Michigan State Football :: Official Athletic Site
Nov. 28, 1997
Michigan State Vs. Penn State Game Notes
DATE: Nov. 29, 1997
SITE: Spartan Stadium (72,027), East Lansing, Mich.
KICKOFF: 1:00 p.m. (EST)
SERIES RECORD: Michigan State leads 8-5-1
FIRST MEETING: Michigan State 6, Penn State 3 (Nov. 13, 1914)
LAST MEETING: Penn State 32, Michigan State 29 (Nov. 23, 1996)
BROADCAST COVERAGE: Radio - The Spartan Radio Network, featuring veteran play-by-play announcer George Blaha, color analyst Larry Bielat and sideline reporter Ike Griffin, will broadcast the game to 28 affiliates throughout the state. Michigan State football broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station WJIM (AM 1240, FM 97.5). Television - ABC Sports will televise the Michigan State-Penn State game live with Brent Musburger and Dan Fouts calling the action and Jack Arute reporting from the sidelines.
OFFICIALS: Referee Bill Lemonnier, Umpire Roger Haberer, Linesman Dennis Goettel, Line Judge Don Thayer, Field Judge Tom Perrault, Side Judge Henry Armstead and Back Judge Tom Herbert.
THE COACHES
Michigan State's Nick Saban (Kent State '73) is 18-15-1 (.544) in his third year with the Spartans and 27-17-1 (.611) 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.
Penn State's Joe Paterno (Brown '50) is 298-75-3 (.797) in 32 seasons with the Nittany Lions (1966-97) . Paterno, who ranks fourth in all-time wins at the NCAA I-A level, has directed Penn State to five undefeated seasons and two national championships (1982 and '86). He needs only two more victories to become only the sixth college coach ever to reach the 300-victory milestone.
TEAM COMPARISONS
Michigan State Penn State
Basic Offense Pro Set Multiple
Basic Defense 4-3 Multiple
Offensive Starters Returning 6 6
Defensive Starters Returning 9 7
Specialists Returning 2 0
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS)
Michigan State Penn State
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 294 6-4, 292
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 207 6-2, 219
Defensive Line 6-4, 268 6-3, 254
Linebackers 6-3, 234 6-2, 231
Defensive Backs 6-0, 193 5-9, 180
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 7 seniors, 1 junior, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Michigan State Defense: 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores
Penn State Offense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 3 sophomores
Penn State Defense: 6 seniors, 1 junior, 4 sophomores
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (After 10 Games):
Rushing - Sedrick Irvin (203 carries for 973 yards, 4.8 avg., 6 TDs)
Passing - Todd Schultz (146 of 252 for 1639 yards, 14 TDs, 13 INTs)
Receiving - Sedrick Irvin (35 catches for 315 yards, 9.0 avg., 3 TDs)
Tackles - Ike Reese (117 tackles, 80 solos, 37 assists, 7 for losses)
Penn State (After 10 Games):
Rushing - Curtis Enis (212 carries for 1257 yards, 5.9 avg., 18 TDs)
Passing - Mike McQueary (133 of 228 for 2035 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving - Joe Jurevicius (34 catches for 694 yards, 20.4 avg., 9 TDs)
Tackles - Jim Nelson (83 tackles, 63 solos, 20 assists, 9 for losses)
1997 STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Penn State
Scoring 27.0 34.6
First Downs 19.8 21.3
Total Offense 360.5 433.5
Rushing Yards 174.2 215.8
Passing Yards 186.3 217.7
Time of Possession 30:46 28:35
Third Down Conversions .405 .463
Points Allowed 17.2 18.4
Total Yards Allowed 299.9 379.7
Rushing Yards Allowed 113.2 154.9
Passing Yards Allowed 186.7 224.8
QUOTING NICK SABAN - Illinois Recap: "I'm happy we got a win. It certainly had been a long time since we sang the fight song in the locker room after a game.
"I can honestly say that was the first game this year that the team played flat. We didn't deliver the knockout punch and Illinois hung in the game.
"I thought there were a lot of positives in the game. Offensively, we ran the ball very well. We opened the game with a 90-plus yard scoring drive. We controlled the ball for 83 plays, but the offense put only 20 points, including two touchdowns, on the scoreboard. We simply didn't produce enough big plays on offense.
"I certainly wasn't pleased with the way we finished the game. We turned the ball over on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter and had to punt once. I was disappointed that we couldn't take the air out of the ball at the end of the game.
"Defensively, our goal was to stop Robert Holcombe and we did, holding him to 85 yards rushing. We played very well against the run but gave up four big plays. In fact, Illinois scored all of its points off basically three plays. Those big plays allowed Illinois to stay in the game."
Scouting Penn State: "Penn State is a very good football team. This is our third crack at a Top Five team. We simply didn't give ourselves a chance to win against Michigan and Ohio State because of turnovers and poor execution. We must play with poise and confidence in order to give ourselves a chance to win it at the end.
"Penn State has an outstanding offensive line which averages nearly 300 pounds. This is the most balanced offensive team we've faced this season. Penn State is difficult to defend because it averages over 200 yards rushing and passing per game. This is an explosive offense as evidenced by its scoring average of 35 points. Curtis Enis ranks ninth in the nation in rushing. He's a big, strong runner who is hard to tackle. Mike McQueary stands ninth in the nation in passing efficiency and Joe Jurevicius is his big-play receiver. Jurevicius is a big target, who averages over 20 yards per reception.
"Defensively, Penn State isn't as dominating as it has been in the past but this is a very quick unit. Penn State moves around a lot on defense and gives you a lot of different looks. The most impressive thing about Penn State's defense is its ability to finish plays and make big plays. As usual, Penn State has a good linebacker corps with Jim Nelson, Aaron Collins and Brandon Short.
"It's difficult to gain an advantage over Penn State in the kicking game because it has so many quality athletes. Penn State is sound in every phase of the kicking game. It leads the league in net punting and Chris Eberly is one of the Big Ten's top kickoff returners."
Spartan Update: "After the disappointing loss to Purdue, this team made a two-game commitment. With the victory at Illinois, we have a chance to win our seventh game of the year. And hopefully, we'll have to opportunity to play for an eighth win in a bowl game.
"We have been involved in a couple of close games but we haven't been able to finish the job. Now, we have another shot at beating a Top 10 team in Penn State."
MICHIGAN STATE/PENN STATE SERIES NOTES
Michigan State leads it 8-5-1, including a 4-2 mark in games played in Spartan Stadium. Penn State has won the last four meetings, including a 32-29 victory in Beaver Stadium last November. Three of the last four games have been decided by four points or less. Penn State has rallied from second-half deficits to win each of its last two games in East Lansing. The Nittany Lions came from 20 points down to win 38-37 in 1993 and Bobby Engram scored the game-winning touchdown with eight seconds left in '95, 24-20. Michigan State's last victory in the series came on Sept. 24, 1966, 42-8 in East Lansing. (Note: For a complete list of all-time series results please refer to pages 156-157 in the 1997 MSU Football Media Guide.)
THE LAST MEETING
Brett Conway's 30-yard field goal with 12 seconds left gave seventh-ranked Penn State a 32-29 victory over Michigan State in Beaver Stadium. There were four lead changes and two ties in the contest. Penn State took the opening kickoff and drove 87 yards in six plays to take a 7-0 lead as Aaron Harris scored on a 49-yard pass from Wally Richardson. Michigan State answered with a 13-play, 52-yard drive of its own which resulted in a 49-yard field goal by Chris Gardner. The Spartans added a safety with 4:02 left in the second quarter as Courtney Ledyard blocked a punt out of the
end zone. Michigan State took its first lead at 13-7 on Sedrick Irvin's 56-yard halfback pass to Nigea Carter plus Todd Schultz's two-point pass to Duane Goulbourne. Harris capped an eight-play, 85-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Nittany Lions a 14-13 halftime lead. The Spartans regained the lead on Goulbourne's 34-yard TD run with 6:03 left in the third quarter. Penn State put together an eight-play, 84-yard drive with Harris scoring his third touchdown of the game on another 1-yard dive as the Nittany Lions assumed a 22-19 lead with 3:24 remaining in the third period. The Spartans managed to tie the score at 22 on Gardner's 19-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. Curtis Enis scored on a 4-yard run to complete a 12-play, 69-yard drive with 8:33 to play. Schultz directed a nine-play, 84-yard drive and scored on a 1-yard sneak to tie the game at 29 with 5:58 on the clock. On the next play from scrimmage, Amp Campbell hit Richardson on a corner blitz and forced a fumble that Dimitrius Underwood recovered at the Penn State 14. Three plays later, Gardner missed a potential game-winning field goal from 33 yards out wide left. Richardson completed two third-down passes for 32 yards on Penn State's 67-yard drive to set up the game-winning field goal. The two teams combined for 50 first downs and 934 total yards. Enis rushed for a game-high 165 yards on 28 carries. Richardson completed 21-of-31 passes for 281 yards, with Joe Jurevicius catching eight passes for 117 yards. Goulbourne led the Michigan State ground attack with 111 yards on 23 attempts. Schultz hit 17-of-30 pass attempts for 218 yards, while Carter had seven receptions for 142 yards.
BATTLE FOR THE LAND-GRANT TROPHY
Since the renewal of the series in 1993, the winner of the Michigan State-Penn State game has been presented the Land-Grant Trophy. The trophy honors the two universities' unique places in history as the two pioneer land-grant schools in the nation. Each institution was founded in 1855, Michigan State on Feb. 12 and Penn State on Feb. 22. The schools were the prototypes after which the land-grant system was patterned. The trophy features pictures of campus landmarks, Michigan State's Beaumont Tower and Penn State's Old Main, plus replicas of the Spartan and Nittany Lion. Since '93, Penn State leads the series 4-0.
SPARTANS vs. RANKED TEAMS
Since 1988, Michigan State is just 6-32 (.158) in games against nationally-ranked opponents. The Spartans are 1-8 (.111) in their last nine games against Top 25 teams. Michigan State's last victory over a ranked opponent came on Nov. 4, 1995, when the Spartans upset No. 7 Michigan, 28-25, in East Lansing. Here's a look at Michigan State's games against Top 25 teams since '95:
Date Result (Associated Press ranking) Site
Sept. 9, 1995 No. 2 Nebraska 50, Michigan State 10 East Lansing
Nov. 4, 1995 Michigan State 28, No. 7 Michigan 25 East Lansing
Nov. 25, 1995 No. 14 Penn State 24, Michigan State 20 East Lansing
Sept. 7, 1996 No. 1 Nebraska 55, Michigan State 14 Lincoln
Nov. 2, 1996 No. 9 Michigan 45, Michigan State 29 Ann Arbor
Nov. 23, 1996 No. 7 Penn State 32, Michigan State 29 University Park
Oct. 25, 1997 No. 5 Michigan 23, No. 15 Michigan State 7 East Lansing
Nov. 1, 1997 No. 9 Ohio State 37, No. 21 Michigan State 13 East Lansing
Nov. 8, 1997 No. 23 Purdue 22, Michigan State 21 West Lafayette
SENIORS BID FAREWELL
Fifteen seniors will make their final appearance in Spartan Stadium Nov. 29 vs. Penn State. This senior class has helped Michigan State to a combined on-the-field record of 23-21-1 (.522) since 1994, including back-to-back bowl appearances in '96 (Independence) and '97 (Sun). With six wins this season, the Spartans are eligible for another postseason invitation.
The Class of '97 includes offensive tackle Flozell Adams (Bellwood, Ill.), placekicker Chris Gardner (Plantation, Fla.), linebacker Tyrone Garland (Cliffwood, N.J.), strong safety Dan Hackenbracht (Massillon, Ohio), cornerback Ray Hill (Detroit), wide receiver Damien Hiram (Jackson, Mich.), tight end Josh Keur (Muskegon, Mich.), wide receiver Octavis Long (Lansing, Mich.), offensive tackle Dave Mudge (Whitby, Ontario), fullback Travis Reece (Detroit), linebacker Ike Reese (Cincinnati), tailback Marc Renaud (Deerfield Beach, Fla.), quarterback Todd Schultz (Morris, Ill.), offensive guard Scott Shaw (Sterling Heights, Mich.) and linebacker Mike Smokevitch (Birmingham, Mich.). (Note: Hill intends to petition the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility.)
SPARTANS ON POSTSEASON ALL-STAR GAME ROSTERS
Four Michigan State seniors, including offensive tackles Flozell Adams and Dave Mudge, linebacker Ike Reese and offensive guard Scott Shaw, have been extended invitations to play in postseason all-star games. Adams has been invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Game Jan. 10, 1998, in Palo Alto, Calif., and the Senior Bowl Jan. 17 in Mobile, Ala. Shaw also has been offered a roster position for the Senior Bowl. Mudge and Reese are scheduled to play in the Hula Bowl Jan. 18 in Maui, Hawaii.
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 femoral 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, Purdue and Illinois). PROBABLE: TE Josh Keur (mild right ankle sprain vs. Illinois; Achilles tendinitis left leg); TB Marc Renaud (sprained left ankle vs. Illinois); OG Scott Shaw (sprained left foot vs. Illinois).
THE LAST TIME OUT
Todd Schultz threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 27-17 victory at Illinois as the Spartans snapped a four-game losing streak. Michigan State scored on three of its first four possessions. The Spartans took the opening kickoff and marched 91 yards in 14 plays with Sedrick Irvin scoring on a 3-yard pass from Schultz. Irvin carried the ball eight times for 63 yards on the opening series. Michigan State increased its lead to 10-0 as a 14-play, 55-yard drive produced a 25-yard field goal by Paul Edinger with 57 seconds left in the first quarter. Illinois answered with a score 20 seconds later as Robert Holcombe caught a 63-yard pass from Mark Hoekstra. Schultz capped a 10-play, 87-yard drive with a 9-yard TD strike to Octavis Long. The Fighting Illini pulled to within 17-10 at halftime thanks to Neil Rackers' 40-yard field goal. Ike Reese's interception at the Illinois 46 early in the third quarter set up another Edinger field goal, this time from 30 yards out, as Michigan State moved out to a 20-10 lead. Hoekstra's 32-yard TD toss to Rob Majoy kept Illinois within striking distance at 20-17 with 4:45 remaining in the third period. Michigan State's defense put the final points on the scoreboard as Lemar Marshall returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown eight seconds into the fourth quarter. The Spartans outgained the Fighting Illini, 386-325, total yards. Irvin recorded his third 100-yard rushing game of the season, picking up 159 yards on 33 attempts. The Spartans limited Holcombe to 85 yards (23 carries), 32 below his season average. Hoekstra completed 18-of-32 passes for a career-high 227 yards but threw three interceptions.
SPARTANS OF THE WEEK
The Michigan State coaching staff selected the following players as Spartans of the Week for their performances Nov. 22 vs. Illinois:
Offense: OT Flozell Adams (graded out 85 percent with four pancake blocks)
Defense: LB Ike Reese (16 total tackles plus an interception; 28 production points)
Special Teams: Gari Scott (averaged 12.8 yards on 5 punt returns; 8 production points)
QUICK STARTS
Michigan State has outscored its opponents, 190-80, in the first half this season. The Spartan defense has allowed only one touchdown in the first quarter this season and it came in Game 10 at Illinois as Robert Holcombe scored on a 63-yard pass play from Mark Hoekstra. Overall, Michigan State has outscored opponents, 107-33, 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 174.2 6th 39th
Passing Offense 186.3 8th 75th
Total Offense 360.5 6th 62nd
Scoring Offense 27.0 6th 47th
Rushing Defense 113.2 3rd 21st
Pass Efficiency Defense 105.9 4th 22nd
Total Defense 299.9 4th 14th
Scoring Defense 17.2 4th 16th
Turnover Margin +0.1 7th 51st
Net Punting 33.0 11th 104th
Punt Returns 11.8 3rd 18th
Kickoff Returns 21.8 2nd 31st
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 (24th at 97.3 yards per game)
Punt Returns: Sedrick Irvin (17th at 13.2 avg.)
Interceptions: Amp Campbell and Ray Hill (t-34th at 0.4 per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Sedrick Irvin (13th at 155.1 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 92 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 296 157 15 .530 1867 186.7 9 105.9
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 546), completions (fourth at 329), completion percentage (fifth at .603), yards (sixth at 3,909) and touchdowns (third at 23). He has compiled a 13-9 record in 22 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
Last 2 Games 57 34 2 .596 404 202.0 3
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. 9 on MSU's all-time rushing chart with 2,123 yards.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior tailback stands second on the team in rushing with 537 yards (4.8 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
Michigan State has held 11 out of its last 21 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 28 plays from scrimmage (655 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 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 34 times over the first 10 games.
The Spartans rank No. 21 nationally in rushing defense, yielding 113.2 yards per game. Michigan State has already recorded 83 tackles behind the line of scrimmage with losses totaling 292 yards, including 29 sacks for 166 yards. That's an average of 8.3 tackles behind the line (29.2 yards) and 2.9 sacks per game (16.6). Starting defensive ends Robaire Smith and Dimitrius Underwood have combined for 23 tackles for losses (112 yards), including 16 sacks (97).
GROUND GAME PRODUCES WINS
During Nick Saban's tenure, Michigan State has rushed the ball 50 times or more on 10 occasions with the Spartans sporting an 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
OFFENSE SEEKS CONSISTENCY
Michigan State ran a season-high 83 plays from scrimmage at Illinois but only three plays gained 20 or more yards as the offense accounted for 20 points in a 27-17 road victory. The Spartans generated four big plays (+20 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. Michigan State 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.
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 32 plays from scrimmage (724 snaps) which have totaled more than 20 yards, including 12 running plays and 20 pass completions. That means Michigan State's offense breaks a long gain (+20 yards) only once every 23 snaps.
"RED ZONE" UPDATE
Michigan State has scored on 32 of its 35 possessions (.914) that have penetrated the opponent's 20-yard line in 1997. The Spartans' scoring drives have produced 23 touchdowns and nine 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)
Illinois 4-4 (2 TDs, 2 FGs)
Totals 32-35 (.914)
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)
Illinois 0-0
Totals 21-26 (.808)
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
During its four-game losing streak, 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 22 takeaways into 66 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
Illinois 3 (3 interceptions) 10 (FG, TD)
Totals 22 (15 interceptions,7 fumbles) 66
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)
Illinois 3 (2 fumbles, 1 interception) 3 (FG)
Totals 21 (14 interceptions, 7 fumbles) 58
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. He has consistently graded better than 80 percent this season, with a low grade of 74 percent. Despite battling flu-like symptoms, Adams graded out 85 percent vs. Illinois, including 91 percent in his pass-blocking assignments. 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 28 pancake blocks, including a season-high four pancakes each vs. Illinois, 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 19 times in his 33 career starts. Last year, Adams anchored an offensive line that helped produce a 1,000-yard rusher in freshman Sedrick Irvin (1,067).
ADAMS NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR LOMBARDI AWARD
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.
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 (203 carries for 973 yards and 6 TDs in 1997) ranks among the Big Ten leaders in rushing (fifth at 97.3 yards per game), receiving (ninth at 3.5 catches per game), all-purpose yards (third at 155.1) and punt returns (second at 13.2 avg.). He has eight 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 117 (80 solos, 37 assists), including seven for losses (22 yards). He has reached double figures in tackles eight times this season, including a career-high 17 stops (15-2) vs. Michigan. Reese had 16 tackles (9-7) and an interception vs. Illinois. 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. 21 at 113.2 yards per game), passing defense (No. 22 with 105.9 rating), total defense (No. 14 at 299.9) and scoring defense (No. 16 at 17.2 points). Reese has 20 career double-figure tackle games and already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders with 400 career tackles (No. 3).
SPARTANS RECORD 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.
MAGIC NUMBER 24
Since 1990, Michigan State is 38-8-1 (.819) 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 45-44-2 (.505).
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 1-10-1 in their last 12 games played on natural grass. By contrast, Michigan State is 21-14 (.600) in its last 35 games on artificial turf.
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
Nov. 2 NR NR
Nov. 9 NR NR
Nov. 16 NR NR
Nov. 23 NR NR
POLLS PART II
For the fourth 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 (4-7) vs. Southern Miss (L 18-42)
Sept. 20 @Notre Dame (6-5) vs. West Virginia (W 21-14) @Hawaii
Oct. 4 Minnesota (3-9) @Iowa (L 0-31)
Oct. 11 @Indiana (2-9) vs. Purdue (L 7-56)
Oct. 18 @Northwestern (5-7) vs. Iowa (W 15-14)
Oct. 25 Michigan (11-0) vs. Ohio State (W 20-14)
Nov. 1 Ohio State (10-2) @Michigan (L 14-20)
Nov. 8 @Purdue (8-3) @Indiana (W 56-7)
Nov. 22 @Illinois (0-11) vs. Michigan State (L 17-27)
Nov. 29 Penn State (9-1) vs. Wisconsin (W 35-10) @Michigan State
Michigan State's 1997 opponents have a combined record of 62-51 (.549). Note: Record doesn't include games played against MSU.
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.
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 middle linebacker Tyrone Garland has been appointed game captain for Penn State by head coach Nick Saban.
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 five games have already attracted sellout crowds. In addition, the home finale Nov. 29 vs Penn State is a complete sellout.
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 268-113-13 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.
SPARTAN TRENDS UNDER SABAN
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: 7-9-1
When leading at halftime: 17-6
When trailing at halftime: 1-8-1
When scoring first: 15-6-1
When opponent scores first: 3-9
When leading after first quarter: 14-4-1
When trailing after first quarter: 2-6
When tied after first quarter: 2-5
When leading after three quarters: 17-1-1
When trailing after three quarters: 1-12
When tied after three quarters: 0-2
When gaining more first downs than opponent: 15-4
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: 13-3-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 2-7-1
When outrushing opponent: 16-5-1
When being outrushed by opponent: 2-10
When gaining 200+ yards passing: 9-9-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 6-8-1
When gaining more total yards than opponent: 17-5
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 1-10-1
When leading in time of possession: 14-8-1
When trailing in time of possession: 4-7
FOOTBALL BUST DEC. 7
The annual Michigan State Football Bust is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Holiday Inn South Convention Center in Lansing. The reception begins at 5 p.m. with the dinner and awards program to follow at 6:45 p.m. Football Bust tickets are priced at $45 each, with $15 going as a tax-deductible contribution to the Ralph Young Fund to support the MSU football program. Tables of 10 are available for $450.
Former All-American and NFL All-Pro Charles "Bubba" Smith will be on hand to receive the Duffy Daugherty Award, named in honor of MSU's legendary head coach and presented annually since 1975 to a Spartan football alumnus who has distinguished himself both on and off the field following his graduation.
Reservations for the Football Bust can be made through the Ralph Young Fund at 355-8257.
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)
This Week's Polls
(Released Nov. 23)
Associated Press
1. Michigan
2. Nebraska
3. Tennessee
4. Penn State
5. Florida State
6. UCLA
7. Florida
8. North Carolina
9. Ohio State
10. Washington State
11. Kansas State
12. Arizona State
13. Auburn
14. Georgia
15. Texas A&M
16. Syracuse
17. Louisiana State
18. Purdue
19. Missouri
20. Colorado State
21. Washington
22. Mississippi State
23. Southern Mississippi
24. Air Force
25. Oklahoma State
USA Today/ESPN Coaches
1. Michigan
2. Nebraska
3. Tennessee
4. Penn State
5. Florida State
6. North Carolina
7. UCLA
8. Florida
9. Kansas State
10. Washington State
11. Ohio State
12. Arizona State
13. Auburn
14. Georgia
15. Texas A&M
16. Syracuse
17. Louisiana State
18. Purdue
19. Colorado State
20. Missouri
21. Virginia Tech
22. Washington
23. Air Force
24. Southern Mississippi
25. Oklahoma State
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
SPARTAN STREAKS
Here are some current streaks Michigan State players are working on in 1997:
Consecutive Games Started
Josh Keur, TE 34
Ray Hill, CB 33
Sorie Kanu, FS 27
Ike Reese, OLB 27
Flozell Adams, OT 26
Dave Mudge, OT 23
Scott Shaw, OG 22
Todd Schultz, QB 17
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. Marc Renaud (1994-97) 2,123
10. Lynn Chandnois(1946-49) 2,093
11. Sedrick Irvin (1996-97) 2.040
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) 546
Career Pass Completions
1. Jim Miller (1990-93) 467
2. Dave Yarema (1982-86) 464
3. Ed Smith (1976-78) 418
4. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 329
Career Pass Completion Percentage
Min. 100 pass attempts)
1. Jim Miller (1990-93) .629
2. Dan Enos (1987-90) .621
3. Tony Banks (1994-95) .607
4. Dave Yarema (1982-86) .605
5. Todd Schultz (1994-97) .603
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. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 3,909
Career Touchdown Passes
1. Dave Yarema (1982-86) 43
Ed Smith (1976-78) 43
3. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 23
Career Interceptions
1. John Leister (1979-82) 35
2. Dave Yarema (1982-86) 33
3. Ed Smith (1976-78) 32
4. Charlie Baggett (1973-75) 30
5. Todd Schultz (1994-97) 29
Jim Miller (1990-93) 29
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. Sedrick Irvin (1996-97) 28
Tico Duckett (1989-92) 28
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. Sedrick Irvin (1996-97) 168
Tico Duckett (1989-92) 168
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. Ike Reese (1994-97) 400
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
159 Illinois (33) 11/22/97
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
16 Illinois (9-7) 11/22/97
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
Depth Charts
MSU
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 1 Paul Edinger (5-10, 183, So.)
14 Chris Gardner (5-9, 195, Sr.)
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.) or
86 Gari Scott (6-1, 185, So.)
KR 26 Marc Renaud (5-10, 190, Sr.)
86 Gari Scott (6-1, 185, So.)
Penn State
Offense
SE 2 Chafie Fields (6-1, 193, So.) or
21 Joe Nastasi (5-11, 187, Jr.)
81 Wes Dahlem (6-0, 172, R-Fr.)
ST 69 Floyd Wedderburn (6-5, 328, Jr.)
60 Ryan Fagan (6-7, 289, Jr.)
SG 51 Eric Cole (6-5, 296, So.)
50 Gabe Tincher (6-2, 292, So.)
C 59 Kevin Conlin (6-3, 271, Sr.)
65 Rich Stankewicz (6-3, 281, So.)
LG 64 Phil Ostrowski (6-4, 280, Sr.)
75 Josh Mitchell (6-4, 277, Fr.)
LT 78 John Blick (6-6, 310, So.)
74 Jordan Caruso (6-4, 305, Fr.)
TE 5 Brad Scioli (6-3, 265, Jr.) or
82 Cuncho Brown (6-4, 263, Jr.)
QB 9 Mike McQueary (6-4, 222, Sr.)
16 Kevin Thompson (6-5, 210, So.)
FB 49 Anthony Cleary (6-1, 251, Jr.)
36 Mike Cerimele (5-10, 226, R-Fr.) or
23 Chris Eberly (5-11, 210, Jr.)
TB 39 Curtis Enis (6-1, 233, Jr.)
32 Cordell Mitchell (6-0, 196, So.)
FL 83 Joe Jurevicius (6-5, 229, Sr.)
10 Titeus Pettigrew (6-0, 198, So.)
Defense
LE 86 Courtney Brown (6-5, 251, So.)
94 Marc Kielmeyer (6-6, 250, R-Fr.) or
81 Neal McNutt (6-5, 258, Jr.)
LT 99 Matt Fornadel (6-2, 246, Sr.)
77 Greg Ransom (6-2, 283, Fr.)
NT 95 David Fleischhauer (6-3, 268, So.)
76 Mike Buzin (6-3, 264, Jr.) or
57 Imani Bell (6-4, 295, So.)
RE 91 Chris Snyder (6-3, 250, Sr.)
37 Justin Kurpeikis (6-4, 234, R-Fr.)
OLB 6 Aaron Collins (6-0, 228, Sr.)
40 Aaron Gatten (6-1, 222, So.)
ILB 43 Brandon Short (6-3, 243, So.)
52 Maurice Daniels (6-0, 225, So.)
OLB 44 Jim Nelson (6-2, 223, Sr.)
31 Mac Morrison (6-1, 237, So.) or
11 LaVar Arrington (6-3, 225, Fr.)
LCB 1 Shino Prater (5-9, 160, Sr.)
19 Anthony King (5-8, 172, So.)
FS 24 Shawn Lee (5-7, 175, Jr.)
18 Askari Adams (6-0, 189, So.)
HERO 8 Jason Collins (5-11, 190, Sr.)
4 Derek Fox (5-11, 190, So.)
RCB 27 David Macklin (5-9, 193, So.)
46 Bhawoh Jue (6-1, 188, Fr.)
Special Teams
PK 14 Travis Forney (5-9, 160, So.)
29 Ryan Primanti (5-11, 195, R-Fr.)
P 41 Pat Pidgeon (5-10, 190, So.)
LSN 70 Brandon Parmer (5-11, 182, Jr.)
SSN 59 Kevin Conlin (6-3, 271, Sr.)
H 21 Joe Nastasi (5-11, 187, Jr.)
16 Kevin Thompson (6-5, 210, So.)
PR 22 Kenny Watson (6-0, 191, So.) or
23 Chris Eberly (5-11, 210, Jr.)
21 Joe Nastasi (5-11, 187, Jr.)
KR 22 Kenny Watson (6-0, 191, So.)
23 Chris Eberly (5-11, 210, Jr.) or
13 Sam Crenshaw (6-2, 201, Fr.)
FUTURE SCHEDULES
1998
Sept. 5 @Oregon
Sept. 19 Notre Dame
Sept. 26 @Michigan
Oct. 3 Central Michigan
Oct. 10 Indiana
Oct. 24 @Minnesota
Oct. 31 Northwestern
Nov. 7 @Ohio State
Nov. 14 Purdue
Nov. 21 Illinois
Nov. 28 @Penn State
1999
Sept. 4 Oregon
Sept. 11 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 18 @Notre Dame
Sept. 25 @Illinois
Oct. 2 Iowa
Oct. 9 Michigan
Oct. 16 @Purdue
Oct. 23 @Wisconsin
Nov. 6 Ohio State
Nov. 13 @Northwestern
Nov. 20 Penn State