Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Football :: Official Athletic Site
Sept.12, 1997
Michigan State Ready for Memphis
DATE: Sept. 13, 1997
SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
SERIES RECORD: First Meeting
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Larry Bielat and sideline reporter Ike Griffin, will broadcast the game to 28 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240, FM 97.5). Television - PASS will televise the Michigan State-Memphis game on a tape-delayed basis with Michael Reghi and George Perles calling the action and Jason Hillman reporting from the sidelines.
THE COACHES - Michigan State's Nick Saban (Kent State '73) is 13-11-1 (.540) in his third year with the Spartans and 22-13-1 (.625) in four seasons as a college head coach. Saban came to Michigan State following four seasons as the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator from 1991-94. He previously served as head coach at the University of Toledo where he guided the Rockets to a 9-2 record overall in 1990, including a share of the Mid-American Conference title at 7-1.
Memphis' Rip Scherer (William & Mary '74) is 8-16 (.333) in his third year with the Tigers and 37-35 (.514) in seven seasons as a college head coach. Scherer produced a 29-19 record (.604) in four seasons as head coach at James Madison (1991-94). His college coaching credits also include stops at Arizona (1988-90), Alabama (1987), Georgia Tech (1980-85), Virginia (1979), Hawaii (1977-78), North Carolina State (1976) and Penn State (1974-75).
Saban's Record BreakdownAll Games: 22-13-1 (.625) Home Games: 14-5 (.737) Road Games: 8-8-1 (.500) August Games: 1-0 (1.000) September Games: 8-3-1 (.708) October Games: 8-4 (.667) November Games: 5-4 (.556) December Games: 0-2 (.000) Games decided by a TD or less: 7-5-1 (.576) Games decided by a FG or less: 2-2-1 (.500)
1997 SCHEDULES AND SCOREBOARDS MICHIGAN STATE (1-0) Date Opponent Score/Time Sept. 6 WESTERN MICHIGAN (SC) W 42-10 Sept. 13 MEMPHIS 1:00 EST (PASS-tape delayed) Sept. 20 @Notre Dame 1:30 EST (NBC) Oct. 4 MINNESOTA 1:00 EST Oct. 11 @Indiana 1:00 EST Oct. 18 @Northwestern 2:35 CST (ABC) Oct. 25 MICHIGAN 12:30 EST (ESPN) Nov. 1 OHIO STATE 1:00 EST Nov. 8 @Purdue 1:00 EST Nov. 22 @Illinois 1:00 CST Nov. 29 PENN STATE 1:00 EST (ABC) MEMPHIS (1-1) Date Opponent Score/Time Aug. 30 @Mississippi State L 10-13 Sept. 6 UAB W 28-7 Sept. 13 @Michigan State 1:00 EDT Sept. 20 MINNESOTA 6:00 CDT Oct. 4 @Cincinnati 7:00 EDT Oct. 11 ARKANSAS STATE 6:00 CDT Oct. 25 @East Carolina 3:30 EDT Nov. 1 HOUSTON 1:00 CST Nov. 8 @Tulane 7:00 CST Nov. 15 LOUISVILLE 1:00 CST Nov. 22 SOUTHERN MISS 1:00 CST
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Memphis
Basic Offense Pro Set Multiple
Basic Defense 4-3 Multiple
Offensive Starters Returning 6 6
Defensive Starters Returning 9 4
Specialists Returning 2 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Memphis
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 294 6-4, 287
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-0, 198
Defensive Line 6-5, 268 6-3, 254
Linebackers 6-3, 234 6-0, 221
Defensive Backs 6-0, 193 6-0, 189
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores
Memphis Offense: 4 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores, 1 freshman
Memphis Defense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 3 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (After 1 Game):
Rushing - Sedrick Irvin (16 carries for 89 yards, 5.6 avg., 1 TD)
Passing - Todd Schultz (8 of 18 for 92 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT)
Receiving - Leroy McFadden (3 catches for 39 yards, 13.0 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles - Mike Austin (7 tackles, 4 solos, 3 assists)
Memphis (After 2 Games):
Rushing - Teofilo Riley (22 carries for 105 yards, 4.8 avg., 0 TDs)
Passing - Bernard Oden (22 of 46 for 307 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT)
Receiving - Damien Dodson (6 catches for 86 yards, 14.3 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Don Haselwood (5 tackles, 10 solos, 15 assists)
1997 STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Memphis
Scoring 42.0 19.0
First Downs 20.0 13.0
Total Offense 310.0 268.5
Rushing Yards 150.0 115.0
Passing Yards 160.0 153.5
Time of Possession 33:21 28:53
Third Down Conversions .333 .281
Points Allowed 10.0 10.0
Total Yards Allowed 266.0 292.5
Rushing Yards Allowed 29.0 177.5
Passing Yards Allowed 237.0 115.0QUOTING NICK SABAN - Western Michigan Recap: "I'm pleased with what the team got accomplished in the Western Michigan game. First of all, we won the game. I thought both first units played well and dominated the game at times. Second of all, we had the opportunity to play a lot of people and that's important for the long-term development of this team. We got to play three quarterbacks and got a significant number of snaps for both Gus Ornstein and Bill Burke, who both missed all of spring practice.
"I was pleased with the way the defense performed, especially against the run. The defense forced five turnovers and scored twice.
"I was pleased in some areas of the special teams and disappointed in others. The special teams produced to turnovers and scored once. Obviously, we worked hard on punt protection during the preseason but still had two punts blocked. We have speeded up the operation which was part of the problem last year. In the season opener, we had some breakdowns up front and didn't properly execute the blocking. Those are correctable errors.
"We certainly could have made the second half more exciting but I'm not sure it would have benefitted our football team. I was encouraged by how much better the inexperienced players performed as the second half progressed."
Memphis Scouting Report: "Memphis is a very good football team and easily could be 2-0 at this point rather than 1-1. Memphis played well in the season opener at Mississippi State but lost the game on a 53-yard field goal as time expired.
"Offensively, Memphis is blessed with a lot of speed at the skill positions. Quarterback Bernard Oden makes a lot of plays because he can scramble and run or scramble and throw. Oden has a good arm and he's coming off his best game. He threw for a career-high 205 yards and three touchdowns last week in an impressive win over UAB.
"Memphis has two quality tailbacks in Teofilo Riley and Fred Powell. Damien Dodson and Richie Floyd are as good as any wide receivers we'll play against all year.
"Defensively, Memphis is very active and athletic. This unit has good speed and the players run to the ball well. This defense has big-play ability. Memphis forced seven turnovers in the opener at Mississippi State and had six sacks against UAB.
"Memphis has an excellent secondary. This is an experienced group, with all four starters back from last year. Memphis has already picked off seven passes this season and has allowed only 230 yards passing in two games.
"Memphis has outstanding special teams. Punter Drew Pairamore is averaging better than 45 yards per punt. The speed and athleticism carries over into the Memphis return game as well.
"We have a great deal of respect for Memphis. This team is capable of playing with anybody in the country. Last year, Memphis beat a top-10 Tennessee team."
Spartan Update: "It's time for this football team to show its maturity in being able to deal with success. We have stressed all preseason the importance of developing consistency in performance because that's what in the long term will allow us to become a good football team."
DEPTH CHARTS
Michigan State Vs. Memphis
Michigan State Offense
SE 20 Octavis Long (5-10, 178, Sr.)
7 Lavaile Richardson (6-2, 180, R-Fr.)
LT 76 Flozell Adams (6-7, 330, Sr.) or
70 Dave Sucura (6-5, 283, R-Fr.)
LG 73 Scott Shaw (6-4, 297, Sr.)
60 Mike Schutz (6-6, 310, R-Fr.)
C 79 Jason Strayhorn (6-2, 288, Jr.)
64 Casey Jensen (6-7, 285, So.)
RG 71 Shaun Mason (6-5, 285, R-Fr.)
64 Casey Jensen (6-7, 285, So.)
RT 65 Dave Mudge (6-7, 295, Sr.)
72 Matt Bonito (6-7, 265, R-Fr.)
TE 83 Josh Keur (6-5, 270, Sr.)
88 Kyle Rance (6-6, 240, So.)
QB 9 Todd Schultz (6-4, 212, Sr.)
16 Bill Burke (6-5, 210, So.) or
11 Gus Ornstein (6-5, 218, Jr.)
FB 45 Garett Gould (6-2, 238, Jr.)
41 Travis Reece (6-3, 245, Sr.)
TB 33 Sedrick Irvin (6-0, 217, So.)
26 Marc Renaud (5-10, 190, Sr.)
18 Leroy McFadden (6-3, 235, So.)
FL 86 Gari Scott (6-1, 185, So.)
4 Damien Hiram (6-5, 210, Sr.)
Michigan State Defense
DE 99 Dimitrius Underwood (6-7, 252, Jr.)
97 Nick Meyers (6-4, 255, Fr.) or
80 Jace Sayler (6-5, 270, Fr.)
DT 66 Desmond Thomas (6-2, 285, Jr.)
68 Willie Comerford (6-4, 280, Fr.)
DT 92 Pete Govens (6-4, 285, So.)
95 Davarrio Carter (6-2, 285, So.)
DE 91 Robaire Smith (6-5, 250, So.)
94 Artie Steinmetz (6-5, 275, Fr.)
SAM 53 Courtney Ledyard (6-3, 245, Jr.)
56 Dwayne Hawkins (6-3, 230, Jr.) or
35 T.J. Turner (6-4, 240, Fr.)
MIKE 37 Tyrone Garland (5-11, 225, Sr.)
40 Wes Kammer (6-2, 235, R-Fr.)
WILL 44 Ike Reese (6-3, 222, Sr.)
56 Dwayne Hawkins (6-3, 230, Jr.) or
38 Sean Banks (6-2, 215, So.)
LCB 3 Amp Campbell (6-0, 185, Jr.)
32 Richard Newsome (5-11, 182, Fr.)
SS 39 Aric Morris (5-11, 205, So.)
31 Shawn Wright (6-2, 215, So.)
FS 6 Sorie Kanu (5-11, 195, Jr.)
29 Lemar Marshall (6-2, 205, Jr.)
RCB 10 Ray Hill (6-0, 185, Sr.)
24 Richard Brown (6-0, 197, Fr.)
Michigan State Special Teams
PK 14 Chris Gardner (5-9, 195, Sr.)
1 Paul Edinger (5-10, 183, So.)
P 1 Paul Edinger (5-10, 183, So.)
14 Chris Gardner (5-9, 195, Sr.)
SSN 52 Mike Neal (6-1, 258, So.)
73 Scott Shaw (6-4, 297, Sr.)
LSN 52 Mike Neal (6-1, 258, So.)
88 Kyle Rance (6-6, 240, So.)
H 16 Bill Burke (6-5, 210, So.)
4 Damien Hiram (6-5, 210, Sr.)
PR 33 Sedrick Irvin (6-0, 217, So.)
86 Gari Scott (6-1, 185, So.)
KR 26 Marc Renaud (5-10, 190, Sr.)
86 Gari Scott (6-1, 185, So.)
Memphis Offense
SE 5 Richie Floyd (6-1, 186, R-Jr.)
33 Darrius Blevins (6-3, 218, R-Jr.)
LT 76 Daniel Gomez (6-5, 295, R-Sr.)
60 Austin O'Dell (6-4, 285, R-Fr.)
LG 62 Tim Seymour (6-1, 292, R-So.)
65 Artis Hicks (6-4, 275, Fr.)
C 64 Ron Sells (6-5, 293, R-Jr.)
51 Jason Austin (6-4, 309, Fr.)
RG 74 Justin Mumm (6-4, 276, Sr.)
66 Travis Whitaker (6-5, 318, Jr.)
RT 79 Tavares Middlebrooks (6-3, 323, So.)
78 Lou Esposito (6-5, 325, So.)
TE 44 Chris Powers (6-4, 245, R-Jr.)
90 Reid Hedgepeth (6-3, 249, R-Fr.)
FL 17 Chancy Carr (5-10, 189, Sr.)
9 Damien Dodson (5-9, 164, So.)
QB 3 Bernard Oden (6-3, 217, Sr.)
19 Stephen Galbraith (6-0, 191, Fr.)
10 Kentan Evans (6-3, 194, R-Fr.)
FB 34 Rashad Bailey (5-11, 218, R-So.)
46 Brandon Tucker (5-10, 222, R-So.)
TB 32 Fred Powell (5-10, 180, Fr.)
35 Teofilo Riley (6-0, 209, So.)
24 P.T. Jones (6-1, 196, So.)
Memphis Defense
LE 69 Manny Santibanez (6-3, 239, Jr.)
72 Jarvis Slaton (6-3, 261, R-Fr.)
LT 96 T.J. Frier (6-2, 292, Jr.)
63 Josh Eargle (6-3, 230, Fr.)
RT 91 Marquis Bowling (6-2, 252, R-Jr.)
70 Calvin Lewis (6-3, 273, R-Fr.)
54 Marcus Bell (6-4, 285, Fr.)
RE 50 Tramont Lawless (6-3, 234, R-So.)
91 Marquis Bowling (6-2, 252, R-Jr.)
SAM 30 Caspor Stiles (6-0, 209, So.)
11 Chris Reeves (5-11, 221, R-Sr.)
MIKE 47 Patrick Stiles (6-1, 241, R-Sr.)
48 Kamal Shakir (6-0, 229, R-Fr.)
WILL 23 Cedric Miller (6-0, 214, R-Sr.)
12 Ian Williams (6-4, 200, R-Fr.)
CB 4 Mike McKenzie (6-1, 185, R-So.)
6 Keith Cobb (5-10, 174, Sr.)
CAT 41 Don Haselwood (5-11, 198, R-Sr.)
18 Kosha Irby (6-0, 190, R-Fr.)
FS 2 Jeremy Stewart (6-0, 196, Jr.)
42 Jason Fogle (5-10, 181, R-Jr.)
FC 7 Kevin Cobb (5-10, 177, Sr.)
38 Jonathan Brooks (6-0, 199, Fr.)
37 Taurus Henderson (5-9, 171, R-So.)
Memphis Special Teams
PK 89 Jim Cande (6-1, 185, R-So.)
84 Jimmy Keith (6-0, 219, Sr.)
P 15 Drew Pairamore (6-0, 199, R-Sr.)
89 Jim Cande (6-1, 185, R-So.)
DSN 55 Joe Rocconi (6-0, 215, R-So.)
5 Richie Floyd (6-1, 186, R-Jr.)
H 43 Adam English (5-7, 157, R-Sr.)
20 Jeff Bazemore (5-10, 189, Jr.)
PR 9 Damien Dodson (5-9, 164, So.) or
17 Chancy Carr (5-10, 189, Sr.)
KR 9 Damien Dodson (5-9, 164, So.)
7 Kevin Cobb (5-10, 177, Sr.)
Tracking The Spartans
PRESS CONFERENCES All media personnel are invited to attend Michigan State's weekly press conferences, held on Mondays at the Duffy Daugherty Football Building in Rooms 105-107. MSU head football coach Nick Saban will be present along with selected Spartan players. The press conference gets underway at 11:30 a.m.
TELECONFERENCES Coach Saban also is available on the Big Ten's weekly teleconference from Sept. 2-Nov. 18. The teleconference is conducted Tuesdays from 12 noon-2 p.m. EDT, with Coach Saban scheduled at 12:30 p.m. Media personnel are encouraged to join the teleconference at (847) 619-6161.
SATELLITE FEEDS Throughout the 1997 season, the Michigan State sports information department will provide satellite feeds on Mondays with comments from head coach Nick Saban and selected MSU players, in addition to game highlights.
Feed Schedule September 1, 8, 15, 29 October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 17, 24
Feed Time 7-7:45 p.m. Eastern
Satellite Coordinates C Band Galaxy 7, Transponder 8
1997 Spartan Radio Network AffiliatesCity Call Letters Adrian WABJ (AM 1490) Alma WQBX (FM 104.9) Alpena WJKZ (FM 94.9) Bad Axe WLEW (AM 1340) Battle Creek WBCK (AM 930) Benton Harbor/ St. Joseph WSJM (AM 1400) Cheboygan WCBY (AM 1240) Detroit WXYT (AM 1270) Flint WFNT (AM 1470) Frankenmuth WKNX (AM 1210) Freemont WSHN (AM 1550) Grand Rapids WBBL (AM 1340) Grand Rapids WFGR (FM 98.7) Ionia WION (AM 1430) Ironwood WJMS (AM 590) Jackson WIBM (AM 1450) Kalamazoo WQSN (AM 1470) Lansing WJIM (AM 1240, FM 97.5) Ludington WKLA (AM 1450) Marquette WDMJ (AM 1320) Mt. Pleasant WMMI (AM 830) Petoskey WJML (AM 1110) Port Huron WPHM (AM 1380) Saginaw/Midland/ Bay City WIXC (FM 97.3) St. Ignace WIDG (AM 940) Tawas City WKJC (FM 104.7) Traverse City WLDR (FM 101.9) Windsor, Ont. CKLW (AM 800)
NICK SABAN CALL-IN SHOW Learfield Sports will produce and distribute Nick Saban's weekly radio show Wednesday's from 7-8 p.m. The Spartan Radio Network, featuring 28 affiliates throughout the state, will broadcast the show live from Trippers (354 Frandor) in Lansing. Coach Saban joins host Terry Braverman for an in-depth look into the Michigan State football program. The Nick Saban Show can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240).
MICHIGAN STATE/MEMPHIS SERIES NOTES - First meeting.
MICHIGAN STATE VS. C-USA TEAMS - Michigan State has compiled a 2-4 record (.333) against current members of Conference USA (1-1 vs. Cincinnati, 0-1 vs. Houston and 1-2 vs. Louisville). Last September, Louisville defeated Michigan State 30-20 in Spartan Stadium.
THE LAST TIME OUT - No. 25 Michigan State scored on three of its first four possessions and never looked back en route to a 42-10 victory over Western Michigan in the 1997 season opener before a sellout crowd of 72,317 in Spartan Stadium. Michigan State took the opening kickoff and drove 65 yards in 13 plays, with Todd Schultz scoring on a 1-yard sneak. Western Michigan's first series ended when Ike Reese intercepted Tim Lester's pass and returned it 17 yards. Marc Renaud capped an eight-play, 47-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run. The Spartans put together a nine-play, 82-yard drive with Sedrick Irvin providing a 4-yard TD run with 12:43 left in the second quarter. Late in the first half, Michigan State scored three times in 1:46 to break the game open. Amp Campbell returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown, Robaire Smith returned a fumble 37 yards for a score and Scott Ernsberger recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD after Western Michigan mishandled a kickoff to give the Spartans a 42-0 halftime lead. Michigan State forced seven Bronco turnovers, including four interceptions and three fumbles. The Spartan defense surrendered 29 yards on the ground, including only 1 yard rushing in the first half. Irvin saw limited duty and picked up 89 yards on 16 carries.
INJURY REPORT - OUT: TE Chris Baker (cartilage left knee; sidelined five to seven weeks); CB Ron Weston (ACL right knee; out for the season). QUESTIONABLE: OT Flozell Adams (sprained ankle vs. Western Michigan), LB Mike Austin (xxxxxxx knee vs. Western Michigan).
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK - The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances in the 1997 season opener vs. Western Michigan:
Offense: OG Scott Shaw (graded out 86 percent) Defense: CB Amp Campbell (returned an interception 43 yards for a TD in the second quarter) Special Teams: Scott Ernsberger (recovered a fumbled kickoff in the end zone for a TD)
YOUTH IS SERVED - With a 42-0 halftime lead, Michigan State head coach Nick Saban substituted freely in the second half of the 1997 season opener vs. Western Michigan. Nineteen first-year players saw action against the Broncos, including 10 true freshmen, six red-shirt freshman, two sophomores and a junior. Here's a complete breakdown of players who made their collegiate debuts Sept. 6 vs. Western Michigan:
True Freshmen (10): CB Richard Brown, DT Willie Comerford, DB John Marynowski, DE Nick Meyers, CB Richard Newsome, DE Jace Sayler, WR Demont Smith, DE Artie Steinmetz, WR DeMario Suggs, LB T.J. Turner. Red-Shirt Freshmen (6): OT Matt Bonito, C Brian Grant, OG Shaun Mason, WR Lavaile Richardson, OG Mike Schutz, OT Dave Sucura. Sophomores (2): TB Leroy McFadden, DE Robaire Smith. Junior (1): QB Ralph Truitt.
GROUND GAME PRODUCES WINS - During Nick Saban's tenure, Michigan State has rushed the ball 50 times or more on eight occasions with the Spartans sporting a 7-1 record in those games. In the 1997 season opener vs. Western Michigan, the Spartans gained 150 yards rushing on 52 attempts. Here's a look at Michigan State's eight games with 50-plus rushes since 1995:
Date Opponent Att.-Yds. Result Sept. 16, 1995 @Louisville 56-216 W 30-7 Oct. 14, 1995 @Illinois 55-239 W 27-21 Sept. 28, 1996 Eastern Michigan 57-249 W 47-0 Oct. 5, 1996 @Iowa 52-236 L 30-37 Oct. 12, 1996 Illinois 52-205 W 42-14 Oct. 19, 1996 @Minnesota 56-243 W 27-9 Nov. 9, 1996 Indiana 64-257 W 38-15 Sept. 6, 1997 Western Michigan 52-150 W 42-10
SPARTANS TOUGH AGAINST THE RUN - Michigan State has held six out of its last 12 regular-season opponents under 100 yards rushing. In the 1997 season opener vs. Western Michigan, the Spartans allowed 29 yards rushing on 21 attempts. It marked the fourth time during Nick Saban's tenure that Michigan State surrendered fewer than 50 yards on the ground. Here's a look at MSU's top efforts against the run since 1995:
Date Opponent Att.-Yds. Result Sept. 16, 1995 @Louisville 37-50 W 30-7 Sept. 28, 1996 Eastern Michigan 39-25 W 47-0 Oct. 12, 1996 Illinois 32-49 W 42-14 Sept. 6, 1997 Western Michigan 21-29 W 42-10
"RED ZONE" UPDATE - Michigan State scored touchdowns on all three of its possessions that penetrated Western Michigan's 20-yard line in the 1997 season opener. The Broncos produced points on two out of three possessions inside the MSU 20. Here's a look at MSU's and its opponent's trips inside the "Red Zone" in '97:
Michigan State "Red Zone" Results Western Michigan 3-3 (3 TDs) Opponent "Red Zone" Results Western Michigan 2-3 (TD, interception, FG)
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS - Michigan State currently leads the NCAA in turnover margin at +6.0 per game. The Spartans parlayed Western Michigan's seven miscues into 21 points. Last year, Michigan State finished last in the Big Ten in turnover margin at -0.83 per game (18 takeaways, 28 giveaways).
Michigan State Takeaways Points Western Michigan 7 (4 interceptions, 3 fumbles) 21 (3 TDs) Opponent Takeaways Points Western Michigan 1 (1 interception) 0
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE - Michigan State extended its home winning streak to five games with a 42-10 victory over Western Michigan in the 1997 season opener.
How much is Michigan State's home field advantage worth? Roughly 25 points if the last seven home games are any indication. Michigan State has outscored its opponents 271-96 in its last seven games in Spartan Stadium. Here's how the Spartans have fared in the last seven home contests:
Date Opponent Result
Aug. 31, 1996 Purdue W 52-14
Sept. 21, 1996 Louisville L 20-30
Sept. 28, 1996 Eastern Michigan W 47-0
Oct. 12, 1996 Illinois W 42-14
Oct. 26, 1996 Wisconsin W 30-13
Nov. 9, 1996 Indiana W 38-15
Sept. 6, 1997 Western Michigan W 42-10
Total Points 271-96
Scoring Avg. 38.7-13.7BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 1997:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAA
Rushing Offense 150.0 4th 48th
Passing Offense 160.0 7th 80th
Total Offense 310.0 6th 83rd
Scoring Offense 42.0 2nd t-13th
Rushing Defense 29.0 1st 5th
Pass Efficiency Defense 78.7 4th 15th
Total Defense 266.0 3rd t-19th
Scoring Defense 10.0 t-2nd t-14th
Turnover Margin +6.0 1st 1st
Net Punting 18.9 10th 110th
Punt Returns 8.4 2nd t-54th
Kickoff Returns 12.0 10th ----
TRACKING THE SPARTANS IN THE POLLS - Here's a glance at how Michigan State has fared in the weekly Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches Polls in 1997:
USA Today/ Date AP ESPN Preseason 25 NR Aug. 31 25 NR Sept. 7 21 23
PRESEASON RANKINGS - Michigan State ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press preseason poll, released Aug. 9. The Spartans were one of six Big Ten teams featured in the AP ratings, including preseason No. 1 Penn State, No. 9 Ohio State, No. 14. Michigan, No. 21 Iowa and No. 24 Wisconsin. It marked Michigan State's first appearance in the AP preseason poll since 1991.
Editors of at least three magazines also elected to include Michigan State in their preseason polls, including Sports Illustrated (No. 16), The Sporting News (No. 18) and Bob Griese's College Football Preview (No. 20).
"It's flattering to our program to be considered a preseason Top 25 team," Saban said. "People who cover our team on a regular basis know how far we have come in the last three years.
"Preseason polls create a great deal of interest for football programs and a remarkable number of tickets can be sold based upon a preseason ranking. Preseason polls deal with potential while post-season finishes deal with reality. As a coach, I'd much rather deal in reality than with potential."
This Week's Polls (Released Sept. 7)
Associated Press 1. Penn State 2. Florida 3. Washington 4. Tennessee 5. Florida State 6. Nebraska 7. North Carolina 8. Colorado 9. Ohio State 10. Louisiana State 11. Texas 12. Notre Dame 13. Miami (Fla.) 14. Michigan 15. Alabama 16. Auburn 17. Stanford 18. Iowa 19. Clemson 20. Kansas State 21. Michigan State 22. Virginia Tech 23. Southern Cal 24. Arizona State 25. Colorado State USA Today/ESPN Coaches 1. Florida 2. Penn State 3. Washington 4. Tennessee 5. Nebraska 6. Florida State 7. Colorado 8. North Carolina 9. Ohio State 10. Texas 11. Louisiana State 12. Miami (Fla.) 13. Michigan 14. Alabama 15. Notre Dame 16. Auburn 17. Iowa 18. Stanford 19. Virginia Tech 20. Kansas State 21. Clemson 22. Southern Cal 23. Michigan State 24. West Virginia 25. North Carolina State 1997 Preseason Polls Associated Press 1. Penn State 2. Florida 3. Florida State 4. Washington 5. Tennessee 6. Nebraska 7. North Carolina 8. Colorado 9. Ohio State 10. Louisiana State 11. Notre Dame 12. Texas 13. Miami 14. Michigan 15. Alabama 16. Auburn 17. Syracuse 18. Stanford 19. BYU 20. Clemson 21. Iowa 22. Southern Cal 23. Kansas State 24. Wisconsin 25. Michigan State Sports Illustrated 1. Penn State 2. Tennessee 3. Washington 4. Florida 5. Colorado 6. Florida State 7. North Carolina 8. Nebraska 9. Notre Dame 10. Louisiana State 11. Ohio State 12. Alabama 13. Texas 14. Miami 15. Arizona 16. Michigan State 17. Syracuse 18. Michigan 19. Stanford 20. Auburn The Sporting News 1. Colorado 2. Penn State 3. Florida 4. Washington 5. Florida State 6. Tennessee 7. Ohio State 8. North Carolina 9. Nebraska 10. Louisiana State 11. Notre Dame 12. Syracuse 13. Texas 14. Miami 15. Alabama 16. Michigan 17. Stanford 18. Michigan State 19. Auburn 20. Southern Cal 21. Clemson 22. Kansas State 23. Colorado State 24. Virginia Tech 25. Northwestern Bob Griese's Football Preview 1. Washington 2. Tennessee 3. Florida 4. Florida State 5. Nebraska 6. Penn State 7. Colorado 8. North Carolina 9. Louisiana State 10. Syracuse 11. Notre Dame 12. Auburn 13. Texas 14. Michigan 15. Alabama 16. Miami 17. Ohio State 18. Iowa 19. Stanford 20. Michigan State 21. Clemson 22. Virginia Tech 23. Kansas State 24. Southern Cal 25. Colorado StateSPARTAN STREAKS
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on as the 1997 season opens:
Consecutive Games Started
Josh Keur, TE 25
Ray Hill, CB 24
Sorie Kanu, FS 18
Ike Reese, OLB 18
Flozell Adams, OT 16
Dave Mudge, OT 14
Amp Campbell, CB 13
Courtney Ledyard, OLB 13
Scott Shaw, OG 13
Dimitrius Underwood, DE 13
Garett Gould, FB 10
Todd Schultz, QB 8
MSU ALL-TIME LEADERS
Career Pass Attempts
1. Ed Smith (1976-78) 789
2. Dave Yarema (1982-86) 767
3. Jim Miller (1990-93) 746
4. John Leister (1979-82) 686
5. Tony Banks (1994-95) 496
6. Dan Enos (1987-90) 478
7. Bryan Clark (1978-81) 409
8. Bobby McAllister (1985-88) 386
9. Steve Juday (1963-65) 384
10. Todd Schultz (1994-96) 312
Career Pass Completions
1. Jim Miller (1990-93) 467
2. Dave Yarema (1982-86) 464
3. Ed Smith (1976-78) 418
4. John Leister (1979-82) 313
5. Tony Banks (1994-95) 301
6. Dan Enos (1987-90) 297
7. Bryan Clark (1978-81) 204
8. Steve Juday (1963-65) 198
9. Bobby McAllister (1985-88) 194
10. Todd Schultz (1994-96) 191
Career Pass Completion Percentage
(Min. 100 pass attempts)
1. Jim Miller (1990-93) .629
2. Dan Enos (1987-90) .621
3. Todd Schultz (1994-96) .612
4. Tony Banks (1994-95) .607
5. Dave Yarema (1982-86) .605
Career Passing Yards
1. Dave Yarema (1982-86) 5,809
2. Ed Smith (1976-78) 5,706
3. Jim Miller (1990-93) 5,037
4. Tony Banks (1994-95) 4,129
5. John Leister (1979-82) 3,999
6. Dan Enos (1987-90) 3,837
7. Bobby McAllister (1985-88) 3,194
8. Bryan Clark (1978-81) 2,725
9. Steve Juday (1963-65) 2,576
10. Todd Schultz (1994-96) 2,362
Career Field Goals Made
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 57
2. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 45
3. Hans Nielsen (1974-77) 44
4. Chris Gardner (1994-96) 43
5. Ralf Mojsiejenko (1982-84) 35
Career Tackles
1. Dan Bass (1976-79) 541
2. Percy Snow (1986-89) 473
3. Chuck Bullough (1988-91) 391
4. Tim Moore (1984-87) 332
5. Jim Morrissey (1981-84) 329
6. Reggie Garnett (1993-96) 327
7. Carlos Jenkins (1987-90) 314
8. Shane Bullough (1983-86) 311
9. Paul Rudzinski (1974-77) 298
10. Matt Christensen (1991-94) 289
11. Ike Reese (1994-96) 288
Career Quarterback Sacks
1. Larry Bethea (1975-77) 33
2. Kelly Quinn (1982-85) 24
Travis Davis (1986-89) 24
4. Mark Nichols (1983-87) 15
Mel Land (1975-78) 15
6. Carl Banks (1980-83) 14
Ron Curl (1968-71) 14
8. Larry Savage (1976-79) 12
9. John Shinsky (1970-73) 11
10. Chris Smith (1993-96) 10.5
11. Courtney Ledyard (1995-96) 10
Juan Hammonds (1991-94) 10
Tim Moore (1984-87) 10
Ernie Hamilton (1970-72) 10
Career Punting Average
(Min. 50 punts)
1. Greg Montgomery (1985-87) 45.2
2. Ralf Mojsiejenko (1981-84) 43.8
3. Ray Stachowicz (1977-80) 43.3
4. John Pingel (1937-38) 42.1
5. Paul Edinger (1996) 41.5
6. Josh Butland (1988-91) 40.7
1997 CAPTAINS ELECTED - Senior offensive guard Scott Shaw and senior outside linebacker Ike Reese were elected team captains by their peers Aug. 29. Reese becomes only the fourth two-time captain in Michigan State football history and the first since 1982-83. Other two-time captains include linebacker Carl Banks (1982-83), quarterback John Leister (1981-82) and linebacker George Cooper (1980-81). The only three-time captain in Spartan history is center Robert McCurry (1946-48).
Senior tailback Marc Renaud has been appointed game captain for Memphis by head coach Nick Saban.
MAGIC NUMBER 24 - Since 1990, Michigan State is 34-8-1 (.802) when it scores at least 24 points. During that seven-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of only 40-40-2 (.500).
SPARTAN BACKS RUN BEHIND "HOTEL" ADAMS - Outland Trophy candidate Flozell Adams enters his third season as a starter on Michigan State's offensive line. Nicknamed "The Hotel," the 6-foot-7, 330-pound Adams has been named first-team preseason All-American by nearly every magazine, including The Sporting News, Football News, Lindy's College Football Annual, Bob Griese's College Football Preview and Playboy. He has been ranked as the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle by The Sporting News, Lindy's and Bob Griese's.
Adams has been described as a "road-grader" by MSU head coach Nick Saban. Spartan running backs have reached the 100-yard mark 14 times in his 23 career starts. Last year, Adams anchored an offensive line which helped produce a 1,000-yard rusher in freshman Sedrick Irvin (1,067).
IRVIN CONSIDERED FOR DOAK WALKER AWARD - Sedrick Irvin, who rushed for a Michigan State freshman-record 1,067 yards in 1996, is one of 52 candidates nominated for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually since 1990 by the GTE-SMU Athletic Forum to the nation's top running back. Irvin is one of only six sophomores featured on the preseason list of candidates, including Wisconsin's Ron Dayne, Minnesota's Thomas Hamner, Houston's Ketric Sanford, Georgia Tech's Charles Wiley and West Virginia's Amos Zereoue.
Last year, Irvin produced the ninth-best single-season rushing total in school history. He had five 100-yard games in '96 and averaged 106.0 yards rushing in Big Ten games. Irvin finished third in the Big Ten and eighth nationally in scoring with a Spartan freshman-record 18 touchdowns (108 points).
Eight semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award will be announced Nov. 26 and three finalists Dec. 3. The winner will be named Dec. 11.
REESE FEATURED ON BUTKUS AWARD WATCH LIST - Four-year starter Ike Reese is one of 52 candidates, including six from the Big Ten Conference, featured on the watch list compiled for the Butkus Award, presented annually since 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Fla., to the nation's outstanding collegiate linebacker.
Reese has reached double figures in tackles 12 times and already ranks among the Spartans' all-time leaders with 288 career tackles (No. 11). He needs only 42 tackles in 1997 to crack MSU's top five. Last year, Reese led the Spartans in tackles with 115 (75 solos, 40 assists), including four for losses (27 yards) and two sacks (23). He reached double digits in tackles six times in '96, including a career-high 17 stops vs. Nebraska.
The Butkus Award watch list will by trimmed to 10 semifinalists by Oct. 16 and three finalists by Nov. 13. The award will be presented Dec. 13.
SCHULTZ NOMINATED FOR JOHNNY UNITAS AWARD - Todd Schultz, who heads into his second season as Michigan State's starting quarterback, is one of 17 seniors nominated for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually since 1987 by the Kentucky Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame to the nation's top signal caller. Schultz joins Iowa's Matt Sherman and Minnesota's Corey Sauter on the list of candidates.
Last year, Schultz completed 130-209 passes (.622) for 1,693 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He ranked among the Big Ten leaders in passing efficiency (fourth at 131.7 rating) and total offense (fourth at 180.1 yards per game). Schultz already ranks among MSU's career passing leaders in attempts (10th at 312), completions (10th at 191), completion percentage (fourth at .612) and yards (10th at 2,362).
Five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be selected Oct. 29 and the winner announced Nov. 26.
SPARTAN FANS BUY RECORD NUMBER OF SEASON TICKETS - Michigan State head football coach Nick Saban's motto for the 1997 season is "Reach Higher" and thanks to 17 returning starters, Spartan fans share the same enthusiasm as reflected by the record number of season tickets sold. For the first time in school history, Michigan State has sold more than 60,000 season tickets. In addition, three home games are already complete sellouts, Oct. 4 Homecoming game vs. Minnesota, Oct. 25 vs. Michigan and Nov. 1 vs. Ohio State.
Season-ticket sales increased by more than 11,000 from 48,968 in 1996 to 60,244. Sales were up in three different season-ticket categories, including public, student and family. The previous record for season tickets sold was 57,019 in 1988 following Michigan State's '87 Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl victory over Southern Cal, 20-17.
1997 OPPONENTS UPDATE - Date vs. MSU Opponent Last Game Result Next Game Sept. 6 Western Michigan (1-1) @Michigan State (L 10-42) @Northern Illinois Sept. 13 Memphis (1-1) vs. UAB (W 28-7) @Michigan State Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (1-0) vs. Georgia Tech (W 17-13) @Purdue Oct. 4 Minnesota (0-1) @Hawaii (L 3-17) vs. Iowa State Oct. 11 @Indiana (0-1) @North Carolina (L 6-23) vs. Ball State Oct. 18 @Northwestern (1-1) @Wake Forest (L 20-27) vs. Duke Oct. 25 Michigan (0-0) DNP vs. Colorado Nov. 1 Ohio State (1-0) vs. Wyoming (W 24-10) vs. Bowling Green Nov. 8 @Purdue (0-1) @Toledo (L 22-36) vs. Notre Dame Nov. 22 @Illinois (0-1) vs. Southern Miss (L 7-24) @Louisville Nov. 29 Penn State (1-0) vs. Pittsburgh (W 34-17) vs. Temple
NCAA STAT LEADERS -- Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA stat leaders in 1997 (released Sept. 7):
Team Statistics
Rushing Offense: 48th at 150.0 yards per game
Passing Offense: 80th at 160.0 yards per game
Total Offense: 83rd at 310.0 yards per game
Scoring Offense: t-13th at 42.0 points per game
Rushing Defense: 5th at 29.0 yards per game
Pass Efficiency Defense: 15th at 78.7 rating
Total Defense: t-19th at 266.0 yards per game
Scoring Defense: t-14th at 10.0 points per game
Turnover Margin: 1st at +6.0 turnovers per game
Net Punting: 110th at 18.9 yards per punt
Punt Returns: t-54th at 8.4 yards per return
Individual Statistics
Rushing: Sedrick Irvin (50th at 89.0 ypg)
Punt Returns: Sedrick Irvin (t-31st at 9.0 avg.)
Interceptions: Amp Campbell and Ike Reese (t-6h at 1.0 ipg)
PLAYING IN SPARTAN STADIUM - Over the past 73 seasons, Michigan State has compiled a 266-111-13 mark (.699) in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans have gone undefeated at home 15 times since the stadium opened in 1923. In addition, Michigan State has suffered only one home loss in 26 seasons, including last year's 5-1 record. Only six times in the 73-year history of the stadium has Michigan State experienced a losing record at home.
SPARTANS TOUGH AGAINST RUN -- Michigan State ranked among the NCAA leaders in both total defense (19th at 301.3 yards per game) and rushing defense (22nd at 116.7). State held five of its 11 regular-season opponents under 100 yards rushing. The Spartans posted some impressive numbers against some of the nation's top running teams. Michigan State played against four teams which finished ranked among the NCAA's top 40 in rushing offense. Here's how the Spartans fared against those teams:
NCAA Season Rush
Rank Team Avg. vs. MSU
4. Nebraska 291.9 184
12. Wisconsin 241.1 137
25. Penn State 203.3 179
38. Iowa 176.1 138SCOREBOARD OPERATOR GETS A WORKOUT -- Michigan State averaged 29.8 points per game in 1996 -- its best season scoring average since 1978 (37.4 ppg). The Spartans produced 44 touchdowns last year, eight more TDs than the team managed in '95. Here's a look at MSU's scoring production over the last 20 seasons:
Year TDs PTS Avg. Year TDs PTS Avg. 1996 44 358 29.8 1986 36 285 25.9 1995 36 287 23.9 1985 35 258 21.5 1994 34 280 25.5 1984 24 193 16.1 1993 35 277 23.1 1983 19 162 14.7 1992 29 238 21.6 1982 23 202 18.3 1991 18 162 14.7 1981 31 263 23.9 1990 39 312 26.0 1980 27 221 20.1 1989 47 356 29.7 1979 29 240 21.8 1988 29 269 22.4 1978 56 411 37.4 1987 30 261 21.8 1977 30 260 23.6
IRVIN POSTS IMPRESSIVE FROSH NUMBERS -- Sedrick Irvin set Michigan State freshman single-season records for rushing yards (1,067) and touchdowns (18). Irvin had five 100-yard rushing games, including a season-high 158 yards vs. Indiana (33 attempts). He ranked fourth among the NCAA's top freshman rushers (yards per game). Here's a look at the top freshman ground gainers in Division I-A last season (bowl games included):
NCAA Rk Player, Team G Att. Yds. Avg. TD YPG 4. Ron Dayne, Wisconsin 13 325 2109 6.5 21 162.2 22. Demond Parker, Oklahoma 11 180 1184 6.6 10 107.6 35. Amos Zereoue, West Virginia 11 222 1035 4.7 9 94.1 39. Sedrick Irvin, Michigan State 12 237 1067 4.5 16 88.9 56. Thomas Hamner, Minnesota 11 195 883 4.5 3 80.3
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER SABAN -- Here's how Michigan State has fared during Nick Saban's tenure (1995-97):
Games played in Spartan Stadium: 9-4
Games played on the road/neutral site: 4-7-1
When leading at halftime: 12-5
When trailing at halftime: 1-5-1
When scoring first: 10-3-1
When opponent scores first: 3-8
When leading after first quarter: 10-1-1
When trailing after first quarter: 2-5
When tied after first quarter: 1-5
When leading after three quarters: 12-0-1
When trailing after three quarters: 1-9
When tied after three quarters: 0-2
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 10-3
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 3-6-1
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 0-2
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 9-2-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 2-5-1
When outrushing opponent: 11-4-1
When being outrushed by opponent: 2-7
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 7-8-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 3-7-1
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 12-4
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 1-7-1
When leading in time of possession: 10-7-1
When trailing in time of possession: 3-4