Spartans Face No. 2 Buckeyes on Senior Day
11/17/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
| Game 11: Michigan State (3-7, 1-6 B1G) vs. No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1 B1G) | |
| Date | Time | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 12:01 p.m. |
| Location | East Lansing, Mich. Spartan Stadium (75,005/Natural Grass) |
| Television | ESPN |
| Broadcast Team | Joe Tessitore (play-by-play) Todd Blackledge (analyst) | Holly Rowe (sidelines) |
| Internet Coverage | WatchESPN | |
| Radio | Spartan Sports Network (Listen Live) | Affiliates |
| Satellite Radio | Ch. 84 (Sirius)/Ch. 84 (XM)/Ch. 84 (SiriusXM.com) |
| Radio (Mobile) | Broadcast available on Spartan Sports Network Mobile App: iPhone/iPad | Android |
| National Radio | Sports USA (Play-by-Play: John Ahlers | Analyst: Doug Plank) Affiliates: Listed at SportsUSAMedia.com |
| Parking/Tailgating/Stadium Information | Gameday Central | Gameday Answers |
| Tickets | Limited number available at msuspartans.com |
| Parking | Lots will open at 7 a.m. |
| Game Notes | Michigan State | Ohio State |
| Statistics | Michigan State | Ohio State |
| Series Information | OSU leads, 29-15 |
| Social Media | @MSU_Football  | Facebook  |
FIRST-AND-10 --
• Michigan State plays host to No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 19 on Senior Day in Spartan Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN with kickoff scheduled for 12:01 p.m. The Spartans (3-7, 1-6 B1G) got back on the winning track with a 49-0 shutout victory over Rutgers last Saturday at home, while the Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1 B1G) moved into a tie for first place in the Big Ten East Division following their 62-3 win at Maryland. OSU is ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Associated Press Poll and Amway Coaches Poll.
• The Spartans have defeated the Buckeyes in two of the last three meetings, both when Ohio State was ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll. Michael Geiger hit a 41-yard field goal as time expired to give Michigan State a 17-14 victory over OSU last season in Columbus en route to winning the Big Ten Championship, while also snapping the Buckeyes' 23-game winning streak. The Spartans held the Buckeyes to 132 yards of total offense in last year's win, the fewest ever by an Urban Meyer-coached team. In the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game, MSU snapped Ohio State's school-record 24-game winning streak with a 34-24 win as the Spartans clinched their first Rose Bowl berth in 26 years.
• Saturday's game marks the 45th meeting between Michigan State and Ohio State. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 29-15, including a 15-5 record in games played in East Lansing. Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio is 3-4 during his tenure against Ohio State (0-3 in East Lansing) and 3-6 overall (0-2 at Cincinnati).
• The Spartans have consistently produced wins against highly ranked teams under Dantonio. MSU is 7-3 in its last 10 games against teams ranked in The Associated Press Top 10, including a 6-3 record since 2013 (beat No. 2 Ohio State and No. 5 Stanford in 2013; lost to No. 3 Oregon and beat No. 4 Baylor in 2014; beat No. 7 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 4 Iowa, and lost to No. 2 Alabama in 2015; lost to No. 2 Michigan in 2016).
• Due to a combination of youth and injuries, Michigan State has had a different starting lineup in every game this season on both offense and defense. Several Spartans have stepped into new and expanded roles, as the offense and defense have combined to feature 24 players who have either started for the first time or are in their first full-time starting role (complete list of players on page seven of game notes). • Sophomore LJ Scott leads the team in rushing (775 yards; 77.5 ypg, 5.2 avg.) and carries (149) and shares the team lead with five rushing touchdowns. In his last four games, Scott has averaged 109.8 ypg (76 carries for 439 yards), including three 100-yard games (128 yards at Maryland on Oct. 22, season-high 139 vs. Michigan on Oct. 29, 122 vs. Rutgers on Nov. 12).
• Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio announced on his Sunday teleconference that redshirt freshman offensive guard Tyler Higby suffered a broken ankle in the Rutgers game and will be out for the remainder of the season. Higby started six straight games at left guard beginning Oct. 8 vs. BYU. The Spartans have lost four players to season-ending injuries who have at least started one game (Higby, CB Vayante Copeland, QB Brian Lewerke, LB Jon Reschke).
• A trademark of Mark Dantonio's Michigan State teams has been their ability to produce wins late in the season. Under Dantonio, Michigan State has compiled a 25-8 record (.758) in November, including a 14-5 record at home. His teams have won 19 of the last 24 games in November (3-0 in 2010; 4-0 in 2011; 1-2 in 2012; 4-0 in 2013; 3-1 in 2014; 3-1 in 2015; 1-1 in 2016). In the four seasons (2003-06) prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU went just 2-11 (.154) in November.
• Senior tight end Josiah Price recorded two touchdown catches in a single game for the first time in his career last Saturday vs. Rutgers. Price, who already has the most TD catches by a Spartan tight end in school history, moved into fourth all-time at MSU with 21 career touchdown receptions. He has a career-high 30 receptions this season for 309 yards and is tied for the team lead, along with R.J. Shelton, with five TD catches. In 49 career games, he has 96 receptions for 1,160 yards. He ranks third among Spartan tight ends with 96 career catches and fourth with 1,160 receiving yards. Price has been recognized for his work off the field as well, as he has been named one of 11 semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service."
• Senior R.J. Shelton leads the team in receptions (47), receiving yards (710) and all-purpose yards (1,203), and is tied for the team lead in touchdown catches (5), all of which are career highs. He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards (120.3 ypg), fifth in receptions (4.7 pg), seventh in receiving yards (71.0 ypg) and tied for seventh in TD catches (5). Shelton leads the team with 20 plays of 20 yards or more (10 kick return, nine receptions, one rush), and four of MSU's six plays of 50-plus yards this season have featured Shelton. The 5-11, 202-pound Shelton has caught two 86-yard touchdown passes (at Indiana, vs. Northwestern) this season from Tyler O'Connor. Shelton is one of only two players in school history to have two touchdown receptions of 86 yards or longer in the same season (Sherman Lewis, 1963). Shelton also leads all active Spartans with 110 career catches for 1,392 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, native ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in kick returns (tied for second with 76), kick return yards (third with 1,785), all-purpose yards (13th with 3,726) and touchdown catches (tied for 18th with 11).
COACHES --
Michigan State:
Head Coach: Mark Dantonio
MSU Record: 90-40 (10th year)
Overall Record: 108-57 (13th year)
Record vs. OSU: 3-6 (3-4 at MSU)
Ohio State:
Head Coach: Urban Meyer
OSU Record: 59-5 (fifth year)
Overall Record: 163-28 (15th year)
Record vs. MSU: 2-2
A QUICK GLANCE AT OHIO STATE (9-1, 6-1 B1G) --
• The No.2-ranked Buckeyes tote a 9-1 overall and 6-1 B1G ledger into Saturday's showdown in Spartan Stadium. After suffering its first loss of the season, falling 24-21 at Penn State on Oct. 22, Ohio State has outscored its opposition 148-26 (49.3-8.7), beating Northwestern 24-20 on Oct. 29, then beating No. 9 Nebraska on Nov. 5 and winning at Maryland on Nov. 12 by an identical 62-3 score.
• Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has a 59-5 record in his fifth year at Ohio State and a 163-28 overall record in his 15th year as a collegiate head coach.
• The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten and rank second in the FBS in scoring offense (46.5 ppg), while also leading the conference and ranking third in the country in scoring defense (12.7 ppg). OSU is also first in the league and 10th in the nation in rushing offense (267.0 ypg), while ranking fourth in the Big Ten in passing offense (244.4 ypg) to rank first in the league and 11th in the nation in total offense (511.4 ypg). Defensively, Ohio State is second in the conference and 11th in the FBS in rushing defense (111.6), along with second in the conference and fifth in the country in passing yards allowed (162.8 ypg), to rank second in the league and fourth in the nation in total defense (274.4 ypg).
• Junior quarterback J.T. Barrett guides the Buckeyes, completing 189-of-292 passes for 2,218 yards with 23 TDs and four interceptions, ranking first in the Big Ten and 14th in the country in passing TDs (23), first in the conference and 17th in the country in passing efficiency (151.8), fifth in the league and 52nd in the nation in passing yards per game (221.8 ypg), along with second in the Big Ten and 27th in the NCAA in total offense (283.5 ypg). He has 140 carries for 617 yards (61.7 ypg, 4.4 ypc) with eight rushing TDs, leading the team, ranking fifth in the conference in rushing TDs.
• Junior H-back Curtis Samuel has been the main target, ranking third in the Big Ten and 47th in the NCAA in receiving yards per game (75.0 ypg) with 750 yards on 57 receptions (13.2 ypc) with six TDs, which rank fifth in the league and 58th in the nation. Samuel is also second on the team in rushing with 637 yards on 80 carries, an average of 8.0 ypc that would lead the B1G and rank fourth in the NCAA but doesn't have the 10 rushes per game average to meet the minimum requirement. Redshirt freshman Mike Weber paces the ground game with 935 rushing yards (93.5 ypg) and seven TDs.
• Junior linebacker Raekwon McMillan spearheads the Buckeye defense, ranking 27th in the Big Ten in tackles per game with 6.4, logging 64 total stops with 4.5 TFLs and one sack, along with four pass break-ups and two forced fumbles. Sophomore linebacker Jerome Baker adds 58 tackles with 7.0 TFLS, including 2.5 sacks and has one INT and one fumble recovery.
• Sophomore safety Malik Hooker is third on the team in tackles with 55 stops, including 4.5 TFLs and 0.5 sack, but leads the team with five interceptions, leading the conference and ranking sixth in the country in interceptions per game (0.5). He also has four pass break-ups for nine total passes defended, ranking tied for 12th in the Big Ten in passes defended per game (0.9). Sophomore cornerback Marshon Lattimore leads the team with 13 total passes defended, snaring four interceptions and logging nine pass break-ups.
• Senior punter Cameron Johnston is first in the Big Ten and fifth in the NCAA in punting with a 47.2 yards per punt average on 36 punts with a long of 70, as part of 13 of 50+ yards, with 18 inside the 20. Senior placekicker Tyler Durbin is first in the conference and fifth in the country in field goal percentage (.938), making 15-of-16 field goals with a long of 45 and the only one he missed was blocked. Durbin is also 58-of-60 (.967) on PATs.
MSU/OHIO STATE COACHING CONNECTIONS --
• Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio spent three years as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State (2001-03) where he served under Jim Tressel. During Dantonio's tenure at Ohio State, the Buckeyes posted a combined record of 32-6 (.842), including the 2002 National Championship. Dantonio previously worked alongside Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell (then special teams coordinator). Dantonio also was a graduate assistant at Ohio State under Earle Bruce in 1983-84.
• Michigan State co-offensive coordinator Jim Bollman served as Ohio State's offensive coordinator for 11 seasons (2001-11).
• Michigan State linebackers/special teams coach Mike Tressel is the nephew of former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel. Mike spent two years as a graduate assistant coach at Ohio State, working for his uncle from 2002-03.
• Michigan State tight ends/tackles coach Mark Staten served as a graduate assistant for Jim Tressel at Ohio State from 2002-03.
• Ohio State offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Ed Warinner spent two years as a graduate assistant under George Perles at Michigan State (1985-86), working with the linebackers and defensive backs.
• Michigan State director of personnel/player development and relations Dino Folino began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under legendary Coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State, where the Buckeyes won two straight Big Ten championships in 1974-75 and made back-to-back Rose Bowl appearances (1975-76).
MSU/OHIO STATE SERIES NOTES --
• The Spartans have defeated the Buckeyes in two of the last three meetings, both when Ohio State was ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll. Michael Geiger hit a 41-yard field goal as time expired to give Michigan State a 17-14 victory over OSU last season in Columbus en route to winning the Big Ten Championship, while also snapping the Buckeyes' 23-game winning streak. The Spartans held the Buckeyes to 132 yards of total offense in last year's win, the fewest ever by an Urban Meyer-coached team.
• In the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game, MSU snapped Ohio State's school-record 24-game winning streak with a 34-24 win as the Spartans clinched their first Rose Bowl berth in 26 years.
• Saturday's game marks the 45th meeting between Michigan State and Ohio State. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 29-15, including a 15-5 record in games played in East Lansing.
• Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio is 3-4 during his tenure against Ohio State (0-3 in East Lansing) and 3-6 overall (0-2 at Cincinnati).
• The Spartans have defeated Ohio State 10 times when the Buckeyes entered the game ranked in the AP Top 25, including four times when the Buckeyes were either ranked No. 1 (1974, 1998) or No. 2 (2013, 2015).
SPARTANS FROM THE BUCKEYE STATE --
• Michigan State's 2016 roster features 28 players from Ohio, including 15 players who have started at least one game this season: So. DE Robert Bowers (Columbus/Walnut Ridge), So. CB Vayante Copeland (Dayton/Thurgood Marshall), So. LB Andrew Dowell (North Ridgeville/St. Edward), Jr. LB Chris Frey (Upper Arlington/Upper Arlington), Sr. K Michael Geiger (Toledo/Ottawa Hills), So. P Jake Hartbarger (Waterville/Anthony Wayne), Sr. CB Darian Hicks (Solon/Solon), Sr.-5 DE Evan Jones (West Lafayette/Ridgewood), Jr. LB Shane Jones (Cincinnati/Archbishop Moeller), Fr. CB Justin Layne (Cleveland/Benedictine), Sr.-5 WR Monty Madaris (Cincinnati/Archbishop Moeller), Sr.-5 OL Benny McGowan (Centerville/Centerville), Sr.-5 QB Tyler O'Connor (Lima/Lima Central Catholic), So. RB LJ Scott (Hubbard/Hubbard) and Gr.-6 DT Kevin Williams (Holland/Springfield).
THE LAST MEETING --
Nov. 21 2015, in Columbus, Ohio (AP): Playing without its star quarterback, Michigan State put the defending National Champions on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff race. Michael Geiger kicked a 41-yard field goal as time expired and No. 9 Michigan State, playing without injured Connor Cook, beat No. 2 Ohio State 17-14 to snap the Buckeyes' 23-game winning streak.
On a rainy and windy day at Ohio Stadium, the Spartans took control of the Big Ten East, put themselves into the thick of the playoff hunt and very likely ended the Buckeyes' chances to repeat as national champs.Ohio State managed just 132 yards against a rugged Spartans defense and lost for the first time to a Big Ten team in the regular season since Urban Meyer became coach.
Without Cook, the Spartans completed one pass in the second half, but they gave Geiger a chance to win it with 3 seconds left and the 5-foot-8 junior curved it through. The Spartans used both backups. Tyler O'Connor started and played Damion Terry, too. Terry took a hard sack by Sam Hubbard and fumbled late in the first quarter. The Buckeyes recovered the Michigan State 32 and it led to Ezekiel Elliott's 1-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal. Elliott had a string of 15 straight 100-yard rushing games snapped. The Heisman contender ran for 33 yards on 12 carries. O'Connor responded with a 75-yard scoring drive, hitting Trevon Pendleton for a 9-yard touchdown to tie the score.
Both teams played conservatively in the first half. Ohio State managed only 75 yards, and when the rain and wind picked up in the second half, the game became even more of a grind. It looked as if each team was waiting for the other to make a mistake, and Michigan State did just that. Macgarrett Kings muffed a punt and Terry McLaurin recovered at the Spartans 6. J.T. Barrett soft tossed to Jalin Marshall on the next play, a jump pass where the quarterback didn't need to jump, making it 14-7 Ohio State with 3:33 left in the third quarter.
Michigan State did not throw a pass in the third quarter and basically stayed on the ground for much of the fourth, too. The Spartans turned into an option/quarterback run team, leaning heavily on the offensive line. The Spartans marched 75 yards on 13 plays, no completed passes but a helpful offside on Ohio State, and Gerald Holmes reached the ball over the goal line for a 2-yard touchdown to tie at 14 with 12:03 left.
POST-GAME NOTES: RUTGERS --
• With the 49-0 win over Rutgers, the Spartans improved to 3-0 against the Scarlet Knights in Big Ten play . . . MSU leads the overall series, 5-3, including a 3-2 mark in Spartan Stadium . . . MSU head coach Mark Dantonio is 4-1 in his coaching career against Rutgers (3-0 at MSU; 1-1 at Cincinnati).
DEFENSE
• With the 49-0 shutout over Rutgers, MSU recorded its first shutout since a 14-0 win over Purdue on Oct. 19, 2013 . . . it also marked the fourth shutout for MSU under Dantonio (2008, 2011 vs. FAU; 2013 vs. Purdue).
• MSU held Rutgers to 149 total yards, the fewest by a Spartan opponent since last year vs. Ohio State (132) . . . MSU also limited Rutgers to 40 passing yards, the fewest by a Spartan opponent since Indiana in 2014 (11 passing yards) . . . the Scarlet Knights only had eight first downs in the game.
• The Spartans recorded two interceptions for the first time in a game this season (Demetrious Cox, Montae Nicholson) . . . MSU won the turnover battle, 2-0, and didn't turn the ball over for the first time this season.
• Cox returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter . . . it marked Cox's fourth career interception and his first for a touchdown . . . it marked Cox's second career touchdown (77-yard fumble return vs. Penn State last season).
OFFENSE
• LJ Scott recorded his fourth 100-yard game of the season and fifth of his career with 122 yards on 20 carries . . . he scored on a 1-yard TD run in the second quarter, his fifth of the season, which is tied for the team lead.
• Michigan State scored a season-high 49 points in the game and 35 points in the first half . . . MSU last scored 35 points in the first half on Nov. 22, 2014 against Rutgers . . . MSU also scored a season-high 21 points in the first quarter . . . MSU rushed for a season-high 277 yards (previous high: 270 vs. Maryland).
• Tyler O'Connor tied his career high with three touchdown passes (2 and 4 yards to Josiah Price, 50 yards to Trishton Jackson) . . . he finished 10-of-15 passing for 141 yards.
• Madre London rushed for a season-high 52 yards on just nine carries (5.8 avg.), including two touchdowns (2 yards and 6 yards in the fourth quarter) . . . the two rushing TDs tied a career high.
• Price recorded his first career multi-TD game (2-yard reception in first quarter; 4-yard reception in second quarter) . . . Price now has 21 career touchdown receptions, good for fourth in MSU history.
• Jackson scored his first career touchdown with a 50-yard TD pass from Tyler O'Connor in the first quarter . . . Jackson finished with two catches for 67 yards.
• The Spartans converted 7-of-14 third-down conversions and went 5-for-5 (all touchdowns) in the red zone . . . MSU held a 35:37-24:23 advantage in the time of possession.
• Four Spartans earned their first career starts on Saturday against Rutgers (So. DE Robert Bowers, R-Fr. LT Cole Chewins, Fr. DT Mike Panasiuk, R-Fr. DT Raequan Williams). . . . Michigan State has had a different starting lineup in every game this season on both offense and defense . . . 24 Spartans have either started for the first time this season or are in their first full-time starting role.
Greg Jones NAMED HONORARY CAPTAIN FOR OHIO STATE GAME --
• Former Big Ten and Super Bowl Champion Greg Jones has been selected honorary captain for Saturday's game against Ohio State. He will address the team during the pre-game meal and join the 2016 captains at midfield for the coin toss.
• A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jones was a two-time first-team All-American (2009-10) at linebacker and a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection (2008-10).
• Jones started 46 of 52 career games, including 40 consecutive starting assignments at linebacker. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, Jones made 465 career tackles, including 46.5 for losses (160 yards) and 16.5 sacks (93 yards). He ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in tackles for loss (second), total tackles (third) and sacks (ninth). The two-time team captain (2009-10) helped lead Michigan State to the Big Ten Championship in 2010, the program's first conference title since 1990.
• Jones is one of only two players in Michigan State history to lead the Spartans in tackles for four straight seasons (2007-10); the other was Dan Bass (1976-79).
• Jones helped the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLVI over the New England Patriots, 21-17, playing on special teams as the Giants claimed their fourth Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
• Jones, who recently completed his third season in the Canadian Football League with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, ranked second on the team with 79 tackles.
YOUTH MOVEMENT --
• Due to a combination of youth and injuries, Michigan State has had a different starting lineup in every game this season on both offense and defense. Several Spartans have stepped into new and expanded roles, as the offense and defense have combined to feature 24 players who have either started for the first time or are in their first full-time starting role.
• Through 10 games, nine true freshmen (LB Joe Bachie, WR/CB Donnie Corley, WR Trishton Jackson, DE Josh King, CB/WR Justin Layne, OL Thiyo Lukusa, S Kenney Lyke, DT Mike Panasiuk, DL Auston Robertson) have seen the field, the most since Mark Dantonio's arrival in 2007. Four of the nine have started (Corley, King, Layne, Panasiuk). MSU is one of only 16 schools in the FBS to have started at least four true freshmen this season.
SENIORS TO BE RECOGNIZED PRIOR TO SATURDAY'S GAME --
• Michigan State's 2016 Senior Class will be recognized Saturday in a pregame ceremony. The 28-member senior class includes: WR Robert Aiello (Lake Orion, Mich), WR Paul Andrie (Valparaiso, Ind.), WR Edward Barksdale III (Solon, Ohio), LB Riley Bullough (Traverse City, Mich.), DT/OG Brandon Clemons (Milford, Pa.), S Demetrious Cox (Jeannette, Pa.), K Kevin Cronin (Traverse City, Mich.), LB Ed Davis (Detroit, Mich.), WR Frank Epitropoulos (Upper Arlington, Ohio), K Michael Geiger (Toledo, Ohio), CB Darian Hicks (Solon, Ohio), DE Evan Jones (West Lafayette, Ohio), OL Kodi Kieler (Rockwood, Mich.), S Zac Leimbach (Walled Lake, Mich.), FB Prescott Line (Oxford, Mich.), TE Jamal Lyles (Southfield, Mich.), OT Miguel Machado (Miami, Fla.), WR Matt Macksood (Lansing, Mich.), WR Monty Madaris (Cincinnati, Ohio), OL Benny McGowan (Centerville, Ohio), QB Tyler O'Connor (Lima, Ohio), TE Josiah Price (Greentown, Ind.), WR R.J. Shelton (Beaver Dam, Wis.), DE Gabe Sherrod (Perryville, Md.), RB Nick Tompkins (Snellville, Ga.), RB Delton Williams (Erie, Pa.), DT Kevin Williams (Holland, Ohio) and WR Austin Wolfe (Springfield, Va.). TE Dylan Chmura (Waukesha, Wis.) and DL David Fennell (Portland, Ore.), who both retired early from football due to injuries, are also being recognized with the 2016 class.
• The 2016 Senior Class has helped Michigan State to a 39-12 record since 2013, including two Big Ten Championships (2013, 2015), wins in the Rose Bowl (2014) and Cotton Bowl (2015), and a berth in the 2015 College Football Playoff. The 39 wins rank fourth most by a senior class in school history.
• Thirteen members of the 2016 senior class have already received their undergraduate degrees, which ranks tied for second most of any FBS team.
PLAYING THEIR BEST UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT --
• The Spartans have consistently produced wins against highly ranked teams under Dantonio. MSU is 7-3 in its last 10 games against teams ranked in The Associated Press Top 10, including a 6-3 record since 2013 (beat No. 2 Ohio State and No. 5 Stanford in 2013; lost to No. 3 Oregon and beat No. 4 Baylor in 2014; beat No. 7 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 4 Iowa, and lost to No. 2 Alabama in 2015; lost to No. 2 Michigan in 2016).
• Michigan State defeated nine bowl teams in 2015, including four wins over AP Top 25 teams (No. 7 Oregon on Sept. 12, No. 12 Michigan on Oct. 17, No. 2 Ohio State on Nov. 21, No. 4 Iowa on Dec. 5). It marked the first time in school history the Spartans beat three AP Top-10 teams (No. 7 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 4 Iowa) in the same season. MSU also topped Western Michigan, Air Force, Central Michigan, Indiana and Penn State, who all played in the postseason. In the final AP rankings, MSU defeated four Top 25 teams (No. 4 Ohio State, No. 9 Iowa, No. 12 Michigan, No. 19 Oregon).
• The win over No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus on Nov. 21, 2015, snapped the defending National Champion Buckeyes' 23-game winning streak, and the last-second victory against No. 12 Michigan on Oct. 17, 2015, marked MSU's seventh win in eight years over the Wolverines.
• Michigan State has won 10 of its last 15 games played against ranked opponents, including six out of the last nine (wins: No. 4 Baylor, No. 7 Oregon, No. 12 Michigan, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 4 Iowa, No. 18 Notre Dame; losses: No. 2 Alabama, No. 11 Wisconsin, No. 2 Michigan).
• Under Mark Dantonio, the Spartans are 17-23 in 40 games played against teams ranked in The Associated Press Top 25; however, MSU is 10-6 against ranked teams since 2013. The 17 wins over AP Top 25 teams rank second among head coaches in MSU history (Duffy Daugherty with 25 from 1954-72).
OFFENSE: BRIEF OVERVIEW --
• Offensively, the Spartans are replacing eight starters from last season's Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff team, including three-year starting quarterback and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner Connor Cook, Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year Aaron Burbridge and a pair of All-Americans on the offensive line (C Jack Allen, OT Jack Conklin). In addition, four Spartans on offense were selected in the 2016 NFL Draft (Conklin, first round, Titans; Cook, fourth round, Raiders; Burbridge, sixth round, 49ers; OG Donavon Clark, seventh round, Chargers) and five are on current NFL rosters (Allen, practice squad, Saints).
• Several Spartans are stepping into new and expanded roles on offense, as the unit has featured 12 players who have either started for the first time or are in their first full-time starting role (LT David Beedle, LT Cole Chewins, RG Brandon Clemons, WR Donnie Corley, WR Felton Davis III, OG Tyler Higby, QB Brian Lewerke, FB Prescott Line, RT Miguel Machado, WR Monty Madaris, QB Tyler O'Connor, WR Darrell Stewart).
• In addition, the two returning starting offensive linemen, Brian Allen and Kodi Kieler, have been playing different positions this season on the offensive line. Allen was a starter at left guard last season, but started at center against Indiana and BYU and moved to right guard in Game 6 vs. Northwestern. Kieler was a two-year starter at right tackle, but has started three different positions this season (four at left tackle, three at center, two at right tackle). Through 10 games, MSU has used six different starting combinations on the offensive line.
• Senior wide receiver R.J. Shelton did have previous starting experience and leads the team in receiving with 47 catches for 710 yards and five touchdowns. Fifth-year senior Monty Madaris, who is seeing the first extensive action of his career, is fourth on the team with 19 catches for 272 yards. The Spartans are also working in two true freshmen wide receivers into the playing rotation: Donnie Corley and Trishton Jackson. Corley ranks second on the team in receiving yards (397) and third in catches (27), while Jackson has five catches for 89 yards. Among Big Ten freshmen, Corley ranks second in receptions (27) and receiving yards (397).
• For the second consecutive season, Michigan State will use three tailbacks in its rotation in the backfield. Sophomore LJ Scott has started eight games and leads the team in rushing yards (775) and carries (149), while junior Gerald Holmes, who has started two games, ranks second in yards (416) and carries (83). Holmes and Scott share the team lead with five rushing TDs. Sophomore Madre London (28 carries for 120 yards) also has seen action.
R.J. Shelton A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL THREAT --
• Senior R.J. Shelton leads the team in receptions (47), receiving yards (710) and all-purpose yards (1,203), and is tied for the team lead in touchdown catches (5), all of which are career highs. He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards (120.3 ypg), fifth in receptions (4.7 pg), seventh in receiving yards (71.0 ypg) and tied for seventh in TD catches (5). Shelton leads the team with 20 plays of 20 yards or more (10 kick return, nine receptions, one rush), and four of MSU's six plays of 50-plus yards this season have featured Shelton.
• The 5-11, 202-pound Shelton has caught two 86-yard touchdown passes (at Indiana, vs. Northwestern) this season from Tyler O'Connor. Shelton is one of only two players in school history to have two touchdown receptions of 86 yards or longer in the same season (Sherman Lewis, 1963).
• Shelton also leads all active Spartans with 110 career catches for 1,392 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, native ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in kick returns (tied for second with 76), kick return yards (third with 1,785), all-purpose yards (13th with 3,726) and touchdown catches (tied for 18th with 11).
• Shelton has two 100-yard receiving games this season: career-high 190 vs. Northwestern (Oct. 15) and 141 at Indiana on Oct. 1. Shelton had TD grabs of 86 and 59 yards against the Wildcats and finished with a career-high 260 all-purpose yards.
SENIOR QUARTERBACK Tyler O'Connor RANKS FOURTH IN BIG TEN IN PASSING EFFICIENCY --
• Fifth-year senior quarterback Tyler O'Connor, who has started eight games this season, ranks fourth in the Big Ten in completion percentage (.615), fourth in passing efficiency (147.1 rating), tied for sixth in touchdown passes (15), and eighth in passing (194.1 ypg). He was voted one of three captains by his teammates following the conclusion of preseason camp.
• For the season, the 6-3, 228-pound native of Lima, Ohio, is 131-of-213 passing (.615) for 1,747 yards, 15 TDs and seven interceptions in nine games. He did not play at Maryland on Oct. 22 due to an injury, but returned to the starting lineup on Oct. 29 vs. No. 2 Michigan. O'Connor started the first five games of the season.
• O'Connor started his seventh game of the season at Illinois on Nov. 5, completing 23-of-35 passes for 265 yards. It marked O'Connor's fifth 200-yard passing game of the season (career-high 281 vs. Northwestern; 263 vs. Indiana; 241 vs. Notre Dame; 224 vs. Wisconsin). The 265 passing yards were the third most by a Spartan in the series against Illinois, and the 23 pass completions were a career high (previous: 21 vs. Indiana). O'Connor left the game in the fourth quarter due to an injury.
• Although O'Connor didn't start in Game 6 vs. Northwestern, he relieved Brian Lewerke in the third quarter and finished with a career-high 281 yards passing. O'Connor also tied his career high with three touchdown passes (59 and 86 yards to R.J. Shelton; 9 yards to Donnie Corley). O'Connor completed 13 of his 21 passes against the Wildcats. The 86-yard scoring pass to Shelton tied his career long (86 yards to Shelton vs. Indiana on Oct. 1).
• O'Connor, who narrowly lost out to Connor Cook in 2013 in the race to become the starting quarterback, showed his promise in his first career start as he led the Spartans to a win at No. 2 Ohio State on Nov. 21, 2015. With Cook sidelined due to a shoulder injury, O'Connor and Damion Terry split time and helped the Spartans snap the Buckeyes' 23-game winning streak with a 17-14 victory in Columbus.
• In his second career road start, O'Connor was 19-of-26 passing for 241 yards and two touchdowns in the 36-28 win at No. 18 Notre Dame on Sept. 17. O'Connor threw a 38-yard TD pass to Donnie Corley and a 10-yard pass to R.J. Shelton, both in the second quarter.
• For his career, O'Connor is 4-5 as a starter, including road victories at No. 2 Ohio State and No. 18 Notre Dame. He has completed 62 percent of his passes (165-of-267) for 2,121 yards, 19 TDs and nine interceptions in 23 career games.
• Coming into the season, the Spartans had to replace three-year starting quarterback Connor Cook, who compiled a 34-5 record as a starter from 2013-15 to become the winningest quarterback in school history. Cook, the 2015 Big Ten Quarterback of the Year and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner, left East Lansing as the school's all-time record holder in passing yards (9,194), touchdown passes (71) and total offense (9,403 yards).
Josiah Price NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR TWO MAJOR NATIONAL AWARDS --
• Fifth-year senior tight end Josiah Price has been named one of 11 semifinalists for the for the Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service." Earlier this fall, he was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded annually by the National Football Foundation to the nation's top scholar-athlete; the award is also widely known as the "Academic Heisman."
• It marked the fifth time in the past six years that the Spartans have had a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy. The Spartans had a finalist three of four years from 2011-14 (Kirk Cousins in 2011, Max Bullough in 2013, Mike Sadler in 2014), and Jack Allen was a semifinalist last season. Candidates for the award must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor 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.
• A hospitality business major, Price owns a 3.62 grade-point average. He is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar recipient. He also earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors last season.
• On the field, Price has the most touchdown catches (21) of any tight end in Michigan State history. In 49 career games, he has 96 receptions for 1,160 yards. Price surpassed the 1,000-yard milestone for receiving yards on his second catch in the BYU game on Oct. 8 to become just the fourth Spartan tight end to record 1,000 career receiving yards. Price was named to the Mackey Award Midseason Watch List on Oct. 12, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding tight end.
• Off the field, Price has perhaps made an even greater impact. The past two years, he has been nominated for the Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," and also the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. His community efforts have reached near and far. In addition to actively participating in a variety of community service events, including the Ingham County Child Benefit Fund, DARE Graduations, and March is Reading Month, Price also took part in a mission trip to South Africa during spring break of 2013 and spent two and a half weeks in Australia (June-July 2015), participating in MSU's study abroad International Summer Sports Program.
• A native of Greentown, Indiana, Price was named winner of the Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service & Leadership Award at the 2016 MSU Student-Athlete Support Services Academic Gala (presented to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the goals of the PACT [Putting Athletes and Community Together] program, excelling in the field of community service and outreach). He also serves as one of the football team's representatives on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was selected as SAAC community outreach committee chair for 2015-16.
• Price was also named one of 30 candidates for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award; to be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I FBS senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition. Former Spartan Kirk Cousins won the award in 2011.
RUNNING GAME KEY FOR SPARTANS UNDER DANTONIO --
• Under Mark Dantonio, Michigan State is 73-15 (.830) when outrushing its opponent, including a 57-8 record (.877) since 2010. Conversely, MSU is 17-25 (.405) under Dantonio when being outgained on the ground by its opponent. The Spartans are 33-5 (.868) in games when gaining 200 or more rushing yards under Dantonio.
DEFENSE: BRIEF OVERVIEW --
• The Spartans returned 22 letterwinners and six starters from a defensive unit that finished No. 11 in the FBS in rushing defense, No. 25 in scoring defense and No. 26 in total defense in 2015.
• Michigan State lost three of its four starters on the defensive line to the NFL (Shilique Calhoun, Raiders; Joel Heath, Texans; Lawrence Thomas, Jets), but the lone returner on the line is preseason All-American Malik McDowell. The Spartans have had to replenlish the losses on the defensive line with two graduate transfers (DE Gabe Sherrod from Delaware State and DT Kevin Williams from Nebraska) and three true freshmen (DE Josh King, DT Mike Panasiuk and DE Auston Robertson). In addition, junior Demetrius Cooper and fifth-year senior Evan Jones are in starting roles for the first time on the ends, while redshirt freshman defensive tackle Raequan Williams is playing in his first collegiate season. Sixth-year senior Brandon Clemons has started on both the offensive and defensive lines this season; he has started five games at defensive tackle after starting the first four games at right guard. In the last game against Rutgers, MSU started one sophomore (Robert Bowers), one redshirt freshman (Raequan Williams) and two true freshmen (Josh King, Mike Panasiuk).
• The depth of the defense appeared to be strongest at linebacker entering the season, but the Spartans have been battling injuries at the position all season. Junior Jon Reschke, who started 14 games a year ago, suffered an ankle injury in the third game of the season against Wisconsin on Sept. 24 and will have to miss the rest of the season after only playing in two games. Fifth-year senior captain Riley Bullough missed three games due to an injury, but did return to action Oct. 15 vs. Northwestern and has started the last five games. Sixth-year player Ed Davis is still rounding into form after suffering a torn ACL last season, but started his first game of the season against Michigan on Oct. 29 at Sam and had a season-high eight tackles against the Wolverines; however, he did miss the last game against Rutgers. Junior Chris Frey leads the team with 81 tackles and has started all 10 games (eight at Sam, two at Star). Sophomore Andrew Dowell has started five games at Star (weakside) and ranks fourth on the team with 55 tackles.
• Eleven Spartans who have started on defense have missed at least one game due to injuries (LB Jon Reschke: eight games*; DE Evan Jones: four games; CB Vayante Copeland: three games*; LB Riley Bullough: three games; CB Darian Hicks: two games; S Grayson Miller: two games; LB Ed Davis: two games; S Demetrious Cox: one game; S Montae Nicholson: one game; S Khari Willis: one game; DL Malik McDowell: one game; * denotes out for the season).
PLENTY OF NEW FACES ON DEFENSE FOR SPARTANS IN 2016 --
• Eleven Spartans who have seen action on defense this season have been either true freshmen or redshirt freshmen (LB Joe Bachie; CB Josh Butler; CB/WR Donnie Corley, S David Dowell; DE Josh King; CB Justin Layne; S Kenney Lyke; DT Mike Panasiuk; DE Auston Robertson; LB Tyriq Thompson; DT Raequan Williams).
• Another seven players to see start or significant playing time are sophomores (DE Robert Bowers; CB Vayante Copeland; LB Andrew Dowell; S Grayson Miller; CB Tyson Smith; CB Jalen Watts-Jackson; CB Khari Willis).
• In addition, the defense also features two graduate transfers (DE Gabe Sherrod, DT Kevin Williams), and a sixth-year senior (DT Brandon Clemons) who is starting for the first time on defense in his career.
CAPTAIN Riley Bullough NEARING 200-CAREER TACKLE MILESTONE --
• Fifth-year senior captain linebacker Riley Bullough, who was voted a team captain, leads all active Spartans with 195 career tackles. He is just five tackles shy of becoming the fourth member of the Bullough family to record 200 career tackles at Michigan State (uncle Chuck with 391 from 1988-91; father Shane with 311 from 1983-86; brother Max with 299 from 2010-13).
• Bullough tallied double-digits in tackles (11) at Illinois on Nov. 5 for the third time this season in seven games.He is third on the team with 57 tackles in just seven games. He has six career games with double-digit tackles.
• Bullough returned to the playing field Oct. 15 vs. Northwestern after missing three games due to an injury. In his first action since Game 2 at Notre Dame, Bullough had 12 tackles against the Wildcats. He had a season-high 14 stops vs. No. 2 Michigan on Oct. 29.
• Bullough started 13 games last season and led the team with a career-high 106 tackles. He was named to preseason watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Nagurski Trophy.
Chris Frey LEADS TEAM AND RANKS AMONG BIG TEN LEADERS IN TACKLES --
• Junior linebacker Chris Frey leads the team and ranks ninth in the Big Ten with a career-high 81 tackles (8.1 avg.). Frey, a native of Upper Arlington, Ohio, has recorded double-digit tackles in two games (career-high 13 vs. BYU; 10 vs. Maryland) and has collected at least eight tackles in seven games this season.
