Michigan State Football :: Official Athletic Site
Oct. 24, 1997
MSU (5-1) vs. Michigan (6-0) Football Game Notes
GAME 7: QUICK FACTS
DATE: Oct. 25, 1997
SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 12:35 p.m. (EDT)
SERIES RECORD: Michigan leads 58-26-5
FIRST MEETING: Michigan 39, Michigan State 0 (Oct. 12, 1898)
LAST MEETING: Michigan 45, Michigan State 29 (Nov. 2, 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 - ESPN will televise the Michigan State-Michigan game live with Dave Barnett and Bill Curry calling the action and Dave Ryan reporting from the sidelines.
OFFICIALS: Referee Jim Kemerling, Umpire Roger Haberer, Linesman Ed Peters, Line Judge Tom Hofmann, Field Judge Tom Bryan, Side
Judge Tom Clark and Back Judge Scott Helverson.
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Nick Saban (Kent State '73) is 17-12-1 (.580) in his third year with the Spartans and 26-14-1 (.640) 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.
Michigan's Lloyd Carr (Northern Michigan 19'68) is 23-8 (.742) in his third year with the Wolverines. Prior to being promoted to head coach, Carr spent 15 years on the Michigan coaching staff (1980-94), serving as an assistant under Bo Schembechler and Gary Moeller.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Michigan
Basic Offense Pro Set Multiple
Basic Defense 4-3 Multiple Fronts
Offensive Starters Returning 6 8
Defensive Starters Returning 9 7
Specialists Returning 2 0
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Michigan
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 294 6-6, 284
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-1, 206
Defensive Line 6-4, 268 6-3, 274
Linebackers 6-3, 234 6-3, 237
Defensive Backs 6-0, 193 6-1, 200
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores
Michigan Offense: 5 seniors, 3 juniors, 1 sophomore, 2 freshmen
Michigan Defense: 1 senior, 5 juniors, 5 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (After 6 Games):
Rushing - Sedrick Irvin (114 carries for 591 yards, 5.2 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Todd Schultz (88 of 143 for 987 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving - Josh Keur (24 catches for 242 yards, 10.1 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Ike Reese (60 tackles, 38 solos, 22 assists, 7 for losses)
Michigan (After 6 Games):
Rushing - Chris Howard (84 carries for 428 yards, 5.1 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Brian Griese (104 of 160 for 1217 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving - Jerame Tuman (20 catches for 334 yards, 16.7 avg., 3 TDs)
Tackles - Sam Sword (49 tackles, 33 solos, 16 assists)
1997 STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Michigan
Scoring 33.7 29.0
First Downs 21.2 22.2
Total Offense 377.3 418.8
Rushing Yards 87.3 195.3
Passing Yards 190.0 223.5
Time of Possession 31:00 32:26
Third Down Conversions .420 .468
Points Allowed 12.2 8.3
Total Yards Allowed 279.0 207.7
Rushing Yards Allowed 88.0 73.7
Passing Yards Allowed 191.0 134.0
QUOTING NICK SABAN - Northwestern Recap: "It was a tough loss because we had a chance to win the game but didn't get the job done. We made far too many mistakes on both sides of the football. We gave up 16 points in the first half and that was more than we could overcome.
"I was proud of the way the team played in the second half. The team showed a lot of character, especially on the two-minute drive at the end of the game. Unfortunately, we couldn't complete the comeback with the kick to win the game. "I don't think our players were guilty of looking past Northwestern because we didn't come out flat. We got on the scoreboard first thanks to the blocked punt and held Northwestern without a first down the first three times it had the football.
"The turning point in the game came in the second quarter when we gave up three big plays on Northwestern's first touchdown drive. We made some mental errors and missed some tackles.
"Offensively, we must improve our consistency. We went three plays and out four times against Northwestern. Our overall execution must improve, especially in the passing game.
Michigan Scouting Report: "Michigan has an outstanding football team. This is the best defensive team I've seen in a long, long time at the college level. It's unbelievable to think that Michigan is six games into the season and it's giving up less than nine points per game.
"Michigan has a solid front seven on defense. Nobody has found a way to run against Michigan with any consistency. Sam Sword is an excellent linebacker. The secondary is very athletic and creates all kinds of problems for the offense. Everybody talks about Charles Woodson and he's a phenomenal player. Woodson is not only a great cornerback but he's a good skill guy on offense and on special teams.
"Offensively, Michigan has really improved in its running game. Michigan has good depth at running back and the offensive line is big and athletic. This team has good skill players on the outside and tight end Jerame Tuman has made a lot of big plays. Brian Griese is an experienced quarterback who does a good job directing the offense. Griese struggled in the first half against Iowa but bounced back to have a big second half.
"This Michigan team knows how to win. It has won games every way you can this year. Michigan has blown teams out this season and last week, it came from behind to beat Iowa. Earlier this year, it beat Notre Dame in a close game."
The Rivalry: "From Higgins Lake to downtown Lansing, I don't come into contact with many people who feel neutral about this rivalry. Fans in this state don't stand in the middle of the road when it comes to Michigan State-Michigan football. These fans live with the outcome of this game 365 days a year.
"These are two outstanding institutions with good all-around athletic programs. With both teams ranked among the nation's top 15 teams this season, this game has drawn a great deal of national media interest.
"We're looking forward to the challenge of playing a talented Michigan football team. We're about to see what we're made out of this weekend."
MICHIGAN STATE/MICHIGAN SERIES NOTES -
Michigan leads it 58-26-5, including a 15-9-2 record in games played in East Lasing. The Wolverines are 13-9-1 in games played in Spartan Stadium. Michigan has won six out of the last 10 meetings, including a 45-29 victory in Ann Arbor last November. Michigan State's last win in the series came on Nov. 4, 1995, 28-25, in Spartan Stadium. The home team has won each of the last five games played in the series. Michigan's last triumph in Spartan Stadium came on Oct. 12, 1991, 45-28. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series results please refer to pages 155-156 in the 1997 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING -
Scott Dreisbach completed 14-of-23 passes for 203 yards and four touchdowns to lead Michigan to a 45-29 victory over Michigan State in Ann Arbor last November. Michigan took the opening kickoff and marched 78 yards in nine plays with Jerame Tuman scoring on a 28-yard pass from Dreisbach. The Spartans rallied to take a 10-7 lead on Chris Gardner's 35-yard field goal and Derrick Mason's 4-yard TD reception from Todd Schultz. The Wolverines scored three touchdowns in the final 2:09 of the first half to build a 28-10 halftime lead. Dreisbach finished off an 11-play, 72-yard drive with a 15-yard TD toss to Russell Shaw. Marcus Ray's first interception set up another score as Dreisbach hooked up with Tuman from 15 yards out. Michigan State fumbled away the ensuing kickoff and on the next play, Dreisbach hit Charles Woodson down the middle for a 26-yard TD pass. Michigan scored on its first possession of the third quarter to break the game open as Chris Howard capped an 11-play, 57-yard drive with a 13-yard TD run. Howard paced the Michigan ground game with 100 yards on 24 carries. The Wolverines produced 409 total yards, with 206 rushing and 203 passing. Michigan State turned the ball over five times, including four interceptions.
TOP-25 MATCHUPS -
Today's game marks only the 11th time in series history when both Michigan State and Michigan have entered the contest ranked among the nation's Top 25. The Spartans are 5-4-1 in Top 25 showdowns against Michigan, but the Wolverines have won the last four games. The last time both teams entered the game ranked was Oct. 14, 1989, when No. 5 Michigan defeated No. 21 Michigan State, 10-7, in Spartan Stadium. The highest-ranked team has won all but one of the previous meetings, with Michigan State pulling the only upset in 1950. Today's matchup also marks the ninth time the ranked teams have met in October. Here's a look at the 10 previous meetings of ranked teams:
Date Result Site Sept. 30, 1950 No. 19 Michigan State 14, No. 3 Michigan 7 Ann Arbor Sept. 29, 1951 No. 2 Michigan State 25, No. 17 Michigan 0 Ann Arbor Oct. 6, 1956 No. 2 Michigan State 9, No. 5 Michigan 0 Ann Arbor Oct. 12, 1957 No. 2 Michigan State 35, No. 6 Michigan 6 Ann Arbor Oct. 4, 1958 No. 14 Michigan State 12, No. 16 Michigan 12 East Lansing Oct. 14, 1961 No. 5 Michigan State 28, No. 6 Michigan 0 Ann Arbor Oct. 10, 1964 No. 7 Michigan 17, No. 9 Michigan State 10 East Lansing Oct. 11, 1975 No. 8 Michigan 16, No. 15 Michigan State 6 East Lansing Oct. 6, 1979 No. 11 Michigan 21, No. 16 Michigan State 7 East Lansing Oct. 14, 1989 No. 5 Michigan 10, No. 21 Michigan State 7 East Lansing
RANKING RIVALRY -
For the first time since 1989, both Michigan State (No. 14/15) and Michigan (No. 5) enter today's game ranked among the nation's Top 25. Can you believe that tonight's hockey game between the schools at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor actually features two higher ranked teams? No. 2 Michigan State puts its unbeaten record (3-0-2) on the line against No. 8 Michigan (3-1) in a CCHA game.
DEFENSIVE STRUGGLE ON TAP? -
With Michigan and Michigan State ranking 1-2 in the Big Ten in total defense, many media experts anticipate a defensive struggle. If the last three games in the series are any indication, however, the scoreboard operator may be in for a busy afternoon. Since 1994, the two teams have combined to average 62.3 total points. Last year's game produced the highest-scoring game in the modern era of the series, 74 total points (Michigan 45, Michigan State 29). Here's a glance at the last three meetings:
Date Result Total Points Oct. 8, 1994 Michigan 40, Michigan State 20 60 Nov. 4, 1995 Michigan State 28, Michigan 25 53 Nov. 2, 1996 Michigan 45, Michigan State 29 74
BATTLE FOR PAUL BUNYAN TROPHY -
Since 1953, the winner of the Michigan State-Michigan game has been presented the Paul Bunyan Trophy. The four-foot wooden statue was donated by then-Governor G. Mennen Williams to mark Michigan State's acceptance into the Big Ten. Since '53, Michigan leads the series 25-17-2. The trophy depicts the legendary giant lumberjack astride an axe with feet planted on a map of the state with M and S flags, representing the schools, standing on either side of Bunyan.
ROSE BOWL REUNION -
Approximately 70 players and 10 coaches from Michigan State's 1987 Big Ten championship team have returned to campus this weekend for the '88 Rose Bowl Reunion. Head coach George Perles led the Spartans to a 9-2-1 record overall in '87, including a 7-0-1 mark in the Big Ten. After opening the season 1-2, Michigan State went undefeated in its last nine games, including a 20-17 victory over Southern Cal. Among those attending today's MSU-Michigan game is All-America linebacker Percy Snow, the MVP of the '88 Rose Bowl. Snow recorded 17 tackles in the Spartans' three-point win over the Trojans. Members of the '87 team and coaching staff will be introduced at halftime.
HANNAH AWARD CO-RECIPIENTS TO BE INTRODUCED AT HALFTIME -
The Dr. John A. Hannah Distinguished Alumni Award, given in recognition of exceptional devotion to the growth and progress of MSU academics and athletics, will be presented at halftime of today's game. The 1997 co-recipients are former governor James J. Blanchard and former MSU athletics director Doug Weaver.
Blanchard, who earned his B.A. and M.B.A. from Michigan State, was credited with a dramatic economic turnaround in Michigan during his term as the state's 45th governor. Blanchard has also served as a Congressman and U.S. Ambassador to Canada and currently practices law in Michigan and Washington, D.C.
Weaver served as Michigan State's athletics director for 10 years from 1980-90, the third-longest tenure in school history. Under his leadership, Michigan State athletic programs reached new heights, including the 1988 Rose Bowl championship, the 1990 Big Ten men's basketball championship and the 1986 hockey national championship.
SPARTANS REBOUND AFTER LOSSES -
Under head coach Nick Saban, Michigan State is 7-3 (.700) in games played after a loss.
SPARTANS OFF TO BEST START SINCE 1966 -
Michigan State is off to its best start at 5-1 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 outscored its opponents, 146-29, in the first half this season. The Spartans have not allowed a touchdown in the first quarter this season, outscoring opponents, 80-6, in the opening period. Michigan State scored touchdowns on its first two possessions in each of its first four games.
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, Indiana and Northwestern); CB Amp Campbell (bruised shoulder vs. Northwestern); DE Dimitrius Underwood (sprained knee vs. Northwestern).
THE LAST TIME OUT -
Adrian Autry rushed for a career-high 175 yards on 30 carries and scored once to lead Northwestern to a 19-17 Homecoming victory over previously unbeaten Michigan State in Evanston, Ill. The Spartans jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Todd Schultz to Gari Scott with 8:23 left in the first quarter. Scott Ernsberger blocked a punt at the Northwestern 25 to set up Michigan State's first score. Late in the first quarter, Northwestern puts together a 13-play, 79-yard drive which resulted in Brian Gowins' 22-yard field goal. Toussaint Waterman scored Northwestern's first TD on a 26-yard pass from Tim Hughes on fourth-and-1 early in the second quarter. Autry capped an eight-play, 64-yard drive with a 15-yard TD run to extend Northwestern's lead to 16-7 at halftime. The Wildcats outgained Michigan State, 250-122, total yards in the first half. Michigan State cashed in on a Northwestern fumble early in the third quarter and pulled to within 16-14 as Schultz hit Josh Keur with a 24-yard TD strike. A career-long 48-yard field goal by Gowins gave the Wildcats a 19-14 lead with 13:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. Scott's 52-yard kickoff return set up Chris Garnder's 27-yard field goal as the Spartans once again pulled to within two at 19-17. Michigan State's defense limited Northwestern to 24 total yards in the fourth quarter and with 4:29 left in the game, MSU took over at its own 24. Schultz directed a 13-play, 65-yard drive but Gardner's game-winning field-goal attempt from 28 yards out was blocked at the line of scrimmage by Anwawn Jones. Northwestern outgained the Spartans, 208-98, yards rushing.
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK -
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Oct. 18 vs. Northwestern:
Offense: TE Josh Keur (set career highs with 11 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown)
Defense: DE Robaire Smith (9 total tackles including 2 sacks; 24 production points)
Special Teams: Scott Ernsberger (had a solo tackle and blocked a punt; 6 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 1-9-1 in their last 11 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 17 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 17 plays from scrimmage (389 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards. That means the Spartans surrender a big play (+20 yards) once every 23 snaps.
Michigan State has allowed only one run of 20 or more yards, including a long gain of 36. The Spartans have held their opponents to three plays and a punt 20 times over the first six games.
The Spartans rank No. 15 nationally in rushing defense, yielding only 88.0 yards per game. Michigan State has already recorded 58 tackles behind the line of scrimmage with losses totaling 232 yards, including 25 sacks for 145 yards. That's an average of 9.7 tackles behind the line (38.7 yards) and 4.2 sacks per game (24.2). Starting defensive ends Robaire Smith and Dimitrius Underwood have combined for 17 tackles for losses (87 yards), including 13 sacks (78).
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 SEEKS CONSISTENCY -
In its 19-17 loss at Northwestern last week, Michigan State's offense generated only one play from scrimmage which gained 20 or more yards. By contrast in back-to-back wins over Minnesota and Indiana, the Spartans produced 11 plays from scrimmage (140 snaps) which gained 20 or more yards, with three going for touchdowns. That translated 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. Against Indiana, the Spartans provided six plays of 20 or more yards , with Irvin scoring on a 56-yard run and Gari Scott catching a 27-yard TD pass from Schultz.
This season, the Spartans have managed only 17 plays from scrimmage (441 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards, including six running plays and 11 pass completions. That means Michigan State's offense breaks a long gain (+20 yards) only once every 26 snaps.
"RED ZONE" UPDATE -
Michigan State has scored on 24 of its 26 possessions (.923) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 1997. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 18 touchdowns and six 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 4-4 (3 TDs, FG) Indiana 2-2 (2 TDs) Northwestern 3-4 (2 TDs, FG, missed FG) Totals 24-26 (.923) 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) Northwestern 3-3 (FG, 2 TDs) Totals 10-13 (.769)
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS -
Michigan State currently ranks No. 12 (tied) in the NCAA in turnover margin at +1.2 per game. The Spartans have parlayed 15 takeaways into 49 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 Northwestern 2 (2 fumbles) 7 Totals 15 (8 interceptions, 7 fumbles) 49 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 Northwestern 3 (1 interception, 2 fumbles) 7 Totals 8 (4 interceptions, 4 fumbles) 28
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 187.3 5th 25th Passing Offense 190.0 8th 66th Total Offense 377.3 7th 53rd Scoring Offense 33.7 4th 22nd Rushing Defense 88.0 2nd 15th Pass Efficiency Defense 104.2 4th 26th Total Defense 279.0 2nd 12th Scoring Defense 12.2 2nd 6th Turnover Margin +1.2 1st t-12th Net Punting 30.2 11th 111th Punt Returns 12.2 2nd 22nd Kickoff Returns 24.5 3rd 14th
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 (23rd at 98.5 yards per game)
Passing Efficiency: Todd Schultz (34th at 137.0 rating)
Punt Returns: Sedrick Irvin (16th at 13.6 avg.)
Scoring: Chris Gardner (t-36th at 7.7 points per game)
Interceptions: Ray Hill (t-14th at 0.5 per game)
Field Goals: Chris Gardner (t-27th at 1.2 made per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Sedrick Irvin (12th at 167.2 yards per game)
SCOREBOARD OPERATOR GETS A WORKOUT --
Michigan State ranks among the NCAA leaders (No. 22) in scoring offense, averaging nearly 34 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 26 202 33.7 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 wide receiver Octavis Long has been appointed game captain for Michigan 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 44-41-2 (.510).
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
Oct. 19 15 14
POLLS PART II -
Michigan State currently ranks No. 14 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll and No. 15 according to the Associated Press. The Spartans reached No. 11 in both polls Oct. 5, which marked MSU's 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 got off to a slow start after suffering a high ankle sprain on the second snap in the 1997 season opener vs. Western Michigan, and he was limited to only 29 snaps vs. Memphis. His top all-around performance came vs. Notre Dame when he produced an overall grade of 85 percent, including 93 percent in his pass-blocking assignments. Adams also had an overall mark of 85 percent vs. Minnesota, including 86 percent in his run-blocking assignments. Despite the reduced playing time, Adams has recorded 14 pancake blocks, including a season-high four pancakes vs. Northwestern last week. He has not allowed a sack this season.
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 29 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 Nov. 8 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 (114 carries for 591 yards and 5 TDs in 1997) ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (fifth at 98.5 yards per game), all-purpose yards (fourth at 167.2), punt returns (third at 13.6 avg.) and scoring (ninth at 7.0 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 60 (38 solos, 22 assists), including seven for losses (22 yards). He has reached double figures in tackles four times this season, including a season-high 13 stops each vs. Northwestern (9-3) and Notre Dame (6-7). Reese anchors a Michigan State defensive unit which currently ranks among the NCAA leaders in rushing defense (No. 15 at 88.0 yards per game), total defense (No. 12 at 279.0), scoring defense (No. 6 at 12.2 points) and turnover margin (No. 12 at +1.2). Reese has 16 career double-figure tackle games and already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders with 343 career tackles (No. 4).
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 (88 of 143 for 987 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs) ranks among the 1997 NCAA leaders (No. 34) in passing efficiency with a 137.0 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 (seventh at 437), completions (seventh at 271), completion percentage (third at .620) and yards (seventh at 3,257).
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 (5-3) vs. Kent (W 50-27) @Eastern Michigan (11/1) Sept. 13 Memphis (2-4) vs. Arkansas State (W 38-9) vs. East Carolina Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (2-5) vs. Southern Cal (L 17-20) vs. Boston College Oct. 4 Minnesota (2-5) @Penn State (L 15-16) vs. Wisconsin Oct. 11 @Indiana (1-6) @Ohio State (L 0-31) @Iowa Oct. 18 @Northwestern (3-5) vs. Michigan State (W 19-17) @Ohio State Oct. 25 Michigan (6-0) vs. Iowa (W 28-24) @Michigan State Nov. 1 Ohio State (6-1) vs. Indiana (W 31-0) vs. Northwestern Nov. 8 @Purdue (5-1) vs. Wisconsin (W 45-20) @Illinois Nov. 22 @Illinois (0-6) @Wisconsin (L 7-31) vs. Purdue Nov. 29 Penn State (6-0) vs. Minnesota (W 16-15) @Northwestern (11/1)
Michigan State's 1997 opponents have a combined record of 37-31 (.544). 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: 6-8-1
When leading at halftime: 16-5
When trailing at halftime: 1-6-1
When scoring first: 14-4-1
When opponent scores first: 3-8
When leading after first quarter: 13-2-1
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: 1-10
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: 0-3
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 12-2-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 2-6-1
When outrushing opponent: 15-4-1
When being outrushed by opponent: 2-8
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: 1-8-1
When leading in time of possession: 13-7-1
When trailing in time of possession: 4-5
Saban's Record Breakdown
All Games: 26-14-1 (.640)
Home Games: 16-5 (.762)
Road Games: 10-9-1 (.520)
August Games: 1-0 (1.000)
September Games: 10-3-1 (.750)
October Games: 10-5 (.660)
November Games: 5-4 (.556)
December Games: 0-2 (.000)
Games decided by a TD or less: 7-6-1 (.530)
Games decided by a FG or less: 2-3-1 (.410)
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. 19) Associated Press 1. Nebraska 2. Penn State 3. Florida State 4. North Carolina 5. Michigan 6. Florida 7. Washington 8. Tennessee 9. Ohio State 10. Washington State 11. Auburn 12. Oklahoma State 13. UCLA 14. Kansas State 15. Michigan State 16. Georgia 17. Louisiana State 18. Iowa 19. Virginia Tech 20. Texas A&M 21. West Virginia 22. Purdue 23. Arizona State 24. Toledo 25. Mississippi USA Today/ESPN Coaches 1. Nebraska 2. Penn State 3. Florida State 4. North Carolina 5. Michigan 6. Florida 7. Washington 8. Tennessee 9. Ohio State 10. Washington State 11. Auburn 12. Oklahoma State 13. Kansas State 14. Michigan State 15. Louisiana State 16. UCLA 17. Virginia Tech 18. Georgia 19. Iowa 20. West Virginia 21. Texas A&M 22. Arizona State 23. Purdue 24. Air Force 25. Syracuse
SPARTAN STREAKS
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on in 1997:
Consecutive Games Started Josh Keur, TE 30 Ray Hill, CB 29 Sorie Kanu, FS 23 Ike Reese, OLB 23 Flozell Adams, OT 22 Dave Mudge, OT 19 Courtney Ledyard, OLB 18 Scott Shaw, OG 18 Dimitrius Underwood, DE 18 Garett Gould, FB 15 Todd Schultz, QB 13
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 437
8. Bryan Clark (1978-81) 409
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) 271
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) .620
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 3,257
8. Bobby McAllister (1985-88) 3,194
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) 50
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. Ike Reese (1994-97) 343
5. Tim Moore (1984-87) 332
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) 11.5
10. 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. Josh Butland (1988-91) 40.7
6. Paul Edinger (1996-97) 40.3
Career PATS Made
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 137
2. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 126
3. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 115
4. Hans Nielsen (1974-77) 98
5. George Smith (1947-49) 94
Career Points Scored
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 308
2. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 265
3. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 261
4. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 258
5. Hans Nielsen (1974-77) 230
MSU-UM 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.)
MICHIGAN STATE 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 37 Tyrone Garland (5-11, 225, Sr.) or
25 Mike Austin (6-3, 234, So.)
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.)
MICHIGAN STATE SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 14 Chris Gardner (5-9, 195, Sr.)
1 Paul Edinger (5-10, 183, So.)
P 1 Paul Edinger (5-10, 183, So.)
14 Chris Gardner (5-9, 195, Sr.)
SSN 52 Mike Neal (6-1, 258, So.)
73 Scott Shaw (6-4, 297, Sr.)
LSN 52 Mike Neal (6-1, 258, So.)
88 Kyle Rance (6-6, 240, So.)
H 16 Bill Burke (6-5, 210, So.)
4 Damien Hiram (6-5, 210, Sr.)
PR 33 Sedrick Irvin (6-0, 217, So.)
86 Gari Scott (6-1, 185, So.)
KR 26 Marc Renaud (5-10, 190, Sr.)
86 Gari Scott (6-1, 185, So.)
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MICHIGAN OFFENSE
SE 86 Tai Streets (6-4, 190, Jr.)
85 Marcus Knight (6-1, 173, So.)
RT 77 Jon Jansen (6-7, 299, Jr.)
78 Noah Parker (6-4, 299, Jr.)
RG 52 Chris Ziemann (6-7, 283, So.)
63 Eric Warner (6-5, 270, Fr.)
C 68 Zach Adami (6-5, 296, Sr.)
64 Steve Frazier (6-4, 288, So.)
LG 76 Steve Hutchinson (6-5, 292, Fr.)
67 David Brandt (6-4, 290, Fr.)
LT 79 Jeff Backus (6-6, 285, Fr.)
73 Paul Tannous (6-5, 289, Fr.)
TE 80 Jerame Tuman (6-5, 249, Jr.)
36 Aaron Shea (6-4, 249, So.)
FLK 4 Russell Shaw (6-0, 188, Sr.)
19 Aaron Wright (6-0, 174, Fr.) or
22 Kevin Bryant (6-0, 182, So.)
QB 14 Brian Griese (6-3, 207, Sr.)
12 Scott Dreisbach (6-4, 210, Jr.) or
13 Jason Kapsner (6-6, 234, Fr.)
FB 7 Chris Floyd (6-1, 231, Sr.)
27 Demetrius Smith (6-2, 270, Fr.)
TB 8 Chris Howard (5-11, 215, Sr.) or
33 Clarence Williams (5-9, 185, Jr.)
MICHIGAN DEFENSE
DE 81 Glen Steele (6-5, 289, Sr.)
90 Juaquin Feazell (6-4, 275, Jr.)
54 Maurice Williams (6-5, 281, Fr.)
NT 58 Rob Renes (6-1, 286, So.)
60 Nate Miller (6-3, 277, Jr.)
94 Eric Wilson (6-4, 271, Fr.)
DT 91 Josh Williams (6-3, 271, So.)
95 Pat Kratus (6-3, 271, So.)
RLB 56 James Hall (6-3, 251, So.)
99 Jake Frysinger (6-4, 235, Fr.)
OLB 43 Clint Copenhaver (6-4, 243, Jr.)
45 Jeff Holtry (6-3, 239, So.)
ILB 93 Sam Sword (6-2, 242, Jr.)
44 Rob Swett (6-3, 239, Sr.)
ILB 55 Dhani Jones (6-2, 225, So.)
20 Ian Gold (6-1, 205, So.)
SCB 30 Andre Weathers (6-1, 188, Jr.)
5 James Whitley (5-11, 185, Fr.)
SS 29 Marcus Ray (6-0, 210, Jr.)
41 Tommy Hendricks (6-2, 205, So.)
15 DeWayne Patmon (6-0, 176, Fr.)
FS 41 Tommy Hendricks (6-2, 205, So.)
28 Daydrion Taylor (6-0, 197, Jr.)
WCB 2 Charles Woodson (6-1, 198, Jr.)
23 William Peterson (6-0, 193, Fr.)
MICHIGAN SPECIAL TEAMS
KO 49 Jay Feely (5-10, 106, Jr.)
PK 46 Kraig Baker (6-1, 183, Jr.)
49 Jay Feely (5-10, 106, Jr.)
P 38 Jason Vinson (6-2, 191, Jr.)
46 Kraig Baker (6-1, 183, Jr.)
LSN 45 Jeff Holtry (6-3, 239, So.)
SSN 77 Jon Jansen (6-7, 299, Jr.)
H 14 Brian Griese (6-3, 207, Sr.)
13 Jason Kapsner (6-6, 234, Fr.)
PR 2 Charles Woodson (6-1, 198, Jr.)
4 Russell Shaw (6-0, 186, Sr.)
KR 33 Clarence Williams (5-9, 185, Jr.)
5 James Whitley (5-11, 185, Fr.)
19 Aaron Wright (6-0, 174, Fr.)
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