Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Football :: Official Athletic Site
Oct. 8, 1997
No. 11 Michigan State Travels to Indiana
- DATE: Oct. 11, 1997
- SITE: Memorial Stadium (52,354), Bloomington, Ind.
- KICKOFF: 11:30 a.m. (EST)
- SERIES RECORD: Michigan State leads 32-13-2
- FIRST MEETING: Indiana 14, Michigan State 6 (1922)
- LAST MEETING: Michigan State 38, Indiana 15 (Nov. 9, 1996)
- 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 - ESPN2 will televise the Michigan State-Indiana game live with Rod Gilmore and Rich Waltz calling the action and Sean Salisbury reporting from the sidelines.
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| Quarterback Todd Schultz |
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Nick Saban (Kent State '73) is 16-11-1 (.589) in his third
year with the Spartans and 25-13-1 (.654) 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.
Indiana's Cam Cameron (Indiana '83) is 1-4 (.200) in his first year with the Hoosiers. Cameron previously spend three years as quarterback coach with the NFL's Washington Redskins (1994-96). Prior to his stint in the NFL, he served on the Michigan coaching staff for 10 seasons (1984-93) where he worked primarily with the receivers and quarterbacks.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Indiana
Basic Offense Pro Set Multiple
Basic Defense 4-3 4-3
Offensive Starters Returning 6 5
Defensive Starters Returning 9 6
Specialists Returning 2 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Indiana
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 294 6-4, 299
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-2, 203
Defensive Line 6-4, 268 6-4, 272
Linebackers 6-3, 234 6-3, 233
Defensive Backs 6-0, 193 6-0, 187
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores
Indiana Offense: 4 seniors, 1 junior, 3 sophomores, 3 freshmen
Indiana Defense: 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (After 4 Games):
Rushing - Sedrick Irvin (78 carries for 330 yards, 4.2 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Todd Schultz (57 of 89 for 709 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving - Gari Scott (15 catches for 269 yards, 17.9 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Ike Reese (40 tackles, 23 solos, 17 assists, 6 for losses)
Indiana (After 5 Games):
Rushing - Jason Spear (68 carries for 208 yards, 3.1 avg., 0 TDs)
Passing - Jay Rodgers (95 of 154 for 1067 yards, 5 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving - Chris Gall (28 catches for 223 yards, 8.0 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Jabar Robinson (47 tackles, 30 solos, 17 assists, 5 for losses)
Michigan State Indiana
Scoring 36.8 14.4
First Downs 22.5 16.0
Total Offense 393.0 301.0
Rushing Yards 185.5 74.0
Passing Yards 207.5 227.0
Time of Possession 33:14 30:28
Third Down Conversions .452 .253
Points Allowed 12.0 28.4
Total Yards Allowed 257.8 400.2
Rushing Yards Allowed 60.0 151.6
Passing Yards Allowed 197.8 248.6
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| Head Coach Nick Saban |
QUOTING NICK SABAN -
Minnesota Recap: "That was an excellent way to open the Big Ten schedule.
Give Minnesota credit. Those kids played hard and with a lot of confidence.
They didn't give up when they fell behind 31-0.
"We did some good things offensively. Todd Schultz had the best game of his career, throwing for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns. With the way Minnesota played the run, we had to throw the football. They lined up with more guys in the box than we could block in a lot of situations. We mixed things up a lot and the passing game produced some big plays. Gari Scott had his best game with five catches for 117 yards. We had a couple of breakdowns in pass protection so we need to clean things up on the edges.
"The defense played well especially in the first half, allowing only 47 total yards. I was disappointed with the one big play (75-yard TD pass) we gave up in the fourth quarter. With that one exception, we did a nice job of keeping Minnesota's skill players in check.
"Our special teams also did a good job by not allowing any big returns. We felt special teams would play a major role in this game.
"I don't think we played this game with the same tempo as the previous three games, but the week layoff might have contributed to that."
Indiana Scouting Report: "Indiana has faced perhaps the nation's most demanding early-season schedule. It's played two Top 10 teams already in North Carolina and Michigan, and Kentucky has its best teams in years as evidenced by its overtime win over Alabama last Saturday.
"This is a young but capable Indiana football team. Only eight seniors start compared to 11 first- or second-year players, including seven true freshmen.
"Jay Rodgers is a good looking, young quarterback. He started four games late last year but has had to turnaround and learn a new system. He is capable of putting up some big numbers. Rodgers threw for over 400 yards and had five TD passes against Ball State. He does a nice job of spreading the ball around to his receivers, and Indiana utilizes the running backs a lot in the passing game. Indiana has two young running backs in true freshman De'Wayne Hogan and sophomore Jason Spear. The offensive line is big and physical, averaging nearly 300 pounds per man.
"Defensively, Indiana is inexperienced on both the line and at linebacker. Jabar Robinson is a playmaker at linebacker. He had 16 tackles against Michigan. The secondary is experienced.
"Indiana has two outstanding kickers in punter Alan Sutkowski, who averages better than 46 yards, and placekicker Andy Payne.
"Indiana has played some good football this season. They played North Carolina tough for three quarters and a lost a heartbreaker to Wisconsin on a last-second field goal."
First-Half Dominance: "I think you can attribute the quick starts and first-half success to the experience and maturity levels of this team. The guys are well prepared and come ready to play. Unlike some teams, these guys don't have to play their way into the game."
THE LAST MEETING -
Sedrick Irvin rushed for a season-high 158 yards (33 carries) and scored four touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 38-15 victory over Indiana in Spartan Stadium last November. Michigan State scored on its first three possessions to build a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Duane Goulbourne capped a 10-play, 57-yard drive with a 4-yard TD run. The Spartans put together a nine-play, 65-yard drive with Irvin scoring his first TD on a 3-yard run. With 1:18 left in the first quarter, Irvin finished off an eight-play, 62-yard drive with another 3-yard TD jaunt. Indiana cashed in on two Spartan fumbles in the second quarter. Jay Rodgers scored on a 1-yard sneak and Bill Manolopoulos kicked a 47-yard field goal as the Hoosiers pulled to within 21-9 at halftime. Michigan State regained control in the third quarter. The Spartans took the second-half kickoff and marched 83 yards in 10 plays, with Irvin scoring from a yard out. Sorie Kanu's interception set up Chris Gardner's 38-yard field goal as the Spartans moved out to a 31-9 lead. Rodgers directed Indiana's longest drive, 48 yards, early in the fourth quarter and scored on another 1-yard sneak. Irvin, who accounted for 173 all-purpose yards, reached the end zone for the fourth time on a 5-yard TD run with 6:53 left. Todd Schultz completed 13-of-17 passes for 243 yards, while Nigea Carter caught five passes for 108 yards. Michigan State outgained Indiana, 500-131, total yards. It marked the Spartans' best defensive effort in a Big Ten game since 1987 when Purdue managed only 125 total yards.
HOOSIER HOMECOMING -
Michigan State's 64-man travel roster features two players from Indiana, including starting center Jason Strayhorn (Indianapolis/North Central High School) and walk-on defensive back John Marynowski (Fort Wayne/Homestead).
SPARTANS OFF TO BEST START SINCE 1966 -
Michigan State is off to its best start at 4-0 since the 1966 season. The Spartans opened the '66 campaign with nine-straight wins before the historic 10-10 tie against Notre Dame in the season finale.
In its 100-year football history, Michigan State has opened a season 5-0 on only eight occasions (1966, '65, '61, '52, '51, '44, '34 and '13).
MICHIGAN STATE/INDIANA SERIES NOTES -
Michigan State leads it 32-13-2, including a 15-8-1 record in games played in Bloomington. The Spartans have won three in a row and eight out of the last 10 meetings. Indiana's last win in the series came on Oct. 30, 1993, 10-0, in Memorial Stadium. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series results please refer to page 155 in the 1997 MSU Football Media Guide.)
SPARTANS OFF TO BEST START SINCE 1966 -
Michigan State is off to its best start at 4-0 since the 1966 season. The Spartans opened the '66 campaign with nine-straight wins before the historic 10-10 tie against Notre Dame in the season finale.
QUICK STARTS -
Michigan State has scored touchdowns on its first two possessions in each of its first four games. In addition, the Spartans have outscored their opponents, 129-7, in the first half this season. The only points allowed in the fist half came after an interception late in the second quarter at Notre Dame Sept. 20. Off the Spartan turnover, the Irish scored their only touchdown with 27 seconds left in the first half.
THE LAST TIME OUT -
Todd Schultz completed 19-of-31 passes for a career-high 304 yards and three touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 31-10 Homecoming victory over Minnesota in East Lansing. It marked Michigan State's 17th-consecutive win over the Golden Gophers. The Spartans scored on four of their first five possessions to build a 28-0 halftime lead. Schultz equaled his career-best with first-half TD tosses of 5 yards to Octavis Long, 34 to Sedrick Irvin and 2 to Brad Rainko. Marc Renaud provided a 5-yard TD run in the first quarter. Michigan State produced 13 first downs and 265 total yards in the first half while limiting Minnesota to only four first downs and 47 total yards. The Spartans took the second-half kickoff and a 10-play, 62-yard drive ended with Chris Gardner's 34-yard field goal. Late in the third quarter, Minnesota crossed midfield for the first time and finally got on the scoreboard thanks to Adam Bailey's 30-yard field goal. A Spartan turnover deep in Minnesota territory led to the Gophers' only touchdown, as back-up QB Billy Cockerham hooked up with Luke Leverson for a 75-yard scoring play. Michigan State's Gari Scott had five receptions for a career-high 117 yards, including a 43-yarder.
INJURY REPORT -
OUT: DT Pete Govens (right knee vs. Notre Dame; out indefinitely; DNP vs. Minnesota); 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, Notre Dame and Minnesota). PROBABLE: SS Dan Hackenbracht (hyperextended left knee vs. Memphis; DNP vs. Notre Dame and Minnesota).
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| Gari Scott |
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK -
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Oct. 4 vs. Minnesota:
- Offense: WR Gari Scott (5 catches for a career-high 117 yards)
- Defense: DE Robaire Smith (9 total tackles including 3 for losses and 2 sacks; 23 production points)
- Special Teams: Damien Hiram (1 solo tackle; 4 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 19-12 (.613) in its last 31 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 nine out of its last 15 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 20 of its 21 possessions (.952) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 1997. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 15 touchdowns and five 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) Minnesota 5-5 (4 TDs, FG) Totals 20-21 (.952) Opponent "Red Zone" Results Western Michigan 2-3 (TD, interception, FG) Memphis 1-3 (lost on downs, TD, interception) Notre Dame 1-1 (TD) Minnesota 1-1 (FG) Totals 5-8 (.625)
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS -
Michigan State currently ranks third (tied) in the NCAA in turnover margin at +2.0 per game. The Spartans have parlayed 13 takeaways into 42 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 Minnesota 2 (2 interceptions) 7 Totals 13 (8 interceptions, 5 fumbles) 42 Opponent Takeaways Points Western Michigan 1 (1 interception) 0 Memphis 1 (1 fumble) 7 (TD) Notre Dame 1 (1 interception) 7 (TD) Minnesota 2 (1 interception, 1 fumble) 7 (TD) Totals 5 (3 interceptions, 2 fumbles) 21
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE -
Michigan State extended its home winning streak to seven games with a 31-10 Homecoming victory over Minnesota Oct. 4.
How much is Michigan State's home field advantage worth? Twenty-five points if the last nine home games are any indication. Michigan State has outscored its opponents 353-127 in its last nine games in Spartan Stadium. Here's how the Spartans have fared in the last nine 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
Sept. 13, 1997 Memphis W 51-21
Oct. 4, 1997 Minnesota W 31-10
Total Points 353-127
Scoring Avg. 39.2-14.1
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 185.5 5th 26th Passing Offense 207.5 8th 58th Total Offense 393.0 5th 44th Scoring Offense 36.8 3rd 10th Rushing Defense 60.0 1st 6th Pass Efficiency Defense 99.0 4th 22nd Total Defense 257.8 2nd 7th Scoring Defense 12.0 2nd 10th Turnover Margin +2.0 1st t-3rd Net Punting 28.1 11th 111th Punt Returns 10.3 3rd t-40th Kickoff Returns 23.9 3rd t-19th
NCAA INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS -
Here's a brief look at how Michigan State's players rank among the NCAA stat leaders in 1997:
Individual Category
Rushing: Sedrick Irvin (50th at 82.5 yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Todd Schultz (17th at 150.2 rating)
Punt Returns: Sedrick Irvin (37th at 10.3 avg.)
Scoring: Chris Gardner (33rd at 8.25 points per game)
Interceptions: Ray Hill (t-7th at 0.75 per game); Amp Campbell (t-27th at 0.5)
Field Goals: Chris Gardner (t-22nd at 1.25 made per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Sedrick Irvin (33rd at 138.5 yards per game)
SCOREBOARD OPERATOR GETS A WORKOUT -
Michigan State ranks among the NCAA leaders (No. 10) in scoring offense, averaging nearly 37 points per game in 1997 - its best season scoring average since 1978 (37.4 ppg). Here's a look at MSU's scoring production over the last 20 seasons:
Year TDs PTS Avg. Year TDs PTS Avg.
1997 19 147 36.8 1987 30 261 21.8
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
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| Scott Shaw |
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 tight end Josh Keur has been appointed game captain for Indiana by head coach Nick Saban.
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 36-8-1 (.811) when it scores at least 24 points. During that eight-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of only 43-40-2 (.518).
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
Oct. 5 11 11
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 27 career starts. Last year, Adams anchored an offensive line which helped produce a 1,000-yard rusher in freshman Sedrick Irvin (1,067).
ADAMS NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR LOMBARDI AWARD -
Senior offensive tackle Flozell Adams is one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award, presented annually since 1970 by the Rotary Club of Houston to the nation's lineman of the year. Adams is one of four offensive linemen under consideration, and he joins Iowa defensive tackle Jared DeVries and Ohio State linebacker Andy Katzenmayer on the ballot.
Four finalists for the Lombardi Award will be selected Oct. 31 and the winner announced Dec. 10.
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.
Eight semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award will be announced Nov. 26 and three finalists Dec. 3. The winner will be named Dec. 11.
Irvin (78 carries for 330 yards and 3 TDs in 1997) ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (sixth at 82.5 yards per game), all-purpose yards (fifth at 138.5) and punt returns (third at 10.3 avg.). He has six career 100-yard games, including a season-high 106 yards (26 attempts) vs. Notre Dame.
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| Outside Linebacker Ike Reese |
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.
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.
Reese leads the '97 Spartans in tackles with 40 (23 solos, 17 assists), including six for losses (16 yards). He has reached double figures in tackles three times this season, including a season-high 13 stops (6-7) vs. Notre Dame. Reese anchors a Michigan State defensive unit which currently ranks among the NCAA leaders in rushing defense (No. 6 at 60.0 yards per game), total defense (No. 7 at 257.8), scoring defense (No. 10 at 12.0 points) and turnover margin (No. 3 at +2.0). Reese has 15 career double-figure tackle games and already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders with 323 career tackles (No. 7). He needs only seven more tackles to crack the Spartans' top five.
SCHULTZ NOMINATED FOR JOHNNY UNITAS AWARD -
Todd Schultz, who is in 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.
Five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be selected Oct. 29 and the winner announced Nov. 26.
Schultz (57 of 89 for 709 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs) ranks among the 1997 NCAA leaders in passing efficiency with a 150.2 rating. He earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for a career-high 304 yards (19 of 31) and three touchdowns vs. Minnesota. Schultz already ranks among MSU's career passing leaders in attempts (10th at 383), completions (seventh at 240), completion percentage (second at .627) and yards (ninth at 2,979).
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 three games have already attracted sellout crowds. In addition, two upcoming home games are already complete sellouts, 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 (3-3) vs. Ball State (W 21-13) @Bowling Green Sept. 13 Memphis (1-4) @Cincinnati (L 17-20) vs. Arkansas State Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (1-4) @Stanford (L 15-33) @Pittsburgh Oct. 4 Minnesota (2-3) @Michigan State (L 10-31) vs. Purdue Oct. 11 @Indiana (1-4) vs. Michigan (L 0-37) vs. Michigan State Oct. 18 @Northwestern (2-4) vs. Wisconsin (L 25-26) @Michigan Oct. 25 Michigan (4-0) @Indiana (W 37-0) vs. Northwestern Nov. 1 Ohio State (5-0) vs. Iowa (W 23-7) @Penn State Nov. 8 @Purdue (3-1) vs. Northwestern (W 21-9) @Minnesota Nov. 22 @Illinois (0-5) vs. Penn State (L 6-41) @Wisconsin Nov. 29 Penn State (4-0) @Illinois (W 41-6) vs. Ohio State
Michigan State's 1997 opponents have a combined record of 26-24 (.520). Note: Record doesn't include games played against MSU.
PLAYING IN SPARTAN STADIUM -
Over the past 74 seasons, Michigan State has compiled a 268-111-13 mark (.700) 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
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER SABAN --
Here's how Michigan State has fared during Nick Saban's tenure (1995-97):
Games played in Spartan Stadium: 11-4
Games played on the road/neutral site: 5-7-1
When leading at halftime: 15-5
When trailing at halftime: 1-5-1
When scoring first: 13-3-1
When opponent scores first: 3-8
When leading after first quarter: 13-1-1
When trailing after first quarter: 2-5
When tied after first quarter: 1-5
When leading after three quarters: 15-0-1
When trailing after three quarters: 1-9
When tied after three quarters: 0-2
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 13-3
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: 11-2-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 2-5-1
When outrushing opponent: 14-4-1
When being outrushed by opponent: 2-7
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 9-8-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 4-7-1
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 15-4
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 1-7-1
When leading in time of possession: 13-7-1
When trailing in time of possession: 3-4
Saban's Record Breakdown
All Games: 25-13-1 (.654)
Home Games: 16-5 (.762)
Road Games: 9-8-1 (.528)
August Games: 1-0 (1.000)
September Games: 10-3-1 (.750)
October Games: 9-4 (.692)
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)
SPARTAN STREAKS
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on in 1997:
Consecutive Games Started
Josh Keur, TE 28
Ray Hill, CB 27
Sorie Kanu, FS 21
Ike Reese, OLB 21
Flozell Adams, OT 19
Dave Mudge, OT 17
Amp Campbell, CB 16
Courtney Ledyard, OLB 16
Scott Shaw, OG 16
Dimitrius Underwood, DE 16
Garett Gould, FB 13
Todd Schultz, QB 11
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) 383
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) 240
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) .627
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 2,979
9. Bryan Clark (1978-81) 2,725
10. Steve Juday (1963-65) 2,576
Career Field Goals Made
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 57
2. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 48
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. Ike Reese (1994-97) 323
8. Carlos Jenkins (1987-90) 314
9. 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. Courtney Ledyard (1995-97) 10.5
Chris Smith (1993-96) 10.5
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) 41.2
6. Josh Butland (1988-91) 40.7