Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Football :: Official Athletic Site
Oct. 17, 1997
MSU (5-0) vs. Northwestern (2-5) Football Game Notes
GAME 6: QUICK FACTS
DATE: Oct. 18, 1997
SITE: Ryan Field (47,129), Evanston, Ill.
KICKOFF: 2:35 p.m. (CDT)
SERIES RECORD: Michigan State leads 28-11
FIRST MEETING: Northwestern 37, Michigan State 11 (1905)
LAST MEETING: Michigan State 35, Northwestern 17 (Nov. 5, 1994)
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 - ABC Sports will televise the Michigan State-Northwestern game live with Brent Musburger and Dan Fouts calling the action and Jack Arute reporting from the sidelines.
OFFICIALS: Referee Dick Honig, Umpire Percy Mun, Linesman Mike Spanier, Line Judge John Kouris, Field Judge Mike Sheahan, Side Judge Jim Filson and Back Judge Jim Lapetina.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Nick Saban (Kent State '73) is 17-11-1 (.603) in his third year with the Spartans and 26-13-1 (.663) 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.
Northwestern's Gary Barnett (Missouri '69) is 29-24-1 (.461) in his sixth year with the Wildcats and 37-45-2 (.452) in eight seasons as a college head coach. Barnett led the Wildcats to back-to-back Big Ten titles in 1995 (10-2 overall) and '96 (9-3). He previously spent eight years (1984-91) as an assistant coach under Bill McCartney at Colorado. Barnett compiled an 8-11-1 record (.425) in two seasons (1982-83) at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Northwestern
Basic Offense Pro Set Multiple
Basic Defense 4-3 4-3
Offensive Starters Returning 6 4
Defensive Starters Returning 9 6
Specialists Returning 2 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Northwestern
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 294 6-5, 283
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-2, 211
Defensive Line 6-4, 268 6-3, 264
Linebackers 6-3, 234 6-1, 233
Defensive Backs 6-0, 193 6-1, 207
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores
Northwestern Offense: 9 seniors, 1 junior, 1 sophomore
Northwestern Defense: 9 seniors, 1 junior, 1 sophomore
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (After 5 Games):
Rushing - Sedrick Irvin (94 carries for 508 yards, 5.4 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Todd Schultz (64 of 105 for 792 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving - Gari Scott (18 catches for 323 yards, 17.9 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Ike Reese (47 tackles, 28 solos, 19 assists, 6 for losses)
Northwestern (After 7 Games):
Rushing - Adrian Autry (124 carries for 537 yards, 4.3 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing - Tim Hughes (101 of 182 for 1315 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving - Brian Musso (39 catches for 607 yards, 15.6 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles - Barry Gardner (97 tackles, 61 solos, 36 assists, 2 interceptions)
1997 STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Northwestern
Scoring 37.0 20.3
First Downs 21.6 16.6
Total Offense 394.2 329.6
Rushing Yards 205.2 115.3
Passing Yards 189.0 214.3
Time of Possession 31:54 28:08
Third Down Conversions .442 .357
Points Allowed 10.8 22.4
Total Yards Allowed 262.4 403.1
Rushing Yards Allowed 64.0 196.3
Passing Yards Allowed 198.4 206.9
QUOTING NICK SABAN -
Indiana Recap: "That was a good win. I certainly wasn't pleased with our effort in the first half. We lacked intensity. We weren't sharp early and I saw it coming in practice during the week. We tried to guard against a letdown because all the signs were there.
"This game may prove to be a blessing. We faced some adversity in the first half and overcame it. Things have been too easy for us this year. With our remaining schedule, success isn't going to come easy.
"The defense kept us in the game in the first half. We had a nice goal-line stand late in the first quarter and held Indiana to a field goal. Sedrick Irvin's 1-yard touchdown run late in the first half gave us a little spark. We regained our poise in the second half and played good football. The offense and special teams produced some big plays in the second half."
Northwestern Scouting Report: "Northwestern is a much better team than its record indicates. It has been involved in a number of close games this season. In fact, Northwestern has lost three games by a combined total of 14 points.
"This is an experienced football team with 18 seniors in the starting lineup, including nine fifth-year guys.
"Obviously, the offense doesn't have the same explosiveness since losing wide receiver D'Wayne Bates to an injury in the season opener against Oklahoma. Quarterback Tim Hughes has started 15 games during his career and he already has three 200-yard games to his credit this season. Adrian Autry is a dependable running back and Brian Musso is a clutch receiver and one of the best all-purpose players in the Big Ten.
"Northwestern has six starters back on defense. Hawk linebacker Barry Gardner has been the most consistent player on defense, averaging nearly 14 tackles per game. Defensive end Casey Dailey leads the team with six sacks.
"Northwestern's special teams are solid. Hughes doubles as the punter and averages better than 43 yards, while Musso ranks as one of the league's best punt returners.
"Gary Barnett has instilled a lot of pride in this football program. It's homecoming at Northwestern, so I'm sure he'll have his team playing at its best. Our guys are looking forward to playing Northwestern because it has been off of our schedule the last two years."
Sedrick Irvin: "Sedrick Irvin had his best game in a Spartan uniform against Indiana. He gave the team a spark when it wasn't playing well. He got into a brief scuffle in the first half and then his competitive instincts came out.
"Sedrick isn't blessed with great raw speed. He's got good straight-line speed for 30-to-40 yards but he doesn't have a second gear like some guys. Sedrick has great quickness and vision. He has the ability to change direction and he's not easy to tackle. I wouldn't trade Sedrick for any other running back in the Big Ten because he's a complete player. He's got the entire package. He's a solid runner, blocker, receiver and punt returner. Sedrick has the ability to become a consistent big-play maker."
MICHIGAN STATE/NORTHWESTERN SERIES NOTES -
Michigan State leads it 28-11, including a 13-8 record in games played in Evanston, Ill. The Spartans have won three in a row and seven out of the last eight meetings. Michigan State won the last meeting on Nov. 5, 1994, 35-17, in Dyche Stadium (game later forfeited). Northwestern's last win in the series came on Nov. 2, 1991, 16-13, 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 -
Duane Goulbourne and Scott Greene combined for 323 yards rushing and four touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 35-17 victory over Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., on Nov. 5, 1994. The Spartans jumped out to a 21-7 lead in the second quarter but the Wildcats pulled to within 21-14 at halftime on Dennis Lundy's 5-yard TD run with 2:45 left in the first half. Northwestern produced points on its first possession of the third quarter as Sam Valenzisi kicked a 51-yard field goal. Goulbourne capped a seven-play, 50-yard drive with a 16-yard TD run late in the third quarter to give MSU a 28-17 lead. The Spartans put together a 14-play, 89-yard drive in the fourth quarter to ice the game with Greene scoring his second TD on a 7-yard run. Goulbourne gained 181 yards on 36 carries, including a 13-yard TD jaunt in the first quarter. Greene picked up 142 yards on 13 attempts, including a 47-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Lundy led Northwestern's ground attack with 141 yards on 26 rushes. Michigan State outgained the Wildcats, 405-285, total yards.
SPARTAN HOMECOMING -
Michigan State's 64-man travel roster features three players from Illinois including two starters, offensive tackle Flozell Adams (Bellwood/Proviso West High School) and quarterback Todd Schultz (Morris/Morris Community), plus back-up defensive end Jace Sayler (McHenry).
SPARTANS OFF TO BEST START SINCE 1966 -
Michigan State is off to its best start at 5-0 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 6-0 on only five occasions (1966, '65, '52, '51 and '13).
QUICK STARTS -
Michigan State has outscored its opponents, 139-13, in the first half this season. Indiana became the first opponent to force the Spartans to punt on their opening series and then held MSU to a field goal on its second drive. Michigan State had scored touchdowns on its first two possessions in each of its first four games.
The Spartans have trailed only once in their first five games, 6-3 in the second quarter at Indiana, and the deficit lasted only 2:47. Michigan State responded by scoring 35 unanswered points against the Hoosiers.
INJURY REPORT -
OUT: DT Pete Govens (ACL right knee vs. Notre Dame; out for the season after undergoing surgery on Oct. 9); 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, Minnesota and Indiana).
THE LAST TIME OUT -
Sedrick Irvin accounted for a career-high 306 all-purpose yards and scored three times to lead Michigan State to a 38-6 victory over Indiana in Bloomington. The Spartans scored first thanks to Chris Gardner's career-long 51-yard field goal with 6:56 left in the first quarter. Andy Payne kicked field goals of 31 and 32 yards to give Indiana its only lead at 6-3 with 7:25 remaining in the second quarter. Irvin's 1-yard TD dive on fourth-and-goal gave Michigan State a 10-6 halftime lead. The Spartans put 21 points on the scoreboard in the third quarter to break the game open as Irvin scored on a 56-yard run, Gari Scott caught a 27-yard TD pass from Todd Schultz and Irvin provided an 80-yard punt return. Back-up QB Bill Burke directed a 68-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter with Leroy McFadden breaking an 8-yard touchdown run. Irvin rushed for a career-best 178 yards on just 16 carries, returned four punts for 117 and caught two passes for 11. The Spartans outgained the Hoosiers, 399-281, total yards. Michigan State held its first Big Ten opponent without a touchdown since Illinois managed five field goals in 1990.
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK -
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Oct. 11 vs. Indiana:
Offense: TB Sedrick Irvin (accounted for a career-high 306 all-purpose yards and scored 3 TDs)
Defense: FS Sorie Kanu (9 total tackles including 6 solo stops; 18 production points)
Special Teams: Lemar Marshall (3 total tackles; 13 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 20-12 (.625) in its last 32 games on artificial turf.
SPARTANS TOUGH AGAINST THE RUN -
Michigan State has held 10 out of its last 16 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
STINGY DEFENSE PART II -
A key to Michigan State's success on defense in 1997 has been its ability to prevent big plays. Spartan opponents have produced only 12 plays from scrimmage (315 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards. That means the Spartans surrender a big play (+20 yards) once every 26 snaps.
Michigan State has allowed only six runs of 10 or more yards, including a long gain of 17. The Spartans have held their opponents to three plays and a punt 17 times over the first five games.
The Spartans rank fourth nationally in rushing defense, yielding only 64.0 yards per game. Michigan State has already recorded 44 tackles behind the line of scrimmage with losses totaling 187 yards, including 17 sacks for 112 yards. That's an average of nearly nine tackles behind the line (37.4 yards) and 3.4 sacks per game (22.4). Starting defensive ends Robaire Smith and Dimitrius Underwood have combined for 13 tackles for losses (70 yards), including nine sacks (61).
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
OFFENSE GENERATES BIG PLAYS - In its last two games vs. Minnesota and Indiana, Michigan State's offense has produced 11 plays from scrimmage (140 snaps) which have gained 20 or more yards, with three going for touchdowns. That translates into a big play (+20 yards) once every 12.7 snaps.
Michigan State had five big plays against Minnesota, with Sedrick Irvin turning a screen pass from Todd Schultz into a 34-yard score. Last week, the Spartans provided six plays of 20 or more yards against Indiana, with Irvin scoring on a 56-yard run and Gari Scott catching a 27-yard TD pass from Schultz.
"RED ZONE" UPDATE -
Michigan State has scored on 22 of its 23 possessions (.957) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 1997. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 17 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) Indiana 2-2 (2 TDs) Totals 22-23 (.957) 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) Indiana 2-2 (2 FGs) Totals 7-10 (.700)
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS -
Michigan State currently ranks seventh (tied) in the NCAA in turnover margin at +1.6 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 Indiana 0 0 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) Indiana 0 0 Totals 5 (3 interceptions, 2 fumbles) 21
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.
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 205.2 4th 20th Passing Offense 189.0 8th 69th Total Offense 394.2 6th 40th Scoring Offense 37.0 3rd 10th Rushing Defense 64.0 1st 4th Pass Efficiency Defense 102.2 4th 25th Total Defense 262.4 2nd 6th Scoring Defense 10.8 2nd 5th Turnover Margin +1.6 1st t-7th Net Punting 30.0 11th 111th Punt Returns 14.1 2nd 14th Kickoff Returns 23.4 4th 23rd
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 (22nd at 101.6 yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Todd Schultz (22nd at 143.7 rating)
Punt Returns: Sedrick Irvin (11th at 15.7 avg.)
Kickoff Returns: Marc Renaud (8th at 28.7 avg.)
Scoring: Sedrick Irvin (t-24th at 8.4 points per game); Chris Gardner (t-30th at 8.2)
Interceptions: Ray Hill (t-10th at 0.6 per game); Amp Campbell (t-39th at 0.4)
Field Goals: Chris Gardner (t-26th at 1.2 made per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Sedrick Irvin (10th at 172.0 yards per game)
SCOREBOARD OPERATOR GETS A WORKOUT --
Michigan State ranks among the NCAA leaders (No. 10) in scoring offense, averaging 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 24 185 37.0 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
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 cornerback Ray Hill has been appointed game captain for Northwestern by head coach Nick Saban.
MAGIC NUMBER 24 -
Since 1990, Michigan State is 37-8-1 (.815) when it scores at least 24 points. During that eight-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of only 44-40-2 (.523).
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
Oct. 12 12 11
POLLS PART II -
Michigan State currently ranks No. 11 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll and No. 12 according to the Associated Press. It marks the Spartans' highest national rating since the final polls after the 1987 season.
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 17 times in his 28 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 (94 carries for 508 yards and 5 TDs in 1997) ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (fifth at 101.6 yards per game), all-purpose yards (third at 172.0), punt returns (second at 15.7 avg.) and scoring (fourth at 8.4 points per game). He has seven career 100-yard games, including a career-high 178 yards (16 attempts) vs. Indiana Oct. 11.
REESE LEADS "GANG GREEN" DEFENSE -
Four-year starter Ike Reese leads the 1997 Spartans in tackles with 47 (28 solos, 19 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. 4 at 64.0 yards per game), total defense (No. 6 at 262.4), scoring defense (No. 5 at 10.8 points) and turnover margin (No. 7 at +1.6). Reese has 15 career double-figure tackle games and already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders with 330 career tackles (No. 5).
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 (64 of 105 for 792 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs) ranks among the 1997 NCAA leaders (No. 22) in passing efficiency with a 143.7 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 Oct. 4. Schultz already ranks among MSU's career passing leaders in attempts (eighth at 399), completions (seventh at 247), completion percentage (third at .619) and yards (eighth at 3,062).
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, the three remaining home games are already complete sellouts, Oct. 25 vs. Michigan, Nov. 1 vs. Ohio State and Nov. 29 vs. Penn 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 (4-3) @Bowling Green (W 34-21) vs. Kent Sept. 13 Memphis (2-4) vs. Arkansas State (W 38-9) vs. East Carolina (10/25) Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (2-4) @Pittsburgh (W 45-21) vs. Southern Cal Oct. 4 Minnesota (2-4) vs. Purdue (L 43-59) @Penn State Oct. 11 @Indiana (1-5) vs. Michigan State (L 6-38) @Ohio State Oct. 18 @Northwestern (2-5) @Michigan (L 6-23) vs. Michigan State Oct. 25 Michigan (5-0) vs. Northwestern (W 23-6) vs. Iowa Nov. 1 Ohio State (5-1) @Penn State (L 27-31) vs. Indiana Nov. 8 @Purdue (4-1) @Minnesota (W 59-43) vs. Wisconsin Nov. 22 @Illinois (0-6) @Wisconsin (L 7-31) vs. Purdue (10/25) Nov. 29 Penn State (5-0) vs. Ohio State (W 31-27) vs. Minnesota
Michigan State's 1997 opponents have a combined record of 32-28 (.533). 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.
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: 6-7-1 When leading at halftime: 16-5 When trailing at halftime: 1-5-1 When scoring first: 14-3-1 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: 2-5 When leading after three quarters: 16-0-1 When trailing after three quarters: 1-9 When tied after three quarters: 0-2 When gaining more first downs than opponent: 14-3 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: 12-2-1 When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 2-5-1 When outrushing opponent: 15-4-1 When being outrushed by opponent: 2-7 When gaining 200+ yards passing: 9-8-1 When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 5-7-1 When gaining more total yards than opponent: 16-4 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: 4-4 Saban's Record Breakdown All Games: 26-13-1 (.663) Home Games: 16-5 (.762) Road Games: 10-8-1 (.553) August Games: 1-0 (1.000) September Games: 10-3-1 (.750) October Games: 10-4 (.714) 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 Spartan Radio Network Affiliates City 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 hosts Terry Braverman and George Blaha 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).
This Week's Polls
(Released Oct. 12) Associated Press 1. Penn State 2. Nebraska 3. Florida State 4. North Carolina 5. Michigan 6. Auburn 7. Florida 8. Louisiana State 9. Tennessee 10. Washington 11. Ohio State 12. Michigan State 13. Washington State 14. Texas A&M 15. Iowa 16. Oklahoma State 17. UCLA 18. Air Force 19. Georgia 20. Kansas State 21. Georgia Tech 22. Virginia Tech 23. West Virginia 24. Wisconsin 25. Stanford USA Today/ESPN Coaches 1. Penn State 2. Nebraska 3. Florida State 4. North Carolina 5. Michigan 6. Florida 7. Auburn 8. Washington 9. Tennessee 10. Louisiana State 11. Michigan State 12. Ohio State 13. Washington State 14. Texas A&M 15. Iowa 16. Oklahoma State 17. Air Force 18. UCLA 19. Virginia Tech 20. Kansas State 21. Georgia 22. West Virginia 23. Stanford 24. Wisconsin 25. Georgia Tech 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 State
SPARTAN STREAKS
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on in 1997:
Consecutive Games Started Josh Keur, TE 29 Ray Hill, CB 28 Sorie Kanu, FS 22 Ike Reese, OLB 22 Flozell Adams, OT 20 Dave Mudge, OT 18 Courtney Ledyard, OLB 17 Scott Shaw, OG 17 Dimitrius Underwood, DE 17 Garett Gould, FB 14 Todd Schultz, QB 12
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 399
9. Bobby McAllister (1985-88) 386
10. Steve Juday (1963-65) 384
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) 247
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. Dan Enos (1987-90) .621
3. Todd Schultz (1994-97) .619
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) 3,062
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) 49
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. Ike Reese (1994-97) 330
6. Jim Morrissey (1981-84) 329
7. Reggie Garnett (1993-96) 327
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. Courtney Ledyard (1995-97) 11
John Shinsky (1970-73) 11
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) 41.1
6. Josh Butland (1988-91) 40.7
Career PATS Made
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 137
2. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 126
3. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 113
4. Hans Nielsen (1974-77) 98
5. George Smith (1947-49) 94
Career Points Scored
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 308
2. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 261
3. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 260
4. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 258
5. Hans Nielsen (1974-77) 230
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.) or
37 Tyrone Garland (5-11, 225, Sr.)
WILL 44 Ike Reese (6-3, 222, Sr.)
38 Sean Banks (6-2, 215, So.)
31 Shawn Wright (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.)
28 Dan Hackenbracht (6-2, 190, Sr.)
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.)
NORTHWESTERN
Offense
WR 22 Brian Musso (6-1, 190, Sr.)
7 Aaron Burrell (6-1, 202, Jr.)
TE 84 Jay Tant (6-4, 231, So.)
87 Joel Stuart (6-6, 227, Sr.)
TT 79 Bryan LaBelle (6-7, 295, Sr.)
71 Jack Harnedy (6-7, 290, So.)
TG 70 Brian Hemmerle (6-7, 305, Jr.)
68 Neil Carroll (6-5, 311, So.)
C 63 Nathan Strikwerda (6-4, 295, Sr.)
57 Ty Garner (6-3, 289, So.)
SG 69 Chris Leeder (6-4, 293, Sr.)
56 Mike Souza (6-7, 290, Fr.)
ST 74 Paul Janus (6-6, 280, Sr.)
67 Leon Brockmeier (6-8, 270, Fr.)
WR 18 Toussaint Waterman (6-2, 212, Sr.)
80 John Burden (6-3, 212, Sr.)
QB 8 Tim Hughes (6-2, 222, Sr.)
4 Chris Hamdorf (6-2, 206, Sr.)
FB 46 Matt Hartl (6-2, 235, Sr.)
34 Levelle Brown (5-11, 218, Jr.)
RB 32 Adrian Autry (5-10, 194, Sr.)
37 Faraji Leary (6-1, 204, Sr.)
Defense
LE 44 Keith Lozowski (6-3, 252, Sr.)
95 Dwayne Missouri (6-5, 220, So.)
LT 88 KeJaun DuBose (6-2, 285, Sr.)
99 Jeff Dyra (6-4, 267, Jr.)
RT 98 Bobby Russ (6-3, 274, Sr.)
78 Darryl Hodge (6-3, 294, So.)
RE 36 Casey Dailey (6-3, 246, Sr.)
90 Thor Schmidt (6-3, 248, Sr.)
HAWK 35 Barry Gardner (6-1, 237, Sr.)
43 Preston Letts (6-2, 211, So.)
MLB 53 Don Holmes (6-0, 238, Sr.)
47 Conrad Emmerich (6-5, 225, So.)
DROP 9 Kevin Buck (6-1, 223, Jr.)
10 Anwawn Jones (6-4, 212, So.)
LCB 17 Josh Barnes (5-11, 180, Sr.)
21 Fred Wilkerson (6-2, 200, Sr.)
FS 26 Mike Nelson Jr. (6-2, 211, Sr.)
24 Rashad Morton (5-11, 205, So.)
SS 33 Eric Collier (6-1, 213, Sr.)
14 Mycal Jones (6-0, 190, Fr.)
RCB 11 Gerald Conoway (6-0, 177, Jr.)
6 Harold Blackmon (6-0, 202, So.)
Special Teams
PK 13 Brian Gowins (5-10, 168, Sr.)
39 Shannon Jones (5-9, 177, Sr.)
P 8 Tim Hughes (6-2, 222, Sr.)
13 Brian Gowins (5-10, 168, Sr.)
LSN 71 Jack Harnedy (6-7, 290, So.)
74 Paul Janus (6-6, 280, Sr.)
H 4 Chris Hamdorf (6-2, 206, Sr.)
15 Corbett Elsen (6-5, 219, So.)
PR 22 Brian Musso (6-1, 190, Sr.)
KR 16 Tyrone Gooch (5-10, 185, Jr.)
7 Aaron Burrell (6-1, 202, Jr.)