Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Football :: Official Athletic Site
Oct. 29, 1997
Michigan State (5-2) vs. Ohio State (7-1) Football Game Notes
GAME 8 QUICK FACTS:DATE: Nov. 1, 1997 SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027), East Lansing, Mich. KICKOFF: 3:35 p.m. (EST) SERIES RECORD: Ohio State leads 19-10 FIRST MEETING: Michigan State 35, Ohio State 20 (Nov. 12, 1912) LAST MEETING: Ohio State 23, Michigan State 7 (Oct. 15, 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-Ohio State game live with Keith Jackson and Bob Griese calling the action and Lynn Swann reporting from the sidelines.
THE COACHES - Michigan State's Nick Saban (Kent State '73) is 17-13-1 (.565) in his third year with the Spartans and 26-15-1 (.631) 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.
Ohio State's John Cooper (Iowa State '62) is 83-30-4 (.726) in his 10th year with the Buckeyes and 165-70-6 (.697) in 21 seasons as a college head coach. Cooper currently ranks eighth among active NCAA Division I coaches in terms of victories. He compiled a 25-9-2 record (.722) in three seasons at Arizona State (1985-87). Cooper started his head coaching career at Tulsa where he produced a 57-31 worksheet (.648) in eight years (1977-84).
QUOTING NICK SABAN -Michigan Recap: "Michigan is a good football team and its defense played an outstanding game. Penalties hurt us in the first half when we were moving the ball a little. I think we stopped ourselves three times in the first half with penalties. We simply didn't get the kind of execution you need to beat a good football team.
"Obviously, Michigan's 95-yard scoring drive was the real turning point in the game. Our defense played fairly well, but it played the entire second half backed up in our end of the field. We gambled more than we normally do, blitzing and taking some chances, but we were trying to get the ball back to win the game.
"Offensively, we had a difficult time blocking Michigan, both on running and passing plays. The six interceptions hurt but we had too many breakdowns in the passing game. The line didn't hold up well and the quarterbacks threw the ball late. Receivers aren't going to stay open long with the way Michigan's secondary reacts to the football, so the quarterbacks needed to make quick decisions and pull the trigger.
"The statistics tell the story. This was a close football game but we gave Michigan far too many second-chance opportunities. We lacked the discipline to beat a good football team."
Ohio State Scouting Report: "Ohio State is a good, young football team, with only five seniors listed among the starters.
"Offensively, Ohio State employs the two-quarterback system with Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine. Those two guys rank 1-2 in the Big Ten in passing efficiency and they're proven winners.
"Ohio State has a solid 1-2 punch at tailback, in Pepe Pearson and Michael Wiley. The offensive line, which averages nearly 300 pounds, is young but those guys are big and physical.
"Split end David Boston and flanker Dee Miller are two of the best receivers in the league and both of those players are capable of breaking big plays.
"Ohio State's offense is producing some big numbers, averaging over 440 total yards and 32 points per game.
"The Buckeyes are equally as talented on the defensive side of the football. Ohio State ranks among the nation's defensive leaders in almost every stat category, including second against the pass and third in scoring defense, allowing only 12 points per game.
"As expected, Ohio State has a solid linebacking corps -- led by All-American Andy Katzenmoyer from his middle linebacker position. I've been most impressed by the play of Ohio State's young secondary (start two juniors and two sophomores). Antoine Winfield is a good looking, young cornerback who ranks second on the team in tackles.
"Ohio State has a solid kicking game. Punter Brent Bartholomew leads the Big Ten with his 46-yard average. Wiley averages over 33 yards per kickoff return, including a 100-yard return for a touchdown."
Spartan Update: "Earlier this season, I told you that success would not come easily for this football team. We're playing the best teams in the Big Ten down the stretch, so we'll have to respond by playing our best football.
"We needed to play near-perfect football against Michigan and we didn't. We simply can't afford to hurt ourselves with penalties and turnovers.
"I haven't given up on this football team, and I'm sure they haven't given up on this football season. We're a good football team. Now, we need to start playing like one."
THE LAST TIME OUT -
Chris Howard gained 110 yards rushing and scored a touchdown to lead No. 5 Michigan to a 23-7 victory over No. 14 Michigan State in Spartan Stadium. Michigan scored on its first possession as a 10-play, 50-yard drive produced a 30-yard field goal from Kraig Baker. The Spartans answered with an 11-play, 80-yard drive to take their only lead at 7-3 as Sedrick Irvin scored on a 22-yard pass from Bill Burke off a fake field goal. Brian Griese capped an 11-play, 95-yard drive with a 1-yard sneak with :47 left in the second quarter to give the Wolverines a 10-7 halftime lead. Michigan held the Spartans without a first down and 15 total yards in the third quarter. Andre Weathers' interception led to another 30-yard field goal by Baker as Michigan extended its lead to 13-7 with 5:58 remaining in the third quarter. The Wolverines put the game away with two scores in the fourth quarter as Howard scored on a 2-yard run and Baker provided a 27-yard field goal. The final stats were nearly identical with Michigan holding a slight edge in both first downs, 15-14, and total yards, 275-272. Michigan intercepted six passes, including two each by Charles Woodson and Marcus Ray.
BUCKEYES PROMINENT ON SPARTAN ROSTER -
Michigan State's 93-man dress list features 18 players from Ohio including four starters, middle linebacker Mike Austin (Xenia), outside linebacker Courtney Ledyard (Shaker Heights), right guard Shaun Mason (Toledo/St. John's Jesuit High School) and outside linebacker Ike Reese (Cincinnati/Aiken).
KUSH NAMED BRESLIN AWARD RECIPIENT -
The Jack Breslin Life Achievement Award, given annually since 1986 by Michigan State's Varsity "S" Alumni Club to the alumnus whose distinguished post-college career has brought honor to the University, will be presented at halftime of today's game. The 1997 recipient is former Spartan All-American Frank Kush.
Kush, a native of Windber, Pa., earned three letters in football as a guard for Coach "Biggie" Munn from 1950-52. He helped the Spartans to a combined record of 26-1 during his career, including a perfect 9-0 mark and the national championship in '52. Kush compiled a 176-51-1 worksheet (.764) in 22 seasons (1958-79) as head coach at Arizona State, including a 6-1 record in bowl games. He later served as head coach of the NFL's Baltimore Colts. Kush was inducted into the National Football Foundation's College Hall of Fame in 1995.
SPARTANS OFF TO BEST START SINCE 1966 -
Michigan State opened the 1997 season with five-straight wins - its best start since the 1966. The Spartans began the '66 campaign with nine-straight victories before the historic 10-10 tie against Notre Dame in the season finale.
MSU/OSU CONNECTIONS -
*Michigan State head coach Nick Saban served as Ohio State's secondary coach for two seasons (1980-81) under Earle Bruce.
*Michigan State's offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill spent two years (1977-78) at Ohio State as defensive secondary coach under Woody Hayes.
*Michigan State's defensive secondary coach Mark Dantonio worked for two years (1983-84) as a graduate assistant at Ohio State under Earle Bruce.
*Michigan State's strength and conditioning coach Ken Mannie earned his master's degree from Ohio State in 1985 and served as a graduate assistant for the Buckeyes in '84.
THE LAST MEETING -
Eddie George rushed for 219 yards on 29 carries and scored once to lead Ohio State to a 23-7 victory over Michigan State in Spartan Stadium on Oct. 15, 1994. The Spartans jumped out to a 7-0 lead as Duane Goulbourne capped a 13-play, 97-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run with 10:19 left in the second quarter. Ohio State cut its deficit to 7-3 at halftime thanks to Josh Jackson's 33-yard field goal. George's 76-yard TD run with 12:08 remaining in the third quarter gave the Buckeyes the lead for good at 10-7. Ohio State put together a 12-play, 76-yard drive midway through the fourth quarter with Bobby Hoying scoring on a 10-yard keeper. The Buckeyes iced it 29 seconds later as Greg Bellisari returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown. Ohio State outgained the Spartans, 377-274, total yards. Michigan State's Tony Banks completed 18-of-29 passes for 198 yards but he was sacked five times.
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Ohio State
Basic Offense Pro Set I
Basic Defense 4-3 4-3
Offensive Starters Returning 6 5
Defensive Starters Returning 9 3
Specialists Returning 2 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Ohio State
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 294 6-5, 293
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 206 6-1, 207
Defensive Line 6-4, 268 6-6, 271
Linebackers 6-3, 234 6-2, 237
Defensive Backs 6-0, 193 5-11, 194
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 6 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores
Ohio State Offense: 3 seniors, 2 juniors, 5 sophomores, 1 freshman
Ohio State Defense: 2 seniors, 3 juniors, 5 sophomores, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (After 7 Games):
Rushing - Sedrick Irvin (134 carries for 672 yards, 5.0 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Todd Schultz (104 of 173 for 1117 yards, 10 TDs, 9 INTs)
Receiving - Sedrick Irvin (27 catches for 245 yards, 9.1 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles - Ike Reese (77 tackles, 53 solos, 24 assists, 7 for losses)
Ohio State (After 8 Games):
Rushing - Pepe Pearson (119 carries for 547 yards, 4.6 avg., 5 TDs)
Passing - Joe Germaine (77 of 117 for 1149 yards, 9 TDs, 5 INTs)
Receiving - David Boston (48 catches for 623 yards, 13.0 avg., 8 TDs)
Tackles - Andy Katzenmoyer (63 tackles, 49 solos, 14 assists, 8 for losses)
1997 STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Ohio State
Scoring 29.9 32.1
First Downs 20.1 21.4
Total Offense 362.3 440.5
Rushing Yards 174.1 171.0
Passing Yards 188.1 269.5
Time of Possession 30:22 30:47
Third Down Conversions .402 .422
Points Allowed 13.7 12.1
Total Yards Allowed 278.4 291.8
Rushing Yards Allowed 100.1 144.9
Passing Yards Allowed 178.3 146.9
QUOTING NICK SABAN - Ohio State Scouting Report: "Ohio State is a good, young football team, with only five seniors listed among the starters.
"Offensively, Ohio State employs the two-quarterback system with Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine. Those two guys rank 1-2 in the Big Ten in passing efficiency and they're proven winners.
"Ohio State has a solid 1-2 punch at tailback, in Pepe Pearson and Michael Wiley. The offensive line, which averages nearly 300 pounds, is young but those guys are big and physical.
"Split end David Boston and flanker Dee Miller are two of the best receivers in the league and both of those players are capable of breaking big plays.
"Ohio State's offense is producing some big numbers, averaging over 440 total yards and 32 points per game.
"The Buckeyes are equally as talented on the defensive side of the football. Ohio State ranks among the nation's defensive leaders in almost every stat category, including second against the pass and third in scoring defense, allowing only 12 points per game.
"As expected, Ohio State has a solid linebacking corps -- led by All-American Andy Katzenmoyer from his middle linebacker position. I've been most impressed by the play of Ohio State's young secondary (start two juniors and two sophomores). Antoine Winfield is a good looking, young cornerback who ranks second on the team in tackles.
"Ohio State has a solid kicking game. Punter Brent Bartholomew leads the Big Ten with his 46-yard average. Wiley averages over 33 yards per kickoff return, including a 100-yard return for a touchdown."
Spartan Update: "Earlier this season, I told you that success would not come easily for this football team. We're playing the best teams in the Big Ten down the stretch, so we'll have to respond by playing our best football.
"We needed to play near-perfect football against Michigan and we didn't. We simply can't afford to hurt ourselves with penalties and turnovers.
"I haven't given up on this football team, and I'm sure they haven't given up on this football season. We're a good football team. Now, we need to start playing like one."
MICHIGAN STATE/OHIO STATE SERIES NOTES - Ohio State leads it 19-10, including a 9-4 record in games played in East Lansing, Mich. The Buckeyes have won the last four meetings, including a 23-7 victory in Spartan Stadium on Oct. 15, 1994. Overall, Ohio State has won 12 out of the last 14 games, with Michigan State posting back-to-back wins in 1987 (13-7) and '88 (20-10). (Note: For a complete list of all-time series results please refer to page 156 in the 1997 MSU Football Media Guide.)
TOP-25 MATCHUPS - Today's game marks only the ninth time in series history when both Michigan State and Ohio State have entered the contest ranked among the nation's Top 25. The Spartans are 3-5 in Top 25 showdowns against Ohio State, and the Buckeyes have won five out of the last six games. The last time both teams entered the game ranked was Oct. 16, 1993, when No. 5 Ohio State defeated No. 25 Michigan State, 28-21, in Ohio Stadium. The highest-ranked team has won all but one of the previous meetings, with Michigan State pulling a mild upset in 1987. Today's matchup also marks the third time the ranked teams have met in November. Here's a look at the eight previous meetings of ranked teams:
Date Result Site Oct. 6, 1951 No. 1 Michigan State 24, No. 7 Ohio State 20 Columbus Nov. 7, 1953 No. 5 Michigan State 28, No. 16 Ohio State 13 Columbus Oct. 29, 1960 No. 8 Ohio State 21, No. 10 Michigan State 10 East Lansing Nov. 2, 1968 No. 2 Ohio State 25, No. 16 Michigan State 20 Columbus Oct. 11, 1969 No. 1 Ohio State 54, No. 19 Michigan State 21 Columbus Sept. 13, 1975 No. 3 Ohio State 21, No. 11 Michigan State 0 East Lansing Oct. 31, 1987 No. 16 Michigan State 13, No. 15 Ohio State 7 Columbus Oct. 16, 1993 No. 5 Ohio State 28, No. 25 Michigan State 21 Columbus
QUICK STARTS - Michigan State has outscored its opponents, 153-39, in the first half this season. The Spartans have not allowed a touchdown in the first quarter this season, outscoring opponents, 87-9, 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); QB Gus Ornstein (chip fracture left humerus vs. Michigan; out for four weeks); CB Ron Weston (ACL right knee; out for the season). DOUBTFUL: TE Chris Baker (cartilage left knee in practice Aug. 14; DNP vs. Western Michigan, Memphis, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Indiana, Northwestern and Michigan). QUESTIONABLE: TB Leroy McFadden (sprained right knee vs. Michigan); DT Desmond Thomas (sprained right knee vs. Michigan).
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK - The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Oct. 25 vs. Michigan:
Offense: TB Sedrick Irvin (accounted for 168 all-purpose yards; set career highs with 9 catches for 77 yards, including a 22-yarder for a TD) Defense: OLB Courtney Ledyard (14 total tackles including 10 solos; 27 production points) Special Teams: Garett Gould (3 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 20-13 (.606) in its last 33 games on artificial turf.
SPARTANS TOUGH AGAINST THE RUN - Michigan State has held 10 out of its last 18 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 20 plays from scrimmage (456 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 two runs of 20 or more yards, including a long gain of 51. The Spartans have held their opponents to three plays and a punt 25 times over the first seven games.
The Spartans rank No. 15 nationally in rushing defense, yielding only 100.1 yards per game. Michigan State has already recorded 68 tackles behind the line of scrimmage with losses totaling 250 yards, including 26 sacks for 149 yards. That's an average of 9.7 tackles behind the line (35.7 yards) and 3.7 sacks per game (21.3). Starting defensive ends Robaire Smith and Dimitrius Underwood have combined for 18 tackles for losses (91 yards), including 14 sacks (82).
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 - Michigan State's offense generated four plays from scrimmage which gained 20 or more yards in its 23-7 loss to fifth-ranked Michigan, but six interceptions and five penalties thwarted potential scoring drives. In its 19-17 setback at Northwestern, the Spartans had only one big play from scrimmage.
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 21 plays from scrimmage (508 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards, including seven running plays and 14 pass completions. That means Michigan State's offense breaks a long gain (+20 yards) only once every 24 snaps.
"RED ZONE" UPDATE - Michigan State has scored on 25 of its 27 possessions (.926) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 1997. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 19 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) Michigan 1-1 (TD) Totals 25-27 (.926) 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) Michigan 5-6 (3 FGs, 2 TDs, missed FG) Totals 15-19 (.789)
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS - In back-to-back losses to Northwestern and Michigan, Michigan State has a turnover margin of -3.5. The Spartans opened the 1997 season with five-straight wins and a +1.6 turnover margin. Michigan State has parlayed 15 takeaways into 49 points in 1997. Last year, the Spartans 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 Michigan 0 0 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 Michigan 6 (6 interceptions) 10 (FG, TD) Totals 14 (10 interceptions, 4 fumbles) 38
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's seven-game home winning streak ended with its 23-7 loss to No. 5 Michigan Oct. 25.
How much is Michigan State's home field advantage worth? Twenty-one points if the last 10 home games are any indication. Michigan State has outscored its opponents 360-150 in its last 10 games in Spartan Stadium. Here's how the Spartans have fared in the last 10 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
Oct. 25, 1997 Michigan L 7-23
Total Points 360-150
Scoring Avg. 36.0-15.0
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 174.1 6th 32nd Passing Offense 188.1 8th 70th Total Offense 362.3 7th 62nd Scoring Offense 29.9 5th 36th Rushing Defense 100.1 2nd 15th Pass Efficiency Defense 104.7 4th 25th Total Defense 278.4 2nd 9th Scoring Defense 13.7 3rd t-10th Turnover Margin +0.1 6th t-53rd Net Punting 31.6 11th 110th Punt Returns 12.2 2nd 20th Kickoff Returns 22.9 4th 28thNCAA 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 (24th at 96.0 yards per game) Punt Returns: Sedrick Irvin (15th at 13.4 avg.) Kickoff Returns: Marc Renaud (21st at 25.4 avg.) Interceptions: Ray Hill (t-26th at 0.43 per game) Field Goals: Chris Gardner (t-43rd at 1.0 made per game) All-Purpose Yards: Sedrick Irvin (11th at 167.3 yards per game)SCOREBOARD OPERATOR GETS A WORKOUT --
Michigan State ranks among the NCAA leaders (No. 36) in scoring offense, averaging nearly 30 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 27 209 29.9 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 offensive tackle Dave Mudge has been appointed game captain for Ohio State 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 44-42-2 (.511).
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
Oct. 26 21 20
POLLS PART II - Michigan State currently ranks No. 20 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll and No. 21 according to the Associated Press. The Spartans reached No. 11 in both polls Oct. 5, which marked MSU's highest national rating since finishing eight in the 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 17 pancake blocks, including a season-high four pancakes vs. Northwestern Oct. 18. He has allowed only one 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 30 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 (134 carries for 672 yards and 5 TDs in 1997) ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (fifth at 96.0 yards per game), receiving (seventh at 3.86 catches per game), all-purpose yards (fourth at 167.3), punt returns (third at 13.4 avg.) and scoring (11th at 6.86 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 77 (53 solos, 24 assists), including seven for losses (22 yards). He has reached double figures in tackles five times this season, including a career-high 17 stops (15-2) vs. Michigan. He recorded 13 tackles 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 100.1 yards per game), total defense (No. 9 at 278.4) and scoring defense (No. 10 at 13.7 points). Reese has 17 career double-figure tackle games and already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders with 360 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 (104 of 173 for 1117 yards, 10 TDs, 9 INTs) has started 14-straight games at quarterback for the Spartans. 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 467), completions (seventh at 287), completion percentage (third at .615) and yards (seventh at 3,387).
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 shared the same enthusiasm as reflected by the record number of season tickets sold. For the first time in school history, Michigan State sold more than 60,000 season tickets. The first four games have already attracted sellout crowds. In addition, the two remaining home games are already complete sellouts, 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.
PLAYING IN SPARTAN STADIUM - Over the past 74 seasons, Michigan State has compiled a 268-112-13 mark (.698) 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: 11-5 Games played on the road/neutral site: 6-8-1 When leading at halftime: 16-5 When trailing at halftime: 1-7-1 When scoring first: 14-4-1 When opponent scores first: 3-9 When leading after first quarter: 13-3-1 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: 1-11 When tied after three quarters: 0-2 When gaining more first downs than opponent: 14-3 When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 3-7-1 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: 2-9 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: 1-9-1 When leading in time of possession: 13-7-1 When trailing in time of possession: 4-6
1997 SCHEDULES AND SCOREBOARDS
MICHIGAN STATE (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) Date Opponent Time Sept. 6 WESTERN MICHIGAN (SC) W 42-10 Sept. 13 MEMPHIS (PASS-tape delayed) W 51-21 Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (NBC) W 23-7 Oct. 4 MINNESOTA W 31-10 Oct. 11 @Indiana (ESPN2) W 38-6 Oct. 18 @Northwestern (ABC) L 17-19 Oct. 25 MICHIGAN (ESPN) L 7-23 Nov. 1 OHIO STATE (ABC) 3:35 EST Nov. 8 @Purdue (ESPN or ESPN2) 12:35 EST Nov. 22 @Illinois 1:00 CST Nov. 29 PENN STATE (ABC) 1:00 EST OHIO STATE (7-1, 3-1 Big Ten) Date Opponent Score/Time Aug. 28 WYOMING W 24-10 Sept. 13 BOWLING GREEN W 44-13 Sept. 20 ARIZONA W 28-20 Sept. 27 @Missouri W 31-10 Oct. 4 IOWA W 23-7 Oct. 11 @Penn State L 27-31 Oct. 18 INDIANA W 31-0 Oct. 25 NORTHWESTERN W 49-6 Nov. 1 @Michigan State 3:35 EST Nov. 8 @Minnesota 3:00 CST Nov. 15 ILLINOIS 1:30 EST Nov. 22 @Michigan 12:00 EST
Saban's Record Breakdown
All Games: 26-15-1 (.631)
Home Games: 16-6 (.727)
Road Games: 10-9-1 (.520)
August Games: 1-0 (1.000)
September Games: 10-3-1 (.750)
October Games: 10-6 (.625)
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)
MSU SPORTS INFORMATION
Office Phone (517) 355-2271
Assistant A.D. John Lewandowski
Home Phone: (517) 381-9456
Assistant SID John Farina
Home Phone: (517) 351-9062
Assistant SID Lori Schulze
Home Phone: (517) 887-8250
Assistant SID Jennifer Heers
Home Phone: (517) 729-9127
Sports Info. Assistant Nate Ewell
Home Phone: (517) 333-8429
Office Assistant Paulette Martis
Mailing Address 401 Olds Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1047
Sports Info. FAX (517) 353-9636
FAX-ON-DEMAND Info Connection is an automated, 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week service that sends the latest media information from Michigan State, the Big Ten Conference and its member institutions to your FAX machine. This service is for media use only.
Call Info Connection from the handset of your FAX machine at (770) 399-3066. The conference passcode is 282 (BTC). Select the information by the request numbers listed below. Follow the voice prompts and the information will be transmitted to your FAX machine immediately.
Info Connection
Football Directory
Big Ten Conference 1010 - Entire Release 1011 - Statistics/Results 1012 - Schedule 1013 - Standings/Players of the Week/Composite Schedule/Results Michigan State 2010 - Entire Release 2011 - Statistics/Results 2012 - Alpha./Num. Rosters 2013 - Previous Game Stats 2014 - Previous Game Play-by-play 2015 - Previous Game Clips 2016 - Game Notes/Player Bios 2017 - Two-Deep 2018 - Last Time Happened 2019 - Future Schedules
PRESS CONFERENCES All media personnel are invited to attend Michigan State's weekly press conferences, held on Mondays at the Duffy Daugherty Football Building in Rooms 105-107. MSU head football coach Nick Saban will be present along with selected Spartan players. The press conference gets underway at 11:30 a.m.
TELECONFERENCES Coach Saban also is available on the Big Ten's weekly teleconference from Sept. 2-Nov. 18. The teleconference is conducted Tuesdays from 12 noon-2 p.m. EDT, with Coach Saban scheduled at 12:30 p.m. Media personnel are encouraged to join the teleconference at (847) 619-6161.
SATELLITE FEEDS Throughout the 1997 season, the Michigan State sports information department will provide satellite feeds on Mondays with comments from head coach Nick Saban and selected MSU players, in addition to game highlights.
Feed Schedule September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 17, 24 Feed Time 7-7:45 p.m. Eastern Satellite Coordinates C Band Galaxy 7, Transponder 8 1997 Spartan Radio Network 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. 26)
Associated Press 1. Nebraska 2. Penn State 3. Florida State 4. Michigan 5. North Carolina 6. Florida 7. Washington 8. Tennessee 9. Ohio State 10. Washington State 11. Auburn 12. UCLA 13. Kansas State 14. Georgia 15. Iowa 16. Louisiana State 17. West Virginia 18. Purdue 19. Oklahoma State 20. Arizona State 21. Michigan State 22. Toledo 23. Virginia Tech 24. Southern Mississippi 25. Texas A&M USA Today/ESPN Coaches 1. Nebraska 2. Penn State 3. Florida State 4. Michigan 5. North Carolina 6. Florida 7. Washington 8. Tennessee 9. Ohio State 10. Washington State 11. Auburn 12. Kansas State 13. UCLA 14. Louisiana State 15. Georgia 16. Iowa 17. West Virginia 18. Purdue 19. Oklahoma State 20. Michigan State 21. Arizona State 22. Virginia Tech 23. Toledo 24. Syracuse 25. Brigham Young 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 1997 PRESEASON POLLS The Sporting News 1. Colorado 2. Penn State 3. Florida 4. Washington 5. Florida State 6. Tennessee 7. Ohio State 8. North Carolina 9. Nebraska 10. Louisiana State 11. Notre Dame 12. Syracuse 13. Texas 14. Miami 15. Alabama 16. Michigan 17. Stanford 18. Michigan State 19. Auburn 20. Southern Cal 21. Clemson 22. Kansas State 23. Colorado State 24. Virginia Tech 25. Northwestern Bob Griese's Football Preview 1. Washington 2. Tennessee 3. Florida 4. Florida State 5. Nebraska 6. Penn State 7. Colorado 8. North Carolina 9. Louisiana State 10. Syracuse 11. Notre Dame 12. Auburn 13. Texas 14. Michigan 15. Alabama 16. Miami 17. Ohio State 18. Iowa 19. Stanford 20. Michigan State 21. Clemson 22. Virginia Tech 23. Kansas State 24. Southern Cal 25. Colorado StateSPARTAN STREAKS
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on in 1997:
Consecutive Games Started Josh Keur, TE 31 Ray Hill, CB 30 Sorie Kanu, FS 24 Ike Reese, OLB 24 Flozell Adams, OT 23 Dave Mudge, OT 20 Courtney Ledyard, OLB 19 Scott Shaw, OG 19 Dimitrius Underwood, DE 19 Garett Gould, FB 16 Todd Schultz, QB 14MSU 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) 467
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) 287
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) .615
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) 3,387
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) 360
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) 116
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