EAST LANSING, Mich. – Former Michigan State two-time All-American Percy Snow is one of 12 players and two coaches named to the College Football Hall of Fame Tuesday, May 7. ESPN commentator Rece Davis announced the 2013 Class at the NASDAQ MarketSite in New York City.
A four-year letterman and three-year starter for Coach George Perles from 1986-89, Snow helped Michigan State to a combined record of 29-16-2 during his career, including three postseason bowl appearances (1988 Rose Bowl, 1989 Gator Bowl and 1989 Aloha Bowl). A two-time first-team All-American and three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, he led the Spartans in tackles for three consecutive seasons from 1987-89.
“This is the highest individual honor, but it certainly isn’t something I could have accomplished alone,” Snow said. “This is the result of teamwork. My teammates and coaches all played a vital role. I’m both humble and grateful for this recognition, and I accept this honor on behalf of Michigan State University.
“There's no other place like Michigan State. When I talked to other guys I played with (in the pros), some of them didn’t talk about their universities. In fact, some had never returned to campus after they left. But when I come here, every time I come back to the university, I see a glow. It lights up, it starts all over again for me.”
“Percy Snow is certainly deserving of this honor,” Perles said. “Offenses simply dreaded playing against him because he didn’t just make the tackle; he damaged people. Percy was the hardest-hitting kid that played at Michigan State in many, many years. He was the nucleus of those great defensive units in the late 1980s.”
The Canton, Ohio, native burst onto the scene as a sophomore, recording 127 tackles while helping MSU win the 1987 Big Ten Championship. He started all 12 games at middle linebacker and played more minutes (320:30) than any other defensive player. Snow anchored a Spartan defensive unit that led the Big Ten (conference games) in rushing defense (37.6 yards per game), total defense (184.5 ypg.) and scoring defense (7.6 points per game). He posted 13 tackles at Notre Dame, including two sacks (17 yards). Snow was selected 1988 Rose Bowl MVP after recording 17 tackles, including 15 solo stops, in MSU’s 20-17 victory over No. 16 USC.
“After we won and came home, and we were greeted at the airport, with the fans and support, I think that right there was it for me,” Snow said. “That was the benchmark acceptance. When we stepped off that plane and I was holding that Rose Bowl MVP trophy up in the air, that was the fondest moment for me.”
As a junior in 1988, he produced a then-school record 164 tackles, as the Spartans once again led the Big Ten (conference games) in rushing defense (96.5 ypg.) and scoring defense (9.5 ppg.). Snow was named first-team All-American by The Sporting News. He registered 17 stops in the season opener against Rutgers and made 16 solo tackles at Michigan. Snow recorded a combined total of 37 tackles in back-to-back games against Ohio State (18) and at Purdue (season-high 19). He closed out the season with a 14-tackle performance against Georgia in the 1989 Gator Bowl.
As a 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior, Snow became first player in college football history to win both the Butkus Award (top linebacker) and the Lombardi Award (top lineman) in the same year (1989). The consensus first-team All-American also finished eighth in Heisman Trophy balloting as a senior. His career-best 172 tackles led the Big Ten in 1989. Snow reached double figures in tackles 11 times as a senior, including a career-high 23 stops against Illinois. Snow tallied a career-best seven tackles for loss (23 yards) and blocked three kicks in 1989. MSU paced the Big Ten in rushing defense for the third year in a row, allowing 86.0 yards per game in league play. The Spartans also led the conference (league games) in total defense (281.4 ypg.)
His 473 career tackles rank second on MSU’s all-time list. His career totals include 17 tackles for loss (57 yards), four sacks (26 yards), six interceptions and 10 passes defended.
Snow was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round (No. 13 overall) of the 1990 National Football League Draft. He started 14 of 15 games for the Chiefs in 1990 and earned All-Rookie honors after being credited with 69 tackles, including two sacks (18 yards), an interception and 11 quarterback pressures. Snow spent five years in the NFL, including three seasons in Kansas City (1990-92) and two more in Chicago (1993-94).
In 1996, Snow was selected to MSU's Centennial Super Squad in a poll conducted by the Lansing State Journal. In 2010, he was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Snow becomes the seventh former Michigan State player to be selected for the College Football Hall of Fame, joining halfback John Pingel (inducted in 1968), tackle Don Coleman (1975), linebacker George Webster (1987), defensive end Bubba Smith (1988), safety Brad Van Pelt (2001) and wide receiver Gene Washington (2011). As MSU’s latest inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame, his name will be added to Spartan Stadium’s “Ring of Fame” at the Nov. 2 game against Michigan (kickoff TBD).
Snow will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at the NFF College Football Hall of Fame’s 56th Annual Awards Dinner Dec. 10 at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.
The 2013 Class also features former N.C. State tailback Ted Brown (1975-78), Arizona defensive end Tedy Bruschi (1992-95), Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne (1996-99), Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier (1992-95), Texas defensive back Jerry Gray (1981-84), Kentucky end Steve Meilinger (1951-53), Ohio State offensive tackle Orlando Pace (1994-96), Oklahoma linebacker Rod Shoate (1972-74), Miami-Fla. quarterback Vinny Testaverde (1982, 1984-86), Baylor quarterback Don Trull (1961-63) and Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel (1993-96) plus former head coaches Wayne Hardin (Navy, 1959-64; Temple, 1970-82) and Bill McCartney (Colorado, 1982-94).
Coverage of the MSU Spring Football Game begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon with the Mark Dantonio Pregame Show.
Following our pregame interview with Coach Dantonio, we'll also have interviews with MSU's Co-Offensive Coordinators, Dave Warner and Jim Bollman. We'll also hear from Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi, as well as a 'roundtable' interview with quarterback Andrew Maxwell, left tackle Fou Fonoti, and linebacker Max Bullough.
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"We love competition and I think these guys do too."
Those were just a few of the words uttered from quarterbacks coach Brad Salem, following MSU's sixth football practice of the spring. Of course, he was talking about the open competition at the quarterback position - a competition many fans are happy to see.
In 2012, Andrew Maxwell passed for 2,606 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions, but completed just 53-percent of his passes, finishing with a 107.1 passer efficiency rating.
Because of the inconsistencies with Maxwell under center a season ago - culminating in a 6-for-15, 28 yard passing performance in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl - Coach Dantonio opened up the competition this spring, giving sophomore Connor Cook and red-shirt freshman Tyler O'Connor an opportunity to take the job from Maxwell
Clearly, Maxwell owns the edge on the other two, thanks to experience, verbiage within the offensive playbook, etc. But because of his struggles a year ago, he also knows what it's like to deal with adversity.
"There's value in adversity," said Salem, referring to Maxwell's performance against TCU. "That's tough as a quarterback when that situation arises. But I think you grow as a person and a quarterback. And that'll help him."
Though Maxwell is still slotted as the number one quarterback on the depth chart, Cook and O'Connor are taking more reps with the first team than are normally afforded a back up.
"Both of those guys were brought in here for a reason," Maxwell said. "And that's what you want as a quarterback. You want to be pushed...so with the competition we've had, that's only going to make them better, make me better."
With quarterbacks going "live" this spring, Cook and O'Connor have displayed an added dimension - the ability to make plays with their feet.
"In the game of football, rarely does it go as planned," O'Connor said. "You don't always do the five step and hitch, and throw the out. So you gotta be able to create and extend the play. So (coaches) are stressing that a bunch and the ability to make plays is huge."
As the battle continues on for another nine practices, it's simply about getting better as an individual.
"I just go out every single day and try to win the day," Connor Cook stated, revealing his mindset about the competition. "That's how you have to look at it being a quarterback, being an open competition. Every single day you know, the job's open and you have to go out there and win every single day, every single rep, every single practice. That's how I look at it."
Coach Dantonio reiterated that the competition is still "status-quo", with Maxwell remaining in the number one spot. However, Coach D will have a clearer picture of the competition following Friday's scrimmage.
Breaking Down the MSU Offense with Dave Warner
Dave Warner's press briefing is above. Jim Bollman was available via teleconference. His comments are linked HERE
IMPROVING MSU'S OFFENSE
"Obviously, everybody I'm sure is looking to see what we're gonna do to improve our […]
Ron Burton Tabbed as New DL Coach
Ron Burton, a 21-year coaching veteran who also played four seasons in the NFL, has been named the defensive line coach at Michigan State, seventh-year Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio announced on Friday, Feb. 8. Burton has spent the past 10 seasons as the defensive line coach at Air Force.
“We’re very excited about Ron Burton joining our coaching staff at Michigan […]
Bell and Sims Go Pro
The rumors had been swirling all season long. Would running back Le'Veon Bell and tight end Dion Sims be playing their final season in East Lansing?
Well, we finally got our answer on both players, via our favorite social media outlet, Twitter. Here are the tweets which the pair sent out right around midday on Thursday.
Spartans in the NFL (Week 17)
Brian Hoyer learned from a couple of the best minds in the NFL during the first three years of his NFL career in New England. While every quarterback wants to be the starter, it wasn't too bad of a gig for Hoyer, learning under Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick.
But finally, after bouncing around from team to team at the end of the 2012 season, Hoyer made his first career start on […]
Keys to an MSU Bowl Win
Stopping Trevone Boykin
I remember when pro style offenses were the norm in the Big Ten. In fact, that was only a few years ago. Back then, when MSU would prepare for a dual-threat quarterback, like TCU’s redshirt-freshman Trevone Boykin, we’d all wonder how the defensive game plan would work out. But now, playing against the Boykin’s of the world is […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 15)
All of his life, Kirk Cousins has had doubters. And for all of his life, Kirk Cousins has proved his doubters wrong.
This time, for those of you who doubted that he could be a starting quarterback in the NFL, he presented you with a gem of a performance in his first career start for the Washington Redskins.
In Washington's 38-21 victory over Cleveland on Sunday, Kirk showed […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 14)
All season long Spartan fans had been waiting for Kirk Cousins turn to shine for a single Sunday afternoon. Cousins did get some run in week 4 against Atlanta throwing for more than 100 yards in defeat, but his performance last Sunday will last in his memory for quite some time.
With the Washington Redskins trailing Baltimore by eight points late in the fourth quarter, Kirk was called […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 13)
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TOP SPARTAN PERFORMERS
Kellen Davis TE (CHI) - 0 receptions in Chicago's 23-17 loss to Seattle.Season Totals: 14 catches, 185 yards, 2 TD.
Brandon Fields P (MIA) - 5 punts, 51.8 yard average, including two inside the 20, in Miami's 23-16 loss to New England.
Season […]
Spartans Accept Invite to BWW Bowl
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten) has accepted an invitation to play TCU (7-5, 4-5 Big 12) in the 24th-annual Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl (formerly known as the Copper and Insight Bowl) on Saturday, Dec. 29 in Tempe, Ariz. The Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl will be televised nationally by ESPN, with kickoff set for 10:15 p.m. EST.
The Spartans are bowl […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 12)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress returned to the NFL last week when Pittsburgh signed the former Spartan to fill in for the injured Antonio Brown.
Burress, as you may recall, played in the Steel City from 2000-04 where he rolled up 261 catches, for over 41-hundred yards and 22 touchdowns.
Plax played on Sunday and was targeted two times. However, he did not record a catch.
Win or Go Home
The ole saying goes “Better late than never”. Well it is time for Michigan State to put it all together against the Minnesota Gophers this weekend in what Mark Dantonio already has declared a “Program Game”. It’s been a rough season for the Spartans (5-6) who had aspirations that their “Program Game” would be played in Pasadena, representing […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 11)
Houston Texans' receiver and return specialist Keshawn Martin had his biggest day yet in the NFL. An instrumental part of Houston's 43-37 overtime victory over Jacksonville, Martin caught his first career touchdown pass, while racking up 247 yards of total offense.
Martin began the scoring in the game on a 9 yard strike from QB Matt Schaub.
(Here's the video:
Spartans Drop the Home Finale to Northwestern
EAST LANSING - The Michigan State Spartans racked up over 400 yards of total offense, held the Northwestern Wildcats to 57 rushing yards and only committed two penalties, but several missed opportunities in red-zone and four turnovers were too much for the Green and White to overcome in a 23-20 loss at Spartan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“We lost 12 points in the first half […]
Fresh or Flat
Michigan State’s home football schedule concludes Saturday against the Northwestern Wildcats, following a bye week which the Spartans benefited from, allowing players like linebacker Chris Norman, and safeties R.J. Williamson and Kurtis Drummond to heal. Now, the players should be refreshed, refocused, and ready to make a bowl game push on Senior Day this Saturday. Any bowl game […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 9)
Miami Dolphins punter and former Spartan Brandon Fields continues to get better and better. In his seventh NFL season, Fields currently leads the league in punting average (51.6 yards) after placing no worse than 6th overall in the last three seasons.
For his career, Fields holds the Dolphins team record for gross punting average (45.7 yards) and a single season (48.8 yards in 2011). […]
Hometown Heartbreak
EAST LANSING - The Michigan State Spartans have lost close games this season, but none of their previous four defeats were as heartbreaking and controversial as their 28-24 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday.
The game appeared to be in hand after the Spartans followed up a one-yard Le’Veon Bell touchdown run early in the fourth quarter with a 96-yard interception return […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 8)
The Green Bay Packers have been plagued by injuries all season long. The latest, was former Spartan Jerel Worthy, who suffered a concussion in Green Bay's 24-15 victory over Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon.
For the season, Worthy has 9 total tackles, including 2 sacks.
Chicago Bears tight end Kellen Davis had just one catch versus Carolina over the weekend...but it was a […]
Jim Miller: Sink or Swim
Michigan State heads to Madison to square off against a quality Wisconsin Badger team this Saturday...and once again, the Spartans must find the energy to pick itself off the turf following another last second loss. As we've seen, every single play matters and the Spartans have gone without the big plays all season long, whether it be a game changing interception or explosive touchdown […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 7)
Former Spartan defensive tackle Domata Peko is quietly having another solid season for the Cincinnati Bengals. With 25 tackles and one sack to date, the seven year NFL vet is on pace to have one of his best season's in the league.
But as a part of the Marvin Lewis Foundation's, "Learning is Cool" program, Peko has had an opportunity to make a difference off the field as […]
Jim Miller: Rivalry Gut Check Time
For the 105th time, Michigan State and Michigan will square off this weekend in Ann Arbor. It’s gut check time for the 23rd ranked Wolverines because they are trying to avoid a fifth consecutive loss to the Spartans. The Wolverines have not only lost 4 consecutive times to Michigan State, but during the last two meetings, they were physically embarrassed.
Spartans in the NFL (Week 6)
Sunday night provided Keshawn Martin and Jerel Worthy an opportunity to show out in a prime time setting...and both took advantage.
During the week, Martin was named the primary kick and punt returner for the Texans by coach Gary Kubiak because the Texans were ranked last in punt return average and 16th in kick return yardage.
And in Martin's opportunity to shine against […]
Iowa Outlasts Michigan State 19-16 in Overtime
It took close to four hours of constant rainfall and two overtimes before the Michigan State Spartans fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes 19-16 in a Big Ten Conference Legends Division tilt at Spartan Stadium.
Although the field was slick and tough to run on for much of the afternoon, the Spartans still managed to establish a solid rushing attack and limited the Iowa offense to a mere 257 yards […]
Jim Miller: History Repeats Itself
I’m sure that all of us would welcome the opportunity to go back in time and do some things differently if given the chance. Just the same, I'm certain the Spartans would love to correct mistakes against Notre Dame and Ohio State, reversing their record from 4-2, to 6-0. Both were difficult losses where, if MSU makes one play or does one thing differently during the game […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 5)
Just 5 weeks into the season, Kirk Cousins got his first chance to showcase his talents in the NFL after Washington's starting quarterback Robert Griffin III suffered an injury midway thru the 3rd quarter against the Falcons.
After going 3-and-out on his first possession, Cousins hit Santana Moss for a 77-yard touchdown strike, giving the Redskins a 17-14 lead early in the 4th […]
Jim Miller: In Search of Playmakers
I’m sure everyone has enjoyed an occasional episode of the syndicated program,” In Search Of”. While I am dating myself, even currently enrolled Michigan State students can relate to Leonard Nimoy.
Ok, let me explain something to those of you who don’t know “Spock”. Nimoy starred as the pointy eared “Spock” in the […]
Shake Up at Receiver
Head Coach Mark Dantonio is hoping that an infusion of youth at the wide receiver position will jump start his offense following a one point loss to Ohio State on Saturday.
At his Tuesday press conference, the Spartan head coach announced that freshman Aaron Burbridge will get the start at the third receiver position against Indiana.
'He catches the ball well," said […]
For the Love of the Line
When one looks upon an offensive line, a group of big burley men acting as a protective wall to the bounty of the quarterback, many think of strength and stability. However, many do not initially think about love and support. Yet that is how fifth-year senior and starting offensive guard Chris McDonald best describes his unit.
“You really get the feeling of love because you […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 4)
In the NFL, celebrations and dances are sometimes more impressive than the plays that proceed them.
To this point, former Spartan Domata Peko of the Cincinnati Bengals earned his first sack of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. After the sack, Peko took part in the latest dance sensation...Gangnam Style.
Check out his sack...followed by his dance […]
Not Quite Enough
EAST LANSING - The No. 20 Michigan State Spartans failed to establish their rushing attack and could not get the No. 14 Ohio State Buckeyes’ offense off of the field in the final five minutes of their 17-16 loss at Spartan Stadium on Saturday.
Things were troublesome from the start for Michigan State’s defense, which allowed the Buckeyes to drive 75 yards on eight plays to […]
Jim Miller: Graduate Level
The Big Ten opener kicks off this weekend for the Michigan State Spartans and if you haven't heard, it’s a pretty big one. Does the hype or emphasis get any bigger than when ESPN’s College Game day comes to town? But let’s all try to stay focused on football to be played on the field and not on Lee Corso making a fool of himself repeatedly. I know it’s […]
Le'Veon Bell: B1G Offensive Player of the Week
On Monday, Spartan running back Le'Veon Bell was named the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week following his dominating 253-yard, one touchdown performance over Eastern Michigan.
Historically speaking, Bell's 253 ground yards ranks 6th all-time in MSU history in a single game. He also became the first Spartan since Javon Ringer in 2008 to have two, 200-yard ground performances in a […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 3)
Keshawn Martin had his biggest game of his young career on Sunday for the Houston Texans. In Denver, Martin caught the first two passes of his career for 20 yards. One was an 18 yard strike from Matt Schaub, which resulted in a first down.
But the Texans used Martin in the ground game as well. Keshawn took an end around hand off, going for 21 yards and another Houston first down.
Spartans Win Hard Fought Battle with EMU
EAST LANSING - The Michigan State Spartans were expected to steamroll past the
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Spartan Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but
dropped passes once again plagued the green and white offense in a
sloppy 23-7 victory.
Things were tough from the opening kick for the Spartans, who only
managed to gain 70 total yards of offense and missed a 39-yard […]
Jim Miller: Bouncing Back
The Spartans are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Notre Dame last Saturday. The theme from head coach Mark Dantonio is always one of perspective. Dantonio stressed following the loss that Michigan State’s goals of earning a Big Ten Championship and potentially representing the Big Ten with a Rose bowl berth are still within reach. While that remains true, […]
Johnny Adams: High Expectations
As the sun set on practice after the Boise State victory, two players remained on the field well past the final whistle.
One of them was Johnny Adams.
A fifth-year cornerback, Adams has set himself up to have a stellar senior season. Named to the 2012 Jim Thorpe Award watch list, given to the top defensive back in the nation, he is in the position to solidify his name in […]
Spartans in the NFL (Week 2)
Last week, Jerel Worthy got the start for Green Bay at right defensive end, in place of CJ Wilson, who was inactive for the game. Jerel acquitted himself nicely, notching the first three tackles of his career, including two tackles for loss and a sack. He played 37 snaps total in the Packers Thursday night victory over the Chicago Bears. Heading into the season, the Packers were hoping the Worthy […]
Spartans Struggle Offensively in Loss to Irish
EAST LANSING - The Michigan State Spartans could not get into rhythm offensively, pressure the quarterback or force any turnovers in a lopsided 20-3 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Spartan Stadium on Saturday night.
“Without watching film you don’t really have a great idea about the breakdowns but we didn’t run the football, we didn’t protect the […]
Jim Miller: MSU Faces Physical Test
It's no secret that Notre Dame poses Michigan State’s biggest physical test to date. The Irish present a physical defensive front that must be manhandled and worn down by Michigan State’s offensive line. It may sound cliché but the battle in the trenches is where this game must be won for the Spartans to ensure victory.
Last week, I touched on how young […]
Ethan Ruhland: Medicine Man
Going into his final year as a member of the Michigan State football team, Ethan Ruhland has worked hard both on and off the field. Ruhland is an offensive lineman for the Spartans and in the classroom studies pre-med with a major in human biology.
While currently applying to medical schools throughout the country, Ruhland – a three-time Academic All-Big Ten […]
Building a Complete Spartan Team
The Michigan State Spartans got their season off to a great start by beating the Boise State Broncos last Friday night. Now they must turn the page to their first away game against the Central Michigan Chippewas. Not everything went according to plan in week 1 for MSU, but as I've said before, it is easier for inexperienced players to overcome their mistakes playing at home.
Larry Caper Beyond His Years
Booker T. Washington said, “Character, not circumstances, makes the man.” Michigan State running back Larry Caper’s character speaks volumes.
A senior and three-year letterwinner from Battle Creek, Mich., Caper is looking to make an impact on the field in his final season, adding to his undeniable leadership off the field.
Caper is no stranger to […]
Le'Veon Bell Carries MSU to 17-13 over Boise St
EAST LANSING - If there were any doubts entering the 2012 college football season as to who the best running back in the Big Ten Conference would be, Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell put all of them to rest with a 44 carry, 210 yards and two touchdown performance in the Spartans 17-13 victory over No. 24 Boise State under the lights of Spartan Stadium.
The junior tailback […]
Offense Wins Second Fall Scrimmage
Offense Rallies to Win Second Preseason Jersey Scrimmage
Dion Sims leads all receivers with 10 catches for 171 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown reception.EAST LANSING, Mich. – Under sunny skies and temperatures in the upper-60s, the Michigan State football team held its second jersey scrimmage of preseason camp […]
Defense Wins First Fall Scrimmage
Defense Wins First Preseason Jersey Scrimmage, 74-54
Linebacker Darien Harris leads the defense with nine tackles, while quarterback Andrew Maxwell completes 16-of-29 passes for 162 yards.EAST LANSING, Mich. – Under mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper-70s, the Michigan State football team held […]
Spartan Sports Network 24/7
Spartan Sports Network to Launch Online Michigan State Sports Station
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Spartan Sports Network is proud to announce the Fall 2012 launch of Spartan Sports Network 24-7. The 24-hour, 7 day-a-week online radio station will feature the largest MSU radio sports archive, along with live games, press conferences, […]
Arnett's Waiver Granted by NCAA
On Thursday morning, Michigan State announced via Twitter that wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett will be suiting up to play for the Green and White when the 2012 season begins.
The tweet sent out by Spartan Football read, "The NCAA has granted WR DeAnthony Arnett's request for a residence waiver, so he will be eligible to play in 2012."
Arnett, the Saginaw native, was […]
NFL Draft Wrap
Six Spartans were taken in the NFL draft over the weekend, the most since 2000, further evidence of what Mark Dantonio has done in East Lansing.
While the 6 draftees were mostly expected, their were a couple of surprises. Namely, the selection of Jerel Worthy (no. 51) and Kirk Cousins (no. 102).
Before the draft, many had predicted that Worthy was a borderline first […]
NFL Draft Preview: Kirk Cousins
Coming out of high school, Kirk Cousins had a handful of Mid-American Conference offers that he figured he'd have to choose from. In fact, it wasn't until shortly before signing day that he finally got an offer from Michigan State.
When the offer was made, he just knew he had to take it.
Still, the odds were stacked. There was Nick Foles...then Keith Nichol. But Kirk […]
NFL Draft Preview: Jerel Worthy
LISTEN: Jim Miller and Adam Ruff break down Jerel Worthy's draft stock
Late first round or early second?
For former Spartan defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, the draft experts are varied, which is sure to make for an anxious wait in New York City.
Some experts have him going […]
NFL Draft Preview: The Receivers
Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins had a ton of talented players to toss the ball to in his three years as the starting quarterback at Michigan State.
In 2011, B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin were a deadly combination, accounting for 145 catches, 2,083 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The more prolific receiver was B.J. Cunningham. At 6-foot-2, 215-pounds, he has never been the […]
NFL Draft Preview: Trenton Robinson
From a 3-star high school recruit in the 2008 class, to a projected 3rd or 4th round pick in the 2012 NFL draft. That's what hard work and playing for Mark Dantonio has done for the former Spartan free safety.
In four seasons at Michigan State, Robinson started 32 career games, wracking up 229 tackles, nine interceptions and 12 pass break ups. He was a two time all Big Ten selection […]
Offensive Responds in 2nd Scrimmage
After a dominating performance by the Spartan defense last Saturday, the offense exacted its revenge in Thursday night's scrimmage, 62-59.
Redshirt freshman Connor Cook took all of the snaps as he filled in for the injured Andrew Maxwell. He threw for 144 yards and one touchdown, but completed just 15 of 34 passes.
But it […]
Connor Cook in, Maxwell Out for Now
Junior quarterback Andrew Maxwell sprained his right knee in MSU's scrimmage at Spartan Stadium on Saturday and "may, may not be back," for the spring game on April 28 according to coach Mark Dantonio.
Dantonio said the injury occurred as Maxwell was leaving the pocket and backing away from the defense when he "sort of fell backwards."
While this is a […]
Defense Dominates First Scrimmage
Down Jerel Worthy, Kevin Pickelman and Trenton Robinson from a season ago, the defense reloaded and dominated the offense 72-32 at Saturday's jersey scrimmage in East Lansing. Johnny Adams (2 INT's, 1 TD), Will Gholston (2 sacks) and Joel Heath (2 sacks) were the names to remember.
Below is the official write up on Saturday's scrimmage from the MSU Athletics Communication […]
Spring Ball Begins
During MSU Football's regular season, the media's favorite early week activity is to scan the depth chart on a week by week basis to see if any changes have been made by the coaching staff due to injury or performance.
So, naturally as MSU's 2012 Spring Football season began on Tuesday morning with
Keshawn Martin at the Combine
Click here to listen to Keshawn's full media briefing in Indianapolis.
NFL.com Grade: 69.8
According to nfl.com, Keshawn's grade equates(50-69) to a 4th-7th round draft pick and lists a player as an "Draftable Player," with this explanation: "A prospect with the […]
Kirk Cousins at the Combine
Click HERE to listen to Kirk's full press conference at the NFL combine.
NFL.com Grade: 56.0
According to nfl.com, Kirk's grade equates(50-69) to a 4th-7th round draft pick and lists a player as an "Draftable Player," with this explanation: "A prospect with the […]
BJ Cunningham at the Combine
Click here to listen to BJ's entire Q&A with the media at the NFL Combine.
NFL.com Grade: 73.5
According to nfl.com, BJ's grade equates(70-84) to a 2nd-3rd round draft pick and lists a player as an "Eventual Starter," with this explanation: "A quality player […]
Spartans Ink Playmakers at Receiver
The list of great receivers to come from Michigan State is long. Andre Rison, Plaxico Burress, Charles Rogers, Mark Ingram, and on and on and on.
And now, thanks to the recent successes Devin Thomas, Blair White and B.J. Cunningham under Mark Dantonio, the Spartans are continuing to stockpile talent at the receiver position.
Among the 18 signees by Dantonio and the […]
Reeling in the Accolades
Jerel Worthy can be a man amongst boys on the football field. And now that he's done wreaking havoc in the regular season, on Wednesday, he was named an Associated Press First-Team All-American.
Worthy led the Spartan defense to a top five finish nationally in total defense, in part, thanks to his 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. While his 25 tackles ranked 12th on the team, […]
Spartan for Life
Imagine being Spartan Wide Receiver Keith Nichol for just a moment. Growing up, he was a loyal Michigan State fan, dreaming of one day using his growing football talents to play for the green and white. By his senior season at Lowell High, he was one of the most highly rated quarterbacks in the 2007 recruiting class (Rivals rated him the 6th best dual threat quarterback).
November Contenders
The brutal string of games in the month of October has come and gone, and Michigan State finds itself in a tie for first place in the Legends Division. And because of that, I don’t believe I could find one Spartan fan that wouldn’t have taken a 3-1 start to the Big Ten season prior to October.
So here the Spartans sit at the start of November, needing to take care of […]
Scouting Report: Nebraska
Heading into the season, most people pointed to Michigan State’s treacherous October schedule and thought that if the Spartans could win two, or maybe three, of the four games, they’d do well. But here the Spartans are at the end of the month and MSU is three-for-three.
And they haven’t just been ordinary ho-hum wins. They’ve been outstanding wins against […]
Defensive domination leads to improved offense
This week all of the attention surrounding this game - besides the Will Gholston drama - has been about Wisconsin Quarterback Russell Wilson and the vaunted Badger offense. And rightfully so.
But finally, it seems as if MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins and his offense are ready to step into the spotlight as well.
After the 31-13 loss to Notre Dame back on September […]
Scouting Report: Wisconsin
It’s simple, yet easy to say that the Badgers are a great team. All you have to do is look at their sterling 6-0 record, #6 BCS ranking and say, “Wow, they’re a special team”.
When you look a little deeper, you discover that they have a Heisman candidate playing quarterback in Russell Wilson – who leads the world is pass efficiency -, a shifty but […]
Molon Labe!
As long as I've been alive (29 years), this week has been called “Michigan Week”. And I suppose in the grand scheme of things, it would be the correct title when you consider that the arch nemesis from Ann Arbor has won 65 percent of the previous 103 meetings.
But now that Mark Dantonio is entrenched as the leader of the gang in East Lansing, the importance, the […]
Scouting Report: Michigan
In any given year, it never gets better than this. Michigan State versus Michigan. And this year, when you look at the Michigan Wolverines, it’s almost as if looking at a mirror image from the year before.
Yes, Brady Hoke is the new, latest and greatest revelation in Ann Arbor. And yes, the Wolverines are once again undefeated.
When the […]
D is for Domination
It’s taken a few days to digest the impressive nature of the whooping MSU’s defense laid on Ohio State last Saturday. I keep looking at the box score and see a number NINE in the sack column, followed by a 13.0 in the tackles for loss department. Then, without fail, I slap myself in the face in amazement.
However, putting the defensive effort into perspective is kind […]
Is there a Bigger Game than this?
If there’s a bigger game on Michigan State’s remaining schedule than this weekend’s tilt with Ohio State, please fill me in.
Yes, the subsequent schedule of top-20 opponents in Michigan, Wisconsin, and a road tilt at Nebraska loom large in the month of October. And yes, each one is big in its own right. (Maybe “big” isn’t quite the […]
Tuesday's Take Two - CMU Edition
For the first time in the Mark Dantonio era player availability to the media has been cut off. And yes, all of us in the media have been speculating (a lot of complaining too) about the reason over the last 24 hours. However, at today’s press conference, we received some answers…I think.
“I feel like I don't want them in a compromising situation this […]
Tuesday's Take Two
Saturday, the Michigan State offense struggled mightily to run the football, gaining just 29 yards on 23 attempts. Now, just three days later, it appears that the Spartans struggles could continue.
On Monday, MSU announced that right tackle Skyler Burkland had been lost for the season after suffering a “fracture/dislocation” of his left ankle in the first half against Notre […]
Spartan Defense a Bright Spot in South Bend
No, the 31-13 loss at Notre Dame was not pretty. The offensive line showed its youth and vulnerability, the play calling was interesting at times, and special team’s play was below average. Despite all of that, MSU still had chances to come back and give the Irish a run for their money.
That’s why I want to break down one of the lone positives for MSU on […]
Friday's Position Primer: Notre Dame
MSU QB/WR’s vs. ND DB’s
MSU
On both sides of the ball, this is the big position matchup for two high powered offenses. And frankly, it’s going to be hard for either team’s defensive backs to slow down the oppositions passing game. Last week Keshawn Martin broke onto the scene for the 2011 campaign with 7 catches […]
Scouting Report: Notre Dame
If you’re a Michigan State fan, what is there not to love heading into this game? Notre Dame - 0-2 on the season - after two horrific losses to South Florida and Michigan is on the brink of disaster. And in my opinion, there’s no better time to head down to South Bend than now and push them past the brink.
Sure, there will be debates all week long […]
Weekend Review: FAU
A week has passed and the general feelings surrounding this Michigan State team has changed for many fans. Like most of us presumed, the Spartans came out sharp against the Owl’s on Saturday and the defense earned its first shutout since 2008 when they blanked – who else – the FAU Owls. As coaches and players like to say ‘The biggest improvements come between week 1 […]
Position Battles: MSU vs FAU
MSU O-Line vs. FAU D-Line
MSU
This is going to be the position battle of the day. There has been a lot of moving and shaking from last week to this week in East Lansing. Seemingly everything has changed on both sides of MSU’s line.
Last Week […]
Scouting Report: FAU Owls
Saturday’s game between MSU and FAU will mark the third meeting between these schools. Here’s how their only two meetings went down.
2008
MSU – 17
FAU – 0
You all remember the rain storm right? Well it turned into the Javon Ringer hurricane. Javon ran for a career high 282 yards and scored both Spartan touchdowns. […]
Tuesday's Take Two
"Expectations coming into the game were a little bit higher than maybe we played” – Mark Dantonio
As a fan you can dissect MSU’s 28-6 victory any way you want. But the simple, succinct, aforementioned quote from Coach Dantonio should be all you need to move forward.
Since Saturday’s sluggish start, I’ve heard fans gripe about […]
The Record Breaker at Wide Receiver U
When you take a look at receiving records at Michigan State, it's no wonder MSU is known as Wide Receiver U. You see names like Andre Rison, Plaxico Burress, Derrick Mason, and College Football Hall of Famer, Gene Washington.
While those famous Spartan and NFL stars dot the MSU record book, senior B.J. Cunningham is just ten catches away from passing every single one of them.
Every Step of the way with Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins has been a complete revelation for Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans. A little known, 2-star QB from Holland, Kirk had two scholarship offers - from Western Michigan and Toledo - when Dantonio came calling a short time before signing day in 2007.
And suddenly, four years and a Big Ten title later, Cousins will begin his final season of eligibility at […]
A BBC Original
A BBC ORIGINAL
Across the pond, the BBC is a television network akin to America's CNN.
However, in East Lansing, the BBC is all about Baker, Bell & Caper, the explosive trio of talented tailbacks that accounted for 1,950 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2010.
So forgive me if it's still kind of hard to believe that just 2 seasons ago, MSU had five different […]
