Spartans Face Second Straight Top-10 Team, Travel to No. 8 Wisconsin on Saturday

Saturday, October 12

Madison, Wis.

3:30 PM

Michigan State University

Wisconsin

Photo by: Matthew Mitchell Photography

Spartans Face Second Straight Top-10 Team, Travel to No. 8 Wisconsin on Saturday

10/10/2019 11:57:00 AM | Football

MSU Game Notes Wisconsin Game Notes

MSU has back-to-back road games at Top-10 opponents for the first time since 1990.

Game 7: Michigan State (4-2, 2-1 B1G) at No. 8/8 Wisconsin (5-0, 2-0 B1G)

Date: Saturday, Oct. 12
Kickoff: 3:40 p.m. EDT/2:40 p.m. CDT
Location: Madison, Wis.
Stadium: Camp Randall Stadium (80,321)
Surface: FieldTurf
TV/Web/Mobile: BTN/FOX Sports app
Announcers: Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Matt Millen (analyst), Rick Pizzo (sideline)
Radio: Spartan Sports Network (George Blaha, Jason Strayhorn) | Affiliate Listings
Satellite Radio: Ch. 83 (Sirius), Ch. 83 (XM), Ch. 83 (SiriusXM.com)
Live Stats: msuspartans.com | Wisconsin Live Stats
All-Time Series: MSU leads, 30-23
Series in Madison: MSU leads, 14-13
Last Meeting: UW 30, MSU 6 (2016)
Current Series Streak: 1 by UW (2016-)

COACHES:
MSU Head Coach: Mark Dantonio
MSU Record: 111-53 (13th year)
Overall Record: 129-70 (16th year)
Record vs. UW: 4-4

UW Head Coach: Paul Chryst
UW Record: 47-12 (fifth year)
Overall Record: 66-31 (eighth year)
Record vs. MSU: 1-0

FIRST-AND-10 –
• Michigan State travels to Madison for the first time since 2012 as the Spartans will take on No. 8/8 Wisconsin Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:40 p.m. EDT/2:40 p.m. CDT in Camp Randall Stadium. The game will be televised on BTN, with Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen and Rick Pizzo on the call. MSU enters the contest at 4-2 (2-1 Big Ten) following a 34-10 loss at No. 4/5 Ohio State last Saturday, while the Badgers improved to 5-0 for the second time in the past three seasons with a 48-0 shutout victory over Kent State. This marks the first time MSU will play back-to-back road games against AP Top 10 teams since 1990 (Oct. 13 at No. 1 Michigan; Oct. 20 at No. 8 Illinois).

• Saturday's game marks the 54th meeting between Michigan State and Wisconsin and the first since 2016 in East Lansing. The Spartans lead the all-time series, 30-23, including a slim 14-13 edge in games played in Madison. Prior to Wisconsin's 30-6 win in 2016, the previous seven games in the series were decided by a combined total of 34 points (4.9 avg.). Michigan State has won three of the last five meetings, including a 16-13 overtime victory in 2012 in the last matchup in Camp Randall Stadium. MSU head coach Mark Dantonio is 4-4 in his tenure against Wisconsin, including a 1-2 record in Madison. Under Dantonio, the Spartans are 2-3 against AP-ranked Badgers teams. MSU beat No. 4 Wisconsin in 2011 and the 11th-ranked Badgers in 2010, both in Spartan Stadium.

• The Badgers' impressive start is led by their defense, as UW leads the FBS in total defense (178.6 ypg), scoring defense (5.8 ppg), passing defense (131.0 ypg) and third-down defense (.159) while ranking second in rushing defense (47.6 ypg).

• Michigan State's rushing defense, which led the FBS in 2018 and currently ranks 21st in the country, will face Wisconsin All-America running back Jonathan Taylor for the first time. Taylor is second in the nation with 12 rushing TDs and third in rushing (171.8 ypg); last season, he won the Doak Walker Award after leading the FBS with 2,194 rushing yards (168.8 ypg).

• Fifth-year senior wide receiver Darrell Stewart leads the Big Ten in receptions (41) and receiving yards (624) and is second in the conference in receiving yards per game (104.0 ypg) and third in receptions per game (6.8 pg). He also ranks among the FBS leaders in total receptions (tied for sixth with 41), total receiving yards (sixth with 624), receiving yards per game (10th with 104.4 ypg) and receptions per game (tied for 12th with 6.8 pg). Stewart has three 100-yard receiving games and put together back-to-back 100-yard receiving games (career-high 185 yards vs. Western Michigan on Sept. 7 and 121 vs. Arizona State on Sept. 14) for the first time at MSU since Aaron Burbridge had four straight 100-yard games in 2015. Stewart's impressive performance to start the season has made him a late add to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

• Fifth-year senior quarterback Brian Lewerke, who leads the Big Ten in total passing yards (1,543), completions (124) and attempts (212), has been named one of 20 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top senior college quarterback. Lewerke also ranks second in the Big Ten in passing (257.2 ypg) and total offense (281.0 ypg) and fourth in touchdown passes (11). The Phoenix, Arizona, native has completed 124-of-212 passes (.585) for 1,543 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. In the win over Indiana on Sept. 28, Lewerke became just the second Spartan quarterback to eclipse 6,000 yards passing (6,539) and 1,000 yards rushing (1,035) in his career, joining Drew Stanton (6,524 passing yards and 1,512 rushing yards from 2003-06). Lewerke also ranks among the school leaders in pass attempts (fourth with 987), passing yards (fourth with 6,757 yards), pass completions (fourth with 585), passing yards per game (fifth with 198.7 ypg), total offense (fifth with 7,792 yards) and passing TDs (eighth with 41).

• The Spartans have consistently produced wins against highly ranked teams under Mark Dantonio. MSU is 10-8 in its last 18 games against teams ranked in The Associated Press Top 10, including a 9-8 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, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 8 Penn State in 2016; beat No. 7 Michigan and No. 7 Penn State in 2017; beat No. 8 Penn State and lost to No. 6 Michigan and No. 8 Ohio State in 2018; lost to No. 4 Ohio State in 2019). Michigan State has won 14 of its last 25 games played against AP Top 25 opponents. Dantonio ranks second in school history in wins over AP Top 10 teams (10) and AP Top 25 teams (21).

• With the triumph over Northwestern on Sept. 21, Mark Dantonio became Michigan State's all-time winningest coach, passing Hall of Famer Duffy Daugherty, who collected a 109-69-5 record in East Lansing from 1954-72 (19 seasons). Dantonio owns a 111-53 (.677) record at Michigan State and has won the most Big Ten Championships (three) and bowl games (five) of any Spartan head coach and also ranks first with 11 bowl appearances. He is the only active Big Ten coach to win multiple Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015), claim a victory in the Rose Bowl (2014), and coach in the College Football Playoff (2015). Dantonio also ranks first in program history in conference winning percentage (.657, 67-35 record, minimum 10 games); tied for first in AP Top 25 finishes (seven); second in Big Ten wins (67), home wins (66) and AP Top 25 wins (21); and fifth in overall winning percentage (.677). Dantonio is 11th in Big Ten history in conference wins (67) and tied for 12th in overall victories (111). Saturday's game will be Dantonio's 200th overall as a head coach (35 at Cincinnati, 164 at Michigan State).

• Senior linebacker and first-team preseason All-American Joe Bachie leads the Big Ten with 57 overall tackles and ranks fourth in tackles per game (9.5 avg.). Bachie was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the fourth time in his career following his performance in the win at Northwestern on Sept. 21 (career-high 14 tackles, 13 solo, two TFLs, one sack, one interception, two pass break-ups). He had 11 tackles at No. 4 Ohio State, marking his 12th career game with double-figure tackles. Bachie also has 7.5 tackles for loss, four pass break-ups, 3.5 sacks and one interception this season.

• Sixth-year senior Jake Hartbarger is averaging a Big Ten-best 47.6 yards per punt, which is also seventh best in the FBS. He has 12 punts of 50-plus yards and has placed 44 percent of his punts (12-of-27) inside the 20. Hartbarger was added to the Ray Guy Award Watch List on Sept. 30.

Darrell Stewart at Ohio State

STAT LEADERS –
Michigan State:
Rushing – R-Fr. Elijah Collins (90 carries for 476 yards, 5.3 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing – Sr.-5 Brian Lewerke (124-of-212, .585, 1,543 yards, 11 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving – Sr.-5 Darrell Stewart (41 catches for 624 yards, 15.2 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles – Sr. Joe Bachie (57 tackles, 29 solos, 28 assists, 7.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 4 PBUs, 1 INT)

Wisconsin:
Rushing – Jr. Jonathan Taylor (103 carries for 745 yards, 7.2 avg., 12 TDs)
Passing – Jr. Jack Coan (85-of-114, .746, 939 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT)
Receiving – Jr. Quintez Cephus (17 catches for 263 yards, 15.5 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles – So. Jack Sanborn (28 tackles, 16 solos, 12 assists, 5.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 FF)

A GLANCE AT WISCONSIN (5-0, 2-0 B1G) –
• The No. 8/8 Badgers improved to 5-0 on the season for the second time in three years under head coach Paul Chryst with a 48-0 blanking of Kent State in a nonconference contest last Saturday. Junior running back Jonathan Taylor earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after scoring five touchdowns on 215 all-purpose yards. He scored four rushing TDs and one receiving TD, rushing 19 times for 186 yards and adding three catches for 29 yards.

• Taylor tied a school record with the five TDs in a single game, as well as the first Big Ten player to score five total TDs in a game since Penn State running back Saquon Barkley scored five against Pittsburgh on Sept. 10, 2016. With the 186 rushing yards, Taylor also passed Melvin Gordon for third on Wisconsin's all-time rushing list, now with 4,916 career yards, trailing school record holder Ron Dayne (7,125 yards) and Montee Ball (5,140). Taylor rushed for 100 yards for the 27th time in 32 career games, the second-most 100-yard outings in school history, only trailing Dayne (33).

• Wisconsin's defense posted its third shutout of the season, limiting Kent State to just 124 yards of total offense (64 passing, 60 rushing), gaining only 10 first downs.

• Wisconsin leads the FBS in scoring defense, limiting the opposition to just 5.8 points per game; in addition to three shutouts, the Badger defense has yielded just 29 total points with 14 to No. 11 Michigan in 35-14 win on Sept. 21 and 15 to Northwestern in 24-15 victory on Sept. 28.

• The Badgers top the country in total defense (178.6 ypg), as well as first in the league and second in the nation in rushing defense (47.6 ypg), holding all five opponents under 100 yards, with a high of 97 by Northwestern, while limiting three opponents to less than 50 yards (26, USF; 15, Central Michigan; 40, Michigan).
• Additionally, Wisconsin's defense also leads the nation in passing yards allowed (131.0 ypg), with a season-high of 259 yards by Michigan, the only opponent over 200, while holding two opponents under 100 yards passing (43, Central Michigan; 64, Kent State).

• Wisconsin's passing defense has snared twice as many interceptions (6) as TD passes allowed (3), while only allowing one rushing TD.

• The Badger defense also is first in the country in third-down conversion defense (.159, 11-of-69), and also leads the Big Ten and ranks second in the FBS in fewest first downs allowed (58/11.6 pg).

• Wisconsin is third in the Big Ten and 11th in the FBS in scoring offense (43.4 ppg), as well as third in the league and 32nd in the nation in total offense (456.8 ypg). UW is also second in the conference and 10th in the country in rushing offense (254.0 ypg), while ranking 11th in the conference in passing offense (202.8 ypg).

• Individually, Taylor leads the nation in total touchdowns with 16 (12 rushing, 4 receiving) and scoring (19.2 ppg). Taylor is also tops in the conference and second in the country in both rushing yards per game (149.0) and rushing TDs (12). He also leads the Big Ten and ranks third in the FBS in all-purpose yards (171.8 ypg), as well as third in the league and 33rd in the nation in yards per carry (7.2). Taylor has gained 745 yards rushing on 103 carries. He is also third on the team in receiving with 12 catches for 114 yards (9.5 ypc/22.8 ypg) with a team-best four TD catches.

• Jack Coan is fourth in the Big Ten and 21st in the FBS in passing efficiency (162.3), ranking ninth in the league in passing yards per game (187.8), passing yards per completion (11.1) and passing TDs (9). He is 85-of-114 (.746) for 939 yards with seven TDs and one INT.

• Quintez Cephus is 16th in the Big Ten in receiving yards per game (52.6) and 17th in receptions per game (3.4). Overall, he has 17 catches for 263 yards, with two TDs.

• Defensively, sophomore linebacker Jack Sanborn spearheads the defense with 28 total tackles, ranking 27th in the Big Ten with 5.6 tackles per game. Sandborn adds 5.0 TFLs and 3.0 sacks with one INT, one pass break-up and one forced fumble.

• Senior linebacker Zack Baun is second in the Big Ten and tied for eighth in the FBS in tackles for loss per game (1.9), also ranking second in the league and tied for ninth in the FBS with 9.5 total TFLs. Baun adds 6.0 sacks, ranking third in the conference and tied for sixth in the country. He has 23 total tackles, with two forced fumbles and seven QB hurries.

• Sophomore Collin Larsh has only attempted five field goals, making 2-of-5, ranking 12th in the Big Ten in field-goal percentage, with a long of 36 yards, while making 29-of-30 PATs.

• Senior punter Anthony Lotti has punted 19 times for a 40.9 ypp average, ranking 10th in the Big Ten in average, with a long of 59 yards, one of three punts of 50+ yards, and he has eight inside the 20.

MSU/WISCONSIN SERIES NOTES –
• Saturday's game marks the 54th meeting between Michigan State and Wisconsin and the first since 2016 in East Lansing. The Spartans lead the all-time series 30-23, including a slim 14-13 edge in games played in Madison. Prior to Wisconsin's 30-6 win in 2016, the previous seven games in the series were decided by a combined total of 34 points (4.9 avg.).

• Michigan State has won three of the last five meetings, including a 16-13 overtime victory in 2012 in the last matchup in Camp Randall Stadium.

• MSU head coach Mark Dantonio is 4-4 in his tenure against Wisconsin, including a 1-2 record in Madison. Under Dantonio, the Spartans are 2-3 against AP-ranked Badgers teams.

• Michigan State and Wisconsin played in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game, a 42-39 victory for the Badgers in 2011, in a classic matchup between two future NFL quarterbacks in Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson. Earlier in the 2011 season in Spartan Stadium on Oct. 22, MSU beat the fourth-ranked Badgers, 37-31, as Cousins hooked up with Keith Nichol with a 44-yard Hail Mary pass on the final play of regulation.

SPARTANS FROM THE BADGER STATE –
• Michigan State's 2019 roster features two players from Wisconsin: So. LB Noah Harvey (Hartland/Arrowhead) and So. OT Jack Henrichs (Mequon/Homestead).

THE LAST MEETING –
Sept. 24, 2016, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP): Alex Hornibrook threw for 195 yards and a touchdown, and 11th-ranked Wisconsin defeated the eighth-ranked Spartans, 30-6, in the 2016 Big Ten opener. The Badgers outscored the Spartans 17-0 in the third quarter. MSU actually outgained UW (325-317) but committed four turnovers in the game. Tyler O'Connor finished 18 of 38 for 224 yards for MSU. Corey Clement ran for two touchdowns for Wisconsin.

THE LAST MEETING IN MADISON –
Oct. 27, 2012, in Madison, Wis. (AP): Andrew Maxwell threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Bennie Fowler in overtime, giving Michigan State a 16-13 victory and snapping Wisconsin's 21-game home winning streak. The Badgers were ranked No. 25 in the Coaches Poll.

After rushing for 804 yards in its previous two games, Wisconsin managed a measly 19 yards rushing, its fewest in five years. Montee Ball, who had averaged better than 125 yards rushing in his last three games, was held to 46 and didn't get close to the end zone. James White added 16. Joel Stave was 9-of-11 for 127 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Pedersen that gave Wisconsin a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter. But Stave injured his left shoulder when he was sacked on the opening play of the second half and did not return.

Wisconsin cornerback Marcus Cromartie forced a fumble when he hit Lawrence Thomas hard, and Warren Herring recovered it at the Michigan State 18 in the fourth quarter. But just as Michigan State had earlier in the game, the Badgers failed to muster any positive yardage and had to settle for Kyle French's 39-yard field goal after a drive that went minus-3 yards. Maxwell responded by driving the Spartans down the field, capping an 8-of-9 performance with a 5-yard pass to Le'Veon Bell, who bulldozed his way into the end zone to tie the game at 10 with a minute left.

Michigan State won the toss in overtime and deferred. The Badgers scored on a 43-yard field goal after Isaiah Lewis broke up Danny O'Brien's pass to Pedersen on third-and-long. The Spartans kept it simple, handing the ball off to Bell repeatedly before Maxwell found Fowler for the winning score.

POST-GAME NOTES: OHIO STATE
• Ohio State won its fourth straight in the series with a 34-10 win over Michigan State last Saturday night before a crowd of 104,797 at Ohio Stadium . . . OSU leads the all-time series, 33-15, including a 16-9 record in Columbus.

OFFENSE
• Brian Lewerke completed 20-of-38 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown and one interception . . . it marked Lewerke's 17th game with more than 200 yards passing.

• Darrell Stewart led MSU with six receptions for 68 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter, his fourth receiving TD of the season . . . Stewart has 41 catches for 624 yards on the season.

• Redshirt freshman tight end Trenton Gillison had a career-high three catches for 34 yards.

DEFENSE
• Josiah Scott doubled his previous career high with 12 tackles (9 solo, 3 assists) . . . he also recorded his second interception of the season and returned it 34 yards in the third quarter . . . it marked Scott's sixth career interception.

• Joe Bachie registered a season-high three tackles for loss (19 yards) and a career-high two sacks, including an 18-yard sack on the third play from scrimmage.

• Raequan Williams tallied a career-high eight tackles.

• Mike Panasiuk had a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss (9 yards), including a 4-yard sack that included a forced fumble . . . in addition, he tied a career best with seven tackles; he also had seven stops in his first career start against Ohio State in 2016.

• The Spartans allowed a season-high 529 yards of total offense, the most by a Spartan opponent since Baylor had 583 total yards in the 2015 Cotton Bowl.

• MSU gave up 323 yards rushing, the most since Ohio State ran for 335 yards on Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbus.

SPECIAL TEAMS
• Jake Hartbarger averaged 46.9 yards per punt (seven punts for 328 yards), including four inside the 20.

STOPPING THE RUN –
• After leading the FBS in rushing defense last season, the Spartans are ranked tied for 21st through the first six games in 2019, allowing a total of 602 yards rushing (100.3 ypg).

• Michigan State posted a dominant defensive performance in the victory over Tulsa on Aug. 30. The Spartans held the Golden Hurricane to -73 yards rushing, a school-record low for a Spartan opponent (previous: -63 yards by Pittsburgh in 1950). That mark also tied a Big Ten single-game record (Iowa held Purdue to -73 yards rushing in 1989) and it's the fewest rushing yards by any FBS team since 2000, when Mississippi State held Florida to -78 yards rushing. MSU also limited Tulsa to 80 yards of total offense, the lowest output by a Spartan opponent since 2011 (Florida Atlantic, 48).
• MSU has held four of its six opponents in 2019 below 100 yards rushing (-73 by Tulsa; 67 by Western Michigan; 76 by Arizona State; 70 by Indiana). In 164 games under Dantonio, Michigan State has held its opponent under 100 yards rushing 84 times (.512). MSU is 71-13 (.845) in those games, including a 61-8 (.884) record since 2010.

• Michigan State ranked first in the FBS in rushing defense in 2018, allowing just 77.9 yards per game, the fifth-lowest in school history and the lowest since 1999 (76.2 ypg). MSU's 77.9 ypg average was the lowest by a non-Alabama team since 2009 (Texas, 72.4 ypg). The Spartans held their opponents to under 100 yards rushing eight times. MSU also ranked first in the Big Ten in conference games in rushing defense (93.8 ypg). MSU only gave up 30 rushes of 10-plus yards in 2018, tied for second fewest in the FBS.

• Stopping the run has been the main theme for MSU on defense in the Dantonio era, and it led to ranking No. 1 in the NCAA FBS in rushing defense in 2014 (88.5 ypg) and 2018 (77.9 ypg). In addition, MSU has led the Big Ten in rushing defense six times (2011-14, 2017-18) under Dantonio. Since the Big Ten began awarding stat champions in all games in 1985, Michigan State (2011-14) became only the second team in conference history to lead the league in rushing defense four years in a row (Michigan, 1990-93). The Spartans have been ranked in the Top 25 in rushing defense eight times in the last 10 seasons, including a run of five straight years in the top 11 (2011-15). MSU has led the Big Ten in rushing defense the past two seasons and ranked No. 1 in the FBS in 2018 (77.9 ypg) and No. 2 in 2017 (95.3 ypg).

MSU KEEPING OPPONENTS OFF THE SCOREBOARD –
• For the third time under Dantonio, Michigan State led the Big Ten in scoring defense in 2018, allowing just 17.2 points per game, which tied for eighth fewest in the FBS. The Spartans also ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring defense in 2012 (16.3 ppg) and 2013 (13.2 ppg). MSU also ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in conference games in scoring defense (16.6 ppg) in 2018.

• MSU has allowed 20 or fewer points under Dantonio 82 times (51 percent); MSU's record in those games is 72-10 (.878).

• MSU has allowed 17 or fewer points under Dantonio 77 times (48 percent); MSU's record in those games is 68-9 (.883).

• MSU has only given up 30 or more points under Dantonio 39 times (24 percent; record: 11-28).

PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE QB –
• Michigan State ranks fourth in the Big Ten and tied for ninth in the FBS with 19 total sacks (3.17 sacks per game). Kenny Willekes leads the way for MSU with four, followed 3.5 from Raequan Williams and Joe Bachie and two each from Jacub Panasiuk and Shakur Brown. Antjuan Simmons (1.5), Mike Panasiuk (1.0), Chase Kline (1.0) and Tyriq Thompson (0.5) have also contributed sacks for the Spartans.

• MSU also ranks tied for fourth in the Big Ten and eighth in the FBS with 48 tackles for loss (8.0 pg).

SPARTANS FORCE 12 TURNOVERS IN FIRST SIX GAMES –
• Although Michigan State ranked in the FBS Top 10 in several defensive categories in 2018, this season the Spartans are emphasizing turnovers after finishing 28th in the FBS with 23 turnovers caused last season. After six games, MSU ranks tied for 12th in the FBS with 12 turnovers caused (five fumbles, seven interceptions). The seven interceptions are tied for 10th most in the FBS.

• In the first game against Tulsa, the Spartans forced three turnovers, including two fumble recoveries by Kenny Willekes, one which resulted in a touchdown, and an interception by Antjuan Simmons. In addition, the Spartans caused six Tulsa fumbles overall. MSU forced three more turnovers against Western Michigan, with two interceptions (Xavier Henderson, Tyriq Thompson) and a fumble recovery (Davion Williams). MSU recorded three picks at Northwestern (Josiah Scott, Drew Beesley, Joe Bachie).

HISTORY OF STINGY DEFENSES UNDER DANTONIO –
• In 2018, Michigan State finished ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense (77.9 ypg), No. 8 in scoring defense (17.2 ppg), No. 8 in third-down defense (.302), No. 10 in total defense (303.2 ypg) and No. 10 in first-downs defense (213).

• The Spartans led the Big Ten in rushing defense (77.9 ypg) for the sixth time in the Dantonio era (2011-14, 2017-18).

• For the third time under Dantonio, Michigan State led the Big Ten in scoring defense in 2018, allowing just 17.2 points per game, which tied for eighth fewest in the FBS. The Spartans also ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring defense in 2012 (16.3 ppg) and 2013 (13.2 ppg).

• Michigan State has finished in the FBS Top 10 in total defense six times under Dantonio (No. 6 in 2011, No. 4 in 2012, No. 2 in 2013, No. 8 in 2014, No. 7 in 2017, No. 10 in 2018) and No. 1 in the Big Ten on three occasions (2011, 2012, 2013). Since 2011, only Michigan State and Alabama have ranked in the FBS Top 10 in total defense six times.

• The Spartans have been ranked in the Top 25 in rushing defense eight times in the last 10 seasons, including a run of five straight years in the top 11 (No. 9 in 2011, No. 8 in 2012, No. 2 in 2013, No. 1 in 2014, No. 11 in 2015) and back-to-back top-two finishes (No. 2 in 2017, No. 1 in 2018).

• 2018 marked the fourth time Michigan State has ranked in the FBS Top 10 in total defense, scoring defense and rushing defense in the same season under Dantonio (2011, 2012, 2013, 2018).

LINEBACKER JOE BACHIE LEADS SPARTAN DEFENSE IN THE MIDDLE –
• Joe Bachie, who has started 32 consecutive games at middle linebacker, was named a first-team preseason All-American by The Associated Press and has been named a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. He is also featured on watch lists for the Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year), Butkus Award (nation's best linebacker) and Nagurski Trophy (nation's most outstanding college defensive player). Bachie led the Spartans in tackles for the second year in a row in 2018 with 102 and currently owns the team lead with 57 through six games, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten at 9.5 per game. He became the third Spartan middle linebacker under Mark Dantonio, joining Greg Jones and Max Bullough, to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors (coaches, ESPN.com, Phil Steele).

• Bachie leads the Spartans and ranks first in the Big Ten in total tackles (57) and fourth in tackles per game (9.5 avg.). He also is tied for the team lead with four pass break-ups in addition to 7.5 tackles for loss (34 yards) and 3.5 sacks (29 yards).

• Bachie was voted a team captain for the second year in a row in 2019 and is one of just six Spartans in the Dantonio era to serve as a captain twice (Greg Jones, 2009-10; Kirk Cousins, 2009-11; Max Bullough, 2012-13; Shilique Calhoun, 2014-15).

• Bachie registered a season-high three tackles for loss (19 yards) and a career-high two sacks at No. 4 Ohio State on Oct. 5, including an 18-yard sack on the third play from scrimmage.

• For the fourth time in his career, Bachie was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following his performance at Northwestern on Sept. 21. He recorded a career-high 14 tackles (13 solo, one assist) to lead the Spartan defense. Bachie had a 9-yard sack in the first quarter to set the tone for the Spartans, and finished with two tackles for loss (10 yards) overall. The native of Brook Park, Ohio, also picked off his fifth career pass and returned it 19 yards in the fourth quarter. In addition, Bachie had two pass break-ups and one quarterback hurry. Bachie compiled a Dantonio-era record 50 production points in the game (unofficial team stat).

• Bachie was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week last season against Maryland on Nov. 3, 2018. Bachie forced a career-high three fumbles, recovering one, and also had seven tackles, two tackles for loss (5 yards) and tied a career-high with two pass break-ups.

• Bachie, who started all 13 games at middle linebacker as a sophomore for the Spartans in 2017 and led the team in tackles (100; 7.7 avg.), was named the recipient of the 2017 Governor's Award, which is given annually to the program's most valuable player as voted on by the team. He was the first Spartan sophomore to win the Governor's Award since quarterback Drew Stanton in 2004.

• A third-team All-Big Ten choice by the coaches and media in 2017, Bachie was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2017. In the win at No. 7 Michigan, Bachie became just the second Big Ten linebacker and fifth in the FBS in the last five years to record double-digit tackles (10) and at least one interception, one forced fumble, one sack and one pass break-up in the same game. He also had 13 tackles in the victory against Indiana to earn Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.

• In 38 career games, including 32 consecutive starts, Bachie has 271 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, five interceptions, 11 pass break-ups, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He has recorded double-figures in tackles 12 times in his career.

KENNY WILLEKES LEADS ALL ACTIVE FBS PLAYERS IN TACKLES FOR LOSS –
• Preseason All-American and 2018 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Kenny Willekes, who led the Big Ten in tackles for loss last season with 20.5, leads all active FBS players with 41.5 career tackles for loss and is second with 1.26 tackles for loss per game. Willekes is tied for third on the team and 11th in the Big Ten with 6.5 tackles for loss this season, and his four sacks are tied for eighth in the league. He is also second on the team with 41 tackles, which is third most among defensive linemen in the FBS.

• Willekes was named the National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation and also the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his impressive performance in the season opener vs. Tulsa. Willekes scored his first career touchdown after teaming up on a sack with Raequan Williams and pouncing on the fumble in the end zone to give MSU a 22-0 lead with 4:49 left in the second quarter. Earlier in the second quarter, he recovered a fumble after a bad Tulsa snap to set up an MSU field goal. He also had a 1-yard tackle for loss in the second quarter and a 2-yard sack in the fourth quarter. Overall, Willekes led the Spartans with seven tackles, including 2.5 TFLs (6 yards) and 1.5 sacks (5 yards).

• After leading the Big Ten with 20.5 tackles for loss, Willekes was named the 2018 Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and a first-team All-American by The Athletic. Willekes became the second Spartan to win the award (Shilique Calhoun in 2013), which is named after MSU's Bubba Smith and Penn State's Courtney Brown and given to the Big Ten's most outstanding defensive lineman, and was the first Spartan defensive end to earn first-team All-America honors since Robaire Smith in 1998. Willekes was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team by the coaches, media, Associated Press, Athlon Sports, ESPN.com, Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus, and earned second-team All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Phil Steele, Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation.

• Willekes, who entered the program as a walk-on linebacker for the 2015 season, has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the nation. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken fibula in the Redbox Bowl against Oregon, but he fully recovered in time for the 2019 season. He was named a first-team preseason All-American by numerous media outlets (Athlon Sports, CBS Sports, Lindy's, Phil Steele, Sporting News and Street & Smith's) and is featured on watch lists for the Walter Camp Award (college player of the year), Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year), Nagurski Trophy (nation's most outstanding college defensive player) and Hendricks Award (nation's best defensive end).

• A 6-4, 260-pound native of Rockford, Michigan, Willekes collected a league-best 20.5 tackles for loss in 2018, good for second most in a Spartan single season and eighth most in the FBS in 2018. He also led the Spartans with 8.5 sacks, which ranked tied for fifth in the Big Ten. He registered a career-high 78 tackles to rank first among all defensive lineman in the nation, including a career-high 13 against Ohio State on Nov. 3.

• According to Pro Football Focus, Willekes led all edge rushers in the FBS in 2018 with 23 quarterback hits and ranked sixth with 39 QB hurries. Willekes was also the highest-ranked Big Ten edge rusher with a 90.3 grade.

• At the Spartan Football Awards banquet on Nov. 25, 2018, Willekes was named the recipient of the Governor's Award (MVP), becoming the first Spartan defensive end to win the honor since its inception in 1931.
• A chemistry major, Willekes earned a scholarship in the spring of 2017 and hasn't looked back since. The native of Rockford, Michigan, is MSU's active leader in sacks (tied for seventh in school history with 19.5) and tackles for loss (sixth in school history with 41.5). His 41.5 tackles for loss ranks first among active FBS players and his 1.26 tackles for loss per game average ranks second.

• After playing in just one game as a redshirt freshman in 2016, Willekes earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017 with a team-leading 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

• Willekes has recorded two sacks in a game six times in his career (2017: Michigan, Minnesota, Maryland; 2018: Utah State, Maryland; 2019: Western Michigan).

MIKE PANASIUK & RAEQUAN WILLIAMS CONSISTENT IN THE MIDDLE OF SPARTAN D-LINE –
• Defensive tackles Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams have started alongside each other on the interior of the defensive line for 35 consecutive games, dating back to the Ohio State game on Nov. 19, 2016. The duo is a big reason why MSU ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense in 2018 and ranked No. 2 in 2017.

• Williams, a first-team All-Big Ten selection by The Associated Press, recorded career bests in tackles (53), tackles for loss (10.5) and pass break-ups (5) in 2018. The Chicago native ranks second among active Spartans with 26.5 career tackles for loss, including 10.0 career sacks, in 42 career games. Williams currently ranks tied for second on the Spartans in sacks (3.5) and tied for fifth in tackles for loss (5.0).

• Panasiuk, a stalwart on the Spartan defensive line with 35 straight starts at defensive tackle, was named honorable mention All-Big Ten for the second year in a row in 2018. Panasiuk's numbers are hard to measure in terms of impact, but the Roselle, Illinois, native is a big reason why MSU ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense in 2018, allowing just 77.9 yards per game. Panasiuk had 6.0 tackles for loss and two pass break-ups, and led the Spartan defensive tackles unit in production points. He recorded an interception and blocked a field goal in the fourth quarter in the victory over Purdue.

• In 44 career games, Panasiuk has 80 tackles, including 15.5 for losses with three sacks. This season, Panasiuk already has a career-high 6.5 tackles for loss and 16 stops overall. He posted a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, including a sack and forced fumble, at No. 4 Ohio State on Oct. 5.

SIMMONS MAKING THE MOST OUT OF HIS STARTING OPPORTUNITY –
• Junior Star (weakside) linebacker Antjuan Simmons has burst onto the scene in his first year as a starter for the Spartans, leading the team in tackles for loss (8.0 for 28 yards) and ranking third in tackles (40). He also has 1.5 sacks (6 yards), two pass break-ups and one interception. He ranks second on the team in production points (unofficial team stat) with 128.

• Simmons played behind former three-year starting Star linebacker Andrew Dowell in 2017 and 2018. Simmons has 106 career tackles, including 10.0 for losses, in 32 games of action.

BRIAN LEWERKE NAMED FINALIST FOR JOHNNY UNITAS GOLDEN ARM AWARD –
• Quarterback Brian Lewerke is in his third season as the starting quarterback for the Spartans. He is just the second Spartan quarterback under Mark Dantonio to be named a captain twice (Kirk Cousins, three times, 2009-11). After a record-setting sophomore season in 2017, Lewerke's junior year was hampered by a shoulder injury he suffered in the win at No. 8 Penn State on Oct. 13, but he is back and healthy for his senior season.

• Lewerke, who leads the Big Ten in total passing yards (1,543), completions (124) and attempts (212), has been named one of 20 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top senior college quarterback. Lewerke also ranks second in the Big Ten in passing (257.2 ypg) and total offense (281.0 ypg) and fourth in touchdown passes (11).

• In the win over Indiana on Sept. 28, Lewerke became just the second Spartan quarterback to eclipse 6,000 yards passing (6,539) and 1,000 yards rushing (1,035) in his career, joining Drew Stanton (6,524 passing yards and 1,512 rushing yards from 2003-06). Lewerke also ranks among the school leaders in pass attempts (fourth with 987), passing yards (fourth with 6,757 yards), pass completions (fourth with 585), passing yards per game (fifth with 198.7 ypg), total offense (fifth with 7,792 yards) and passing TDs (eighth with 41).

• Lewerke ranks third in MSU history among quarterbacks with 1,035 rushing yards.

• Lewerke finished with 378 total yards of offense against Indiana (300 passing, 78 rushing), the ninth-highest single-game total in school history and fourth highest of his career (475 vs. Northwestern in 2017; 425 vs. Penn State in 2017; 396 vs. Notre Dame in 2017).

• Lewerke has thrown for more than 300 yards passing seven times in his career and more than 200 yards passing 17 times (fifth in MSU history).

• In his first full year as the starter in 2017, Brian Lewerke became the first quarterback in school history to throw for more than 2,500 yards and rush for more than 500 yards in the same season. Lewerke finished 2017 with the second-most yards of total offense in an MSU season with 3,352 (Drew Stanton with 3,415 in 2005). He also finished the 2017 campaign ranked among MSU's single-season leaders in passing completions (third with 246), passing attempts (fourth with 417), passing yards (seventh with 2,793) and touchdown passes (tied for eighth with 20). He rushed for 559 yards on 124 carries with five TDs. In 10 games in 2019, Lewerke rushed 90 times, gaining 351 yards and losing 167 for a net total of 184.

• In 2017, Lewerke set MSU sophomore records for total offense (3,352 yards), passing yards (2,793), passing attempts (417) and passing completions (246). He also finished the season with 559 yards rushing on 124 carries, the fourth most by a Spartan quarterback in a single season and the most since Drew Stanton had 687 in 2004.

• Lewerke was named the 2017 Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP after finishing with 286 yards of total offense against Washington State. He was 13-of-21 passing for 213 yards and three touchdowns, and set a Spartan bowl record for most rushing yards by a quarterback (14 carries for 73 yards). Lewerke was 9-of-10 passing for 162 yards and two TDs in the second quarter alone. Lewerke's three touchdown passes tied a Spartan bowl record (accomplished three previous times).

• Lewerke set school single-game records for passing yards (445), total offense (475) and completions (39) in the triple-overtime loss at Northwestern on Oct. 28, 2017. His 57 passing attempts also marked a career high and tied for the second most in school history (record: 61 by Brian Hoyer vs. Penn State in 2006); MSU's previous single-game records were 400 passing yards (Bill Burke vs. Michigan, 1999), 416 yards of total offense (Connor Cook vs. Indiana, 2015) and 35 completions (Jeff Smoker vs. Ohio State, 2003). Lewerke also threw a career-high four touchdowns against the Wildcats, tied for the second most in school history (accomplished 13 previous times). Lewerke's 445 yards passing and 475 total yards against Northwestern were both the most by a Big Ten quarterback in a single game in 2017.

• A week after setting numerous school records at Northwestern on Oct. 28, 2017, Lewerke had another impressive game against Penn State on Nov. 4, becoming the first Spartan quarterback to throw for 400 yards in back-to-back games. He threw for a school-record 445 yards at Northwestern, and for 400 against Penn State; the 400 yards tied for the second-most yards by a Spartan QB in a single game (Bill Burke with 400 in win over Michigan in 1999). Lewerke became one of just three Big Ten quarterbacks in the last 20 years to throw for 400 yards in two consecutive games (Drew Brees, Purdue, 1998; C.J. Bacher, Northwestern, 2007).

• Lewerke played in four games and started twice (Northwestern, Maryland) as a redshirt freshman in 2016 before suffering a season-ending injury (broken tibia) in the fourth quarter of the Michigan game on Oct. 29. He bounced back quickly from the injury and fully participated in all of spring practice in 2017. In 2016, Lewerke became the first Spartan freshman quarterback to start a game (Northwestern) since 2004 (Stephen Reaves vs. Central Michigan).

DARRELL STEWART: MR. CONSISTENCY –
• Fifth-year senior wide receiver Darrell Stewart leads the Big Ten in receptions (41) and receiving yards (624) and is second in the conference in receiving yards per game (104.0 ypg) and third in receptions per game (6.8 pg). He also ranks among the FBS leaders in total receptions (tied for sixth with 41), total receiving yards (sixth with 624), receiving yards per game (10th with 104.4 ypg) and receptions per game (tied for 12th with 6.8 pg). Stewart's 624 receiving yards and four touchdowns catches are already a career high.

• Stewart has three 100-yard receiving games and put together back-to-back 100-yard receiving games (career-high 185 yards vs. Western Michigan on Sept. 7 and 121 vs. Arizona State on Sept. 14) for the first time at MSU since Aaron Burbridge had four straight 100-yard games in 2015. Stewart's impressive performance to start the season has made him a late add to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

• Stewart leads MSU with 14 catches of 20-plus yards; although he led MSU in receptions in 2018 with 48, he had just two catches of 20-plus yards last season.

• Stewart had a career-high 185 yards receiving on 10 catches against Western Michigan on Sept. 7; the 185 receiving yards are tied for the 12th-most by a Spartan in a single game (Plaxico Burress, 13 catches for 185 yards vs. Florida on Jan. 1, 2000). In addition, Stewart's 10 catches were the second most in his career (11 at Northwestern in 2017); he had eight catches for 152 yards and one TD in the first half alone. Stewart had four catches of 20-plus yards (42 yards for TD; 33 yards, 22 yards, 21 yards) and also threw a 17-yard pass to Brian Lewerke. Stewart also had two kick returns for 41 yards to compile a career-high 226 all-purpose yards.

• Stewart led Michigan State in 2018 with 48 receptions and ranked third on the team with 413 receiving yards. Stewart missed two games (Central Michigan, Penn State) with an ankle injury.

• The Houston, Texas, native is sixth in the school record book with 142 career receptions and leads all active Spartans with 1,567 receiving yards (24th in MSU history) and seven TDs in 40 career games, including 18 starting assignments.

• Stewart has MSU's longest active streak with at least one reception in 30 consecutive games, including 12 straight games with at least three receptions.

ELIJAH COLLINS EMERGING AS ONE OF THE TOP FRESHMAN TAILBACKS IN THE FBS –
• Redshirt freshman Elijah Collins is averaging a team-best 79.3 yards rushing per game (90 carries for 476 yards; 5.3 avg.), which ranks fifth in the Big Ten. His 79.3 ypg also ranks first in the conference and fifth in the country for freshman running backs. A native of Detroit, Collins has three rushing touchdowns.

• In his first career start at tailback on Sept. 7 against Western Michigan, Collins recorded 192 rushing yards on 17 carries, the second most by a Spartan freshman in a single game (Javon Ringer had 194 yards at Illinois in 2005). In addition, Collins' 192 rushing yards were the most by a freshman starting running back in school history. Collins had three rushes of 20-plus yards (career-long 58-yarder in third quarter; 29-yarder on second play from scrimmage; 24-yarder in second quarter).

• Collins redshirted in 2018 and played a total of six offensive snaps in three games.

CODY WHITE RANKS SECOND ON TEAM IN RECEIVING –
• Junior Cody White ranks second on the team with 24 catches for 299 yards and two touchdowns in the first six games.

• White has three career 100-yard receiving games (nine catches for 113 yards and one TD at Arizona State in 2018; eight for 115 vs. Ohio State in 2018; nine for 165 at Northwestern in 2017).

• White was having a sensational start to his second season in the Green and White with 20 catches for 300 yards in the first four games of the 2018 season, but unfortunately White suffered a broken left hand in the second quarter of the Central Michigan game on Sept. 29 while diving for a catch in the end zone. White was forced to sit out four games but returned to action on Nov. 3 at Maryland; although he missed four games, he still led the Spartans in receiving yards (555; 61.7 ypg) and ranked second in receptions (42).

• A BTN All-Freshman Team selection in 2017, White closed his first year in the Green and White with the most receiving yards by a true freshman in school history with 490. His 35 catches were second most by a true freshman (Sedrick Irvin with 40 in 1996) and most by a true freshman wide receiver (B.J. Cunningham had 41 catches for 528 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2008). White recorded 30 of his 35 catches in the second half of the season.

• In his first career start, White was named the Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after setting a Spartan freshman single-game record with 165 receiving yards at Northwestern on Oct. 28, 2017. That total was also the 20th-most overall by an MSU player in a single game and the third most by a Spartan against Northwestern.

• In 28 career games, including 20 starts, White has 101 catches for 1,344 yards and eight touchdowns. He is one of 31 players in MSU history with at least 100 career receptions.

JAKE HARTBARGER NAMED TO RAY GUY AWARD WATCH LIST –
• Sixth-year senior Jake Hartbarger is averaging a Big Ten-best 47.6 yards per punt, which is also seventh best in the FBS. He has 12 punts of 50-plus yards and has placed 44 percent of his punts (12-of-27) inside the 20. Hartbarger was added to the Ray Guy Award Watch List on Sept. 30.

• Hartbarger was granted a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA for the 2019 season. Hartbarger injured his right leg in the second game of the 2018 season at Arizona State on Sept. 8 and was forced to miss the remainder of the year. A three-year starter, Hartbarger entered the 2018 season as a candidate for the Ray Guy Award. Hartbarger's injury led to MSU starting four punters in 2018, the most of any team in the FBS, and a total of five Spartans punted.

• Hartbarger got off to a great start in his return, averaging 47.4 yards per punt (237 yards on five punts) including two inside the 20, against Tulsa in the 2019 season opener. He only punted once against WMU.

• A native of Waterville, Ohio, Hartbarger averaged 42.0 yards per punt and placed a career-high 28 punts inside the 20 to earn honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades as a junior in 2017. He is ranked sixth in MSU history in punting average (42.8), seventh in punting yards (9,119) and eighth in punts (213).

• Hartbarger, who has earned Academic All-Big Ten honors four times, graduated with a bachelor's degree in hospitality business in December 2018. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in marketing research.

PLACEKICKER MATT COGHLIN NAMED FIRST-TEAM ALL-BIG TEN IN 2018 –
• A 2018 Lou Groza Award semifinalist and first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media, junior Matt Coghlin is back for the Spartans in 2019 and is featured on the Lou Groza Award Watch List. Coghlin has the fourth-highest field-goal percentage of any kicker in MSU history through his two-plus seasons (.759, 44-of-58).

• Coghlin also ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in PAT percentage (first at 100 percent; 81-of-81), field goals made (ninth with 44), PATs (10th with 81) and points scored (13th with 219).

• Through six games, Coghlin ranks among the Big Ten leaders in field goals (tied for first with 11), kick scoring (third at 8.5 ppg) and scoring (fourth with 8.5 ppg).

• In the 2019 season opener against Tulsa, Coghlin tied a career high with four field goals (38 yards, 47 yards, 44 yards, 40 yards) and was named one of the Lou Groza Three Stars of the Week; he also kicked four field goals against Rutgers in 2017. He made three more against Western Michigan (38, 23, 20) and connected on seven straight to open the season.

• Coghlin kicked the game-winning field goal vs. Indiana on Sept. 28, a 21-yarder, with five seconds remaining. Although he missed his first field goal (43 yards) of the game, Coghlin connected on a 44-yarder with 3:33 left that extended MSU's lead to 31-24.

• In 2018, Coghlin ranked among the Big Ten leaders in field goals made (tied for second with 18), field-goal percentage (tied for fourth at .818) and scoring (ninth at 6.5 ppg). He made 18 of his 22 field-goal attempts in 2018 (5-of-5 from 20-29 yards; 9-of-10 from 30-39 yards; 4-of-5 from 40-49 yards; 0-2 from 50-plus yards).

• Coghlin was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week against Indiana in 2018 after he scored on a 6-yard TD run on a fake field goal in the third quarter and made all five of his point-after attempts. He became the first Spartan to score an offensive touchdown and then kick the PAT on his own TD since Sam Williams in 1958 against Wisconsin.

• Coghlin set a new school record with 18 consecutive field goals, stretching from the 2017-18 season, before a kick was blocked in the Purdue game on Oct. 27, 2018. That streak was also tied for the fourth longest in Big Ten history.

• In 2018, Coghlin became the sixth Spartan placekicker to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors, and the third under Dantonio (Brett Swenson in 2009; Dan Conroy in 2012). The Cincinnati, Ohio, native currently ranks fourth in MSU history in field-goal percentage (44-of-58, .759).

• Coghlin also was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after kicking the game-winning 34-yard field goal as time expired against No. 7 Penn State in 2017.

MARK DANTONIO ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL COACHES IN BIG TEN HISTORY –
• Now in his 13th season as head coach of the Spartans, Mark Dantonio owns a 111-53 (.677) record. Dantonio has won the most Big Ten Championships (three) and bowl games (five) of any Spartan head coach and also ranks first with 11 bowl appearances. He is the only active Big Ten coach to win multiple Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015), claim a victory in the Rose Bowl (2014), and coach in the College Football Playoff (2015).

• The winningest coach in school history with 111 victories, Dantonio also ranks first in program history in conference winning percentage (.657, 67-35 record, minimum 10 games); tied for first in AP Top 25 finishes (seven); second in Big Ten wins (67), home wins (66) and AP Top 25 wins (21); and fifth in overall winning percentage (.677). Dantonio has 10 winning seasons in his 12 years in East Lansing, including a school-record 11 bowl bids (Daugherty owns school record with 11 winning seasons from 1954-72).

• With the triumph over Northwestern on Sept. 21, Dantonio became Michigan State's all-time winningest coach, passing Hall of Famer Duffy Daugherty, who collected a 109-69-5 record in East Lansing from 1954-72 (19 seasons). Daugherty won four National Championships (1955, 1957, 1965, 1966), two Big Ten Championships (1965, 1966) and the 1956 Rose Bowl. A two-time National Coach of the Year (1955, 1965), Daugherty coached 29 different players to first-team All-America honors and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

• Dantonio's incredible run at Michigan State ranks among the best in Big Ten history. Dantonio is one of just six Big Ten coaches to have at least six 10-win seasons on their resume (Bo Schembechler, Michigan; Jim Tressel, Ohio State; Joe Paterno, Penn State; Lloyd Carr, Michigan; Urban Meyer, Ohio State) and one of four to have at least five 11-win seasons (Tressel, Paterno, Meyer).

• Dantonio is one of just 14 coaches in Big Ten history to record 100 victories. He is currently tied for 12th in Big Ten history with 111 wins.

• Overall, Dantonio owns a 129-70 (.648) record in his 15-plus seasons as a head coach (18-17 in three seasons at Cincinnati; 111-53 in 12-plus seasons at MSU). Dantonio's 129 career wins rank 10th among active FBS coaches and second most in the Big Ten (Kirk Ferentz; 168).

• Dantonio won his 71st game at MSU on Oct. 25, 2014, against Michigan to move into second place all-time in victories in school history. Dantonio won his 100th career game as a head coach on Oct. 17, 2015, at Michigan Stadium as the Spartans rallied to defeat the Wolverines, 27-23, on a 38-yard fumble return as time expired. His career record stands at 129-70 (.648) in 15-plus seasons.

• Dantonio's .657 winning percentage (67-35) in Big Ten games ranks first in MSU history (minimum 10 Big Ten games). He ranks second in school history in conference wins (Duffy Daugherty, 72), which also ranks 11th in Big Ten history.

• Dantonio led the Spartans to the 2015 Big Ten Championship with a 16-13 victory over previously undefeated and fourth-ranked Iowa. It marked Dantonio's third Big Ten Championship (2010, 2013, 2015), establishing a school record (previous: Daugherty and George Perles with two each).

• Dantonio became the first coach in Big Ten history to record five 11-win seasons in a six-year span (11 in 2010; 11 in 2011; 13 in 2013, 11 in 2014; 12 in 2015), and his five 11-win seasons are tied with Joe Paterno of Penn State for third most in Big Ten history (Urban Meyer of Ohio State with seven; Jim Tressel of Ohio State with six; Paterno with five at Penn State as Big Ten member). Prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU had not recorded an 11-win season in its history, and had just two 10-win seasons (1965, 1999).

DECADE OF SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE –
• Michigan State is in the midst of its winningest decade in school history based on total wins, as the Spartans are 89-36 (.712) since the beginning of the 2010 season. The 89 wins this decade are third most in the Big Ten and tied for 12th most in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. During that span, MSU has won five bowl games (2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose, 2015 Cotton, 2017 Holiday), three Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015) and three Big Ten Division titles (2011, 2013, 2015). MSU's .712 winning percentage this decade is third best in school history. MSU was the only school to finish in the top-six of the national polls from 2013-15 (No. 3 in 2013, No. 5 in 2014, No. 6 in 2015) and the 36 wins from 2013-15 marked the winningest three-year stretch in the history of the program.

• In addition, the Spartans have earned 11 bowl bids since 2007, including a school-record four consecutive bowl victories (2012 Outback against No. 18 Georgia, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings against TCU, 2014 Rose Bowl Game against No. 5 Stanford, 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic against No. 4 Baylor), which also tied a Big Ten record.

• MSU's highest winning percentage by decade is currently the 1950s (.766, 70-21-1 record), but the 89 wins this current decade are already the most of any previous decade in school history (previous: 70 in 1950s).

• The Spartans have had sustained success in the Big Ten Conference under Dantonio. MSU has won two of the past six Big Ten Championships (2013, 2015) and three overall this decade, also claiming a championship in 2010. Dantonio is second in school history and 11th in Big Ten history with 67 conference wins. The Spartans are 54-24 (.692) in regular-season Big Ten play since 2010.

PLAYING THEIR BEST UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT –
• The Spartans have consistently produced wins against highly ranked teams under Mark Dantonio. MSU is 10-8 in its last 18 games against teams ranked in The Associated Press Top 10, including a 9-8 record since 2013.

• Michigan State has won 14 of its last 25 games played against AP Top 25 opponents. Dantonio ranks second in school history in wins over AP Top 10 teams (10) and AP Top 25 teams (21).

• Under Dantonio, the Spartans are 21-29 in 50 games played against teams ranked in The Associated Press Top 25; however, MSU is 20-20 against ranked teams since 2010 and 14-12 since 2013. The 21 wins over AP Top 25 teams rank second among head coaches in MSU history (Duffy Daugherty with 25 from 1954-72). Dantonio is 10-12 against AP Top 10 teams at MSU (10-8 since 2011).

SCORING TRENDS UNDER DANTONIO –
• Since 2010, Michigan State is 54-5 (.915) when scoring 30-plus points in a game (only losses: 2011 Big Ten Championship Game to Wisconsin; 2014 to eventual National Champion Ohio State; 2015 at Nebraska; 2016 vs. Northwestern; 2017 at Northwestern). Overall, MSU is 66-12 when scoring 30-plus points under Dantonio.

• MSU has allowed 20 or fewer points under Dantonio 82 times (51 percent); MSU's record in those games is 72-10 (.878).

• MSU has allowed 17 or fewer points under Dantonio 77 times (48 percent); MSU's record in those games is 68-9 (.883).

• MSU has only given up 30 or more points under Dantonio 39 times (24 percent; record: 11-28).

RUNNING GAME KEY FOR SPARTANS UNDER DANTONIO –
• Under Mark Dantonio, Michigan State is 91-22 (.805) when outrushing its opponent, including a 75-15 record (.833) since 2010. Conversely, MSU is 20-32 (.385) under Dantonio when being outgained on the ground by its opponent. The Spartans are 41-6 (.872) in games when gaining 200 or more rushing yards under Dantonio.

• Under Dantonio, when Michigan State runs at least 40 times in a game, the Spartans are 74-9 (.892). Here's the breakdown by year: 2007 (6-2), 2008 (7-0), 2009 (4-0), 2010 (4-0), 2011 (3-0), 2012 (6-1), 2013 (7-0), 2014 (11-0), 2015 (7-0), 2016 (3-5), 2017 (9-0), 2018 (5-1) and 2019 (2-0).