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| News Archives :: archives :: '05aug-dec :: '05mar-jul :: '05 jan-feb :: '04 sep-dec :: '04 may-sep :: '04 jan-apr : '03 sep-dec :: '03 jan-aug :: '02 AUG-DEC :: '02 jan-jul :: '01 nov-dec :: '01 jul-sep |
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Spartan staff takes shape (12/29/02)--It's been a nice vacation week off, with time to rest and take in everything that has transpired with our new leader, coach John L. Smith. That being said, coach has begun to fill his staff. The LSJ reports today the following new Spartan staff assistants: Chris Smeland, defensive coordinator & safeties coach. He ran the defense at Louisille: "We are going to have a defense that pressures people and switches between man and zone." Mike Cox, linebackers coach. He had the same position at Louisville . Paul Haynes, cornerbacks coach. He spent this season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and previously served in the same position under Smith at Louisville. Steve Stripling, defensive line coach. He helped develop two All-Conference USA defensive linemen at Louisville since 2001. Jim McElwain, special teams/wide receivers coach. He served in the same capacity at Louisville. Returning to the Spartan staff from BW's cupboard are: running backs coach Regie Mitchell, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, director of football operations Mike Vollmar, strength & conditioning coach Ken Mannie, and Mannie's assistant, Aaron Wellman. Two positions yet to be filled are an offensive coordinator and a TE coach. Click here for more from the LSJ. Trustees approve Smith: $1.625m per year (12/22/02)--The MSU Board of Trustees unanimously approved the the compensation package for new Spartan head coach John L. Smith. Coach John L. will receive a minimum of $9.75 million over the next six years ($1.625 million per year). That's a lot of touchdowns, folks. The Big Ten average for the other 10 Big Ten 2003 coaches is $944,000 per year... so coach John L. is making $681,000 above the average before ever coaching a game for the Green & White. Coach John L.'s salary now leads the pack, with Minnesota's Glen Mason at $1.3m, Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez at $1.3m, UM's Lloyd Carr at $1.1m, JoePa at $1m, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz at $910k, Illinois' Ron Turner at $900k, NW's Randy Walker at $800k, OSU's Jim Tressel at $800k, Purdue's Joe Tiller at $800k, and Indiana's Gerry DiNardo at $530k. The Lansing State Journal published details on the contract as follows : * Base salary
of $400k through Jan. 14, 2009. For more,
visit, the LSJ. Smith woos recruits (12/22/02)--Coach John L. met a number of recruits at the Breslin Center during yesterday's 65-56 men's basketball win over South Florida. Although it is a dead period in recruiting, coaches are allowed to visit prospects that voluntarily travel to campus. Top recruit LB LaMarr Woodley and RB recruit Jermoe Jackson, both of Saginaw, were joined by RB Marcus Woods (Farmington Hills Harrison), LB/S/RB Nick Saad (Chippewa Valley), and S Deadure Perry (River Rouge). Woodley, ranked the #1 LB nationally, plans on making a visit to campus Jan. 10. Woodly stated that UM, USC and Michigan State are all even in the running. Woods, ranked #8 as an all-purpose back by Rivals.com, also plans on making an official visit to MSU on Jan. 10. Woods stated: "It's been even with Bowling Green, Nebraska and MSU until now. I think now MSU might be the leader." Coach John L. was joined by Tom Izzo and Magic Johnson in meeting some of these recruits. Magic told Saad: "I'll see you next season right here. You better be a Spartan." The ES says: great job bringing Magic into the mix, that makes one heckuva impression. Seems like Coach is making a pretty good first impression so far.
Will coach redesign our jerseys a la 1965 (at right)? (12/21/02)--Coach John L. isn't losing any time... cosmetically at least. On Friday, he emphasized team by retiring jersey #1 and proposed to completely revamp MSU's jerseys and hinted to the days of yesteryear (see photo above). Coach: good move with the uniform change... we need to bury those embarassing puff-shouldered pansy unis from our 4-8 debacle. "Is it politically correct to say I hate that S on the side of the helmet? I'm also not a big stripe guy. I like a uniform that is plain and simple." He also hinted that he will speak with all current assistant coaches that wish to remain. "There are going to be some changes. And I want to have the staff in place after the holidays." As to recruiting, Smith stated on the Sports Page radio show: "I know there are a couple of guys in the state that we need to go after, and I think I will head to Saginaw. The recruiting dead period begins tomorrow, so I have until midnight." Smith hinted at visits to Saginaw High's linebacker LaMarr Woodley and running back Jerome Jackson.
Coach Smith press conf. transcript (12/19/02)--The first thing the ES will say, this guy has more public relations appeal than Nick Saban and BW combined. Very outgoing, strong demeanor -- and a good sense of humor. Excerpts from the John Smith press conference: Ron Mason: "John L. Smith fits what we were looking for in a new coach: 1. the right fit for MSU; 2. he has a track record in build programs and turning programs around -- and he has won championships as well.... I've always been a coach that appreciated a track record. He had difficulties this year, and he dealt with them and overcame them... We had a profile and most of John L.'s characteristics fit the profile. It think it is a good decision. John L. Smith: "Anytime you leave a place it's tough. Like life, you have to move on. It was an easy decision to go to Michigan State. As a football coach, this is a dream come true. I feel blessed, honored to be your coach. You will see a good product; blue collar. We are going to get better. The players will be proud to play -- we better learn to care about our teammates. We will work hard to put a good product on the field, in the classroom and downtown (in the community)... We have three goals: 1. Always send seniors out as winners; 2. Bowl game; 3. Win the championship. If you can win the championship in this league, you have the opportunity to win the whole deal.... We will spread the ball and throw it around. If we do things the right way, we should have a 1,000-yd rusher as well. Penalties are caused by lack of mental focus and technique (things we as coaches can work to improve), or they are selfish penalties. Selfish penalties is what we can't have. And, we will be aggressive and have some penalties... but hopefully not... This is my last move without a doubt. I hope it will be. My body has only so many rebuilding jobs in it. I've set a goal of when to get out, and it's when the offensive line pushes me up the stairs. But, I have never dreamt of MSU specifically. Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan... MSU is in a handful of programs that is the pinnacle of the profession... Q&A from Coach Smith: link here. Official release from MSU: link here. AP article on hire of John Smith: link here. ESPN: Louisville's John Smith to be next MSU coach (12/19/02)--John Smith (link here to bio), age 54, head coach of the Lousiville Cardinals, may be MSU's next head football coach -- as reported by ESPN. Smith met with MSU officials on Wednesday, and word of the discussions impacted the Louisville players on the sidelines of last night's GMAC Bowl game. Louisville lost to Marshall, 38-15, to finish its season at 7-6. It was the Cardinals' worst season in five years and was disappointing for many who had high expectations (the Cardinals were ranked as high as #16 early in the season, and the ES had Louisville ranked #14 in the ES preseason poll.); last season Louisville was 11-2. Smith has been coach at Louisville for five seasons, amassing a record of 41-20. He was previously a coach at Utah State from 1995-97, with a 16-18 record, and at Idaho from 1989-94, with a 53-21 record. Smith is making roughly $800,000 annually at Louisville and currently has a contract through 2006. (NOTE: UCLA alum Karl Dorrell was hired as Bruin head coach earlier today). MSU trustee Joel Ferguson stated in the Lansing State Journal: "I'm stunned. I hope he doesn't accept it." Thanks for your support, as always Joel. You are a disservice to the MSU alumni and the MSU family. You are NOT a true Spartan. Louisville AD Tom Jurich told the Louisville Courier-Journal: "John got a call from MSU today. I wish they could have waited. It has become a bigger story than the game.... I haven't had a chance to chat about any of this with John. We are going to sit down and go over it today." Meanwhile top MSU recruit, Jehuu Caulcrick, of Clymer NY, stated he will remain with MSU despite the coaching vacancy. The LSJ stated: "MSU is still #1 by there is some worry on my part. And when they do get a new coach I have to see what his philosophies are." Link here to John Smith bio. Link here to ESPN article. Link here to LSJ article. Mason comments at Chicago alumni (12/18/02)--Ron Mason spoke to the MSU Alumni Club of Chicago yesterday. Here's what a Chicago alum had to say about Mason's address in regards to a new head football coach: "1.
Wants them to have head coaching experience, perferably college and has
been successful at multiple programs. Miles OUT; Price at 'Bama (12/18/02)--Oklahoma State's Les Miles, reportedly contacted by Ron Mason about the MSU coaching vacancy, has signed an extension with the Cowboys. He ain't goin' nowheres. Also, Washington State's Mike Price has been given the nod to be Alabama's next head coach, reportedly following the Rose Bowl game. So, now MSU is competing with UCLA and Wazzou for top coaching vacancies. Oklahoma State's Les Miles contacted by Mason (12/17/02)--The Lansing State Journal reports this morning that Oklahoma State head coach Les Miles has been contacted by MSU Athletic Director Ron Mason about the Spartans' head coaching vacancy. Oklahoma State is 7-5 and has defeated Oklahoma the past two seasons. Miles, a U-M alum, coached as an assistant at Michigan (1980-81, 87-95), Colorado (1982-86), Oklahoma State (1995-97) and the Dallas Cowboys (1998-2000) before getting the head coaching stint at OSU in 2000. Miles was quoted: "They're in a fact-finding mission. It's preliminary conversation... Honestly, I'd be flattered." Also, Mason stated in the article that "College coordinators can still be considered... The timetable hasn't changed much with the bowls and what's going on in college football... That makes a world of difference. But we knew it would." Link here for the full LSJ article. CR hauls in Belitnikoff; Coaching carousel (12/16/02)--Charles Rogers took home the Belitnikoff trophy on Thursday night as the nation's top wide receiver. On Friday, TE recruit Garret Bushong withdrew his verbal committment to MSU and has decided to attend Purdue. Bushong (6-5, 220) is ranked the top tight end in Michigan... however, this is one position that MSU seems loaded, with Eric Knott, Jason Randall and Ryan Woods. As to the coaching search, little has changed. In a Saturday piece in the LSJ, Athletic Director Ron Mason stated "it is not hurting us to wait [until Jan. 9]." Mason was referring to the dead-recruiting period between Dec. 23 and Jan. 9, when colleges are not allowed to contact recruits. More from Mason: "I don't think the plan has changed. A plan is in place. We're continuing to move forward with what we can do with the coaches still involved with their teams. I don't see anyhting happening overnight." And on Sunday, the LSJ detailed the need for loyalty in a new head coach, listing the fact that MSU has had seven coaches in the past 30 years... more than any other Big Ten school. From Mason: ""Michigan State is a stay-home position," Mason said. "I'm looking to bring someone here with credibility - an established coach." Link here for full LSJ article. Meanwhile, Mike Riley (NO Saints) turned down the job at Alabama and is seriously considering the top job at UCLA. And, our old friend Morris Watts has accepted the O-coordinator job at Mississippi State. Mason tells ESPN to shove it (12/13/02)--Gotta love Ron Mason's attitude. He told ESPN.com: "There's no rush,'' he said. "And I'm not talking about it any further at this point.'' When pressed, Mason stated: "No answers, period." Awesome! Screw ESPN and the press, take your time Ron and get it right. It's driving guys like Tim Staudt and Wojo at the DetNews crazy with wild speculation, most of it wrong. Link here to ESPN article. Meanwhile, speaking of Staudt, he's chimed in with Norv Turner's name and that Turner, brother of head coach Ron Turner at Illinois, would return to the college ranks at MSU. Norv Turner is 49 years old. Whatever, Staudt. You're in the clouds. All the while, Jim Leavitt re-signed a five-year deal to remain at South Florida... he's going nowhere. Take your time, Ron. You've got your list and your checking it twice. Gonna find out who's been naughty and nice. Mike Stoops is coming, to town! Lewis OUT as Spartan coaching candidate (12/13/02)--You kind of figured the longer this thing dragged out, the less likely Marv Lewis would be a candidate for the MSU job. Now, ESPN.com reports that Lewis has taken his name out of consideration. The article states that Lewis wants to pursue many of the expected NFL openings after this season. However, the tone of the article remains the same -- that unidentified sources stated MSU strongly pursued Lewis with an offer of $1.5 million per year and the ability to pursue an NFL job. The ES doubts this, just because it doesn't seem to be Mason's style. Mason wants someone who wants the MSU job, and has said it is a long-term committment. A hot pursuit of a candidate who may jump ship is in direct contradiction to his earlier statement of the worth of the MSU football coaching position. Look at my column, and the ES still says... think big. It will be a solid coach, and a big name that comes to MSU. It's a good thing Lewis is not coming to MSU... if you can't make up your mind, then it must not be in your heart. We need a coach with the desire to grab this challenge and turn MSU around. But, take your time and get the right guy, Mason. With a recruiting dead period between Dec 23 and January 9, there should be plenty of time for bowl games to be completed and a nice look at many candidates. Recruiting is already a wash, and we need the right coach for the job, who desires the job... not at the expense of a few recruits. Link here for ESPN article. Meanwhile, South Florida's Jim Leavitt has interviewed for the Alabama job. And, the Detroit News reports that Boston College's Tom O'Brien is not a candidate for the MSU job: "I am not intersted in Michigan State," stated O'Brien. Finally, top recruit LB Lamar Woodley of Saginaw has denied that MSU is not among his college prospects, contrary to earlier reports. MSU, Michigan, Oklahoma and USC are all among his final picks. Woodley, however, is losing patience with the coaching search: "I don't know why they don't have a coach yet, that's the problem." RB Jerome Jackson, a teammate of Woodley's, also is considering MSU but has the same reservations. He is ranked #15 by Rivals.com. The coaching carousel continues. Mason intensifies recruiting of Marv Lewis (12/12/02)--Jack Ebling may not like it, but it looks as if Ron Mason has Marvin Lewis square within his sights to be the next coach of MSU. Washington Post and ESPN report that Mason even had Izzo contact Lewis to make a strong sales pitch, and that the Spartans would allow Lewis to pursue NFL jobs while at the Spartans helm. An announcement could by made by Thursday if Lewis accepts. Link here - W. Post article Link here - ESPN. Meanwhile, ESPN announced that Bowling Green's Urban Meyer has accepted the job at Utah, and that Alabama is heavily pursuing South Florida coach Jim Leavitt. Marv Lewis still a candidate? (12/11/02)--The Lansing State Journal reports that Marvin Lewis has NOT taken his name out of consideration for the MSU coaching job, and Michigan State Athletic Director Ron Mason refused to rule him out, saying that Lewis is "one of 10 or 12 candidates." The paper reported that both sides are "feeling each other out," but that no offer had been made. The ES is thinking that Mason will bring in to interview as many on his list as possible before making a decision. With many coaches on Mason's wish list tied up in bowl games, and with a recruiting dead period between Dec. 23 and Jan. 9, it is likely a new coach will not be made until early January after all the bowl games have been completed. Speaking of recruiting, the LSJ reports that LB Lamarr Woodley of Saginaw has eliminated MSU from his list of potential schools. The Sporting News rates Woodley as the #1 recruit in the midwest. Ionia TE Garret Bushong, who has verbally committed to MSU, is also considering Purdue. Marv Lewis & MSU don't see eye to eye... Who's next? (12/10/02)--The Oakland Press cofirms Ebling's discussions this morning. Link here for a GREAT article... From the Oakland Press: "Indications are that Mason will not take a significant chance on an unproven coach. A bold move would probably not be on Mason's agenda. From Mason: "That's a little scary. I'm not looking to do that. I'm looking for somebody that has credibility and can get the job done. Bold strokes, that's for Mid-American Conference schools and Conference USA schools, I don't think that's for Michigan State. Look at (Mason's hockey coach successor) Rick Comley. A bold stroke would have been going out and getting some young guy that looks like he's got something going for himself. This isn't a training ground for anybody, somebody's got to have been there." LSJ beat writer Jack Ebling stated on his radio show this morning that Ron Mason has NOT offered the job to anyone. Ebling interviewed Mason for 30 minutes Monday night. Mason has not discussed any dollar figures with any candidate... all other reports about money are incorrect. However, according to Ebling, Mason stated that "there are still teams tied up in bowl games." Leads me to believe he is interested in college D1A coaches. We will likely have to wait longer, folks. Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis interviewed with MSU brass over the last 24 hours in East Lansing, but left still as an assistant with the Redskins. "I haven't offered the job to anyone," stated MSU Athletic Director Ron Mason in a LSJ article. "There is nobody out there who knows what is going on but me." ESPN NFL Gameday's Chris Mortensen stated on Monday night that Lewis has the MSU job if he wants it, but that he will likely remain with the Washington Redskins after the interview. The Lansing State Journal quotes Lewis upon his return to Washington DC: "I need to move forward with whatever it will be. I don't know what it is. But it's important for both parties to get the diretion, bring it to a head and go." According to the Detroit News, Lewis was offered a base salary of $1 million per year for five years... However, that is in direct contradiction to the quote attributed to Mason in the Lansing State Journal article. The article states that Lewis met with Peter McPherson and Ron Mason. About MSU, Lewis stated "I think they've got a great tradition. They're a Big Ten school. They've been successful. They've got a great academic standing as universities go, and I think they want to do things the right way." As to the search process, Mason stated: "Nowadays I'm not sure you can hire the perfect person," he said. "You've got to hire the best person at the time for Michigan State. My job is to put the right person in place and, if possible, to keep him there." The UCLA job has opened after the Bruins fired Bob Toledo on Monday. Alabama and UCLA are the Spartans' major competitor for a new head coach. Walt Harris at Pittsburgh has been mentioned as a contender for both the job at Michigan State and at Alabama. Harris and his bio are listed at #7 on the ES' coaching prospect list . Meanwhile, LSJ columnist Todd Schultz prints an extensive column on Tuesday's Sports section stating that Marv Lewis is not the answer because MSU needs a coach with previous D1A college head coaching experience. The past three coaches -- Perles, Saban and BW -- had no experience. However, the ES disagrees with this, because you rule out some great potential by limiting the diversity of the talent pool and the resumes you can accept. Under Schultz criteria, only Urban Meyer (Bowling Green), Jim Leavitt (S. Florida), Walt Harris (Pittsburgh) and Tom O'Brien (Boston Coll), Mike Belotti (Oregon), Frank Beamer (Va. Tech) make the criteria. With Schultz' criteria: no Lewis, no Stoops, no Shannon, no Williams. Link to LSJ article. Link to Detroit News article. Marv Lewis top candidate for Spartan coaching job (12/9/02)--ESPN NFL GameDay's Chris Mortensen reported on Sunday night that he is "99% sure" that Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Marv Lewis will be named the new Michigan State Spartan football coach. It was reported in Monday's Lansing State Journal that Lewis is expected to interview for the job as soon as this week. The Washington Post has confirmed this on their website. Redskins head coach Steve Spurrier stated that from Lewis, "there's a strong interest" in the position. The ES has had Marv Lewis rated anywhere from #2 to #6 on his new coaching prospect list since the search began. However, the Detroit News reported that Mason has not made an offer to Lewis, but that he is "one of 8 or 10 guys" on final selection list. Link here to Detroit News article. Link here to ESPN article. Link here to Lansing State Journal. Link here to Washington Post. Stadium Expansion/Luxury Boxes (12/9/02)--Meanwhile, the State News discussed the presentation made by university engineers to the Board of Trustees to expand Spartan Stadium with luxury boxes.
Link here for the full article. Marv Lewis/Redskins talk heats up (12/6/02)--CBSSportsline.com states "[Resdkins assistant Marvin] Lewis' agent has already discussed contract issues with Michigan State as part of the process." The article goes on to say that Lewis is unhappy with the Washington Redskins and is ready to turnaround a college program, possibly with the intent to make him a hot item for an NFL job in coming years. Link here for CBS Sportsline article. Marv Lewis would be a great addition to MSU, not only because he has strong ties to the NFL (recruits love that), and not only because he is an African-American (hey, there are only three others in D1 out there, so it will make MSU stand out, as it did with BW), but because HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING and is known commodity in coaching circles. However, the big concerns are: 1. he isn't from the college ranks; 2. he isn't a head coach; and, 3. he would leave early for an NFL career without the want to turn the Spartans into a dynasty. We shall see. The ES has Lewis at #6 on the ES coaching list (link here), with a bio. DeAntonio at Ohio St makes coaching hit list (12/6/02)--Dave Dye of the Detroit News has reported: "Michigan State Athletic Director Ron Mason said he has interviewed candidates, but he still could be several weeks from naming a new football coach." That being said, defensive coordinator Mark DeAntonio at Ohio State, has been mentioned as a contender for the job by The Scoop.com. DeAntonio was nominated for this year's Assistant Coach of the Year Award (awarded by American Football Coaches Assn; Randy Shannon of Miami-FL won last season) Meanwhile, the top job at Alabama has opened up, now that former coach Dennis Franchione will become the newest millionaire down at Texas A&M. It is important to note that Franchione himself stated reports of leaving Alabama were "idiotic;" and yet he has left the school. Don't be surprised that Jim Leavitt (S. Florida), Doug Williams (Grambling), and possibly Randy Shannon (Miami-FL) may have already been interviewed... among others. Alabama is now MSU's main competition. Other D1A openings include Baylor, Ball State, Tulsa, Utah, Wyoming... possibly Arizona, E. Carolina and UCLA (if they lose to Washington St on Saturday). Finally, interesting to note Tim Staudt on WILX-TV last night stating a denial of the report on Doug Williams of Grambling. Methinks the report is credible, as noone else has denied it. Poor, poor Timmy. Leavitt denies MSU contact; Grambling confirms MSU contacts Doug Williams (12/05/02)--Brett McMurphy, USF beat writer for the Tampa Bay Tribune, contacted the ES on Wednesday and stated that Leavitt has not been contacted by MSU officials. Meanwhile, the Lansing State Journal has reported, with confirmation, that former NFL QB and current D-1AA Grambling coach Doug Williams has been contacted by MSU officials. The LSJ reports that Mason is using headhunter Jed Hughes to help in preliminary screening. The Journal quotes Mason: 'I have no updates in terms of candidates, but we are moving favorably. Nothing has changed with the time frame. We'd like to do it sooner than later.... [Jed Hughes] may have talked to Doug Williams, but I haven't... There are still a lot of teams competing -- 56 in bowls... That has a major bearing on the college end. The pros are different. But ia all depends on who it is. They're a business, too." Doug Williams was quoted: "I can say I think it would be a great opportunity for whoever gets the job." Williams took over for the legendary Eddie Robinson in 1998, who recorded the most football wins in college football history. Williams has the Tigers as 10-1 this year after a 10-2 season last year. Williams' career record stands at 35-21. Link here for a Williams bio. Williams was the first black quarterback to be named Super Bowl MVP as the Redskins topped the Broncos in Super Bowl XXII (1988). Here is McMurphy's report on Leavitt's denial of MSU contact: "BRETT McMURPHY:: TAMPA - South Florida coach Jim Leavitt disputed a Lansing (Mich.) television report that he met with Michigan State athletic director Ron Mason about the vacant MSU job. WILX-TV reported Mason was in Tampa meeting with Leavitt. "I have not talked with any Michigan State officials," Leavitt said after Tuesday's practice. "The only people I've spoken to from Michigan State are my parents, who are Michigan State alums." On Nov. 23, USF athletic director Lee Roy Selmon said he would begin contract negotiations with Leavitt. There have been no developments while the school seeks a bowl bid. " It's important to note, however, that while Tim Staudt's report may be in error, it is also true that Leavitt would likely deny any meeting or contact that had been made. That being said, Mason may more likely be on vacation... or, is Randy Shannon at Miami-FL on his visitation list? Jim Leavitt at South Florida receives Mason visit (12/02/02)--As reported by WILX-TV's Tim Staudt earlier tonight, MSU Athletic Director Ron Mason has been spotted in Florida, reportedly to interview Jim Leavitt, head coach at University of South Florida. Click here for Leavitt bio. Leavitt, 46 years old, has posted a 44-26 record in his sixth year after starting the USF program from thin air. He has turned it into one of the surprising upstart programs in the nation. This season, USF is a 9-2 independent, with an impressive 29-7 home win over MAC Bowling Green on Nov. 16, and three wins over Conference USA schools: 31-28 over Memphis, 46-30 over East Carolina, and 16-13 over Southern Miss. The two losses this year were a competitive 31-14 loss to Oklahoma and a 42-3 blitzing at Arkansas. The USF Bulls have won seven straight games this season, and have won 19 in a row at home. Leavitt built the Kansas State defense from a pathetic pile of rubble after leaving Iowa in 1989, and handed the KSU defensive reigns to current Oklahoma assistant Mike Stoops when he left to start the USF program. The first four seasons of USF ball were in Division I-AA, where the Bulls were ranked in the national polls 24 straight weeks. Upon moving to Division I-A in 2001, the Bulls posted an 8-3 record (including a 35-26 win at Pittsburgh) followed by this years' 9-2 ranking. The ES puts Leavitt's accomplishments on the same level as the rise of Marshall Thundering Herd. The big negative is whether or not Leavitt is interested in leaving his native Tampa Bay roots behind for the colder climes of East Lansing. "Shortly after I was hired, I was speaking with Brigham Young coach LaVell Edwards," recalls Leavitt. "He told me that throughout his years at BYU, he had plenty of opportunities to move on to what some might perceive to be better coaching jobs. But, he told me, 'I never left, and you know why I didn't? It's because this is my home.' "He told me, 'Jim, you'll never want to leave the (USF) job, because you're going home.'" But, his attitude seems to be what the Spartans long for: "Leading the USF football program is much more than just a job," says Leavitt. "And it is much more than a task at hand. It is something that is a major part of my life, and it will always be that. I am going to do everything I can to build a program without illusions, without cutting corners, doing things the right way and bringing in coaches with character." Meanwhile, another coaching vacancy opened up as RC Slocum was fired at Texas A & M, which went 6-6 this season. The Aggies can be called the Spartans of the Big 12 -- annual underachievers. However, Frank Solich will remain at Nebraska despite an alarming 7-5 record posted in the Big Red state this season. Leach at Texas Tech contacted? (12/02/02)--No doubt the rumor mill will be in full swing over the next few weeks as the coaching search is now in full swing. If anyone has a sighting of Ron Mason on another campus, let the ES know... That being said, the Scoop.com reports today that Mike Leach (click here for bio) at Texas Tech has been contacted by MSU, Utah and Wyoming. Tech defeated Texas earlier this year and Leach has been the mentor for Kliff Klingsbury, an All-American QB. Leach, at age 41, had previous stints at Oklahoma (under Bob Stoops), Kentucky and Valdosta State. Leach has 22 wins the past three years, and an 8-5 mark this year... However, have we forgotten that this team was also trounced by Oklahoma and Ohio State this year? Or, is this just another unsubstantiated rumor??? BW buyout at $550K (11/27/02)--Michigan State University paid $550,000 to former head football coach Bobby Williams to buy out the remainder of his contract through June 2003. Enough said, end of story. Coaching Update: O'Brien contacted by MSU (11/27/02)--The Scoop.com reports that MSU has asked for permission to speak with Tom O'Brien at Boston College. In an extensive interview today with the Detroit News' Lynn Henning, Tim Staudt discussed all the variety of options and a timetable on a new Spartan football coach. Both agreed, and the ES concurs, that with all conference championships to be completed by December 8, don't be surprised to see a new Spartan head coach by December 15. Staudt stated his impression in his conversations with Mason that our new AD is looking for a proven commodity as a college coach. If that's the case, Mike Stoops (Oklahoma), Randy Shannon (Miami), O'Brien and Walt Harris (Pittsburgh) seem to jump to the top... with O'Brien and Harris both being head coaches in their mid-50's and Stoops a top assistant at age 39. Urban Meyer doesn't have the "proven commodity" label in just his third year at BGSU, but at 38 age is on his side. Both seemed to rule out Gary Barnett at Colorado, someone not even on the ES' list. The ES is still high on Stoops as the #1 man for the job. Also notable was a report in The State News that Ron Mason held his final advisory meeting on Nov. 19 with a panel of community & university leaders who provided input on what the next coach should embody. Lansing Mayor David Hollister was quoted as saying; "people really participated with all their energy and gave excellent input. Mason was very open and pleased." Meanwhile, the Mike Valenti radio show discussed the possibility of Boise State (currently #16/#19 ranking and 11-1) coach Dan Hawkins. However, the Broncos' coach is in his first gig and he's only been at it two years after taking over for Dirk Koetter, who is doing wonders at Arizona State. For more, check out the ES' coaching potential list here. Rogers to NFL -- Good Riddance (11/26/02)--Charles Rogers declared himself eligible for the NFL at the MSU Football Bust last night. He was also named the team's most valuable player. That's appropriate for a season of selfishness and disaster. Rogers' play was at times brilliant and at times selfish. One remembers a spectacular catch vs Notre Dame, but also remembers him dropping three critical passes as the Spartans were heating up in the third quarter of the same game. That was his mantra all season -- make the tough catches, drop the easy ones. The Spartans fastest player watched time and time again as interceptions were returned for TDs. No reason to expend energy to chase them down, right Chuck? And, an unwillingness to return kicks is the most fitting of all for the ES' award: Most Selfish Player. Good riddance, Chuck, you are a perfect fit for the NFL. MSU will be better off with someone who puts in 100% instead of some great talent like yourself who is selfish enough to decide when he wants to use that talent. Spartans' worst Big10 loss ever, fall 61-7 to JoePa (11/24/02)--I didn't have to say it. My wife's brother said it. One of my best buddies said it. Even my three-year old daughter said it. "Thank God the season is over." MSU lost, 61-7, to Penn State in the worst loss since a 63-0 to Michigan in 1922, and the Spartans' worst loss ever in Big Ten play. It was humiliating and the score says it all. The season finishes at 4-8 overall/2-6 in the Big Ten. Of note was Ziehl Kavanaght being suspended just prior to the game for breaking team rules -- he wouldn't have helped. And, the ES hopes Charles Rogers leaves... here's a guy who fumbled the handoff on a reverse in the first half and didn't even dive for the ball as two Nittany Lions sprawled on the carpet to recover his fumble. This is the same guy who has dropped the easy passes over the middle all year and who specifically asked not to return punts because he was afraid to be hurt and thus affect his NFL draft status. The ES says -- GOOD RIDDANCE to this great talent but also this poor example of a football player. The Spartans need less Charles Rogers and more David Richards. Larry Johnson needed just one half to cap his incredible season. Johnson ran for 279 yards and four touchdowns - all in the first half - and became the first Penn State back to top 2,000 yards rushing as the 15th-ranked Nittany Lions routed Michigan State 61-7 on Saturday. He finished the game with 2,015 yards for the season, making him just the ninth player in NCAA Division I-A history to run for 2,000 yards. His season average of 8.02 yards per carry broke the NCAA record of 7.8 set by Nebraska's Mike Rozier in 1983.
The Nittany Lions (9-3, 5-3 Big Ten) now wait to hear where they will play in their first bowl game since 1999. Ohio State's victory over Michigan earlier Saturday virtually guaranteed Penn State a spot in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando. For Michigan State (4-8, 2-6), the loss ends a season plagued by problems both on and off the field. The Spartans were ranked as high as No. 15, but collapsed midseason. Quarterback Jeff Smoker entered a substance-abuse program, and coach Bobby Williams was fired three weeks ago. Johnson didn't take long to get started. On Penn State's second possession, he went up the middle, then broke left for 20 yards to the Spartan 11-yard line. He took the next handoff up the middle and was stood up by safety Jason Harmon at the 4, but just muscled Harmon into the end zone for a 7-0 lead with 10:19 left in the first quarter. He also scored on runs of 11, 38 and 78 yards. Johnson added 10 yards receiving, giving him 341 yards for the season and breaking the Penn State season record for yards by receiving a running back. It was the 336th career win for Joe Paterno, who has more wins than any Division I-A coach. Zack Mills scored on a quarterback keeper, and Bryant Johnson scored twice in the second quarter, returning a punt 81 yards for a touchdown and catching a 41-yard touchdown pass from Mills to make it 28-0. Bryant Johnson finished with two catches for 57 yards and reached second place on Penn State's career yards receiving list with 2,008 yards. But minutes later, Larry Johnson again stole the spotlight. Mills faked a pitch left, then pitched right to Johnson. After running into a crowd on the right side, Johnson cut back across the field and sprinted away from everybody for a 78-yard touchdown run. Michigan State didn't score until the third quarter, when Jaren Hayes' 9-yard run up the middle made it 48-7. Charles Rogers broke his own school record for catches in a season with 68 after catching 67 last year. He finished the game with 64 yards on five receptions. Sean McHugh scored on a 2-yard run late in the third quarter, and Michael Robinson scored the final touchdown on a 2-yard run with 8:15 left in the game. Hawaii in future; Shurmur support? (11/21/02)--A report on Fox Sports Detroit on Wednesday night stated there was "significant support" from MSU athletic power players for Philadelphia Eagles' assistant coach Pat Shurmur to be considered for the MSU head football coaching job. The ES thinks that, although Shurmur is a die-hard Spartan, lack of a significant coaching resume and the need to start CLEAN (no previous Spartan ties) should put Shurmur out of consideration. The Michigan State Spartans have secured three games against the Hawaii Rainbows over the next five seasons; MSU will play at Hawaii on Dec 4, 2004 and Nov 24, 2007, and will play the Rainbows in Spartan Stadium on Sept 10, 2005. JoePa favored by 3 TDs over Spartans (11/18/02)--The Monday morning lines are out from Vegas, and the oddsmakers have Penn State a whopping 21 point home favorite over the Spartans; Ohio State is favored by 4.5 at home over the Wolverines; Illinois is favored by 10.5 at Northwestern; Purdue is favored by 21 at home against Indiana; and Wisconsin is a touchdown fave at home over Minnesota. Spartans drop 45-42 thriller to Purdue (11/16/02, msuspartans.com, MSU Media Relations)--Kyle Orton threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to John Standeford with three minutes remaining to rally Purdue past Michigan State 45-42 in a seesaw game Saturday. Orton, who came off the bench to lead the Boilermakers to a 24-14 win over Michigan State a year ago in West Lafayette, Ind., replaced starter Brandon Kirsch on fourth-and-8 and threw the winning score. Kirsch was knocked out on a hard hit by Mike Labinjo. Orton connected with Taylor Stubblefield on the 2-point conversion for the final margin. Michigan State (4-7, 2-5 Big Ten) advanced past midfield on its next possession but turned the ball over on downs with 1:13 to go. Kirsch ran for 125 yards and a touchdown and threw for a pair of scores. It was the seventh time a Purdue quarterback ran for 100 yards and the first since 1992. Kirsch also completed 13 of 25 passes for 208 yards, but two of his four interceptions were returned for touchdowns by Thomas Wright and DeMario Suggs. The Boilermakers (5-6, 3-4), known for their passing, dominated on the ground. They gained 307 yards on 66 attempts and finished with 555 yards of total offense. A win next week against Indiana will make Purdue bowl-eligible for the sixth straight year. The loss ended the Spartans' hopes of a postseason berth. Saturday's game was the second for interim head coach Morris Watts, who took over for the fired Bobby Williams and led the Spartans to a 56-21 win over Indiana last week. David Richard put the Spartans ahead 42-37 on a 10-yard run with 7:43 left. The 2-point conversion failed. The Boilermakers went ahead 37-36 on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Kirsch to Anthony Chambers on a fourth-down play with 11:11 remaining in the game. The extra point, which was pushed back because of a personal foul penalty on Purdue, was no good. The Spartans took a 36-31 lead when Wright intercepted Kirsch's pass and returned it 57 yards for a score. The 2-point conversion attempt failed. Purdue went ahead 31-23 when Jerod Void's 1-yard touchdown plunge capped a 15-play, 77-yard drive at 2:18 of the third. Michigan State drew to 31-30 when Charles Rogers caught a 65-yard TD pass from Damon Dowdell with 1:59 remaining in the third. Rogers finished with eight catches for 161 yards and two scores. The Boilermakers took a 24-17 lead into halftime. Standeford finished with five catches for 136 yards and went over the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the season. The Boilermakers scored the game's first touchdown when Joey Harris raced around right end, stiff-armed Wright and made his way into the end zone for a 24-yard score in the first quarter, putting Purdue ahead 7-3. Smoker makes statement (11/15/02)--Jeff Smoker made an official statement, and apology, before the media yesterday regarding his off the field problems. In a nutshell, Smoker admitted to abusing more than one substance, went through an inpatient treatment center and continues to receive outpatient treatment, and is "willing to do whatever it takes to become a Spartan again." Smokerstated he felt he was partially responsible for the dismissal of former head coach Bobby Williams and is disappointed in himself for making poor decisions. "I apologize to my teammates, friends, family, coaches, fans, young kids... everyone who looked to me." Good job, Smoker! Thanks for coming out and making a statement... hopefully it will help inspire the team on Saturday. ES:
MSU to beat Boilers, (11/14/02)--Why should MSU win this week, you say... is the ES nuts? Well, we're talking about the Spartans here, and there is rarely any rhyme or reason to how they play on the field and their outcomes... Link here to check out the full Game Day preview for this Saturday's season home finale, including depth charts, predictions, scenarios, MSU vs. Purdue statistics, injury reports, and position breadkdowns. Mason convenes search committee; Smoker not to return (11/12/02)--MSU AD Ron Mason convened his football coach search advisory committee yesterday in an effort to bring community members into the process to help determine the qualities and characteristics desired in a new coach. Included on the 20-member panel are Lansing Mayor David Hollister, East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows, Lansing School Superintendent Sharon Banks, LSJ Publisher Michael Kane, former coach Hank Bullough and former player Josh Thornhill, as well as student-athletes and MSU academic representatives. Mason will still run the search process and select the new coach. It was also announced yesterday that Jeff Smoker will not be returning to the team in 2002. Mason appeals to Ralph Young supporters (11/12/02)--In a letter mailed to all the contributors to the Ralph Young Fund (roughly 6,000 letters), Spartan Athletic Director Ron Mason appealed for support as the search for a new football coach begins. The ES says... keep up the good work, Ron! This is a piece of public relations genius to keep those closest to MSU in the loop... Here are some excerpts: " I have coached for 36 years under a banner of 'Commitment to Excellence' and I expect nothing less from our other sports... In the near future, I will hire a football coach who will reflect that commitment and represent MSU in a way that will make us all proud... continuing support will be necessary as we move forward in our effort to have the best athletic program possible in the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA." The Lansing State Journal reported today that Mason will alone make the choice for the new coach. However, today he plans to "convene a panel of 10 to 15 community members who may have some role in the process." Boilers favored by 4.5 (11/11/02)--Purdue opens as a 4.5-point fave at Michigan State this Saturday; Ohio State is favored by 9.5 at Illinois; Penn State is favored by 19.5 at Indiana; Iowa is favored by 10 at Minnesota; there is no line for Michigan-Wisconsin due to questionable status of Badgers' Sorgi, Ballinger and Davis. It has also been announced that the Nov. 23 contest at Penn State is slated for a 3:30 pm EST kickoff and will be televised by ABC. Spartans romp, 56-21, over Hoosiers (11/10/02, MSU Media Relations, www.msuspartans.com)--BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Damon Dowdell, Charles Rogers and the rest of Michigan State's beleaguered team made Morris Watts' head coaching debut a success by defeating Indiana 56-21 Saturday. Starting for the third straight game in place of suspended quarterback Jeff Smoker, Dowdell passed for four touchdowns and ran for another score as the Spartans snapped a four-game losing streak. Rogers set a school record with his 24th and 25th career touchdown receptions. He also set up two other TDs with end-around runs of 41 and 25 yards during a 35-point second quarter that blew the game open for the Spartans (4-6, 2-4 Big Ten). Watts was promoted from offensive coordinator to interim coach after Bobby Williams was fired on Monday - two days after the Spartans endured their worst defeat since 1947 in a 49-3 loss to Michigan. Adding more embarrassment, Smoker's family announced he was undergoing treatment for substance abuse, and leading rusher Dawan Moss was kicked off the team for being arrested in a traffic dispute. Despite all that, Watts had a fairly easy test for his first game as head coach. Indiana (3-7, 1-5) tied the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter on a 7-yard run by Chris Taylor. But the Hoosiers went three-and-out on their next three possessions and gave up the ball on downs on their next series, with Michigan State scoring quickly after each one. Dowdell was 17-of-25 for 203 yards, while Rogers had five receptions for 102 yards. Freshman David Richard took over the bulk of the ball-carrying and picked up 136 yards and one touchdown, the fourth of Michigan State's five scores in the second period. Three of the Spartans' five TDs in the second quarter took 41 seconds or less. First, the 41-yard gain by Rogers and a 20-yard pass to Jason Randall set up a 1-yard TD pass to Eric Knott for a 14-7 lead. It took the Spartans just three plays to score again, with Rogers leaping into the end zone for a 36-yard reception and a 21-7 lead. That touchdown tied him with Kirk Gibson (1975-78) for the Michigan State career record. The next time the Spartans got the ball, it took just two plays to score, with a 48-yard run by Richard setting up the first of Jaren Hayes' two TDs. After Richard's touchdown made it 35-7, Michigan State got the ball back when Mike Labinjo intercepted a pass by Indiana's Gibran Hamdan and returned it 18 yards to the Hoosiers 23. Dowdell then passed 17 yards to Rogers to set up a 6-yard TD run by Hayes with 41 seconds left and a 42-7 lead at the half. Indiana scored late in the period after Tommy Jones replaced Hamdan at quarterback and threw a 30-yard TD pass to Glenn Johnson. The Hoosiers' final touchdown came on a 4-yard run by Yamar Washington with three minutes left in the game. Discussion of Mike Stoops (11/6/02)--The ES is really high on Mike Stoops, the defensive co-coordinator at Oklahoma. On the Huge Radio Show last night (sports talk out of Grand Rapids), he interviewed Randy Hines, sports commentator for WWLS in Norman, Oklahoma. Stoops is VERY interested in the MSU job. Here's some of Hines on Stoops: "... Mike Stoops is ready. He is a very hands on coach. He'll scream on the sidelines, but he also can come down to earth.... Stoops expressed serious interest in the MSU and UCLA jobs earlier in the year if they were to come open... He has been a big part of his brother's success at Oklahoma.... Stoops is from Iowa and knows the Big Ten. He'd like a Big Ten opportunity." On Wednesday ESPN-Chat, the ES asked Beano Cook to choose from Stoops, Meyer or Shannon. Q: "Beano, you're building a college team from scratch at the D1-A level. You have ONLY THREE coaches to choose from: Mike Stoops, Randy Shannon, or Urban Meyer. Who do you choose? A - Beano Cook: (3:48 PM ET ) Mike Stoops...not an easy call. They are all qualified." Lee Corso on Stoops: "The No. 1 candidate on that staff is associate head coach/co-defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. He has the charisma and knowledge of his brother and OU head coach Bob Stoops, and would be a good choice for any program looking to hire a new head coach." BW FIRED BY MASON!!! (11/4/02)--At an impromptu press conference called at 7:45 pm Monday night, MSU Athletic Director Ron Mason fired Spartan head football coach Bobby Williams. According to Ron Mason in the press conference, the last straw was when Bobby Williams responded "I don't know" when asked if he had lost the team. As Mason stated: "If he wasn't sure, who was? To me, that was the most defining moment." Mason added: "There was no one incident, event, episode or game thtat determined my conclusion. Cumulatively, you could look and see what direction the program was gonig." Mason discussed the difficulty of the decision as BW was a coaching colleague and a friend. Offensive coordinator Morris Watts will take over the reigns of the football program through the remainder of the season, and the entire coaching staff will be relieved at seasons end. Watts, 64 years old and a 42-year career assistant, will not consider the job permanently. Watts stated: "it's a difficult day for me. I've always prided myself in loyalty to the coaches I've worked for. And I'm torn between loyalty to Bobby and to the program and university." Mason and Williams agreed to a buyout on Sunday for $218,400, one year on BW's contract. The team was informed immediately after practice on Monday... with many players understandably upset. However, the players don't buy season tickets, give to the Ralph Young Fund, nor do the players have much to show this year after being pummelled for four games in a row. Take your medicine, boys, and get well. You've got a game on Saturday. MSU trustee Joel Ferguson foamed at the mouth last night, also as expected. "What is now incredlby disappointing to me is that MSU, under the cover of night, has decided to ignore the facts, ignore the precedent, and damage its reputation of fairness and commitment to diversity." Mr. Ferguson, you are 100% wrong, and should be removed from office immediately (see petition). Just because you had no input on the athletic department for the first time ever, YOU are the one who is crying. And, it was NOT under the cover of night. This decision was made over a full season of watching the team crumble before our very eyes. Mr. Ferguson, you are blind and deaf when it comes to reality here. As to the question of race, Mason stated: "I couldn't look at the decision from [race]. My job is to do what's in the best interests of our department, the football program and the university." Recruiting (from Lansing State Journal) Lamar Woodley (LB, 6-3, 200, Saginaw HS) is rated the No. 3 LB in the country by Rivals100.com. Woodley was surprised by the firing of BW, but still is considering MSU, Michigan and USC. Jerome Jackson (RB, 6-0, 195, Saginaw HS) is rated the No. 15 RB in the country by Rivals100.com. Jackson stated "That's bad, I really liked him." However, Jackson still lists MSU, Michigan and Purdue as his top choices. Garret Bushong (TE, 6-5, 230, Ionia HS) is rated the No. 8 TE in the country by Rivals100.com and #13 by Tom Lemming. He had already committed to MSU, but will now take offers from Purdue and Illinois. Go STATE! Moss kicked off team; Smoker family talks; Indiana favored by 3... what a mess (11/4/02)--Indiana is a 3-point favorite at home over MSU (when was the last time Indiana was favored over State???); Iowa is favored by 28 home over Northwestern; Ohio State is favored by seven at Purdue; Michigan is favored by 5.5 at Minnesota; Illinois vs. Wisconsin has no line. Spartan senior TB Dawan Moss has been kicked off the MSU football team following an early Sunday morning (12:15 am) arrest with felony charges for DWI, resisting arrest, and fleeing police. He was arrested outside the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing, with his car blocking Michigan avenue. BW stated: "This type of behavior will not be tolerated... I'm disapointed in Dawan's actions because he was seen as one of our team leaders." Last summer, Moss was conviced of drunken driving in Mississippi; he also has two speeding tickets and a suspension on his record.... Moss: how dumb can you be? Good thing BW was so loyal to Moss by continuing to give him the football and make him the starter despite Moss' lack of speed and agility. Isn't it lovely how Moss repaid BW's loyalty? What a joke. Obviously, many of the players have given up on the season as well as coach Williams... If a team captain (Moss) behaves this way, what about the other players? How many more times will we see this before the season is out? Now, two of the teams' captains -- LEADERS to which the other players are supposed to emulate -- are no longer available to the team. Is this how you spell support for your coach? Since last week, FIVE significant Spartan players (Smoker, Cooper, Bradley, Taplin, Moss) have either been disciplined or have left the team. It is painfully obvious that BW has no control over his players -- nor their handpicked captains -- as the season winds down. If the play on the field was bad enough, aren't the actions off the field enough to dismiss BW? What does it take, folks? This coach has NO CONTROL over the players and many have NO RESPECT for him... otherwise, these off-field troubles would not happen. IT IS EMBARASSING! Meanwhile, the Lansing State Journal reports that the Smoker family issued a statement yesterday. The family stated -- as many of us knew for weeks -- that the junior signalcaller has a substance abuse problem: "Jeff apparently has been fighting this battle alone for sometime now. When BW and staff became aware of the problems, they took action immediately." Will someone please tell me why BW is so special that we should keep him as coach with this many problems on and off the field? Will one more year really make a difference? Will BW really pull a rabbit out of a hat and take MSU to an improved record next year? Why prolong the inevitable? BW should be dismissed following the season. When was the last time the Spartans had this many problems off the field, and was being pummelled this badly on the field? Is there no hope? We need to start from a clean slate. It is very, very ugly, and the CEO needs to take responsibility. BW is a Bust. MSU suffers worst loss since 1947, plastered 49-3 by Michigan (11/3/02, MSU Media Relations, msuspartans.com)--John Navarre threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score as No. 15 Michigan beat Michigan State 49-3 Saturday, the Wolverines' biggest win over their in-state rival since 1947. The Wolverines (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) bounced back from their worst loss at home in 35 years, a 25-point setback to Iowa. The Spartans (3-6, 1-4) have lost four straight by an average of 28.5 points. Last year, Michigan State beat Michigan 26-24 as time expired in a game that featured a timekeeping dispute. There was no controversy Saturday - just a rout. Michigan scored 21 straight points to take control early in the second quarter and added four TDs in the second half. Navarre was 16-of-27 for 229 yards and no interceptions, and accounted for four TDs. B.J. Askew scored two touchdowns and set career-highs with 149 yards rushing on 32 carries. Ronald Bellamy caught five passes for a career-high 124 yards and two TDs. Damon Dowdell, making his second start in place of suspended quarterback Jeff Smoker, was 15-of-34 for 178 yards. Charles Rogers caught four passes for 75 yards. Things went well in the first few minutes for Michigan State. The Spartans forced Michigan to go three-and-out on its first possession, then Dave Rayner made a 39-yard field goal. The Wolverines seized control with three straight touchdowns. Navarre converted two third downs with passes in an 11-play drive that was capped by Askew's 2-yard scoring run on a fourth down. Navarre scored on a 1-yard plunge late in the first quarter and found Bellamy with a 38-yard TD pass in the second to give the Wolverines a 21-3 lead. In the third quarter, Navarre threw a 12-yard TD pass to Bennie Joppru and a 47-yard scoring pass to Bellamy. Askew's 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter put Michigan ahead 42-3. Michigan State drove the ball deep into Michigan territory twice in the fourth quarter, but failed to convert on fourth down. Tim Bracken's 5-yard TD run with 1:03 completed the scoring and gave Michigan its most lopsided win over the Spartans since a 55-0 victory in 1947. Michigan cornerback Marlin Jackson deflected his 15th pass of the season, tying Charles Woodson's school record. Taplin suspended (10/31/02)--The MSU Athletic Department has announced tonight that junior DE Greg Taplin has been suspended for the Michigan game for violating team rules. SOS - Support Our Spartans! (10/31/02)--Cheer on the Spartans at 4:00 pm tomorrow (Friday) at the Duffy Daugherty Building as they hit the road for Ann Arbor in the annual rivalry. Be one of the hundreds on hand to root on the troops as they leave to take on our arch-nemesis, UM, this Saturday. Go STATE! RUMORS ARE RUMORS!!! (10/31/02)--Hey, people, wake up!!!! Give Jeff Smoker and the Spartans a break with all these rumors!!! They are all false! Smoker could use our support and not having his name trashed in the mud... He may have made some poor decisions, but this is way out of proportion. Give Smoker the benefit of the doubt... innocent until proven guilty. He's a student and a human being FIRST, a football player SECOND. Until Smoker or MSU makes a statement, don't believe it! Go STATE!!! Beat Michigan! ES predicts MSU to fall, 34-10 (10/30/02)--MSU will play a bit more inspired this week, but with all of the stuff going on off the field, it will be near impossible for the squad to focus on what needs to be done to win in Ann Arbor. Additionally, as coach BW has admitted himself this week, he is disappointed with his own peformance as coach because of how low the Spartans have fallen. That's not much of an endorsement for coming out of Ann Arbor with a victory. Link here for your official game day preview, with 2-deeps, predictions, position breakdowns, and statistics... Smoker arraigned? rumors abound... more info on Spartan problems (10/30/02)--This is a bunch of hogwash. Much of what you all have been reading the past few weeks CANNOT be confirmed. The rumors of Smoker being arraigned today seem to be false (see below). It is important to put everything into perspective and understand that the swirling rumors are just that... rumors... until Smoker comes out publicly and discuss the situation. It was reported earlier that, "according to several reports from media outlets across Michigan, including WDIV-TV in Detroit and as discussed on the Tim Staudt radio show, junior Spartan QB Jeff Smoker will reportedly be arraigned today in US Federal Court in Grand Rapids." However, there has been no report of Smoker in federal court. On the Sports Page on 92.7-FM this morning, Lansing State Journal reporter Jack Ebling stated tha "there is talk that James Cooper failed a drug test." In today's LSJ, Cooper's father stated | |
Smith
wants new unis, retires #1
John
Smith press conference