Michigan State Football :: Official Athletic Site
Oct. 1, 1997
Spartans Prepare For Big Ten Opener: No. 12 Michigan State Celebrates Homecoming, Hosts Minnesota
THE COACHES
Michigan State's Nick Saban (Kent State '73) is 15-11-1 (.574) in his third year with the Spartans and 24-13-1 (.645) 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.
Minnesota's Glen Mason (Ohio State '72) is 2-2 (.500) in his first year with the Golden Gophers and 61-66-1 (.480) in 12 seasons as a college head coach. Mason compiled a 47-54-1 record (.466) in nine seasons at Kansas (1988-96), including Aloha Bowl appearances in 1992 and '95. He produced a 12-10 record (.545) in two years at Kent State (1986-87).
TEAM COMPARISONS
Michigan State Minnesota Basic Offense Pro Set Multiple Basic Defense 4-3 4-3 Offensive Starters Returning 6 7 Defensive Starters Returning 9 6 Specialists Returning 2 4
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS)
Michigan State Minnesota Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 294 6-5, 271 Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-1, 197 Defensive Line 6-4, 268 6-2, 275 Linebackers 6-3, 234 6-3, 239 Defensive Backs 6-0, 193 5-9, 178
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS)
Michigan State Offense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores
Minnesota Offense: 5 seniors, 1 junior, 3 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Minnesota Defense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 3 sophomores, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS
Michigan State (After 3 Games):Rushing - Sedrick Irvin (57 carries for 258 yards, 4.5 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Todd Schultz (38 of 58 for 405 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving - Gari Scott (10 catches for 152 yards, 15.2 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Ike Reese (28 tackles, 14 solos, 14 assists)
Minnesota (After 4 Games):
Rushing - Thomas Hamner (62 carries for 302 yards, 4.9 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing - Cory Sauter (57 of 97 for 683 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving - Tutu Atwell (24 catches for 298 yards, 12.4 avg., 3 TDs)
Tackles - Tyrone Carter (40 tackles, 30 solos, 10 assists)
1997 STAT COMPARISON
Michigan State Minnesota Scoring 38.7 29.8 First Downs 22.0 15.5 Total Offense 375.7 326.5 Rushing Yards 200.3 153.8 Passing Yards 175.3 172.8 Time of Possession 34:00 29:34 Third Down Conversions .426 .291 Points Allowed 12.7 27.0 Total Yards Allowed 261.7 339.0 Rushing Yards Allowed 48.0 87.3 Passing Yards Allowed 213.7 251.8
QUOTING NICK SABAN
Notre Dame Recap: "Obviously, that was a great win for our football program. We were physical up front and really controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides oft he football. I'm proud of our players with the way they responded to adversity late in the first half. In the past, we allowed a turnover like that to snowball into bigger problems. Our players displayed poise and confidence. We quickly reestablished control of the game early in the second half.
"Our offensive line outmuscled Notre Dame's front seven and both running backs, Marc Renaud and Sedrick Irvin were in rhythm. We controlled the football and kept Notre Dame's offense off the field."
Minnesota Scouting Report: "Minnesota is a dangerous football team because of its skill position players.
"This season, Minnesota features a more balanced offensive attack, mixing the run and the pass. Cory Sauter is a seasoned quarterback with 26 career starts under his belt. Sauter threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns against Houston. His favorite targets are Tutu Atwell and Luke Leverson. Atwell is one of the top all-purpose players in the Big Ten. Thomas Hamner is a talented, young running back who can make things happen in the open field.
"Defensively, Minnesota has the biggest front seven we've faced to date. Minnesota has recorded 16 sacks already this season. Defensive end Lamanzer Williams has been the big-play man, with four sacks. Strong safety Tyrone Carter has been making plays all over the field and he leads the team with 40 tackles.
"Minnesota's special teams play has been outstanding. Atwell and Carter are two exciting kick returners. Placekicker Adam Baily has a strong leg, with a career-long 52-yard field goal to his credit this season, and Ryan Rindels averages better than 44 yards per punt."
MICHIGAN STATE/MINNESOTA SERIES NOTES
Michigan State leads it 22-11, including a 12-4 mark in games played in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans have won 16-straight games in the series, including a 27-9 victory last season in Minneapolis. Michigan State has won 17 out of the last 18 meetings. Minnesota's last win in the series came on Oct. 16, 1976, 14-10, in Spartan Stadium. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series results please refer to page 156 in the 1997 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING
Sedrick Irvin and Duane Goulbourne combined for 237 yards rushing and two touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 27-9 victory over Minnesota in Minneapolis last October. Minnesota produced points on its first possession as Adam Bailey kicked a 22-yard field goal. Michigan State responded by scoring 27 straight points to extend its winning streak to 16-straight games over the Golden Gophers. The Spartans put 13 points on the board in the second quarter as Chris Gardner kicked field goals from 37 and 25 yards and Goulbourne added a 2-yard TD run. Michigan State broke the game open in the third quarter, scoring on its first two possessions. Octavis Long scored on a 64-yard pass from Todd Schultz and Irvin provided a 4-yard TD run as the Spartans moved out to a 27-3 lead. Irvin paced the Michigan State ground attack with 154 yards on 32 carries. Schultz completed 10-of-16 passes for 180 yards while Derrick Mason had six receptions for 106 yards. Michigan State outgained Minnesota, 423-280, total yards.
HOMECOMING GAMES
Michigan State is 53-25-3 (.673) in 81 Homecoming games, including a 2-3 record vs. Minnesota. The Spartans are 7-2-1 (.750) in Homecoming games since 1987. Indiana (9 games), Illinois (8), Purdue and Wisconsin (7 each) have been Michigan State's most frequent Homecoming opponents. (Note: For a complete list of Homecoming results please refer to page 164 in the 1997 MSU Football Media Guide.)
ACTOR CAAN SERVES AS HOMECOMING GRAND MARSHAL
Hollywood actor/director James Caan returned to the Michigan State campus to serve as the 1997 Homecoming parade grand marshal. Caan, a Queens, N.Y., native enrolled at Michigan State in the mid-1950s to study economics and play football for Coach Duffy Daugherty. He later decided to give up his football career and left for a stint on Broadway. Caan is perhaps best known for his two film appearances in 1972, "The Godfather" and "Brian's Song." Most recently, he has starred in the box office blockbusters "Misery" and "Eraser."
BIG TEN OPENERS
Michigan State enters its 45th season of Big Ten competition with a 23-17-4 record (.568) in league openers. The Spartans are 4-0-1 (.900) in Big Ten openers since 1992 and 6-2-2 (.700) since '87.
QUICK STARTS
Michigan State is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 1979. The last time MSU opened a season 4-0 was 1966 when the Spartans finished 9-0-1.
BATTLE FOR MINNESOTA BRAGGING RIGHTS
Michigan State's 91-player dress list features two players from Minnesota, including offensive lineman Casey Jensen (Eagan) and running back Leroy McFadden (Eden Prairie).
THE LAST TIME OUT
Todd Schultz threw for one touchdown and ran for another score to lead Michigan State to a 23-7 victory at Notre Dame Sept. 20 as the Spartans ended an eight-game losing streak to the Fighting Irish. It also marked Michigan State's first win in Notre Dame Stadium since 1983. Marc Renaud returned the opening kickoff 52 yards to set up MSU's first touchdown. Schultz capped the seven-play, 44-yard drive with a 5-yard toss to Josh Keur. Schultz scored on a 1-yard sneak to finish off a 73-yard drive with 4:47 left in the first quarter. Michigan State put together a 12-play, 67-yard drive midway through the second quarter which produced a 31-yard field goal by Chris Gardner. Kory Minor's interception late in the first half led to Notre Dame's only touchdown. A 7-yard TD pass from Ron Powlus to Bobby Brown brought the Irish within 17-7 at halftime. Michigan State regained control early in the third quarter as Gardner hit a 32-yard field goal to cap a 53-yard drive. Sedrick Irvin's 24-yard pass to Gari Scott led to another Gardner field goal, this time from 31 yards, with 6:26 left in the fourth quarter. Renaud (112 yards) and Irvin (106) combined for 218 of Michigan State's 222 rushing yards. Schultz completed 12-of-18 passes for 107 yards. The Spartans held Notre Dame to 61 yards rushing (23 attempts) - its lowest rushing total since 1985. Michigan State controlled the clock for 33:35.INJURY REPORT
INJURY REPORT -OUT: DT Pete Govens (right knee vs. Notre Dame; out indefinitely); LB Dwayne Hawkins (left knee patella femeral dysfunction; out for the season after undergoing surgery Sept. 26); DE Nick Meyers (MCL right knee sprain in practice Sept. 29; out three-to-four weeks); CB Ron Weston (ACL right knee; out for the season). QUESTIONABLE: TE Chris Baker (cartilage left knee in practice Aug. 14; DNP vs. Western Michigan, Memphis and Notre Dame). PROBABLE: LB Mike Austin (cartilage left knee vs. Western Michigan; underwent arthroscopic surgery Sept. 10; DNP vs. Memphis and Notre Dame); CB Amp Campbell (pulled left hamstring vs. Notre Dame); SS Dan Hackenbracht (hyperextended left knee vs. Memphis; DNP vs. Notre Dame).
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Sept. 20 vs. Notre Dame:
Offense: RB Marc Renaud (22 rushes for 112 yards; 169 all-purpose yards)
Defense: CB Ray Hill (9 tackles including 8 solo stops and an interception; 17 production points)
Special Teams: Richard Newsome (2 solo tackles; 7 production points)
SPARTANS PREFER ARTIFICIAL TURF
Michigan State's 23-7 victory at Notre Dame Sept. 20 marked the Spartans first win on natural grass since 1993. The Spartans are just 1-8-1 in their last 10 games played on natural grass. By contrast, Michigan State is 18-12 (.600) in its last 30 games on artificial turf.
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 nine occasions with the Spartans sporting a 8-1 record in those games. The Spartans produced 222 yards rushing on 53 attempts in a 23-7 victory at Notre Dame Sept. 20, with both Marc Renaud (112) and Sedrick Irvin (106) going over the 100-yard mark. Here's a look at Michigan State's nine 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 Sept. 20, 1997 @Notre Dame 53-222 W 23-7
SPARTANS TOUGH AGAINST THE RUN
Michigan State has held eight out of its last 14 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 has scored on 15 of its 16 possessions (.938) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 1997. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 11 touchdowns and four field goals. 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) Memphis 7-7 (6 TDs, FG) Notre Dame 5-6 (2 TDs, 3 FGs, lost on downs) Totals 15-16 (.938) Opponent "Red Zone" Results Western Michigan 2-3 (TD, interception, FG) Memphis 1-3 (lost on downs, TD, interception) Notre Dame 1-1 (TD) Totals 4-7 (.571)
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Michigan State currently ranks fourth in the NCAA in turnover margin at +2.67 per game. The Spartans have parlayed 11 takeaways into 35 points in 1997. 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) Memphis 3 (1 interception, 2 fumbles) 14 (2 TDs) Notre Dame 1 (1 interception) 0 Totals 11 (6 interceptions, 5 fumbles) 35 Opponent Takeaways Points Western Michigan 1 (1 interception) 0 Memphis 1 (1 fumble) 7 Notre Dame 1 (1 interception) 7 Totals 3 (2 interceptions, 1 fumble) 14
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
Michigan State extended its home winning streak to six games with a 51-21 victory over Memphis Sept. 13.
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
Sept. 13, 1997 Memphis W 51-21
Total Points 322-117
Scoring Avg. 40.3-14.6
BIG 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 200.3 5th t-23rd Passing Offense 175.3 8th 72nd Total Offense 375.7 7th 50th Scoring Offense 38.7 3rd 13th Rushing Defense 48.0 1st 2nd Pass Efficiency Defense 97.0 4th 17th Total Defense 261.7 3rd 12th Scoring Defense 12.7 3rd 12th Turnover Margin +2.67 1st 4th Net Punting 27.4 11th 111th Punt Returns 10.8 2nd 32nd Kickoff Returns 23.0 t-4th t-32nd
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 quarterback Todd Schultz has been appointed game captain for Minnesota by head coach Nick Saban.
MAGIC NUMBER 24
Since 1990, Michigan State is 35-8-1 (.807) when it scores at least 24 points. During that eight-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of only 42-40-2 (.512).
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 Sept. 14 17 18 Sept. 21 12 13 Sept. 28 12 13
SPARTAN BACKS RUN BEHIND "HOTEL" ADAMS
Outland Trophy candidate Flozell Adams is in 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 16 times in his 26 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 14 times and already ranks among the Spartans' all-time leaders with 311 career tackles (No. 8). He needs only 19 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 352), completions (seventh at 221), completion percentage (second at .628) and yards (ninth at 2,675).
Five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be selected Oct. 29 and the winner announced Nov. 26.
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."
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. The first two games have already attracted sellout crowds. In addition, three upcoming 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 (2-3) @Ohio (L 7-31) vs. Ball State Sept. 13 Memphis (1-3) vs. Minnesota (L 17-20) @Cincinnati Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (1-3) @Michigan (L 14-21) @Stanford Oct. 4 Minnesota (2-2) vs. Houston (L 43-45) @Michigan State Oct. 11 @Indiana (1-3) @Wisconsin (L 26-27) vs. Michigan Oct. 18 @Northwestern (2-3) @Purdue (L 9-21) vs. Wisconsin Oct. 25 Michigan (3-0) vs. Notre Dame (W 21-14) @Indiana Nov. 1 Ohio State (4-0) @Missouri (W 31-10) vs. Iowa Nov. 8 @Purdue (3-1) vs. Northwestern (W 21-9) @Minnesota (10/11) Nov. 22 @Illinois (0-4) @Iowa (L 10-38) vs. Penn State Nov. 29 Penn State (3-0) @Louisville (W 57-21) @Illinois
Michigan State's 1997 opponents have a combined record of 22-19 (.537). Note: Record doesn't include games played against MSU.
PLAYING IN SPARTAN STADIUM
Over the past 74 seasons, Michigan State has compiled a 267-111-13 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.
SCOREBOARD 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 Rank 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):
DEPTH CHARTS
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.)
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.)
Defense
DE 99 Dimitrius Underwood (6-7, 252, Jr.)
80 Jace Sayler (6-5, 270, Fr.)
DT 62 Robert Newkirk (6-3, 285, So.)
68 Willie Comerford (6-4, 280, Fr.)
DT 66 Desmond Thomas (6-2, 285, Jr.)
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.)
35 T.J. Turner (6-4, 240, Fr.)
MIKE 25 Mike Austin (6-3, 234, So.)
37 Tyrone Garland (5-11, 225, Sr.)
WILL 44 Ike Reese (6-3, 222, Sr.)
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.)
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.)
Minnesota
Offense
WR 9 Greg Nelson (6-1, 208, Sr.)
7 Luke Leverson (6-0, 177, So.)
TE 84 Alex Hass (6-5, 250, So.)
87 Troy Duerr (6-4, 260, Jr.)
LT 65 Luke Herkenhoff (6-5, 276, Sr.)
78 Jon Albrecht (6-5, 299, Jr.)
LG 64 Luke Glime (6-4, 270, Sr.)
73 Kris Hoffarth (6-5, 278, So.)
C 55 Ben Hamilton (6-5, 258, Fr.)
61 Jason Zander (6-5, 277, So.)
RG 77 Pat Hau (6-6, 279, So.)
69 James Elizondo (6-4, 266, Sr.)
RT 63 Tim Socha (6-6, 291, Jr.)
79 Theron Von Behren (6-5, 268, So.)
QB 17 Cory Sauter (6-5, 214, Sr.)
5 Billy Cockerham (6-1, 202, So.)
RB 12 Thomas Hamner (6-0, 183, So.)
36 Byron Evans (5-9, 203, So.)
4 Antoine Henderson (5-7, 160, Fr.)
FB 38 Justin Hall (6-3, 210, Fr.)
25 Brad Prigge (5-10, 191, So.)
WR 1 Tutu Atwell (5-9, 168, Sr.)
88 Ryan Hubbard (6-3, 223, Sr.)
Defense
DE 91 Raymond Baylor (6-1, 277, Sr.)
98 Mike Cernoch (6-6, 255, Fr.)
DT 58 Antoine Richard (6-3, 283, Jr.)
41 Mark Cross (6-5, 256, Sr.)
DT 92 Dyron Russ (6-1, 278, So.)
94 Josh Rawlings (6-5, 281, So.)
DE 56 Lamanzer Williams (6-4, 260, Sr.)
95 Jon Michals (6-4, 252, So.)
OLB 45 Sean Hoffman (6-3, 237, Fr.)
33 Rahim Artic (6-1, 200, So.)
MLB 37 Parc Williams (6-3, 238, Jr.)
32 Donny Dalton (6-1, 232, Sr.)
OLB 46 Rufus Smith (6-2, 241, Jr.)
97 Ben Mezera (6-4, 225, Fr.)
CB 30 Jimmy Wyrick (5-9, 170, So.)
43 Mari Moore (6-1, 168, Jr.)
SS 22 Tyrone Carter (5-9, 178, So.)
28 Tim Grate (5-11, 205, Jr.)
FS 23 Crawford Jordan (5-10, 194, Sr.)
8 Keith Dimmy (6-1, 167, Jr.)
CB 2 Craig Scruggs (5-9, 171, Jr.)
20 Fred Rodgers (5-9, 167, So.)
Special Teams
PK 19 Adam Bailey (5-10, 190, Jr.)
34 Erin McManus (5-9, 190, Jr.)
P 35 Ryan Rindels (5-11, 170, So.)
26 Steve Kemph (6-1, 191, So.)
LSN 18 Derek Rackley (6-5, 235, So.)
53 Scott Kneen (6-1, 224, So.)
H 35 Ryan Rindels (5-11, 170, So.)
34 Erin McManus (5-9, 190, Jr.)
PR 1 Tutu Atwell (5-9, 168, Sr.)
22 Tyrone Carter (5-9, 178, So.)
KR 22 Tyrone Carter (5-9, 178, So.)
1 Tutu Atwell (5-9, 168, Sr.)
30 Jimmy Wyrick (5-9, 170, So.)
4 Antoine Henderson (5-7, 160, Fr.)
SCHEDULES AND SCOREBOARDS
MICHIGAN STATE (3-0)Date Opponent Time Sept. 6 WESTERN MICHIGAN (SC) W 42-10 Sept. 13 MEMPHIS (PASS-tape delayed) W 51-21 Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (NBC) W 23-7 Oct. 4 MINNESOTA 1:00 EDT Oct. 11 @Indiana (ESPN2) 11:30 EST Oct. 18 @Northwestern (ABC) 2:35 CDT Oct. 25 MICHIGAN (ESPN) 12:30 EDT Nov. 1 OHIO STATE 1:00 EST Nov. 8 @Purdue 1:00 EST Nov. 22 @Illinois 1:00 CST Nov. 29 PENN STATE (ABC) 1:00 EST MINNESOTA (2-2) Date Opponent Score/Time Aug. 30 @Hawaii L 3-17 Sept. 13 IOWA STATE W 53-29 Sept. 20 @Memphis W 20-17 Sept. 27 HOUSTON L 43-45 Oct. 4 @Michigan State 1:00 EDT Oct. 11 PURDUE 6:00 CDT Oct. 18 @Penn State 1:00 EDT Oct. 25 WISCONSIN 6:00 CDT Nov. 1 @Michigan 12:30 EST Nov. 8 OHIO STATE 3:00 CST Nov. 15 INDIANA 6:00 CST Nov. 22 @Iowa 1:00 CST
SPARTAN STREAKS
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on in 1997:
Consecutive Games Started Josh Keur, TE 27 Ray Hill, CB 26 Sorie Kanu, FS 20 Ike Reese, OLB 20 Flozell Adams, OT 18 Dave Mudge, OT 16 Amp Campbell, CB 15 Courtney Ledyard, OLB 15 Scott Shaw, OG 15 Dimitrius Underwood, DE 15 Garett Gould, FB 12 Todd Schultz, QB 10
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 (1994-97) 352
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 221
8. Bryan Clark (1978-81) 204
9. Steve Juday (1963-65) 198
10. Bobby McAllister (1985-88) 194
Career Pass Completion Percentage
(Min. 100 pass attempts)
1. Jim Miller (1990-93) .629
2. Todd Schultz (1994-97) .628
3. Dan Enos (1987-90) .621
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 2,675
10. Steve Juday (1963-65) 2,576
Career Field Goals Made
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 57
2. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 47
3. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 45
4. Hans Nielsen (1974-77) 44
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. Ike Reese (1994-97) 311
Shane Bullough (1983-86) 311
10. Paul Rudzinski (1974-77) 298
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 (1995-97) 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 (1996-97) 41.8
6. Josh Butland (1988-91) 40.7
Saban's Record Breakdown