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MSU Hopes to Bolster Bowl Hopes Against Illinois
DATE: Nov. 22, 1997
SITE: Memorial Stadium (70,904), Champaign, Ill.
SERIES RECORD: Series tied 16-16-2
FIRST MEETING: Michigan State 21, Illinois 7 (Oct. 22, 1955)
LAST MEETING: Michigan State 42, Illinois 14 (Oct. 12, 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).
OFFICIALS: Referee Steve Newman, Umpire Ed Manning, Linesman Jim Mullendore, Line Judge Wilson Jackson, Field Judge Terry Anderson, Side Judge Doug Rosenbaum and Back Judge Jim Sherlock.
THE COACHES �
Michigan State�s Nick Saban (Kent State �73) is 17-15-1 (.530) in his third year with the Spartans and 26-17-1 (.602) 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.
Illinois� Ron Turner (Pacific �77) is 0-10 (.000) in his first year with the Fighting Illini and 7-33 (.175) in two seasons as a college head coach. Turner previously spent four seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the NFL�s Chicago Bears (1993-96). He produced a 7-4 mark (.636) in one season as head coach at San Jose State (1992). His college coaching credits also include stops as an assistant at Stanford (1989-91), Texas A&M (1988), Southern California (1985-87), Pittsburgh (1983-84), Northwestern (1981-82), Arizona (1978-80) and Pacific (1977).
TEAM COMPARISONS �
Michigan State Illinois
Basic Offense Pro Set Pro Style
Basic Defense 4-3 4-3
Offensive Starters Returning 6 6
Defensive Starters Returning 9 8
Specialists Returning 2 2
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) �
Michigan State Illinois
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 294 6-4, 292
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 207 6-1, 202
Defensive Line 6-4, 268 6-4, 269
Linebackers 6-3, 234 6-2, 226
Defensive Backs 6-0, 193 6-0, 194
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) �
Michigan State Offense: 7 seniors, 1 junior, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores
Illinois Offense: 4 seniors, 1 junior, 3 sophomores, 3 freshmen
Illinois Defense: 4 juniors, 4 sophomores, 3 freshmen
STAT LEADERS �
Michigan State (After 9 Games):
Rushing � Sedrick Irvin (170 carries for 814 yards, 4.8 avg., 6 TDs)
Passing � Todd Schultz (129 of 216 for 1455 yards, 12 TDs, 12 INTs)
Receiving � Sedrick Irvin (31 catches for 267 yards, 8.6 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles � Ike Reese (101 tackles, 71 solos, 30 assists, 7 for losses)
Illinois (After 10 Games):
Rushing � Robert Holcombe (271 carries for 1168 yards, 4.3 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing � Mark Hoekstra (97 of 187 for 802 yards, 3 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving � Lenny Willis (32 catches for 347 yards, 10.8 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles � Danny Clark (85 tackles, 63 solos, 22 assists, 12 for losses)
1997 STAT COMPARISON �
Michigan State Illinois
Scoring 27.0 10.2
First Downs 19.3 15.6
Total Offense 357.7 282.5
Rushing Yards 171.1 127.2
Passing Yards 186.6 155.3
Time of Possession 30:18 27:55
Third Down Conversions .397 .295
Points Allowed 17.2 34.1
Total Yards Allowed 297.1 420.9
Rushing Yards Allowed 114.9 211.4
Passing Yards Allowed 182.2 209.5
QUOTING NICK SABAN �
Purdue Recap: �I�m proud of the way our players bounced back after the home loss to Ohio State. The players were well prepared and focused for Purdue. The team played its best football game since early in the year at Notre Dame. We played a Top 25 football team and dominated the game for 58 minutes. Unfortunately, we committed some critical errors in the last two minutes which impacted the outcome of the game.
�I don�t second-guess the decision to attempt a field goal with 2:13 left in the game. Whether you�re Phil Jackson or Nick Saban, you have to give your team its best shot to win the game. The field goal certainly wasn�t a gimme but I thought it was important to go up by two touchdowns. Purdue�s offense had been extremely good in two-minute situations this season.
�Despite all that happened in the last two minutes, we put ourselves back in a position to win the game with a field goal, but we simply failed to execute.
�I was proud of the way Todd Schultz bounced back after a couple of tough outings. Todd displayed a lot of character in overcoming all of the public criticism and had an outstanding game.
�Overall, I was pleased with the way the offense performed. We displayed the balance we need to be successful. Both Marc Renaud and Sedrick Irvin ran the ball well. Schultz was on target throwing the football and Gari Scott and Octavis Long made some clutch catches.
�Defensively, we played well for 58 minutes and held Purdue well below its season average for total offense. The secondary played extremely well, providing run support and covering receivers from sideline to sideline. Against an offense like Purdue runs, it takes 11 guys playing together on every snap.�
Illinois Scouting Report: �It has been a difficult season for Illinois but what do you expect from the youngest team in the Big Ten. Ron Turner starts six freshmen and has 26 first- or second-year players listed on the two deep. Illinois has been hit hard by injuries this season and it has faced a demanding schedule, including non-conference games against Southern Mississippi and Washington State.
�Illinois runs a pro-style offense and Robert Holcombe is the featured running back. I�ve been most impressed by Holcombe�s durability. He is Illinois� all-time leading rusher and the only back in school history to record three 1,000-yard seasons. Those numbers speak volumes, especially in this league. Holcombe runs behind an offensive line that averages 6-4 and 300 pounds.
�Junior Mark Hoekstra and red-shirt freshman Tim Lavery have shared starting duties at quarterback. Hoekstra is a big, strong kid from Grand Rapids while Lavery is a left-hander. With the pro-style offense, the QBs really try to spread the ball around. Four players have more than 20 receptions, including Holcombe coming out of the backfield.
�Illinois has had a difficult time moving the ball consistently and points in the red zone have been hard to come by.
�Illinois is youngest on the defensive side of the ball, with no seniors in the starting lineup. Outside linebackers Danny Clark and Michael Young are the top two tacklers.�
The Open Week: �I hate having an open week after a loss because the game lingers with you for too long.
�We gave the players three days off last week to rest. There are always some nagging injuries to contend with this late in the season. The bye week also gave the players an opportunity to really hit the books.
�As a staff, we took advantage of the practice schedule and used some days for recruiting evaluations.�
Spartan Update: �We have the best 5-4 football team in the country, and I feel positive about a lot of things that happened in the Purdue game. The first nine games of the season are behind us. Now, we�re focused on a two-game season. The only thing we can control is how we finish this season.�
MICHIGAN STATE/ILLINOIS SERIES NOTES �
The series is tied 16-16-2. Michigan State has won two in a row and three out of the last four meetings. The Spartans are 7-9-1 in games played in Memorial Stadium, including a 27-21victory over Illinois on Oct. 14, 1995. The Fighting Illini�s last win in the series came on Nov. 21, 1992, 14-10, in Champaign. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series results please refer to page 155 in the 1997 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING �
Todd Schultz returned to the starting lineup after missing three games with a knee injury and completed 20-of-25 passes for a season-high 281 yards and a touchdown in leading Michigan State to a 42-14 Homecoming victory over Illinois last October. Michigan State scored touchdowns on four of its six first-half possessions en route to a 28-0 halftime lead. Sedrick Irvin scored on TD runs of 5 and 9 yards in the first half while Schultz accounted for the other two scores, hitting Octavis Long with a 35-yard TD strike and sneaking in from 1-yard out. The Spartans rolled up 300 yards total offense in the first half while limiting Illinois to 57 total yards. Duane Goulbourne, who picked up a game-high 144 yards rushing on 31 carries, scored twice in the second half on runs of 4 and 1 yards. Derrick Mason led the Spartans with five receptions for 101 yards. Michigan State outgained the Fighting Illini, 486-206, total yards.
MSU/ILLINOIS CONNECTION �
Michigan State outside linebackers coach Greg Colby was a three-year letterman for Coach Bob Blackman at Illinois from 1971-73. A two-year starter at rover, Colby recorded 169 career tackles. He ranked as the Fighting Illini�s third-leading tackler as a sophomore in �71 with 78 stops. Colby also earned three letters in baseball as a catcher and first baseman, and had a career batting average of .279 with 60 RBI. He led the ballclub in runs batted twice, with 27 in �73 and 20 in �74.
A native of Danville, Ill., Colby spent seven years on the Fighting Illini staff as outside linebackers coach from 1988-94, working under John Mackovic and Lou Tepper. During his tenure at Illinois, he helped tutor All-Americans Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice.
HOMECOMING FOR ADAMS AND SCHULTZ �
Michigan State�s 64-man travel roster features two starters from Illinois, including offensive tackle Flozell Adams (Bellwood/Proviso West High School) and quarterback Todd Schultz (Morris/Morris Community).
INJURY REPORT �
OUT: OT Matt Bonito (MCL left knee in practice Nov. 13; out for the season); 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, Michigan, Ohio State and Purdue). QUESTIONABLE: TB Sedrick Irvin (turf toe vs. Purdue); TE Josh Keur (Achilles tendinitis); SS Aric Morris (hyperextended right knee vs. Ohio State); TE Kyle Rance (sprained left ankle vs. Ohio State; DNP vs. Purdue); TB Marc Renaud (turf toe).
THE LAST TIME OUT �
Ed Watson scored on a 3-yard run with 40 seconds left to give Purdue a 22-21 victory over Michigan State in Ross-Ade Stadium. The Boilermakers rallied from 11 points down in the final two minutes to record the win. Michigan State took the opening kickoff and drove 65 yards in 14 plays to take a 7-0 lead as Sedrick Irvin scored on a 2-yard plunge. After stopping Michigan State on fourth-and-inches from the Purdue 21, the Boilermakers put together a six-play, 79-yard drive to tie the game at 7-7 with Brian Alford scoring on a 33-yard reverse pass from Chris Daniels early in the second quarter. Marc Renaud capped an 11-play, 86-yard drive with a 20-yard TD run to give the Spartans a 14-7 lead with 7:47 left in the first half. An interception by Lee Brush led to a 20-yard field goal by Shane Ryan as the Boilermakers pulled to within 14-10 with 11:36 left in the fourth quarter. Michigan State answered quickly as Todd Schultz hooked up up Octavis Long for a 65-yard TD pass to give the Spartans a 21-10 lead with 10:08 to play. The Spartans appeared to ice the game when Aric Morris picked off a pass and returned it to the Purdue 17 with 3:47 left. Less than two minutes later, Chris Gardner�s 39-yard field-goal attempt was blocked by Leo Perez and returned 62 yards by Rosevelt Colvin for a touchdown. Purdue trailed 21-16 after the two-point conversion attempt failed. Daniels recovered the ensuing on-sides kick for the Boilermakers. Billy Dicken completed four-of-five passes for 51 yards on the game-winning drive. Michigan State drove 40 yards in the closing seconds but Gardner mishit a potential game-winning field-goal attempt from 43 yards out with three ticks on the clock. Watson paced the Purdue ground attack with 115 yards on 24 carries. Renaud picked up 114 yards on 22 rushes and became only the 10th player in Michigan State history to reach the 2,000-yard career rushing mark. Schultz, who completed all 10 of his pass attempts in the first half, finished 17-of-21 passing for 220 yards. Michigan State held the nation�s 10th-ranked offense 140 yards below its season average as the Spartans outgained Purdue, 420-320, total yards. It marked only the second time during Nick Saban�s tenure that Michigan State failed to hold a lead after three quarters, with the other game ending in a tie.
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK �
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Nov. 8 vs. Purdue:
Offense: QB Todd Schultz (completed 17-of-21 passes for 220 yards, including a 65-yarder to Octavis Long for a touchdown)
Defense: S Lemar Marshall (9 total tackles and 2 pass break-ups; 16 production points)
Special Teams: Archer Collins (1 solo tackle; 3 production points)
QUICK STARTS �
Michigan State has outscored its opponents, 173-70, in the first half this season. The Spartan defense has not allowed a touchdown in the first quarter this season. Ohio State�s Gary Berry scored twice in the first quarter during a 2:07 span on an interception return and a blocked punt. Overall, Michigan State has outscored opponents, 97-26, in the first quarter this season. The Spartans scored touchdowns on its first two possessions in each of its first four games.
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 171.1 6th 39th
Passing Offense 186.6 8th 75th
Total Offense 357.7 7th 63rd
Scoring Offense 27.0 6th 48th
Rushing Defense 114.9 3rd 26th
Pass Efficiency Defense 104.5 4th 19th
Total Defense 297.1 4th 14th
Scoring Defense 17.2 4th 18th
Turnover Margin +0.1 7th 54th
Net Punting 32.4 11th 106th
Punt Returns 11.6 3rd 20th
Kickoff Returns 21.9 3rd 30th
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 (36th at 90.4 yards per game)
Punt Returns: Sedrick Irvin (17th at 13.2 avg.)
Kickoff Returns: Marc Renaud (46th at 23.0 avg.)
Interceptions: Amp Campbell (t-26th at 0.44 per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Sedrick Irvin (19th at 149.3 yards per game)
SECONDARY PLAY A KEY �
With four starters returning, Michigan State head coach Nick Saban expected his defensive secondary to play with more consistency and to make more big plays in 1997. Nine games into this season, it�s safe to say MSU�s secondary is the most improved unit on the team.
Consider these key stats:
Cornerbacks Amp Campbell and Ray Hill, strong safety Aric Morris and free safety Sorie Kanu have been responsible for 89 combined starting assignments over the course of their respective careers.
Here�s a quick comparison between Michigan State�s pass defense in 1997 and �96:
Season Att. Comp. Int. Pct. Yds. YPG TD Rating
1997 264 139 12 .527 1640 182.2 7 104.5
1996 326 181 8 .555 2268 189.0 16 125.3
SCHULTZ BOUNCES BACK AGAINST PURDUE �
Veteran quarterback Todd Schultz broke out of a two-game slump by completing 17-of-21 passes for 220 yards, including a 65-yard TD toss to Octavis Long, in Michigan State�s 22-21 loss at Purdue Nov. 8. Schultz completed all 10 of his pass attempts in the first half against the Boilermakers.
In back-to-back games against Michigan and Ohio State, Schultz completed only 46 percent (24 of 52) of his passes for 248 yards with seven interceptions and only one touchdown.
Schultz started the season strong, completing nearly 62 percent (88 of 143) of his passes over the first six games for 987 yards, with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 2.5-to-1 (10 to 4).
The 6-foot-4, 212-pound signal caller has 10 career 200-yard passing games, including three this season. 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 ranks among MSU�s career passing leaders in attempts (fifth at 510), completions (fifth at 312), completion percentage (third at .612) and yards (seventh at 3,725). He has compiled a 12-9 record in 21 career starts.
Here�s a closer look at Schultz�s passing totals in 1997:
Att. Comp. Int. Pct. Yds. YPG TD
First 6 Games 143 88 4 .615 987 164.5 10
Michigan/Ohio State 52 24 7 .462 248 124.0 1
Purdue 21 17 1 .810 220 220.0 1
RENAUD REACHES RUSHING MILESTONE �
With his 114-yard effort vs. Purdue (22 carries), Marc Renaud became only the 10th player in Michigan State history to reach the 2,000-yard career rushing mark. Renaud has eight career 100-yard games and currently ranks No. 10 on MSU�s all-time rushing chart with 2,084 yards.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior tailback stands second on the team in rushing with 498 yards (4.9 avg.) in 1997. Renaud gained a game-high 112 yards on 22 rushes in Michigan State�s 23-7 victory at Notre Dame Sept. 20.
SPARTANS TOUGH AGAINST THE RUN � STINGY DEFENSE PART II � Michigan State has allowed only three runs of 20 or more yards, including a long gain of 51. The Spartans have held their opponents to three plays and a punt 30 times over the first nine games.
The Spartans rank No. 26 nationally in rushing defense, yielding 114.9 yards per game. Michigan State has already recorded 81 tackles behind the line of scrimmage with losses totaling 289 yards, including 29 sacks for 166 yards. That�s an average of 9.0 tackles behind the line (32.1 yards) and 3.2 sacks per game (18.4). Starting defensive ends Robaire Smith and Dimitrius Underwood have combined for 22 tackles for losses (110 yards), including 16 sacks (97).
GROUND GAME PRODUCES WINS � OFFENSE SEEKS CONSISTENCY � 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 29 plays from scrimmage (641 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards, including 10 running plays and 19 pass completions. That means Michigan State�s offense breaks a long gain (+20 yards) only once every 22 snaps.
�RED ZONE� UPDATE � POINTS OFF TURNOVERS � SPARTAN BACKS RUN BEHIND �HOTEL� ADAMS � 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. He has consistently graded better than 80 percent this season, with a low grade of 74 percent. His top all-around performance came vs. Ohio State when he produced an overall grade of 86 percent. Adams also had an overall mark of 85 percent vs. Minnesota, including 86 percent in his run-blocking assignments. He graded out 85 percent vs. Notre Dame, including 93 percent in his pass-blocking assignments. Despite the reduced playing time, Adams has recorded 24 pancake blocks, including a season-high four pancakes each vs. Ohio State and Northwestern. He has allowed only two sacks 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 18 times in his 32 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 � IRVIN CONSIDERED FOR DOAK WALKER AWARD � 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 (170 carries for 814 yards and 6 TDs in 1997) ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (fifth at 90.4 yards per game), receiving (10th at 3.4 catches per game), all-purpose yards (fourth at 149.3) and punt returns (third at 13.1 avg.). He has seven career 100-yard games, including a career-high 178 yards (16 attempts) vs. Indiana Oct. 11.
REESE LEADS �GANG GREEN� DEFENSE � SPARTANS RECORD BEST START SINCE 1966 � MAGIC NUMBER 24 � SPARTANS PREFER ARTIFICIAL TURF � TRACKING THE SPARTANS IN THE POLLS � POLLS PART II � Michigan State�s 1997 opponents have a combined record of 58-47 (.552). Note: Record doesn�t include games played against MSU.
YOUTH IS SERVED �
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.
1997 CAPTAINS ELECTED � Senior strong safety Dan Hackenbracht has been appointed game captain for Illinois by head coach Nick Saban.
PRESEASON RANKINGS � 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 � 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 �
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER SABAN �
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1997 Spartan Radio
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Michigan State has held 10 out of its last 20 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
A key to Michigan State�s success on defense in 1997 has been its ability to prevent big plays. Spartan opponents have produced only 24 plays from scrimmage (597 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards. That means the Spartans surrender a big play (+20 yards) once every 25 snaps.
During Nick Saban�s tenure, Michigan State has rushed the ball 50 times or more on 10 occasions with the Spartans sporting a 8-2 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 10 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
Nov. 8, 1997 @Purdue 50-200 L 21-22
Michigan State�s offense generated four plays from scrimmage which gained 20 or more yards in a 22-21 loss at Purdue, including two scoring plays, a 20-yard touchdown run by Marc Renaud and a 65-yard TD pass from Todd Schultz to Octavis Long. The Spartans had four big plays against ninth-ranked Ohio State but put only 13 points on the scoreboard in a 24-point loss (13-37). MSU delivered four big plays (+20 yards) in its 23-7 loss to fifth-ranked Michigan, but six interceptions and five penalties thwarted potential scoring drives. In their 19-17 setback at Northwestern, the Spartans had only one big play from scrimmage.
Michigan State has scored on 28 of its 31 possessions (.903) that have penetrated the opponent�s 20-yard line in 1997. The Spartans� scoring drives have produced 21 touchdowns and seven 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)
Ohio State 1-1 (FG)
Purdue 2-3 (2 TDs, blocked FG)
Totals 28-31 (.903)
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)
Ohio State 4-4 (2 FGs, 2 TDs)
Purdue 2-3 (blocked FG, FG, TD)
Totals 21-26 (.808)
In successive losses to Northwestern, Michigan, Ohio State and Purdue, Michigan State has a turnover margin of -1.75. The Spartans opened the 1997 season with five-straight wins and a +1.6 turnover margin. Michigan State has parlayed 19 takeaways into 56 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 (TD)
Indiana 0 0
Northwestern 2 (2 fumbles) 7 (TD)
Michigan 0 0
Ohio State 2 (2 interceptions) 7 (TD)
Purdue 2 (2 interceptions) 0
Totals 19 (12 interceptions,7 fumbles) 56
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)
Ohio State 2 (2 interceptions) 14 (2 TDs)
Purdue 2 (1 fumble, 1 interception) 3 (FG)
Totals 18 (13 interceptions, 5 fumbles) 55
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.
Senior offensive tackle Flozell Adams was 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 was one of four offensive linemen under consideration, and he joined Iowa defensive tackle Jared DeVries and Ohio State linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer on the ballot.
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.
Four-year starter Ike Reese leads the 1997 Spartans in tackles with 101 (71 solos, 30 assists), including seven for losses (22 yards). He has reached double figures in tackles seven times this season, including a career-high 17 stops (15-2) vs. Michigan. He recorded 13 tackles each vs. Ohio State (11-2), Northwestern (10-3) and Notre Dame (6-7). Reese anchors a Michigan State defensive unit which currently ranks among the NCAA leaders in rushing defense (No. 26 at 114.9 yards per game), passing defense (No. 19 with 104.5 rating), total defense (No. 14 at 297.1) and scoring defense (No. 18 at 17.2 points). Reese has 19 career double-figure tackle games and already ranks among MSU�s all-time leaders with 384 career tackles (No. 4).
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.
Since 1990, Michigan State is 37-8-1 (.815) when it scores at least 24 points and 7-36-1 (.170) when it scores fewer than 24 points. During that eight-year period, the Spartans have compiled an overall record of only 44-44-2 (.500).
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 1-10-1 in their last 12 games played on natural grass. By contrast, Michigan State is 20-14 (.588) in its last 34 games on artificial turf.
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
Nov. 2 NR NR
Nov. 9 NR NR
Nov. 16 NR NR
For the third week in a row, Michigan State does not appear in either the USA Today/ESPN Coaches or Associated Press Polls. The Spartans were picked No. 25 in the AP Preseason Poll and held a spot in its rankings for nine-straight weeks. Michigan State was not listed in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Preseason Poll but joined its rankings Sept. 27 and remained there for eight-consecutive weeks. 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.
1997 OPPONENTS UPDATE �
Date vs.
MSU Opponent Last Game Result Next Game
Sept. 6 Western Michigan (8-3) @NE Louisiana (W 32-19)
Sept. 13 Memphis (4-6) vs. Louisville (W 21-20) vs. Southern Miss
Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (5-5) @Louisiana State (W 24-6) vs. West Virginia
Oct. 4 Minnesota (3-8) vs. Indiana (W 24-12) @Iowa
Oct. 11 @Indiana (2-8) @Minnesota (L 12-24) vs. Purdue
Oct. 18 @Northwestern (5-7) vs. Iowa (W 15-14)
Oct. 25 Michigan (10-0) @Wisconsin (W 26-16) vs. Ohio State
Nov. 1 Ohio State (10-1) vs. Illinois (W 41-6) @Michigan
Nov. 8 @Purdue (7-3) vs. Penn State (L 17-42) @Indiana
Nov. 22 @Illinois (0-10) @Ohio State (L 6-41) vs. Michigan State
Nov. 29 Penn State (8-1) @Purdue (W 42-17) vs. Wisconsin
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:
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.
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).
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.
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 five games have already attracted sellout crowds. In addition, the home finale Nov. 29 vs Penn State is already complete sellout.
Over the past 74 seasons, Michigan State has compiled a 268-113-13 mark (.697) 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.
Here�s how Michigan State has fared during Nick Saban�s tenure (1995-97):
Games played in Spartan Stadium: 11-6
Games played on the road/neutral site: 6-9-1
When leading at halftime: 16-6
When trailing at halftime: 1-8-1
When scoring first: 14-6-1
When opponent scores first: 3-9
When leading after first quarter: 13-4-1
When trailing after first quarter: 2-6
When tied after first quarter: 2-5
When leading after three quarters: 16-1-1
When trailing after three quarters: 1-12
When tied after three quarters: 0-2
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 14-4
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 3-8-1
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 0-3
When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 12-3-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 2-7-1
When outrushing opponent: 15-5-1
When being outrushed by opponent: 2-10
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 9-9-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 5-8-1
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 16-5
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 1-10-1
When leading in time of possession: 13-8-1
When trailing in time of possession: 4-7
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.
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 17, 24
7-7:45 p.m. Eastern
C Band
Galaxy 7, Transponder 8
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)
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 Nov. 16)
Associated Press
1. Michigan
2. Florida State
3. Nebraska
4. Ohio State
5. Tennessee
6. Penn State
7. UCLA
8. North Carolina
9. Kansas State
10. Florida
11. Washington State
12. Arizona State
13. Auburn
14. Georgia
15. Mississippi State
16. Texas A&M
17. Washington
18. Syracuse
19. Virginia Tech
20. Louisiana State
21. Missouri
22. West Virginia
23. Purdue
24. Wisconsin
25. Colorado State
USA Today/ESPN Coaches
1. Florida State
2. Michigan
3. Nebraska
4. Ohio State
5. Tennessee
6. Penn State
7. Kansas State
8. North Carolina
9. UCLA
10. Florida
11. Washington State
12. Arizona State
13. Auburn
14. Georgia
15. Virginia Tech
16. Texas A&M
17. Syracuse
18. Louisiana State
19. Mississippi State
20. Washington
21. West Virginia
22. Colorado State
23. Missouri
24. Wisconsin
25. Purdue
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 State
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on in 1997:
Consecutive Games Started
Josh Keur, TE 33
Ray Hill, CB 32
Sorie Kanu, FS 26
Ike Reese, OLB 26
Flozell Adams, OT 25
Dave Mudge, OT 22
Scott Shaw, OG 21
Dimitrius Underwood, DE 21
Todd Schultz, QB 16
MSU ALL-TIME LEADERS
Career Rushing Yards
1. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 4,887
2. Tico Duckett (1989-92) 4,212
3. Blake Ezor (1986-89) 3,749
4. D. Goulbourne (1992-96) 2,848
5. Steve Smith (1977-80) 2,676
6. Eric Allen (1969-71) 2,654
7. Levi Jackson (1973-76) 2,287
8. Rich Baes (1973-76) 2,234
9. Lynn Chandnois (1946-49) 2,093
10. Marc Renaud (1994-97) 2,084
11. Clinton Jones (1964-66) 1,921
12. Hyland Hickson (1988-90) 1,906
13. Sedrick Irvin (1996-97) 1,881
Career Rushing Touchdowns
1. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 43
2. Blake Ezor (1986-89) 34
3. Lynn Chandnois (1946-49) 29
4. Eric Allen (1969-71) 28
5. Tico Duckett (1989-92) 26
6. Craig Thomas (19990-93) 25
7. D. Goulbourne (1992-96) 23
Leroy Bolden (1951-54) 23
9. Sedrick Irvin (1996-97) 22
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 510
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 312
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) .612
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) 3,725
Career Touchdowns
1. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 43
2. Blake Ezor (1986-89) 34
3. Lynn Chandnois (1946-49) 31
4. Eric Allen (1969-71) 30
5. Tico Duckett (1989-92) 28
6. Sedrick Irvin (1996-97) 27
Scott Greene (1992-95) 27
Career Points Scored
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 308
2. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 276
3. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 261
4. Lorenzo White (1984-87) 258
5. Hans Nielsen (1974-77) 230
6. Blake Ezor (1986-89) 204
7. Lynn Chandnois (1946-49) 186
8. Eric Allen (1969-71) 182
9. Tico Duckett (1989-92) 168
10. Scott Greene (1992-95) 166
11. Sedrick Irvin (1996-97) 162
Career Field Goals Made
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 57
2. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 52
3. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 45
Career PATS Made
1. John Langeloh (1987-90) 137
2. Morten Andersen (1978-81) 126
3. Chris Gardner (1994-97) 120
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) 384
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. Paul Edinger (1996-97) 40.7
Josh Butland (1988-91) 40.7
TOP SINGLE-GAME PERFORMANCES
Sedrick Irvin Rushing
Yards Opponent (Att.) Date
178 Indiana (16) 10/11/97
158 Indiana (33) 11/9/96
154 Minnesota (32) 10/19/96
137 Iowa (27) 10/5/96
125 Wisconsin (17) 10/26/96
112 Eastern Mich. (16) 9/28/96
106 Notre Dame (26) 9/20/97
Marc Renaud Rushing
Yards Opponent (Att.) Date
229 Minnesota (35) 10/21/95
181 Indiana (36) 10/29/94
150 Louisville (29) 9/16/95
130 Boston College (28) 9/30/95
127 Illinois (25) 10/14/95
114 Purdue (22) 11/8/97
112 Notre Dame (22) 9/20/97
111 Purdue (23) 9/23/95
Todd Schultz Passing
Yards Opponent (C-A) Date
304 Minnesota (19-31) 10/4/97
281 Illinois (20-25) 10/12/96
269 Wisconsin (18-25) 10/26/96
260 Michigan (24-45) 11/2/96
255 Iowa (20-37) 10/7/95
243 Indiana (13-17) 11/9/96
220 Purdue (17-21) 11/8/97
218 Penn State (17-30) 11/23/96
210 Boston College (20-28) 9/30/95
206 Memphis (18-22) 9/13/97
Ike Reese Tackles
Total Opponent (S-A) Date
17 Michigan (15-2) 10/25/97
17 Nebraska (3-14) 9/7/96
14 Stanford (7-7) 12/31/96
13 Ohio State (11-2) 11/1/97
13 Northwestern (10-3) 10/18/97
13 Notre Dame (6-7) 9/20/97
13 LSU (12-1) 12/29/95
13 Indiana (12-1) 11/11/95
MSU Depth Chart
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.)
76 Flozell Adams (6-7, 330, Sr.)
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
FB 41 Travis Reece (6-3, 245, Sr.)
45 Garett Gould (6-2, 238, Jr.)
TB 33 Sedrick Irvin (6-0, 217, So.)
26 Marc Renaud (5-10, 190, Sr.)
18 Leroy McFadden (6-3, 235, So.)
FL 86 Gari Scott (6-1, 185, So.)
4 Damien Hiram (6-5, 210, Sr.)
Defense
DE 99 Dimitrius Underwood (6-7, 252, Jr.)
80 Jace Sayler (6-5, 270, Fr.)
DT 62 Robert Newkirk (6-3, 285, So.)
68 Willie Comerford (6-4, 280, Fr.)
DT 66 Desmond Thomas (6-2, 285, Jr.)
95 Davarrio Carter (6-2, 285, So.)
DE 91 Robaire Smith (6-5, 250, So.)
94 Artie Steinmetz (6-5, 275, Fr.)
SAM 53 Courtney Ledyard (6-3, 245, Jr.)
35 T.J. Turner (6-4, 240, Fr.)
MIKE 25 Mike Austin (6-3, 234, So.)
37 Tyrone Garland (5-11, 225, Sr.)
WILL 44 Ike Reese (6-3, 222, Sr.)
38 Sean Banks (6-2, 215, So.)
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.)
Illinois Depth Chart
Offense
TE 86 Matt Cushing (6-3, 252, Sr.)
87 Josh Whitman (6-4, 242, Fr.)
LT 60 Ryan Schau (6-6, 298, So.)
75 Chip Nicastro (6-6, 292, So.)
LG 70 Brent Taylor (6-3, 312, Sr.)
67 J.P. Machado (6-5, 299, Jr.)
C 65 Chris Brown (6-3, 292, Sr.)
76 Brian Scott (6-1, 274, So.)
RG 69 Ray Redziniak (6-3, 275, Fr.)
64 Mike Flaar (6-4, 300, So.)
RT 79 Marques Sullivan (6-5, 325, Fr.)
75 Chip Nicastro (6-6, 292, So.)
SE 1 Michael Dean (6-2, 168, So.)
6 George McDonald-Ashford (6-0, 183, Jr.)
QB 11 Mark Hoekstra (6-4, 214, Jr.)
13 Tim Lavery (6-1, 208, Fr.)
FB 23 Eric Garrett (6-2, 233, Fr.)
32 Elmer Hickman (6-1, 225, So.)
HB 35 Robert Holcombe (6-0, 215, Sr.)
38 Steve Havard (5-10, 206, So.)
FL 21 Lenny Willis (5-9, 179, So.)
22 Rob Majoy (6-0, 178, Jr.)
Defense
DE 92 Karleton Thomas (6-5, 272, Fr.)
99 Fred Wakefield (6-7, 251, Fr.)
DT 66 Garrett Johnson (6-3, 283, Jr.)
91 Seth Tesdall (6-3, 258, Fr.)
DT 85 Mike McGee (6-3, 275, So.)
73 Joe Lauzen (6-2, 264, Jr.)
DE 56 Ryan Murphy (6-3, 246, Jr.)
53 Jeff Weisse (6-3, 245, Jr.)
OLB 52 Michael Young (6-2, 228, Fr.)
58 Chris Hoffman (6-2, 225, So.)
MLB 41 Eric Guenther (6-2, 226, Jr.)
42 David James (6-0, 238, Sr.)
OLB 48 Danny Clark (6-2, 225, So.)
30 Robert Franklin (6-2, 235, Fr.)
CB 8 Carlos McLaurin (5-10, 168, So.)
20 Trevor Starghill (5-8, 182, Sr.)
SS 2 Bobby Jackson (6-1, 206, Fr.)
24 Asim Pleas (5-10, 182, So.)
FS 19 Steve Willis (5-11, 200, Jr.)
39 Mike Gusich (6-0, 182, Jr.)
CB 33 Tony Francis (6-2, 200, So.)
26 James Williams (6-0, 188, Sr.)
Special Teams
PK 98 Neil Rackers (6-0, 194, So.)
10 Bret Scheuplein (6-2, 224, Sr.)
P 34 Ryan Tabloff (6-2, 201, Sr.)
4 Jason Higgins (6-2, 202, So.)
SN 25 Ryan Craig (6-1, 205, Sr.)
74 Nathan Hodel (6-2, 234, Fr.)
H 11 Mark Hoekstra (6-4, 214, Jr.)
PR 22 Rob Majoy (6-0, 178, Jr.)
21 Lenny Willis (5-9, 179, So.)
KR 22 Rob Majoy (6-0, 178, Jr.)
38 Steve Havard (5-10, 206, So.)