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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 | |
Spartans handle Broncos, 26-21 (08/30/03)--The ES is at a wedding in Lake Tahoe, but consulted with field reporter CHock Sunday morning for the skinny on the Spartans in their 26-21 victory over WMU yesterday. Report by Chock: "The Spartans were in control of the game throughout, but didn't shine. Once again, MSU played down to the level of its opponent -- but at least they pulled off the victory. The offense has potential, and moved the ball well in the first half but ground to a halt in the second half. No one player shined on offense, and the receiving corps was adequate. However, John L. has done a tremendous job with coaching fundamentals -- MSU receivers blocked well downfield to open up signifcant yardage for running after the catch (witness Shabaj's TD catch). Trannon ain't no Charles Rogers, but he is a good blocker. Smoker made a few boneheaded plays -- a poor INT early and missing a wide open TD to Trannon late -- but overall he played well (Smoker was 21-34 for 324 yards and 3 TDs on the afternoon). The running game was adequate (Dortch had 58 yards on 16 carries). Defensively, MSU is much improved over last year in fundamentals -- great open field tackling all game long. However, they were burned often by the long ball and the coaching staff seemingly didn't adjust to the Broncos' constant barrage of passing and crossing routes. MSU's run defense looked stronger (holding WMU to just 14 yards rushing) and the Spartans had a significant pass rush all day long without much blitzing. Kudos to improved work along the defensive front. Overall, it was nothing to write home about... but we have something to hang our hats on." Here is the full report from MSU Media Relations (msuspartans.com): " Jeff Smoker returned from a five-game suspension for substance abuse to set a pair of Michigan State career passing records and led the Spartans to a season-opening 26-21 win over Western Michigan on Saturday. Smoker flourished in new coach John L. Smith's spread offense, completing 21-of-34 passes for 324 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He threw scoring passes of 59, 50, and 21 yards in a game that featured 84 throws and lasted 31⁄2 hours. Chad Munson went 30-of-50 for 333 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in what also was the Broncos' season opener. Munson connected with Greg Jennings on a 12-yard TD pass with 30 seconds remaining in the game, but the outcome already had been decided. Smith, who was brought in to resurrect a program that stumbled to a 4-8 mark a season ago, did what Duffy Daugherty, Muddy Waters and Nick Saban could not: win his Spartans' opener. Smith lost his first game in previous stops at Idaho, Utah State and Louisville. Smoker, who looked comfortable in running an offense that routinely involved four- and five-receiver sets, surpassed Ed Smith for the Spartans' total offense record on a 59-yard TD pass to Kyle Brown in the second quarter that put Michigan State ahead 14-7. He set a new school passing yardage mark in the fourth quarter when his 53-yard completion to Aaron Alexander moved him past Dave Yarema's previous record of 5,809. Smoker was kicked off the team last season, but Smith reinstated him with no assurances of regaining the top spot. He eventually won over Smith and was named the starter earlier this month, beating out Damon Dowdell and Drew Stanton. Tyrell Dortch also made a strong return to the Michigan State lineup, gaining 58 yards on 16 carries nearly two years after breaking his leg at Wisconsin. Dortch underwent four operations in 16 days in 2001 after breaking his right tibia and fibula while defending a pass in Madison. He landed awkwardly, and both bones snapped 3 inches above his right ankle. His foot flopped to the right at roughly a 90-degree angle. Dortch's counterpart at Western, Phil Reed, gained 54 yards on 14 carries, including a 2-yard scoring run that tied the game at 14 early in the second quarter. The Spartans went ahead 23-14 when Agim Shabaj caught a pass from Smoker across the middle, sprinted across the field and then down the sideline for a 21-yard score. Shabaj scored the game's first TD, a flanker screen from Smoker that went 50 yards. Michigan State, which did not feature names on the back of the players' jerseys for the first time since 1980, has won 10 straight games against teams from the Mid-American Conference." ES previews through August Beginning July 3, the ES will post previews on a pair of teams on the 2003 Spartan schedule each week. WMU and Rutgers are featured this week. Click back here each week for ES previews: 7/3
- WMU, Rutgers AP Poll Out: Okies again #1 (8/16/03): Penn
State preview... (08/26/03) - Link here for the preview of the JoePas. MSU head coach John L. Smith has stated that Tyrell Dortch will get the starting nod at tailback vs. Western Michigan on Saturday. Along the defensive front, Greg Taplin, Kyle Rasmussen, Brandon McKinney and Clifford Dukes will lead the charge. Monquiz Wedlow will be the BANDIT, while Robert Flagg -- recently reinstated to the team -- will back-up Flagg. Updated depth chart: link here. LOSSES
TO SPARTANS BIG
TEN FAVORITES Spartans a 14-point fave over Western (08/24/03) - MSU opens the John L. Smith era as a 14-point favorite over WMU. ES previews Wisky, OSU, and the Wolves (08/24/03) - Previews are now up for Ohio State (National Chumps), and the Wisconsin Badgers (Wisky). Link here to check out the scUM preview... the ES figures it should be a pretty good battle between these two rivals; MSU has won its last four home contests vs. Michigan, and on Nov. 1 it will be John L's turn to work the magic... OSU's Clarett suspended Also, Ohio State's star running back, Maurice Clarett, reportedly has received a minimum six-game suspension by the NCAA; he has been investigated for false insurance claims as well as possible preferential treatment in class. ESPN.com for more. Smoker gets starting nod (08/16/03) - Looks like the 65% of those who voted in the latest ES poll that Smoker would be named the starter were right... John L. Smith in as much gave the senior signal caller the green light to start on the August 30 opener vs. Western Michigan. John L. stated that there has been significant separation in the performance of Smoker as compared to Stanton and Dowdell; especially in the latest scrimmage (see below). At running back, surprisingly Jason Teague "has graded out the highest" and is in the lead for the starting role. The ES expects that to change in time, and both Dortch and Hayes will likely see plenty of reps throughout the season. The running game, and the offensive line, are so weak -- and the new offensive "spread" schemes favor passing -- that Spartan fans shouldn't expect much success running in 2003.
(08/16/03) - Looks like John L. is gonna put all his bags in one basket for 2003 -- OFFENSE. Hopefully, we will just score at will and pray other teams can't keep up. In today's scrimmage, Jeff Smoker through 4 TDs, Damon Dowdell threw another, Tyrell Dortch ran one in on the ground, and special teams ran two back for TDs on kick returns (Brown-95 yards, Shabaj 83 yards). Both Kyle Brown and Matt Trannon impressed at wideout. Also, Dave Rayner hit 4 field goals, two from 48, one from 52, a 40-yarder, and missed a 54 yarder wide left. Looks like Brandon Fields may have taken the starting punting job away from Jason Daily. But, lets read between the lines. When John L. says: "the offensive line did a good job of pass protection, " the ES reads -- WE STILL HAVE NO PASS RUSH FOR THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW. The running game amassed only 40 yards... good thing we're a passing team now, right? Obviously, pass defense is the Big Green's biggest weakness, and it was very much exposed today. But, the ES is impressed that the offense is back on track... And, expect Smoker to get the starting nod. He's head and shoulders above the rest right now, especially after a sub-par performance from Stanton. Here is the official report from MSU Media Relations at msuspartans.com: With temperatures in the low-80s, Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith sent his football team through a 125-play "controlled" scrimmage in Spartan Stadium Saturday, Aug. 16. It marked the Spartans' second scrimmage in the last five days. The Spartan offense started the two-hour scrimmage with a bang, scoring touchdowns on four of its first five possessions. "I was really pleased with the operation of the offense," Smith said. "The quarterbacks really didn't press the clock. They got the play signaled in, made the call in the huddle, got to the line of scrimmage and into the right formation. The offense came out and moved up and down the field." Jeff Smoker (6-3, 224, Sr.) completed 11-of-19 throws for 194 yards and four TDs. Smoker's first three series all resulted in scoring passes. He capped a five-play, 65-yard drive with a 38-yard TD strike to Agim Shabaj (5-10, 194, So.). His next pass attempt produced a score, a 60-yard bomb to Ziehl Kavanaght (5-11, 180, Sr.). Smoker's 47-yard completion to Shabaj set up his third TD toss, a 13-yarder to Kyle Brown (6-1, 205, So.). He added a 5-yard TD pass to Jason Randall (6-5, 255, Jr.) on third-and-goal late in the scrimmage.
"Jeff Smoker had a big day throwing the football," Smith said. "Jeff is beginning to let the offense work for him. He feels more comfortable with the offense every time he steps on the field. Jeff threw the ball well and didn't try to force any balls. Give the offensive line credit because the front did a good job in pass protection, allowing Jeff time to find the open receiver." Damon Dowdell (6-1, 225, Jr.) and Drew Stanton (6-3, 222, R-Fr.) also took snaps with the first-team offense. Dowdell hit five-of-10 passes for 85 yards, including a 66-yard scoring strike to Matt Trannon (6-6, 228, So.). His 16-yard completion to Samuel Champagne (6-3, 210, Fr.) set up a first-and-goal at the 4. Three plays later, Tyrell Dortch (5-10, 203, Jr.) scored on a 3-yard run around left end. Stanton connected on four-of-12 passes for 59 yards, including a 35-yard completion to Trannon. Trannon and Kavanaght had four receptions each for 104 and 74 yards, respectively. Ten different receivers caught at least one pass. "I'm excited about what our receivers did today," Smith said. "They stepped up, competed and made plays. The receiving corps has made great strides since the opening of preseason camp. "Matt Trannon displayed some big-play ability today and quite honestly, that's something that had been missing from our passing game. Matt really competed for the football and made some great catches. Hopefully, his performance removes any question marks he had in his mind. Now, he realizes that he doesn't have to be wide open to make plays. Matt adjusted well to the ball in the air and gave great effort going after it." The offense generated 382 total yards, but only 44 yards on the ground. "The offense got a little sloppy during the second half of the scrimmage," Smith said. "The offense needs to become more productive in the red zone. The running game was almost nonexistent. We need a running back to elevate his game and take charge. Right now, there's little separation between the runners. I hate the running back by committee approach. We're going to put some pressure on these guys and see who responds to the challenge." Senior linebacker Mike Labinjo recorded four tackles for losses (13 yards).
SAM linebacker Mike Labinjo (6-1, 252, Sr.) recorded four tackles for losses (13 yards). Defensive end Clifford Dukes (6-3, 264, Jr.) continued his steady play, posting two tackles for losses (3 yards) including a sack (2). Cornerback Darren Barnett (6-0, 181, So.) ended a late scoring threat, intercepting Dowdell's pass attempt in the end zone on the final play. "With the quick scores the offense put on the board, the defense was back on its heels, but the unit came back and executed much better during the second half of the scrimmage," Smith said. "The defense played its best in red-zone and goal-line situations. The players responded when their backs were against the wall, and that's a positive sign. "The defense needs to play with great abandon and attitude. Right now, we don't take that approach every play. We need someone to step up and take control on the defensive side of the ball. "Despite giving up some big plays in the passing game, I'm still very pleased with the development of our cornerbacks." Placekicker Dave Rayner (6-2, 203, Jr.) converted four-of-five field-goal attempts, hitting from 40, 52 and twice from 48 yards. His 54-yard attempt had the distance but sailed wide left. "We did a lot of good things on special teams today," Smith said. "Dave Rayner made all but one of his field-goal attempts. Dave has had a great preseason camp, and he's really improved his accuracy. Sometimes, he still doesn't trust his leg enough. Dave has a powerful leg, so he just needs to have the confidence to swing through the ball and let it go." Brandon Fields (6-5, 219, R-Fr.) averaged 47.3 yards on three punts, including a 58-yarder, while Jason Daily (6-2, 179, Sr.) averaged 37.2 yards on two kicks. "The punting job is up for grabs," Smith said. "Brandon Fields is really pushing Jason Daily for the starting role. Brandon is fantastic from an operation standpoint, handling the snap and getting the ball away. He has a strong leg, but needs to improve his consistency." Michigan State's special teams accounted for two touchdowns in Saturday's scrimmage, with Kyle Brown returning a kickoff 93 yards and Shabaj bringing back a punt 85 yards. "We got some production for our return game today," Smith said. "Both Kyle Brown and Agim Shabaj do a good job of catching the football and then running down hill with it. We need to create some game-winning scores from our return game this fall." Under new NCAA legislation, prohibiting consecutive days of double sessions, the Spartans continue alternating between double and single workouts through Friday, Aug. 22. Michigan State has two practices scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 17 (9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. EDT). Michigan State opens the 2003 season Saturday, Aug. 30 against Western Michigan at 3:40 p.m. EDT in Spartan Stadium. ESPN Plus will televise the game on a regional basis. Here is the report from the first scrimmage on August 12: In the Aug. 12 scrimmage, quarterbacks Jeff Smoker (6-3, 224, Sr.), Damon Dowdell (6-1, 225, Jr.) and Drew Stanton (6-3, 222, R-Fr.) took turns running the first and second units. Smoker completed seven-of-13 throws for 65 yards. He capped an 11-play, 55-yard drive with a 1-yard sneak for a touchdown. Smoker hit four-of-five passes for 38 yards during the series, including a 20-yard completion to running back Jaren Hayes (5-9, 184, So.) on third-and-12 that kept the drive alive. He also directed an 11-play, 39-yard drive that resulted in Dave Rayner's (6-2, 203, Jr.) 18-yard field goal. Dowdell connected on five-of-11 passes for 87 yards, including TD strikes of 49 yards to Jerramy Scott (5-10, 185, So.) and 8 yards to Agim Shabaj (5-10, 194, So.). On his second series, Dowdell got sacked three times for 26 yards. Stanton completed three-of-six passes for 13 yards. He led a seven-play, 50-yard drive that produced Jason Teague's (5-9, 189, So.) 14-yard TD run. "The offensive tempo has improved throughout the week , and we expect to see that as players gain confidence in executing the package," Smith said. Scott and Shabaj had three receptions each for 73 and 14 yards, respectively. Eleven different receivers caught at least one pass. Freshman Kris Bush (5-11, 184) paced a well-balanced ground attack with 51 yards on six carries, including a 19-yard TD run on the final play from scrimmage. Teague picked up 45 yards on seven rushes, while Bobo Brown (5-9, 204, Fr.) contributed 34 yards on seven attempts. "We were pleased with the performance of our freshman running backs in the first scrimmage," Smith said. "Bobo Brown ran hard, and Kris Bush showed good vision in following his blocks. "We have to get Tyrell Dortch (5-10, 203, Jr.) some snaps Saturday. He dinged his ankle early in Tuesday's scrimmage and watched most of it from the sidelines. We need Tyrell back in the lineup, so he can contribute to this offense." Michigan State's pass rush came to life in Tuesday's scrimmage. Defensive end Clifford Dukes (6-3, 264, Jr.) recorded two sacks for 22 yards. Defensive tackle Matthias Askew (6-6, 294, Jr.) produced three tackles for losses (11 yards), including two sacks (6). Defensive end Greg Taplin (6-5, 259, Sr.) also registered two sacks (7 yards). "Clifford Dukes has emerged as a consistent playmaker on defense," Smith said. "We need to have everyone adopt his approach to the game because he finishes every play. He goes to the practice field every day with the purpose of getting better. Clifford performs at a consistently high level and gives great effort. He'll run 30 yards down field to try to make a play. "We're excited about the development of Roderick Maples (5-10, 190, Jr.) and Ashton Watson (6-0, 177, So.) at cornerback. Not only have those guys been playing well but so have their back-ups - Darren Barnett (6-0, 181, So.), DeAndra Cobb (5-10, 186, Jr.) and Jeremiah McLaurin (5-11, 190, Sr.). We wish we had competition for playing time at every position like we do at cornerback because those guys are forcing each other to improve." McLaurin picked off a pass in the Aug. 12 scrimmage. In addition to expecting greater effort from his players Saturday, Coach Smith believes the intensity level will increase as players fight for starting jobs and spots in the playing rotation. "We want to see the guys come to the field Saturday and compete because several starting jobs are on the line," Smith said. "We're anxious to see which players are willing to push themselves so they can take their game to the next level and jump over the competition. It's time to see some separation at every position. All eyes are on the quarterback race but there are several positions up for grabs, like center where Chris Morris (6-4, 291, So.) and Kyle Cook (6-4, 287, R-Fr.) are pushing each other to get better.
(08/13/03)--Jeff Smoker is officially a Spartan again. WDFN, ESPN, and the Tim Staudt Show all announced that Smoker has been reinstated. Smoker will be available for comment after practice today; you'll hear him on the 6-o'clock news tonight. Word on campus is that he has been impressive enough that he may, indeed, get the starting nod vs. Western. Link here to ESPN thread. Robert Flagg also has rejoined the team after being given the boot by Coach John L. Smith for poor academics. Flagg will compete with Monquiz Wedlow for the BANDIT spot, and adds some much needed depth to the defensive secondary. Flagg is a 6-2, 197-lb junior. Also, Craig McGovern of Princeton, NJ, has committed as a TE to Michigan State for 2004. McGovern (6-5, 238-lbs), runs a 4.54-40 yard dash and is ranked as a 3-star recruit and the #21 tight end in the US by Rivals.com. McGovern made 35 catches for 735 yards to help Hun go 6-3 last year. McGovern was also considering Boston Coll, Maryland, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Purdue, and USC. Here's a July 10 article on McGovern from PacketOnline out of New Jersey: "McGovern
ended the trip with scholarship offers from Ohio State, Nebraska, Michigan
State and Northwestern. The two schools that did not make offers to him
during the trip — Penn State and Iowa — were expected to make
their offers by the end of this week. McGovern said he has tentatively
narrowed his choices to a final four of Michigan State, Northwestern,
Ohio State and Nebraska. You can also read his stats at the 2003 US Army Football Combine in San Antonio by linking here (he is listed with TE and Kickers)
(8/12/03)--Amazingly enough, Olivet College has been picked to win the MIAA conference title in football this fall -- it's the first time the Comets have been a preseason fave since 1975. That's akin to saying Indiana is favored to win the Big Ten in football. Those of you who aren't in the know, the ES used to be an Assistant AD/SID at Olivet College. The ES remembers vividly covering the Albion-Olivet football match, doing color commentary with Mike Sinnott on play-by-play as Albion crushed the Comets, 80-7, in the worst killing ever witnessed by the ES on any gridiron. My, oh, my the Comets have come a long way... GO COMETS!!! LINK HERE Report from full contact; Gyetvai a suprise at OL; Bobo, Champagne and Love impress at skill on offense (8/10/03, MSU Media Relations, www.msuspartans.com)--The ES is impressed with the new spread offense, but is concerned that the defense just isn't keeping pace at this point. Great article in Saturday's LSJ which mentions that LB Seth Mitchell is at about 100%; something that he hasn't been since this prize recruit came to State two years ago. We need healthy studs at 'backer. John L. is impressed by Mike Gyetvai at offensive line; he also wants Bobo Brown to get more touches at RB; finally, he states wideouts Samuel Champagne and Terry Love will immediately be inserted into the lineup for depth. Not much to say on defense, however, where our real problems lie... looks like Jehuu Calucrick will be slotted into LB for depth. Here's the offiical release from MSU: With temperatures in the low-80s, Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith sent his team through a two-hour workout in full pads on Sunday, Aug. 10. "I was really pleased with the tempo and intensity of today's practice," Smith said. "I really liked what I saw in the first half of today's practice, but the team wasn't as sharp during the second half. The intensity level was great through the conditioning period in the middle of practice, but the team simply made too many mental mistakes during the second hour of practice. We have to improve our mental toughness because the second half of practice is mostly mental. "I'm pleased with the progress, effort and attitude the team has displayed over the last five days. We've thrown an awful lot of material at these guys. We're probably halfway there from an installation standpoint because we've been adding roughly a formation a day." Under new NCAA legislation, prohibiting consecutive days of double sessions, the Spartans will alternate between double and single workouts, beginning Monday, Aug. 11 and running through Friday, Aug. 22. "We're
going to learn a lot more about this football team now that the players
have put the full pads on," Smith said. "We're looking forward
to the first double day tomorrow because that's when the team begins to
grow and pull together. The players need to deal with and manage the stress
that goes along with double sessions. This is how players learn to fight
through injuries, soreness and fatigue. It's going to be important for
our captains to step forward and provide leadership during this stretch.
This growing stage will be critical for our football team. The Spartan coaching staff used the first five days of preseason camp to evaluate personnel, especially first-year players. "The new NCAA preseason calendar that requires the first-year and veteran players to report together didn't help us," Smith said. "We certainly could have used the three days of orientation to evaluate the first-year players. We've taken a look at several freshmen at positions on both sides of the football. We've been forced to make some hard decisions, but we've found a home for most of the freshmen. "Offensively,
Samuel Champagne (6-3, 210) and Terry Love (5-11, 165) will contribute
immediately at wide receiver. Both players have good hands and natural
instincts as receivers. Champagne is a big target, who adds a little maturity
to the position because he's a little older (20) than the other freshmen.
Love is a good route runner, who gets out of his plants naturally. "(Offensive tackle) Mike Gyetvai (6-7, 323) is perhaps the sleeper in this recruiting class. Gyetvai is going to be a great player here because for a man his size, he can bend his knees and move. He's also strong and athletic. "We've moved Sean Clayton (6-4, 233) from quarterback to tight end. Clayton needs to add another 20 pounds to his frame, but he's going to grow into that position. He's a big, athletic kid that looks like a natural pass catcher. He'll become physical enough to block in our offensive scheme and athletic enough to go down field and make plays. "Stephen Reaves (6-1, 187) won't be in the mix at quarterback this season, but we've really been pleased with the progress he's made. Reaves has a great arm and looks so natural in the huddle and under center." Several newcomers on the defensive side of the football have caught the coaching staff's attention. "Daryl Melvin (6-6, 227) is an athletic defensive end that can really run," Smith said. "He looks like a thoroughbred coming off the corner. We're not worried about Melvin as a pass rusher, but he has to gain weight and improve his strength so he can hold up and help stop the run."We're so thin along the defensive line that we need to get Joe Toth (6-2, 278) some reps at defensive tackle. He runs well and has a great work ethic. "Jehuu Caulcrick (6-0, 234) and Kaleb Thornhill (6-1, 222) are a couple of linebackers that should contribute right away. Caulcrick is a smart, athletic kid that really wants to play the game. He was a running back in high school, so now we're going to find out how much he likes delivering the hits. Thornhill is a tough, blue-collar guy that gives you everything he has on every snap. "Greg Cooper (5-11, 183) is a physical, athletic safety that's capable of making big plays. He's a guy that needs more reps in practice and more time watching video, so he's ready to step in and play. "We're going to continue to work Jamar Jones (6-3, 198) at safety, but the jury is still out about his best position. We may move Jones back to wide receiver, but we wanted him to get his feet on the ground at safety before we make a decision. "I can't say enough about the attitude of these freshmen," Smith continued. We've been moving guys from position to position without complaints. They have been willing to do whatever it takes to get on the field and make this team better." Michigan State opens the 2003 season Saturday, Aug. 30 against Western Michigan at 3:40 p.m. EDT in Spartan Stadium. ESPN Plus will televise the game on a regional basis. Practice opens for Spartans (08/07/03)--Things are happening awful quickly over at the Duffy Daugherty Building. But, not quick enough for head coach John L. Smith. John L. is trying to build in some depth in the defense and at wide receiver, and will likely use his new recruits to fill holes. Rookie freshmen Jehuu Caulcrick (6-0, 234) and Maurice Smith-Davis (6-1, 225) may switch from LB to RB, or vice versa. Caulcrick was inserted on offense in the first practice, and will switch to LB today. Smith-Davis practiced at LB on Wednesday and will get a look at RB today. The receiving corps will likely get help from incoming freshmen Terry Love, Jamar Jones and Irving Campbell. Ben Steckler read the writing on the wall and left the team. The spread offense will now count on starters Kyle Brown, Agim Shabaj and Ziehl Kavanaght; and, watch Matt Trannon become an emerging star after he sits out the first three practices as required by NCAA rules (he didn't pass his academic eligibility requirements last year). According the Lansing State Journal, John L. Smith stated that he expects the new spread offense and the new attacking defense will be about 70-percent installed for the season opener, with it fully installed as the season progresses. Also, Smith stated he will announce the starter at QB at least a week before the season opener. MSU names captains (08/06/03,
MSU Media Relations - msuspartans.com)--Michigan
State first-year head coach John L. Smith and his coaching staff have
appointed four captains for the upcoming 2003 season, including senior
guards Paul Harker and Joe Tate, junior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney
and junior linebacker Ronald Stanley. Smith introduced the captains at
a team meeting Tuesday (Aug. 5) night as the Spartans prepare to open
preseason football camp Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Click on image for full view of all tix (8/2/03)--The ES got his season football tickets on Saturday. He's fired up! Players report for fall camp on Tuesday and the first practice is scheduled for Wednesday. August 16, from 6:30 - 8 pm, is planned for Family Fun Day at Meridan Mall. Season opener is just a few weeks away, August 30 at 3:40 pm vs. Western! The ES will be in Lake Tahoe for a wedding on August 30, but watch for a booze-laden post-game report over the nation's airwaves... Sooners top USA Today Preseason Poll (8/1/03)--As the ES predicted by analyzing a variety of preseason football mags, Oklahoma topped the preseason USA Today football poll, followed by Ohio State and Miami. Big Ten teams ranked include: OSU #2, Mich #7, Wisky #20, Purdue #22, Penn St. #25. #. Team (1st),
'02 W-L, pts, prev John L. gets another top WR/DB recruit for '04 (07/29/03)--John L. Smith just keeps piling up the recruits early for 2004. Michael Bell (6-1, 175-lbs) WR/DB from Shaker Heights, Ohio, is the Spartans' ninth verbal for the 2004 recruiting class. Bell is a 3-star recruit as rated by Insiders.com and Rivals.com, and rated as the #53-best wideout in the nation by Rivals.com. Bell runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. He stated the commitment of Brian Hoyer, Ohio's top-rated quarterback, influenced his decision. Last fall, Bell was an all-conference selection; he caught 31 passes for 436 yards and six TDs. Bell had offers from Cincinnati, Nebraska and Wisconsin. "I like the offense they're about to be running," Bell was quoted in the Lansing State Journal. "And I like the opportunity to be playing early." Link here to the bio of Michael Bell. Spartans add yet two more recruits... now EIGHT for 2004 - WR and OL. (07/29/03)--MSU added two more recruits to their tally for 2004: Wixom offensive lineman Luis Fonseca and receiver Richard Abney of Forestville, Md. The Big Green has eight verbal commitments for 2004. Coaches can't comment until recruits sign letters of intent in February. John L. is WAY ahead of the game, folks. More lineman, John L, we need more lineman... and PASS RUSHERS! But, great job! Fonseca (6-4, 275-lbs) is a native from Sao Baulo, Brazil; he didn't play football until his sophomore year. Fonseca plans to major in mechanical engineering when he enrolls at MSU in January. Abney (6-1, 180), runs a 4.4-40 yard dash and was ranked as a 3-star wideout by SpartansInsider.com. Rivals.com ranks him the #45 wideout nationally. Here's what SpartansInsider says about Abney: "One of the more imposing receivers at the Blacksburg (VA) Nike Camp was Richard Abney. Posting respectable numbers, it was the one-on-one drills in which he turned around defensive backs, bowled them over, and even outjumped them to ooohs and aaaahs everywhere." Abney also had offers from Syracuse, Boston College, Maryland, North Carolina, Purdue, Virginia, and Pitt. Last fall, he caught 21 passes for 565 yards and 11 scores as a junior - an average of 26.9 yards per catch. Link here for Abney bio.
(7/26/03) - Michigan State received a pair of impressive verbal committs today with WR four-star recruit Carl Grimes of Detroit DePorres and CB three-star standout Eric Hines also of Detroit DePorres to don the Green and White. The ES is impressed with the full court press on display so far by John L. for the 2004 recruiting season. He ain't about to let one bad recruiting season stop him from loading up in 2004... we have still got a ways to go, but we're off to a DANDY start. Both players were participating in today's Michigan's High School All Star game at Spartan Stadium. Grimes (5-9, 175-lbs), runs a blinding 4.4-40, plays basketball and runs track. He's short for a wideout, but he's got the credentials. Rushed for 800 yards and had 935 yards receiving as a junior. Named all-state in 2002. This guy chose MSU over, get a load of this, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Iowa, North Carolina, Southern Cal. Wow! Rivals rates Grimes with 4-stars, as the #16 wideout nationally, and the 4th-best player in Michigan. SpartansInsider.com gives Grimes three stars. Grimes stated: "I really like coach Smith's offense, it should give me a great opportunity at receiver. He did a great job at Louisville." Link here for the bio from Rivals100.com. Link here for the bio from SpartansInsider.com Hines (5-11, 180) runs a 4.45-40 and will play DB for State. Hines had 60 tackles and four INTs last fall and received all-conference honors. He chose the Spartans over Colorado, Virginia Tech, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, Missouri, Purdue, Wisconsin. Rivals gave Hines three stars and listed him as the 10th best player in the state. Link here for the bio from Rivals100.com. Link here for the bio from SpartansInsider.com.
The ES gives a big hearty thank you to his brother for his field report of the Big Ten Luncheon. Here's the skinny, folks... (7/24/03,
CHICAGO, IL.) - Today, the Big Ten Conference held its annual luncheon
at the Hyatt Regency Chicago's Grand Ballroom. Nearly 1,600 people
showed up to get posters, hats and media guides and hear each of the coaches
spew off on their thoughts from last season and expectations for 2003. Outside
the hotel, the "Touring College Football Hall of Fame"
was parked and open to the general public, showing the history of football in
tradition and sport. Green and White were well represented
in the crowd; after the luncheon, the MSU Alumni Association held its
annual post-luncheon reception with Coach John L. Smith and Athletic Director
Ron Mason as guest speakers.
(07/24/03)--Here are some quotes from John L. Smith on Big Ten Media Day: Opening statement: “We’re still in the process of getting to the level where we need to be this season. What we would like to do is change the attitude of this team into becoming mentally tough. Offensively, we are going to spread the field out and throw the ball around. I think we will have a very strong running game and we should have some very solid personnel at the tight end position.” On the Defense: “Defensively it’s our belief that if you’re going to be able to challenge for a championship, you to feature a strong unit on defense. We have to shut some people down and that’s that the thing that concerns me most. As I look at us defensively, we could have a problem with depth so we will need to stay healthy. If we lose anybody defensively we could be in trouble. Our defensive line should be alright, our linebacker core will be very young but our secondary is going to be a little thin so there could be a lot of freshmen in the defensive lineup this year.” Expectations for this season: “Coming into this season I don’t think a lot of people expect a whole lot from us and I think that’s good because it only matters what we expect from ourselves. Hopefully our expectations are higher and hopefully our attitude is stronger coming into this season. I am excited about this year, because the want is there, we’ll just have to see if the talent is there.” On offensive strategy: “We are definitely going to throw the ball around and at times it’ll be a circus, but there will come a time in the game when we will have to run the football to win. Regardless of what we say about throwing the ball around, the running game is very important.” On Quarterback Jeff Smoker: “We are trying to make a change in his life by taking away a bad habit. He’s a good young man and he has a good heart.” On scrutiny coaches face: “We are blessed as football coaches so there comes a certain responsibility as a coach these days, so you had better cherish it and accept the responsibility.” At Big Ten Media Day, the media has picked Ohio State to repeat as conference champions, followed by Michigan and Wisconsin... Only the top three rare announced. Coaches also basically squashed the notion of a BigTen title game any time soon. Consesus among coaches was that if it were only for a paycheck of $10-$15 million, split among each of the schools, it is not worth the extra game. Read: the Big Ten needs to add a 12th team before any championship game talk comes to fruition... and, a 12th squad (Notre Dame, Pitt) won't be any time soon -- president's aren't in favor of any team except ND, which squashed the BigTen's offer back in 1999. MSU will have its annual family fun day at Meridian Mall on August 16. Children 12-and-under can meet the team and Smith from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 16 in the Center Court area of the mall, located in Okemos. Pictures and autographs will be available, and the MSU cheerleaders and dance team will distribute free schedule posters. The ES says... Gimme a break. Meridian Mall? It's a beautiful summer day and you're gonna spend it inside? That's ridiculous. Is this to protect the field? If so, then fine, have it on the practice turf next to the stadium.... but not the mall. Bad move. Watch later today for Indiana and Illinois previews... the ES will try to punch out Minnesota, too, but we shall see...
(07/24/03)--Brian Hoyer (6-3, 195-lbs, 4.8-40) will be a Spartan. This QB is ranked as the #15 QB nationally by SpartansInsider.com. John Smith has his first big winner of a recruit. Check out his profile here. Hoyer joins Dave Ragone as the other quarterback out of St. Ignatius to decide to play under Smith. Last season Hoyer completed 131-of-263 passes for 2,130 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Ragone played for John L. Smith at Louisville. Hoyer is by far one of the best recruits Smith has picked up in his short tenure at MSU. Hoyer chose MSU over Maryland, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Wake Forest. According to the Lansing State Journal, Hoyer decided MSU based upon the coaching staff, led by John L. Smith. Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon scheduled for July 24 The 32nd annual Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon will be held Thursday, July 24, 2003 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Featuring all 11 head coaches and some of the nation’s top returning players, tickets for the premiere pre-season college football event and annual celebration are selling for only $75. Link here for tickets and watch the pundits rip John L. a new one before he even takes the field. The ES is betting that coach will have a number of one-liners a la Jud Heathcote to entertain Spartan fans. John L offers scholarship for third '04 recruit (7/1/03)--Dan McGarry is one cocky brute -- and the ES is all over this committ. The 6-6, 242-lb TE stated after a sensational summer camp: "You can throw me the ball in clutch situations. I don't buckle. I'd like to be the go-to-guy when the game is on the line. I can catch and score touchdowns." And, this guy runs a 4.8-40; not bad for a big man (faster than 5.2 second Eric Knott, anyhow). NOW THAT IS WHAT WE NEED! McGarry has committed to Michigan State, and is the third high schooler to be offered a scholarship for the 2004 season with the Green and White. McGarry is out of Poland (Ohio) Seminary HS, and caught passes from '03 recruit QB Sean Clayton.
(6/27/03)--John L. Smith is getting on the 2004 recruiting bandwagon early, and DB Brian Brighton of Allen Park has announced his intentions to don the Green and White in 2004. Brighton won the Division 2 state championship in the 100 meters last year at 10.82 and runs a 4.4-40 yard dash. As a running back last year, Brighton ran for 1,400 yards and had another 400 yards through the air; but he'll play DB this next year and that's where the Spartans expect to see him line up. Brighton was interviewed on 92.7-FMs Sports Page by Jack Ebling & Tom Crawford this morning and stated: "I always knew where I wanted to go (Michigan State) and it was very stressful for me. We have a chance for a state championship, and I didn't want to bother my teammates with my decision; so, I announced now to get it out of the way." MSU also has another committ for 2004, WR Deon Curry of Detroit Country Day (pictured at right). Curry (6'2", 185-pounds) is out of Detroit Country Day and is the son of Detroit Pistons' Michael Curry. Curry runs a 4.5-40 yard dash. For Curry's bio, link here. Preseason polls; 2003 CFB opener on August 23; Teams to watch
(6/17/03)--The ES has taken a look at the eight major national preseason previews out there, and the top 25 has remained about the same as after the first four previews. Again, if a team ain’t rated in a pubs’ Top 25, the ES gives it a 26. Oklahoma, Ohio State, Miami are the top three. No surprises, there. Here's the Top25 Publicity Polls as of June 17: #-Team,
Pts Michigan State has been ranked in the low 40s – and ninth in the conference (ahead of NW and Indy) -- in both Athlon and Lindy; expect that trend to continue across the board. Question: When and who will play in the 2003 college football season opener? Answer: There are two games, both on Saturday, August 23. Grambling (I-AA) at San Jose State, 6:00 PM ET. and California at Kansas State, 7:45 PM ET. The ES is putting his money on the Spartans and the Wildcats. The ES lists the Silicon Implants as a 10-point favorite over Eddie’s Boys, and the Farmers as a 15-point fave over the Pot Smokers. Teams to watch in 2003: Auburn, Pittsburgh, Arizona State. Auburn’s schedule resembles Georgia’s schedule last season; its tailor made to take them to the SEC title game. Watch Auburn open vs. Southern Cal at home on Aug. 30; the Tigers also have home tilts against W. Kentucky (I-AA), Tennessee, Mississippi St. Louisiana-Monroe, Ole Miss, and ‘Bama. Potential pitfalls are at Arkansas, LSU and Georgia. Pittsburgh has a DREAM schedule, with all of its toughest contests at home. Pitt plays Notre Dame, Syracuse, Virginia Tech and Miami all in the Steel City. Watch the Panthers beat Miami this fall in the season finale. Potential pitfalls: at Texas A&M and at West Virginia. Arizona State’s conference schedule puts them at the top with USC in the Pac10 leaderboard. The Devils host SC, Oregon, Cal, and Arizona at home. Key matchups: at Iowa and at Oregon State. Don’t be surprised to see ASU go 10-2 this fall. Kansas State wins 2003 Cupcake Award The Wildcats once again win the award for scheduling Crippled And Weak University throughout the fall to pad its win total. Watch the ‘Cats take Troy State, Massachusetts, and McNeese State to the woodshed in September. Schedule these teams on the hardwood, not the gridiron. Shame on you, Kansas State. And, KSU has NINE home games; it should be 5-0 by the time it travels to Texas on October 4. Don’t be surprised to see KSU go 11-2, with road games at Texas (loss), Oklahoma State (toss-up), Iowa State (win), and Nebraska (win). Whatever happened to the Big Red? Nebraska isn’t even listed in the Top 25 in any of the preseason mags so far. The Huskers have seven home games, opening with Oklahoma State on August 30. Probable wins include: home games vs. Utah State, Troy State, Iowa State, and on the road at Southern Miss and at Kansas. Probable losses include: home vs. Penn State, away at Texas and at Colorado. That’s a 5-3 record heading into the toss-up games: home vs. Texas A&M and Kansas State, away at Missouri and at Colorado. Nebraska could be as good as 9-3 or as poor as 5-7. Don’t be surprised to see Solich being kicked out the door at year’s end. The ES is loving seeing Nebraska on the skids. Every dog has their day. June
16, 2003 photos
First four MSU games on the tube for 2003 (6/16/03)--EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State's first four football games in 2003 will be televised, according to selections announced Monday, June 16 jointly by the Big Ten Conference and TV networks. ESPN Plus will televise the Spartans' first three home games: Aug. 30 vs. Western Michigan at 3:40 p.m. EDT, Sept. 6 vs. Rutgers at 3:40 p.m. EDT and Sept. 13 vs. Louisiana Tech at 12:10 p.m. EDT. NBC Sports will televise Michigan State's first road contest, Sept. 20 at Notre Dame, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. EDT (1:30 p.m. in South Bend, Ind.). The Spartans' Oct. 4 Homecoming game against Indiana will kickoff at 12:00 p.m. EDT. As a 12-day pick, ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPN Plus will carry the MSU-Indiana game.
(6/11/03)--Griff Howard (6-2, 185-lbs) of Port Charlotte (Fla). pulled up his anchor and headed for dry land -- he'll be a Spartan this fall after telling the Naval Academy to ship off. He was recruited as an option QB for the Navy, but will likely fill MSU's needs at DB this fall. According to the Port Charlotte Sun Herald, "Howard, a Sun All-Area selection and Class 4A honorable mention all-state, accounted for more than 2,000 offensive yards last season, though the commitment to Michigan State means he'll have to set aside his penchant for playing quarterback. Michigan State needed a speedy defensive back, and Howard's 4.45-second time in the 40-yard dash and 10.83 automated in the 100 meters did not hurt his Division I-A stock." But, SpartansInsiders.com have him running a 4.66-40 yard dash at the Nike Camp at 6-1, 165-lbs. The ES buys the Nike Camp data over the Sun-Herald's article... a Florida guy from Navy just doesn't "slip away" from Miami-Fla, FSU, or Fla. Link here to Insiders.com data on Howard. Here's the link to the Sun-Herald arcticle: link here. Here's the report on the Big Green Machine, ranked #49 nationally, this fall by College Football News: "The Spartans are entering a new era with head coach John L. Smith. While the cupboard isn't totally bare, there aren't any standout stars to rally around. The team's best player, quarterback Jeff Smoker, is still trying to get out bottom of the depth chart, and there are several major holes to be filled. Even so, this is an athletic team that could surprise a few of the big boys. Relative strength: quarterbacks. Relative Weakness: secondary. Star of the team: Senior QB Jeff Smoker. Key game: November 1 vs. Michigan." Big Ten teams listed by CFN are: 1 - OSU; 13. Wisky; 16. Mich.; 23. Purdue; 26. Minn.; 31. Iowa; 44. Penn St.; 45. Illini; 49. MSU; 74. NW; 89. Indy. CFN's top 25: 1. Ohio St. 2. Miami. 3. Texas. 4. Oklahoma. 5. Auburn. 6. Va. Tech. 7. USC. 8. Pitt. 9. Kansas St. 10. Maryland. 11. Georgia. 12. Tennessee. 13. Wisky. 14. LSU. 15. NC St. 16. Michigan. 17. Virginia. 18. Oregon St. 19. ND. 20. UCLA. 21. Florida. 22. Alabama. 23. Purdue. 24. Mizzou. 25. Florida St. Neuheisel fired at Wash; Big East pleads for leniency (06/11/03)--Rick Neuheisel has been fired as Washington's football coach, less than a week after acknowledging betting on the NCAA basketball tournament. The NCAA prohibits coaches and players from gambling on college sports. "This is a sad night for me because I've poured a lot of myself into this job -- and it was a great job,'' Neuheisel told KING-TV on Wednesday night. There will be a new conference today. Washington has been looking for a way to get Neuheisel off of its payroll, and this was the out they were looking for. Neuheisel has been trouble wherever he has gone, including his four plus years at Washington and his four years at Colorado. Last fall, the NCAA banned Neuheisel from off-campus recruiting through this spring as punishment for 50 secondary rules violations at Colorado. The American Football Coaches Association later censured him for showing a lack of remorse. Earlier this year, Neuheisel secretly interviewed with the San Francisco 49ers for their then-vacant coaching job but released a statement denying he had done so. He later admitted he had lied. Good thing MSU didn't hire this guy... what a loser. He may be able to get players to win football games, but he's a lousy role model as a liar, a cheater and a gambler. Meanwhile, the Big East has sent a letter to the ACC chair, Clemson's James Barker, asking for a hearing to cry for leniency and beg the ACC not steal its most valued members -- Miami, Syracuse, and BC. (The ACC won't vote on expansion until next week at the earliest). The letter, obtained first by the Associated Press, states: "We feel quite certain that no ACC president or chancellor would want to rush to judgment on such a potentially harmful plan without having complete information, and we believe we have insights to share that could not be effectively communicated by anyone else. We are now requesting that you work with us to arrange for a discussion. We do so respectfully and in the spirit of collegiality and open communication that has long been one of the hallmarks of American higher education." Boo, hoo, hoo. Bunch of crybabies. The writing is on the wall, folks. The three C's -- the Convicts, the 'Cuse, and the other Catholics -- will be bolting for the ACC.
Oklahoma, OSU, Miami on top in publicity in early FB Top 25 review (6/4/03)-The ES looked at the top picks as of early June in four top national magazines, and averaged them out… any time a pick was not in the top 25, the ES gave it a 26. (NOTE: The ES will come out with his own picks in August; and you can BET that the ES will find a way to sneak the Big Green Machine into the mix, now that we’ve got John L. spread and ready). Here’s the results for the top 33 in the land, preseason-style. #-Team,
Score Bay Area Spartans win Big Ten volleyball tourney Here's a report from Chock out in San Francisco on the Bay Area Spartans wining the annual BigTen Picnic Volleyball Tournament... Now, more importantly, let's see the BayArea Spartoonies win the BigTen tailgate event after tonight's Tigers vs. Giants game at the Stick, by showing them who can pound the most brews! (6/1/03)--On May 31, over thirty Spartans made it out and joined over 300 other Big Ten Alumni on Treasure Island in what turned out to be a fantastic day. During the picnic, our Spartans put together a real team effort for the annual Big Ten Picnic Volleyball Tournament. Great teamwork and selfless play lead MSU past Northwestern and Ohio State to get to the Championship game. In the Finals MSU held off a ferocious comeback effort by Purdue to win a 15-12 barn burner, clinching our second straight Bay Area Big Ten Volleyball Title! Great job everyone! Doug Compton,
President ES teams
up; gives edge to Spartans (05/30/03)--East Lansing, MI - Michigan State Spartans publisher Nate Caminata needed to establish a presence at the SpartansInsider.com web site. A startup affiliate under the TheInsiders.com network, SI lacked both a community and a voice, two prerequisites for a successful and fan-oriented web site. In his search for the perfect partner, Caminata may have got more than he bargained for. On Friday, SpartansInsider.com announced a partnership with EnlightenedSpartan.com, or perhaps more bluntly, "The ES", the most popular independent Michigan State web site on the internet. "Independent" being the key word. The partnership will allow the infamous "ES" to write columns for SpartansInsider.com, adding flavor, interest, and perhaps more importantly, a fans view to the online Michigan State podium. A prominent link exchange is also planned. "I'm a bit nervous, but still incredibly pumped,"said Caminata. "The EnlightenedSpartan.com web site has garnered a cult-like following, one that we're eager to affiliate ourselves with. "The ES also has a legendary status with his columns. It's a well-written fan view point that gives SI something our competitor's don't have, or maybe don't want "a fans edge." EnlightenedSpartan.com had just a few comments on the affiliation. "The ES is looking in his green crystal ball, staring into the future, and sees the need to evangelize about the Spartan spirit. It's time to don the green and white robe and inform the masses about the beauty that is Michigan State Spartan football and the Great State Tailgate. Aaaahhhhh, but in this day and age, does one stand on the dais and preach to the congregation? No; too small an audience for such an important job. Rather, one finds an electronic medium to spew forth the infinite wisdom that the ES preaches. Today, that medium is SpartansInsider.com. "Mind you, much of what you read out there provides the useful information you need to learn the ins and outs of Spartan football. But, for those of you in the cult of the Enlightened One, you understand the need for someone in the greater Lansing area to tell it like it is, and not to put on a dog and pony show week in and week out. The ES brings this, and more, to you -- the Spartan faithful -- to digest with your McMuffin and your Heineken day and night. "The ES will still bring you the necessary insight from an insider -- that is, inside the REAL Spartan community, those of us with the nosebleed upper-deck seats, the six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon (ok, we sneak a Bell's Oberon now and again), the morning tailgates, the evenings at the Peanut Barrell, and the Sunday mornings sleeping off Spartan Sports Zone due to the post-game celebrations (win or lose). You need to know how an East-Lansingite really feels after another blowout loss or another squeaky win. "You need to know the pulse of the greater Spartan community from the heart of the Spartan community. You need to know Pabst Blue Ribbon and not Dom Perignon; you need to know Green and not Blue; you need to know bratwurst and not pork tenderloin; you need to know donuts and not caviar; you need to know the true facts and not have to read between the lines. You need someone to tell it like it is nice or ugly. That's the beauty of the ES. And, no worries? The ES will continue to provide Game Day previews, post-game analysis, historical reports, depth charts, two deeps, weekly picks, polls, etc. -- everything you need to follow the Big Green Machine. "It is time to bring the truth to the masses in the same, unadulterated format. Thank you to SpartansInsider.com for the opportunity to expand the Enlightened Spartan evangelism to the masses. If the Spartans win, the ES will praise 'em. If they lose, the ES will haze 'em. "GO YOU GREEN MOTHERS! GO STATE!" Ottney quits team due to knee problems (05/17/03)--Senior center Brian Ottney has left the Spartan football team due to continued pain resulting from injuries and surgeries to his left knee. Sophomore Chris Morris (6-4, 297), who was being groomed for probable action this fall, will slide into the starting slot over the ball. Ottney has a history of being hot-headed, and costing the team with stupid personal foul penalties... especially at crucial times. The ES appreciates his service, but has not been very impressed with his play nor his attitude for the past two years. Thanks, Brian, but we're welcoming Morris to the center spot with open arms. Trustees Approve Ticket Fee Licenses (05/12/03)--The MSU Board of Trustees on Friday voted unanimously in favor of the proposal from A.D. Ron Mason to implement a football ticket license system for premium Spartan Stadium seats beginning in the 2004 season. The fee will range in price from $200-$500 for prime seats between the end zones in the lower bowl; ticket holders will be required to pay this fee to have the right to purchase tickets... in other words, this is a license to purchase particular tickets, and not the tickets themselves. However, the majority of the seats, including the ES' nosebleed seats in the upper deck, won't be affected beyond the usual annual cost-of-living adjustment (aka inflation). The ES doesn't have the premium seats, so it doesn't have any personal affect. However, the ES empathizes with those forced to cough up serious dough. BOTTOM LINE IS WE BETTER WIN. With the fee increase, there is even that much more incentive to put a winning product on the field... otherwise, there will be a lot of empty, prime seats out there and Ron Mason will see the MSU athletics budget take a serious tumble. Enlightened Spartan 2003 Spring Review now up! (05/06/03)--The Enlightened Spartan's 2003 Spring Review is now available right here in both high quality print pdf and a lower-quality screen pdf. It's at the printer and will be at area bars and coffee houses by May 15. The ES Spring Review includes: a look at the new spread offense, new recruits, a file on John L. Smith, goals & objectives, spring highs & lows, top fall non-conference matchups, and a preliminary peek at the Spartans' schedule. Ticket prices up for premium seats in '04 (05/01/03)--The MSU athletic department confirmed that ticket prices will be raised from $200-$500 annually for lower level seats between the endzones beginning in the 2004 season, according to a report in the Lansing State Journal. Approximately 21.5% of the seats in the 72,000+ seat stadium would be affected. As is the case with building new professional sports stadiums, this is a "ticket license" (based on a point system) that will be required of season ticket holders to have the right to bid for premium seats. However, lower-bowl end zone seating and upper-deck seating will not be affected. A point system will be designed, similar to that of the Breslin Center, with location and longevity of ticket purchases being counted on a sliding scale through the 2007 season for the full price to be implemented across the board. Those holding season tickets for 50 or more years will be exempt from the fee increase; customers of 25-49 years will pay 25% of the fee in 2004; 50% in 2005; 75% in 2006; and the full fee increase beginning in 2007. The athletic department projects a $2 million deficit per year from FY 2005-2008; if this plan is adopted by the Board of Trustees, a $200,000 surplus is projected in FY 2005. The Board of Trustees' Finance Committee will review the plan on May 9. Athletic Director Ron Mason stated this plan is tied to the stadium's club seat/luxury seat and expansion plans: "It is all tied together. If things work out, this department can be in good shape for the next 15 to 20 years. We are heading in the direction most schools either already are or are going to." Nine of the 11 Big Ten schools either have or are planning a donor-based football season ticket plan. Link here to the full LSJ article.
(04/19/03)--The annual Green & White game in Spartan Stadium showed off the future look of The Big Green on the gridiron to 12,000 fans -- lots of passing, great quarterbacking, and a gambling defense. The passing game was brilliant all day long with the new spread offense: freshman Drew Stanton shined, connecting on 9-of-15 passes for 181 yards, an INT, and a 60-yard TD to converted QB-to-wideout Aaron Alexander. Senior Jeff Smoker also played very well, going 8-for-16 for 118 yards and a TD to TE Jason Randall. Junior Damon Dowdell was 8-for-14 for 48 yards, an INT and a TD to Eric Knott. Smoker looked better connecting on passes and leading the team, while Stanton underthrew a few long balls, but threw the short ball well. The ES gives the slight nod to Smoker for this scrimmage, but still gives the starting job to Stanton this fall. Agim Shabaj looked crisp catching both short and long balls (including a 58-yarder to start the day), and changing directions. Aaron Alexander also played well at receiver and has made a good transition. Eric Knott needs to drop a few pounds (he is too heavy, at least 275) but looked good with his routes and has soft hands. Both lines played fair at best and overall seemed to fail to work together to get the job done; but, tackling seemed improved defensively. The offensive line didn't seem to have any funky blocking schemes, so the jury is still out... but, it wasn't impressive. The Spartan' first team defensive line was able to match up well against the Spartan offensive line, especially against the run. Jaren Hayes had 34 yards in five attempts, and Tyrell Dortch had 14 yards on nine carries. Clifton Ryan led the pass rush with three sacks. Poor run blocking didn't help to get a read on the RBs... but Hayes showed more explosiveness. Ashton Watson was the only DB to play worth a nickel; the rest of the defensive backfield was torched all afternoon by the spread offense. Beyond the first teamers, the Spartan's defense showed its holes (read: lack of depth) as the scrimmage wore on. Coach John L. stated, "you all saw it; defensively, we've got some work to do." He also stated that only 25% of the offense was on display; if so, that 25% controlled much of the scrimmage and looked in rhythm. No surprise, here: C Brian Ottney was sent to the bench after getting into a brawl with DE Matthias Askew (also ejected). When will Ottney learn not to do STUPID things? This guy may be our best player at center, but he's also an idiot. You'd think someone would learn from past mistakes, but he must have a rock in his head. What a dummy. However, there were few other "mistakes" revealed -- the new offense ran smoothly and the new defensive scheme didn't jump the gun offsides. Finally, sophomore Dave Rayner connected on 2-of-3 field goals (good 28, good 39, missed 45). Here's the official release from MSU Media Relations (www.msuspartans.com): EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Drew Stanton and Damon Dowdell ended their two-man battle for the No. 1 quarterback spot in Michigan State's spring football drills Saturday. But all eyes were focused on Jeff Smoker, the team's starting quarterback for 24 games over the past three seasons before being suspended last year because of substance-abuse issues. Smoker, the only player who wasn't allowed to compete for a starting job this spring, received an ovation from the fans at Spartan Stadium and drew support from former teammate Charles Rogers, the nation's top receiver in 2002 and a probable No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. "It was good to see him out there again," Rogers said. "When I see him completing a pass, I smile. It was good to see Smoker do the thing he l | |
MSU
Offense EXPLODES in Second Scrimage with 8 TDs, 4 FGs: Smoker looks SHARP
Smoker
Officially Back on Team; MSU gets another TE recruit
GO
BIG O! Comets picked to win MIAA title!
SURPRISE!
MSU snags two QUALITY gems as '04 recruits. Wow!
Report
from Big Ten Luncheon
John
L. quotes... Big
Ten notes; Media pix Ohio St to win; Family Day at Meridian Mall????
Spartans
land 4-star recruit QB from Ohio
Spartans
nab 2004 recruit with speed
Spartans
nab Navy recruit... CFN ranks State #49
Offense
shines; defense needs depth