter, including five of 25 yards or longer.

Langford collected 138 on the ground and two touchdowns on 25 carries at Maryland, including a 25-yard rushing TD in the fourth quarter.

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 100-yard rushing games (tied for third with 16), rushing touchdowns (tied for third with 35), total touchdowns (fourth with 37), rushing yards (ninth with 2,687) and carries (11th with 520). 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.

• MSU ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring, averaging 43.9 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 514.5 yards per game (school record: 497.3 ypg. in 2005). In addition, MSU ranks among the FBS Top 20 in yards per play (12th with 6.75), passing efficiency (14th with 154.1 rating) and rushing offense (19th with 245.5 ypg.).

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 41 percent of its possessions (.412 percent, 61-of-148). The Spartans also are scoring on 49 percent of their possessions (73-of-148, 61 touchdowns, 12 field goals). [Not including drives of two plays or fewer to end a half].

• MSU's scoring margin of +23.1 ranks third in the FBS. In addition, MSU has outscored teams in the first half by 204 points (308-104) and in the first quarter by 111 points (139-28).

• Michigan State ranks No. 1 in the NCAA FBS in time of possession (35:16). Under Mark Dantonio, Michigan State is 56-10 (.848) when leading in time of possession, including a 43-7 record (.860) 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 six games, marking the most amount of times MSU has scored at least 45 points in a single-season (five in 1948 and 1978).

• Michigan State has collected more than 500 yards of total offense six times this season (564 vs. Jacksonville State, 533 vs. Wyoming, 532 vs. Purdue, 662 vs. Indiana, 536 vs. Ohio State; 520 vs. Rutgers).

• 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 seven of 11 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 11 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 109 starts (C Jack Allen: 33; LG Travis Jackson: 29; LT Jack Conklin: 24; RT Donavon Clark: 17; RG Connor Kruse: 6).

• 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 21 consecutive games at left tackle and has only allowed 1.5 sacks in 25 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 was on the watch list for the Outland Trophy. Conklin leads the team with 93 knockdowns and has played a team-high 799 snaps. Conklin is one 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy (awarded to a 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 39 career games, including 29 starting assignments (18 at center, 10 at left guard, one at right guard).

• Junior Donovan Clark has started all 11 games this season (six games at right guard and five 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 five games at right guard (vs. Purdue, Michigan, Ohio State, Maryland and Rutgers) 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 nine sacks (40 yards) in 2014, tied for fourth 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 eighth in the FBS in total defense (299.0 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 (102.9 ypg.).

• In 104 games under Mark Dantonio, MSU has held its opponents under 100 yards rushing 52 times (50 percent).

• Since the Big Ten awarded conference stat champions in 1985 for overall games, MSU is the first team to win three-straight titles in total defense and rushing defense.

• The Spartans led the FBS in total defense for 13 straight weeks and finished the 2013 season ranked No. 2 in the FBS, allowing just 252.2 yards per game. MSU was the only school in 2013 to rank in the top three in the four major defensive stat categories: No. 2 in total defense, No. 2 in rushing defense (86.6 ypg.), No. 3 in scoring defense (13.2 ppg.) and No. 3 in pass defense (165.6 ypg.).

• 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 32 opponents under 100 rushing yards (seven in 2011; eight in 2012; 10 in 2013; seven in 2014), which ranks tied for second 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 third in the conference and eighth in the NCAA FBS in total defense (299.0 ypg.). MSU also ranks third in the Big Ten and eighth in the NCAA FBS in rushing defense (102.9 ypg.).

• The Spartans are putting pressure on the quarterback, as they rank tied for first in the Big Ten and tied for 15th in the FBS with 34 sacks (3.1 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 (45 of 151, .298). 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 (158) and third in rushing first downs allowed (57).

SPARTAN DEFENSE FORCING TURNOVERS -
• The Spartans lead the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in turnover margin (+1.73 per game). MSU is +19 in the turnover department and has forced 31 turnovers this season (15 fumbles, 16 interceptions), which is third most in the FBS. Conversely, the Spartans have turned the ball over just 12 times (six fumbles, six interceptions), fewest in the Big Ten and tied for 11th fewest in the FBS.

• MSU has scored 103 points off of turnovers, which ranks 10th 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 84 of 104 games over the last eight seasons (81 percent of the games played since 2007), including 10 games in 2014.

THREE-AND-OUT -
• In 11 games this season, the Spartans have forced their opponents to go three-and-out on 61 of 146 possessions (.418 percent; 5.5 per game), which ranks sixth in the nation. The Spartans are forcing an average of 5.5 three-and-outs per game, which ranks ninth 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.

Labeled a "lock-down corner" by assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, Waynes was named a first-team Midseason All-American by SI.com. He ranks second on the team with six pass break-ups, tied for third with two interceptions, and has 39 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 12th in the FBS in passing efficiency defense (106.1 rating).

Waynes was selected the Spartan Defensive Player of the Week after limiting Rutgers' Leonte Carroo to one catch for 6 yards while recording three tackles. Carroo entered the game ranked second in the Big Ten, averaging 93.3 receiving yards per game.

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 25 consecutive games, has 94 tackles, five interceptions and 11 pass break-ups in 34 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 sack yardage (79 yards) and second in the conference and seventh in the FBS in tackles for loss yardage (97). Calhoun also ranks among the Big Ten leaders in sacks (tied for eighth with 0.59 per game) and tackles for loss (tied for 12th with 1.0 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 fourth 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 11 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 38 career games, including 25 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.

Mike Sadler NAMED TO 2014 NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION SCHOLAR-ATHLETE CLASS -
Fifth-year senior punter Mike Sadler, the first three-time Academic All-American in program history, has been named to the 2014 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Class. Based upon his selection, Sadler also becomes one of 17 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes an individual as the best scholar-athlete in the nation. Each Campbell Trophy finalist will be presented an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship at the 57th annual NFF Awards Dinner, scheduled for Dec. 9 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The winner of the Campbell Trophy, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, also will be announced at the awards dinner.

The NFF's National Scholar-Athlete program, launched in 1959, is the first initiative in history to award scholar-athletes postgraduate scholarships for their combined athletic, academic and leadership abilities. Nominated by their respective schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade-point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first-team player and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

Sadler becomes the seventh NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Michigan State history and the third under head coach Mark Dantonio (Kirk Cousins, 2011; Max Bullough, 2013). Michigan State and Duke are the only two schools in the country to have a player represented in the NFF Scholar-Athlete Class three of the last four years.

Sadler, who earned second-team Academic All-America honors in 2011 and 2012, was a first-team selection in 2013, becoming the first player in program history to garner Academic All-America accolades three times and just the third in school history (Chris Hill, men's basketball, 2003, `04, `05; Michelle Carson, women's cross country/track, 2003, `04, `05). Sadler was recently named to the Academic All-District 5 First Team for the fourth straight year and is on the Academic All-America ballot.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sadler graduated with a bachelor's degree in applied engineering sciences in May 2013 with a 3.97 grade-point average. He's currently pursuing a master's degree in public policy and has a 3.59 graduate GPA. Sadler is also a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection (2011-13) and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2012-13). He was presented the scholar-athlete award at the 2013 and 2014 Spartan Academic Excellence Gala for having the highest GPA on the team for players who have reached at least junior academic status.

Sadler also has earned All-America status on the field, as he was named a first-team All-American last season by CBSSports.com and ESPN.com. He ranked fourth in the Big Ten in punting with his 42.5-yard average and ranked seventh in MSU single-season history with 3,233 punting yards. Sadler led the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 24 punts downed inside the 10 and ranked tied for second with 33 inside the 20. He also had 16 punts of 50-plus yards.

A two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches, Sadler currently ranks second in MSU history in punting yards (11,062) and punts (262) and sixth in punting average (42.2 yards).

INSIDE THE NUMBERS -
• Michigan State has won 16 of its last 17 games against Big Ten opponents, including 15 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 58-8 record (.879) when leading after three quarters, including a perfect 9-0 in 2014.

• Under Dantonio, Michigan State is 59-11 (.843) when outrushing its opponent, including a 43-4 record (.915) since 2010. The Spartans are 28-3 (.903) in games when gaining 200 or more rushing yards under Dantonio.

• Under Dantonio, Michigan State has produced a 44-12 record (.786) 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 29-6 (.829) at home since 2010.

• 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.