Q&A: Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan St.

Former Michigan State Spartans’ workhorse tailback Javon Ringer runs low to ground, tends to fall forward after contact, and remained high on the Heisman watch-list during his 2008 senior campaign. Ringer measures in as an “undersized running back” compared to NFL standards, yet packs a 600+ pounds squat and other monstrous numbers in the weight room. No doubt Ringer’s work ethic contributed to his ability to survive nearly 400 carries between the tackles in the Big Ten last year alone. Coming into this year’s Draft, Ringer might be flying in under the radar due to his frame, but scratching beneath the surface, we may be speaking with one of this year’s hidden gems of the Draft. This, and more, on player spotlight with Javon Ringer.

So Javon: too short, too small, too slow, and injury prone. What’s your knee-jerk reaction to these?

Ringer: It’s same old, same old. I’ve heard that quite a bit; I don’t let it bother me. There are plenty of running backs in the NFL who are my height, my size, who have done great in the past and have done great in the present and who will do great in the future. A lot of times the people out there saying that aren’t out there playing football. They are just doing their job and looking at what they want to see…So I just listen to it and smile and just keep working.

If you are “selling yourself to an NFL team”, which running back would you say you resemble the most form the NFL?

Ringer: My favorite running back whom I try to imitate is Willie Parker. I really like to watch Willie Parker, his style of running. I feel like I have a similar style, his enthusiasm, his energy that he plays with on the field. That’s who I like to try and be like.

He’s a little undersized, but will run between the tackles or try and skirt around you.

Ringer: Exactly. Having that versatility and being our size, we have that quickness and can hit the sideline, but we’re both really good between the tackles. We can get those hard-nosed yards and he runs through tackles which is something I like to do as well.

Talk about how you did at your Combine and Pro Day.

Ringer: Leading up to the Combine was pretty much the toughest—while everyone else was training, I was rehabbing. So I didn’t get a lot of the training that the other running backs got. I just got my strength up enough to where I was able to run and compete and I just kind of showed up like, “Here I am, I’m here.” With me doing that, I still feel like I did great running the drills…with the 40-time, I ran a 4.5—I was faster than a lot of other running backs. I was probably one of the only guys there competing at 75-80%. A lot of the other running backs probably would not have competed. After the Combine and up to the Pro Day, I got my knee up to 85-90 percent and I feel like I did extremely well at my Pro Day. I was able to show improvement in that short period of time [from the Combine]. At my Pro Day, I ran a 4.42 [40-time]. I did tremendous in the shuttle—I ran a 3.73 [seconds], and in the L drill I ran a 6.67 [seconds]. So I was able to improve from my Combine to my Pro Day.

How did NFL teams respond to the news that you were doing the drills not at 100 percent?

Ringer: At first, they didn’t even think I was going to be able to run. But when I told them I was still going to go out there and compete, they were really impressed with the fact I wasn’t backing down. I felt like if I could run [at the Combine], I should. I felt like it was a blessing to even get invited, so I felt like I should go out there and compete. They were really impressed I was able to go out there and put up numbers when I wasn’t 100 percent.

Why are you who you are? What makes you want to be a team guy and not a stat guy?

Ringer: A lot of that just comes from my upbringing. I have a tremendous mother and father, I grew up in the church, I have a very religious family. I’m not all about myself just because I know if it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t be able to go out there and compete anyway. So I never look at it as a selfish thing—I never want all the attention or want it to be about me, because I never want to get in to a situation where God has to humble me. I know for a fact that I am not doing it by myself; it is because of Him that I can compete over and over again. That’s basically how I grew up. I was blessed and fortunate to have a family like I have.

You were the feature back last year, but you also spent time in a two-back system. How do you see yourself in the NFL?

Ringer: Sharing the backfield with someone in the NFL while still being able to produce, I feel like I can fit that role. A lot of NFL teams are going to the two-back system, and that’s something I have worked in for three years. But I am also able to carry the full workload myself, which I was able to show in a big way my senior year. I just feel that shows any NFL team that would draft me that I am able to do both.

Looking back at tape from 2008, do you think you were facing more 8-man fronts?

Ringer: I know for a fact I was. Pretty much by the third game of the season I knew that was going to happen. And every game after that it sure was. Teams were doing what they could to stop our running game because we were predominantly a running team.

What do you think was your best win?

Ringer: Our best win was…

I have one I can think of…[laughs]

Ringer: [laughs] Yeah, I would have to say Michigan. Just by finally being able to get over that hump, beating our rival school. I was glad, blessed and fortunate enough to do it my senior year, and now, hopefully, Michigan State will establish a winning thing for our school now.

And most disappointing loss?

Ringer: For me, it was Ohio State, Penn State and Georgia in the Bowl game. The Ohio State game— there was a lot of hype behind that game and that was supposed to be a big game for us…that was a big game for us that we needed to step up in, but we fell short. And the Penn State game, for a share of the Big Ten title, another big game, and we fell short again. That game also got out of control. And with Georgia, another big game, we were in that game as well but things just came apart.

So who out of those three had the best defense you faced? Big Ten school or SEC school?

Ringer: Probably Penn State—they had a tremendous defense. Ohio State and Georgia had great defenses, too. Playing in Happy Valley in the snow didn’t help for the Penn State game.
They have a tremendous crowd and a tremendous stadium. Their stadium is amazing and their fans are always excited, no matter what the weather conditions.

Best environment you played in? A bowl game, visiting another Big Ten team?

Ringer: Hmmm…

Or was it the Big House against Michigan?

Ringer: [immediate response] Nah, it wasn’t Michigan.

[laughs]

Ringer: It would be a toss-up between Ohio State and Penn State. Their fields, the set-up of their stadiums, and all their fans. Actually Wisconsin is in there too, but I would say Ohio State and Penn State.

Well, Wisconsin has the rehearsed cheers and of course, “Jump Around”.

Ringer: It’s interesting. I only got to play there once. But especially when they do their whole "Jump Around" thing, that’s really something interesting to watch.

Which was your best performance this past year?

Ringer: It probably would either be Notre Dame or Michigan.

You're an Ohio native, right? Would you rather play in-state with the Lions or back in front of your home crowd with either the Browns or the Bengals?

Ringer: I want to go some place close to home either way. I have a lot of people who would support me in the state of Michigan or Ohio. Chicago, Indianapolis, the Bengals, the Browns, just somewhere close because I know it would be really convenient for my family to be able to come to a lot of my games.

What do you like to do outside of football?

Ringer: I like to just relax and watch movies and kick back. [laughs] Oh man, alright, I don’t care—I like to watch cartoons.

[laughs]

Ringer: One of my favorite cartoons is either Dragon Ball Z or Family Guy. I think it’s just the kid in me, I don’t know, I just get a kick out of just sitting back and laughing.

No no, Family Guy doesn’t count as a cartoon. There’s nothing about that that is Tom and Jerry.

Ringer: [laughs]

It’s funny.

Ringer: I do like video games, too.

Have you ever checked out your attributes on EA Sports College Football 2009?

Ringer: Oh yeah, of course, you have to do that! Kind of see where you are at, where other people are at, how the video game rates you. Everybody does that—anyone is lying to you if they tell you they don’t do that.

Where do you think they [EA Sports] shorted you?

Ringer: Man, I think they shorted me at my speed, my quickness, and my breaking-tackle ability. And I might say my awareness a little bit too. [laughs]

Your awareness? Oh, that’s no good.

Ringer: Yeah right.

Photo Credit: Michigan State Athletic Communications

Player Spotlight: RB Javon Ringer, Michigan St.

The former Michigan St. Spartan rushed for over 3,000 yards in his final two seasons in the Big Ten, crossing the goal line 22 times as a senior. The workhorse toted the pigskin an amazing 390 times in 2009 proving many doubters wrong who questioned his durability and whether he could be an “every-down” back. His college numbers are very similar to that of NFL greats Emmitt Smith and Thurman Thomas, as well as current NFL stars Brian Westbrook and Frank Gore. Javon Ringer joins us in this Player Spotlight to talk about his college career, the draft process and what the future holds.

Hosted by Player Spotlight host and Big Ten Insider John Sears. 24 Min. Click to Listen.

Photo Credit: Michigan State Athletic Communications

Capital One Bowl: Georgia vs. Michigan State

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

January 1, 2008 * 1:00 * ABC

Both teams were impressive in their own right this year, but both fell short against elite competition. The Spartans’ were impressive, starting off with six wins in their first seven games, but Ohio State dominated them in East Lansing 45-7. Still, the Spartans had a chance to win the Big Ten title heading into the contest against Penn State to close the season. Destiny was dashed as the Nittany Lions rolled 49-18. Georgia failed to live up to lofty expectations and pre-season hype. Despite their strong start (4-0), the Bulldogs looked completely outmatched in a lopsided 41-30 (31-0 at half-time) loss to Alabama and were squashed 49-10 by Florida. Which of these teams seeking redemption will take home a quality win to polish up their tarnished season?

When the Bulldogs have the ball

Georgia finished 21st in the FBS in total offense, relying on the one-two punch of Matthew Stafford's passing and Knowshon Moreno's rushing. The Bulldogs are averaging 280 yards/game passing, yet Stafford only managed to find the end zone 22 times through the air. This speaks perhaps to the quarterback’s efficiency as he was near the top of the nation in passer rating (15th, 153.2). Stafford’s efficiency can be attributed to his ability to locate his tall receivers slicing through the opposing secondary – Georgia’s receivers average 6’2”. Mohamed Massaquoi and A.J. Green are Stafford’s top targets, and have combined for 112 receptions, 1,861 yards and 16 touchdowns in a pro-style offense. Both are athletic, gifted play-makers once they break into the secondary. Georgia is likewise blessed with play-making ability on the ground with sophomore star Moreno. He has demonstrated prototypical traits of a big-time running back, combining explosiveness, toughness, speed and agility to carve up defenses for 1,338 yards and 16 touchdowns this year.

When the Spartans have the ball

The outcome of any given contest for the Spartans weighs on the shoulders of running back Javon Ringer. He accounted for over 92% of the team’s rushing offense, which also accounted for nearly 65% of Michigan State’s total yards from scrimmage. Despite being undersized in frame (5’9”, 202 lbs), Ringer proved his durability as the focal point of the offense – he rushed an FBS leading 370 times, mostly between the tackles, while tallying 1,590 yards and a conference-best 21 touchdowns. Senior signal caller Brian Hoyer’s was disappointing (51% completion, 2,235 yards, nine touchdowns, eight interceptions) compared to his junior campaign. But the Spartans will not be out to fool Georgia in this one – Ringer and the rushing attack will remain the focal point right to the final whistle.

Final analysis

Georgia’s road to the Capital One Bowl seems much more impressive with victories over five bowl teams, and coming out of the tougher SEC. Michigan State does hold quality wins (Iowa, Northwestern, Wisconsin), but statistically shows neither the offensive nor defensive firepower to keep up with the Bulldogs. With Ringer and Moreno potentially canceling each other out on the ground, victory may simply come down whose quarterback plays better. Stafford gets the vote in the beauty contest, but is also favored heavily going against a mediocre Spartan pass defense which has given up 210 yards/game through the air so far this season.

Georgia Bulldogs (9-3, 5-3)
Pass: Mathew Stafford – 3,209 yards, 22 TDs
Run: Knowshon Moreno – 1,338 yards, 16 TDs
Catch: A.J Green – 951 yards, 8 TDs,
Mohamed Massaquoi – 910 yards, 8 TDs

Michigan State Spartans (9-3, 6-2)
Pass: Brian Hoyer – 2,235 yards, 9 TDs
Run: Javon Ringer – 1,590 yards, 21 TDs
Catch: Blair White – 628 yards, 1 TD

CFI Prediction: Georgia 36, Michigan State 20

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Michigan St.), SEC Sports Media

Senior Spotlight: Big Ten Conference

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES @ OHIO ST. BUCKEYES – NOVEMBER 21 - 12:00 ON ABC

LB MARCUS FREEMAN, OHIO ST.

Overshadowed by James Laurinaitis over most of his career, Marcus Freeman is a pretty darn good linebacker in his own right. As a run stopper, Freeman’s speed allows him to close the gap between himself and the ball carrier before significant yardage is gained. His explosiveness allows him to get into the backfield against the run, yet he’s also strong enough to take on tight ends at the point of attack. He is a fluid athlete who moves well from side-to-side, which allows him to play in pass coverage. In addition to his skills as a linebacker, he is a solid special teamer, playing on three separate units at OSU. He is not the most instinctive player and relies on his athleticism a little too much, but Freeman has improved his recognition skills. The senior has also improved his blitzing this year. Freeman is more of a piece of the puzzle than the centerpiece, which works out well at Ohio St. Like many of his teammates, after a slow start to the 2008 season, Freeman comes into this game playing his best football of the season.

2008: 69 Tackles, 6.5 Tackles For a Loss, 3.5 Sacks

DT TERRANCE TAYLOR, MICHIGAN

Terrance Taylor, a 6-foot, 310 pound senior, has made 26 consecutive starts and played in 47 career games going into his final contest as a Wolverine, providing experience and durability. In total, he has started 35 games at nose tackle, one of the toughest positions to play at any level of football. As a junior, he became the first defensive tackle since Josh Williams (53 tackles in 1997) to post 50 stops in a season, earning him Second Team All-Big Ten honors. Taylor is an excellent athlete, particularly for a man of his size. The former high school state champion in power lifting (610 pound squat, 620 pound dead lift, 385 pound bench press) is as strong as they come. As an undefeated wrestler, he possesses the type of fight one would expect in a noseman. He won the state title as a junior, and threw the shot (52 6 feet) and discus (163 02 feet) for his track team in Muskegon. He’s a bit squatty at just over six-feet tall and also lacks closing speed, whether it’s getting after the quarterback or chasing down the ball carrier. Taylor is not much of a pass rusher, but very few nose tackles are. His value comes in occupying multiple blockers, which frees things up for others to make plays.

2008: 30 Tackles, Four Tackles For a Loss, 1.5 Sacks

QB BRIAN HOYER, MICHIGAN ST.

Hoyer is in his second year as full-time starter in East Lansing after backing up Drew Stanton for two seasons. He lacks ideal size and bulk, but is a very good athlete although he does not look to run very often. The Ohio product isn’t the strongest quarterback in the Big Ten and has struggled with his accuracy this season (49.1 percent). Hoyer doesn’t have overly impressive skills, but deserves his due for putting the Spartans in position to win a share of the Big Ten title. A solid game manager, the senior has done a good job of protecting the football this season.

MICHIGAN ST. VISITS PENN ST. THIS SATURDAY – 3:30 PM ON ABC

Photo Credit: OSU Athletics

This Date in College Football History

Nov. 19, 1966: Defending national champion Michigan State ties top-ranked Notre Dame 10-10 in front of a then-largest crowd ever (80,011) in East Lansing, Mich. In the battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2, Fighting Irish All- America quarterback Terry Hanratty is knocked out of the game early by future College Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bubba Smith of MSU. Notre Dame goes on to be National Champions.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Big Ten Power Rankings - Week Twelve

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

1. Penn State (1) 10-1 W: 34-7 vs. Indiana
It took a while--half of a game to be exact--for Penn State to shake the ill-effects of their disappointing loss last week. Indiana hung around and trailed only 10-7 at half-time, but salvaged only one first down in the second half against the tightened up Nittany Lions’ defense. The offense has been less than impressive two weeks running now, but Deon Butler still managed to break the school record of receptions (167) and Derek Williams added two scores of his own. The Penn State hog mollies up front need to shore up their game if they plan on celebrating a Big Ten championship and trip to the Rose Bowl.

2. Ohio State (2) 9-2 W: 30-20 at Illinois
By far and away the Big Ten’s hottest team put away memories of last year’s upset win by Illinois in Columbus, which dashed the Buckeyes’ undefeated season. As predicted under blustery winter conditions, Ohio State took to the ground and ran through, around, and over Illini defenders. Beanie Wells and Terrelle Pryor cashed in on rushing scores while gaining 143 and 110 yards on the ground, respectively. “The Game” is what’s left for Ohio State to complete their season turnaround and hopes for a share of the Big Ten crown.

3. Michigan State (3) 10-2 BYE
Michigan State is holding strong during the bye week; they cannot afford what teams have grown accustomed to this year – the post-bye week blues--as they head into their “Big Ten Championship Game”, rivalry game, and capstone to a brilliant Spartan season. Onward to Happy Valley.

4. Iowa (4) 7-4 W: 22-17 vs. Purdue
Rushing and defense. That’s the Hawkeye recipe and it continues to work. This week, Shonn Greene did not reach the 100-yard rushing plateau; he eclipsed 200 (211 yards, two touchdowns) en route to Iowa’s 248-yard rushing performance. Defensive tackle Mitch King sacked Curis Painter late, and safety Pat Angerer’s interception help stave off a late Purdue charge. After a three-game skid, Iowa has won four of its last five, including the upset over then third-ranked Penn State. With a win at Minnesota and a Northwestern loss, the Hawkeyes can finish their season on a great upswing and sole possession of fourth place in the conference.

5. Northwestern (5) 8-3 W: 21-14 at Michigan
Snow, wind, cold, the Big House, whatever. Down 14-7 at the half, Northwestern posted touchdowns on their next two possessions to finish off the scoring and the Wolverines. The Wildcats can now celebrate their first eight-win season since 2000, the last time they beat Michigan. If Northwestern holds off Illinois next week, they will take over fourth in the conference with a nine-win season.

6. Wisconsin (7) 6-5 W: 35-32 vs. Minnesota
Surprisingly, Minnesota limited the Badgers’ backfield to only 116 yards, but Wisconsin was still able to punch it in on the ground three times (Hill two, Clay one) in their come from behind victory. The defense clamped down on Minnesota, forcing two safeties and allowing only two scoring drives (one touchdown, one field goal) in the second half. The Badgers can congratulate themselves for becoming bowl eligible and scheduling Cal Poly to end the year for a seven-win season.

7. Minnesota (6) 7-4 L: 35-32 at Wisconsin
After their brilliant 7-1 start, the Gophers have stumbled in their last three. Football is a team sport, but wide receiver Eric Decker’s miss on a Weber pass (returned for a touchdown by Northwestern) followed by getting knocked out of the next two games with an ankle injury has seemed to coincide with Minnesota’s demise. The Gophers (3-4) can redeem themselves by knocking off Iowa (4-3), who sits just above them in the conference standings, pushing up their bowl eligibility.

8. Illinois (8) 5-6 L: 30-20 vs. Ohio State
Illinois mistakes piled up too high against the wrong team. Poor special teams and two costly turnovers from Juice Williams stunted any chances for the underdogs to take down Ohio State. The offense put up 455 total yards (214 rushing, 241 passing), but the defense couldn’t stop the will of the Buckeyes rushing attack. The Illini must now fight to stave off bowl elimination next week against in-state rival Northwestern to finish off the season on a higher note.

9. Purdue (9) 3-8 L:22-17 at Iowa
The upside – Curtis Painter looked like he still has a little fight left in him (24-30, 190 yards, two touchdowns, one interception), throwing for a pair of touchdown passes in a game for the first time since Purdue took on Notre Dame, September 27th. The downside – their defense is what we thought it was – terrible stopping the run (248 yards). Purdue is one more loss away from the cellar of the Big Ten.

10. Michigan (10) 3-8 L: 21-14 vs. Northwestern
A season without back-to-back wins, the bowl and winning record streaks snapped, the game fumbled away in South Bend, the abysmal Toledo game, the lost winning streak against Penn State, a humbling loss to Michigan State and now their first ever eight loss season (thanks to Northwestern) can be redeemed…, maybe. It would be an improbable achievement—one that even a #2 ranked Michigan team could not accomplish–to beat Ohio State. Just win, Richy.

11. Indiana (11) 3-8 L: 34 -7 at Penn State
Simply overpowered by Penn State, Indiana tried their best to make the game interesting. Marcus Thigpen is credited with the Hoosiers’ only score of the game, a 57-yard scamper in the second to tie the game 7-7. But the defense then surrendered 27 straight to the Spread HD, defending a short field for most of the afternoon. On the bright side, the defense sacked Daryll Clark three times and forced three turnovers Indiana will try to o salvage something from the season as they close out at Purdue for their battle for the Old Oaken Bucket, defending it for only the third time this millennium.

Big Ten Power Rankings - Week Eleven

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

1. Penn State (1) 9-1 L: 24-23 at Iowa
Not the Nittany Lions’ best effort. A 30-mph headwind did not help matters, but seemed to bother Penn State more than Iowa. With the wind at their back in the third quarter, Penn State could not pull away; in the fourth quarter, Daryll Clark’s (9-23, 86 yards, one interception) third and long pass to Derrick Williams sailed high and was intercepted by Iowa, setting up their game-winning drive. All is not lost — just the Lions’ national championship hopes and an undefeated season…the Rose Bowl now looms as a disappointing consolation prize.

2. Ohio State (2) 8-2 W: 45-10 at Northwestern
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor looked calm and determined coming off the loss to Penn State. He kept plays alive with his feet and notched three scores with his arm. He was complemented nicely by the powerful running of Beanie Wells (28, 140 yards, two touchdowns) and a stout defense that gave up 294 yards and 10 points while taking the ball away three times. The Buckeyes are staring down another ten-win season (at Illinois, Michigan).

3. Michigan State (3) 9-2 W: 21-7 at Purdue
The Spartans handled Purdue for almost the game’s entirety, surrendering the sole Boilermaker touchdown with just under a minute left in the game. Michigan State, with Penn State’s loss and an extra game played, actually holds a half-game lead in the conference; their fate will likely be determined in their showdown with Penn State to end the season. Meanwhile, running back Javon Ringer (32, 121 yards, two touchdowns) should rest up after logging his 353rd carry of the season and FBS-leading 20th touchdown. Thumbs up to the defense for holding Purdue under 200 total yards.

4. Iowa (7) 6-4 W: 24-23 vs. Penn State
They did it. Coach Kirk Ferentz said before the game they needed to play perfect football to beat Penn State. It wasn’t quite perfect, but it was good enough. The Hawkeyes punched Penn State in the mouth immediately; pressuring Penn State’s passing attack and containing their rushing. Iowa limited Penn St. to almost half of their average offensive output (289 total yards). Daniel Murray ignored the gusty conditions and became the Iowa City hero, booting the game-winning field goal from 31 yards to seal the upset. Game balls go to Shonn Greene (tenth consecutive 100-yard rushing [28, 117 yards, two touchdowns]) and mother nature.

5. Northwestern (4) 7-3 L: 45-10 vs. Ohio State
The battle of quarterbacks between freshman Terrelle Pryor and back-up Mike Kafka (260 total yards, one touchdown) undoubtedly goes to the Buckeye. The Wildcats’ defense simply did not have an answer to Pryor’s fleet feet or Beanie Wells’ power running. Northwestern just looked outmatched against Ohio State (again), but can rebound next week on the road against Michigan.

6. Minnesota (5) 7-3 L: 29-6 vs. Michigan
Minnesota lost their leading receiver Eric Decker early in the game and could not find a way to recover offensively. Scoring in the first half certainly would have kept Minnesota in the game as their defense limited the Wolverines to five field goals in their first six scoring drives. Adam Weber had a tough go at it (13-24, 105 yards, one interception) and the Gophers were out-rushed 232-83.

7. Wisconsin (8) 5-5 W: 55-20 at Indiana
The three-headed monster of P.J. Hill, John Clay and David Gilreath combined for 406 yards and six touchdowns on the ground and the Badgers totaled 441 total rushing yards, tying the Memorial Stadium record. Wisconsin will host Minnesota and Cal Poly to finish off the season, both winnable games. Dustin Sherer (64-122, 770 yards, three touchdowns, four interceptions) and Allan Evridge (71-132, 949 yards, five touchdowns, five interceptions) have similar numbers at quarterback, so it seems the Badgers live and die by the run game. Run, Bucky, run!

8. Illinois (7) 5-5 L: 23-17 vs. Western Michigan
A bad hiccup on Illinois’ path toward bowl eligibility. Juice Williams threw two costly interceptions, which led to 14 Western Michigan points. A Toledo-Michigan replay? Like Michigan against Toledo’s Nick Moore, Illinois was unable to stop big, shifty receiver JeMarko Simmons, who gashed the Illini defense with 11 catches, 174 yards and a touchdown. Illinois now has two shots (Ohio State, at Northwestern) left at bowl eligibility, but may very well need both victories to find their way into the post-season.

9. Purdue (10) 3-7 L:21-7 vs. Michigan State
Purdue’s success against the Michigan team from Ann Arbor last week was squashed by the Michigan team from East Lansing this week. Dustin Siller and Kory Sheets combined for 182 yards and zero touchdowns (compared to last week – 461 yards, six touchdowns). They could not take advantage of four Spartans’ turnovers, while giving up a back-breaking interception returned for a score just before halftime. Bowl eligibility has now officially been squandered, so Purdue is left playing for Coach Joe Tiller, whose coaching pulse is down to two beats in 120 minutes.

10. Michigan (11) 3-7 W: 29-6 at Minnesota
Michigan sails up the rankings this week after keeping the Little Brown Jug in a surprising, yet impressive win over Minnesota. The defensive line implored the coaches to shift them back to a four-man front, which worked like a charm. After all this “change”, Michigan’s traditional base 4-2-5 contained Minnesota to six points (first half shutout), 83 yards rushing and 105 yards passing. Nick Sheridan took the offensive reins like a veteran (18-30, 203 yards, two touchdowns), but the Wolverines kept Minnesota off balance with 232 rushing yards. Third-string quarterback Justin Feagin lost his red-shirt but showed flashes of his running ability with 49 yards on seven carries. Potential energy yields kinetic energy in the presence of a catalyst. Was this Michigan’s catalyst?

11. Indiana (9) 3-7 L: 55-20 vs. Wisconsin
Holding onto conference’s worst slot is shaping up to be quite the battle. This week’s three-way scuffle leaves Indiana picking up the pieces after getting blown out by Wisconsin. The Hoosiers were unable to stop the Wisconsin ground attack, and needed a MASH unit to deal with their quarterback injuries. Thankfully, Purdue and Indiana square off at season’s end to settle this log-jam at the bottom of the conference on the field.

Big Ten Power Rankings - Week Ten

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

1. Penn State (1) 9-0 BYE
Penn State was in standby mode with the week off, awaiting a hard-nosed defense in Iowa. A walk in the park for the Lions? Hardly – the Hawkeyes are 36/44 (.818) when hosting teams at Kinnick stadium since 2002. And, Penn State has lost its last five to Iowa. The tester awaits.

2. Ohio State (2) 7-2 BYE
Week off for the Buckeyes so they can brush up on their geometric angles of pursuit at Northwestern. Ohio State has owned this rivalry, shutting down the Wildcats in their last three meetings by a combined 160-24 margin. But, Northwestern is coming off an improbable victory at Minnesota. The Buckeyes are 1-4 coming off bye weeks under Coach Jim Tressel, but are also 15-2 after coming off a loss.

3. Michigan State (4) 8-2 W: 25-24 vs. Wisconsin
A big come from behind win for the Spartans, proving they belong in the conversation when it comes to the elite in the Big Ten. A last second 44-yard field goal by Brett Swenson sealed the comeback over the Badgers. Blair White stepped up his game (seven catches, 164 yards) and Javon Ringer added in two touchdowns. OK, OK, I will finally give the Spartans some street cred. Purdue and Penn State are what’s left for at least a share of the Big Ten title.

4. Northwestern (7) 7-2 W: 24-17 at Minnesota
I get the feeling that Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka is to Minnesota what Bucky Dent was to the Boston Red Sox. Mike *Bleeping* Kafka torched the stout Gophers defense for 214 on the ground (NWU school record). Brendan Smith sealed the game with an interception returned for six; the Wildcats had a most unorthodox victory (injuries, rushing, tough opponent), but they keep clawing through the season.

5. Minnesota (3) 8-2 L: 24-17 vs. Northwestern
I previewed this game by saying the team with the most turnovers + sacks would win the game: they both finished with two sacks and two turnovers; but, Northwestern’s interception with seconds left on the clock was returned for the game-winning score. With the loss, the Gophers are essentially eliminated from the Big Ten title, but can still fight for a January bowl.

6. Illinois (8) 5-4) W: 27-24 vs. Iowa
A tough, hard-nosed football game, yet again coming down to last second heroics by the kicker. This time around, Illinois’ Matt Eller sent the crowd and the Illinois sideline into a frenzy with his game-winning 46-yard field goal. Coach Ron Zook says there’s still plenty to fight for and his team is looking to finish strong down the stretch. They have the opponents to prove themselves with (Ohio State, at Northwestern).

7. Iowa (5) 5-4 L: 27-24 at Illinois
Iowa showed plenty of heart in their last second loss to Illinois. Shonn Greene posted his ninth consecutive 100-yard rushing performance (21, 103, one touchdown) and helped set-up successful play-action passes (at least in the first half). After the Illini responded with half-time adjustments, Iowa’s offensive passing attack was stunted. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi kept the Hawkeyes alive until their final drive, and defensive tackle Mitch King was a stud, putting pressure on Juice Williams and the Illinois offense all afternoon. It was tough to see one team have to lose in this one.

8. Wisconsin (6) 4-5 L: 25-24 at Michigan State
The Badgers had this game in their fingertips (11-point lead in the fourth quarter) but let it slip away in a tough loss in East Lansing. Penalties killed Wisconsin down the stretch (12 penalties for 121 yards), and allowed the Spartans to triumph via a game-winning field goal.

9. Purdue (10) 3-6 W: 48-42 vs. Michigan
Justin Siller, in a gutsy performance (21-34, 266 yards, three touchdowns), notched his first career win as quarterback. The pressure on Siller was deflated by the impressive running by Kory Sheets (30 carries, 118 yards, three touchdowns). Hats off to Coach Joe Tiller for pulling out all the stops to punch in the game winner on a trick play and to bring that losing streak to a halt.

10. Indiana (9) 3-6 L: 37-34 vs. Central Michigan
Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour put up huge numbers (35-53, 485 yards, four touchdowns), as expected, en route to a fourth quarter comeback victory. When he gets hot, it’s tough for any team to keep up, let alone Indiana. Oh wait, it was the Chips’ backup signal-caller, Brain Brunner? Oh boy…

11. Michigan (11) 2-7 L: 48-42 at Purdue
It’s all over. The winning record streak, the consecutive bowls streak, beating Purdue streak (since 2000). In retrospect, it was probably a bad time to bring in the stack (3-3-5) as the defense looked unprepared and ill-equipped to stop Kory Sheets from running wild all afternoon. Who knows if they would have given up 48 points if they had stayed with the 4-3? Hats off to frosh Martavious Odoms, frosh Darryl Stonum, and senior LaTerryal Savoy for posting their first career touchdowns.

Football Fan's Four-Pack - Week Ten

By JOHN GARRETT

Northwestern at Minnesota (November 1, 12:00, ESPN2): Two things were lost last week for the Wildcats: a 21-19 decision at Indiana and their top offensive player—senior running back Tyrell Sutton—who is out for the season. The No. 20 Golden Gophers come into homecoming riding a three-game winning streak. The Minnesota defense has been instrumental in the past three victories, allowing just six points and 109 passing yards in last Saturday’s win over Purdue. Both teams have bounced back from disappointing 2007 seasons due largely to their defensive improvements. Through eight games, the Gopher defense has allowed 137 points, while the Wildcats have allowed 146.

Super Senior: William VanDeSteeg, DE, UM

Star of Tomorrow: Vince Browne, DE, NU

Nebraska at Oklahoma (November 1, 8:00, ESPN): The No. 4 Sooners and Cornhuskers will meet for the 84th time in the history of the series Saturday at Owen Field. One thing that Nebraska will do to try to match the speed of the Sooners is line up redshirt freshman Marcus Mendoza at wide receiver. Coach Bo Pelini hopes the speedster from Texas is able to create some mismatches against the OU defense. On the injury front, senior running back Marlon Lucky should be able to go on Saturday after suffering a minor ankle injury in the Huskers’ victory over Baylor last weekend.

Super Senior: Joe Ganz, QB, Nebraska

Star of Tomorrow: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Tennessee @ South Carolina (November 1, 7:00, ESPN2): Coming off a bye-week and having won four of their previous five contests, the Gamecocks will host the Volunteers at Williams-Brice Stadium. But keep in mind that South Carolina hasn’t defeated Tennessee at home since a win on Halloween in 1992. The Volunteers lead the all-time series 21-3-2 dating back to 1903.

Super Senior: Carlos Thomas, CB, USC

Star of Tomorrow: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee

Wisconsin @ Michigan St. (November 1, 12:00, ESPN): The Badgers have won seven of the last 10 meetings between the schools, but fell 49-14 in their last trip to Spartan Stadium in 2004. Wisconsin’s defense will get to know the senior running back for the No. 22 Spartans, Javon Ringer, before the day is through. Ringer currently leads the country in touchdowns (16) and ranks second in the nation in rushing (1,373), as well as all-purpose yardage (1,717).

Super Senior: Otis Wiley, S, Michigan State

Star of Tomorrow: David Gilreath, WR, UW

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department

Big Ten Preview - I Want Candy!

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Halloween is this Friday. How does each game measure up to your favorite holiday treats you find in your bag after a night of trick-or-treating?

Northwestern at Minnesota: (Midnight MilkyWay – didn’t know what it was at first, but was pleasantly surprised at the new dark chocolate combination) If Northwestern didn’t turn the game over last week to Indiana, I would have played this up as a very intriguing under-card in the Big Ten. Perhaps one surprise is that the Gophers (3-1) and Wildcats (2-2) are already bowl eligible, looking for more. The home team comes off of an impressive win over Purdue where they caused four turnovers and shut down the Boilermaker offense (226 total yards).

Key Match-ups:
Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher vs. Minnesota secondary – time and again, it seems that Bacher is making poor decisions with the ball, which should come as no surprise to Northwestern historians – Bacher has never thrown more touchdowns than interceptions (6 vs. 8, 19 vs. 19, 10 vs. 11) from 2006 to present. This is a more pressing issue against the Gophers who lead the nation in takeaways (24 total, 12 interceptions – tied for tops in the conference). If Northwestern giveth, Minnesota will taketh away.

Minnesota’s hog mollies vs. Northwestern’s big uglies – sacks are great momentum and field position equalizers. Northwestern is giving up the fewest sacks (7) while racking up the most sacks (24) in the Big Ten. The Gophers have gotten to the quarterback as well (22), but have allowed quarterback Weber to eat dirt 17 times, second worst in the Big Ten. Who will get to the quarterback more this week?

Because both teams are comparable in scoring offense [Minnesota vs. Northwestern] (28 points per game vs. 27), red zone offense (89% vs. 87% efficiency) and total offense (356 yards per game vs. 378), this game may come down to who gets to the opponent’s red zone more. This will depend on the battle of field position, which in turn depends on turnovers and sacks. The winner of the turnovers + sacks statistic will win the game, and I think Minnesota has this equation down.

PREDICTION: Minnesota 21, Northwestern 17

Wisconsin at Michigan State: (a large, plump, juicy candied apple with a large plump juicy worm crawling out – salivating until the disappointing finding) Wisconsin finally snapped their Big Ten losing streak (4) with a surprising win over Illinois last week. The Badgers seem to have settled in offensively at quarterback with Dustin Sherer, but took a big hit with tight-end Travis Beckum’s season ending broken leg. Garrett Graham has shown flashes that he can fill Beckum’s shoes to an extent, which complements Wisconsin’s strategy of using the power running game to set up the pass to the tight end. On the Spartan side, I am concerned that so much weight was placed on beating Michigan. After succeeding in that task, will they now flop against the Badgers in a disappointing letdown?

Running back Javon Ringer shows up against Wisconsin, but the rest of the team is still left on route I-96 staring at some billboards: (http://tedfox.dotphoto.com/CPViewAlbum.asp?AID=5589758)
PREDICTION: Wisconsin 31, Michigan State 28

Iowa at Illinois: (Jelly Belly mixed bag: sizzling cinnamon + buttered popcorn + grape jelly can’t be good, but somehow it is). You love to see match-ups that pit both teams’ best squads on the field simultaneously. In this instance, Illinois’ offense against Iowa’s defense will be your Jelly Belly nutty combination. The Illini are second in the conference in scoring (34 points/game), whereas Iowa is tied for first in scoring defense surrendering just 11 points per contest. Illinois is tops in passing offense (272 yards/game) against the Hawkeyes third best pass defense (192 yards/game). Illinois brings the third best rushing offense (190 yards/game), Iowa has the third best rush defense (106 yards/game).

In the other hand of Jelly Bellys, Iowa brings almost 200 yards per game rushing with Shonn Greene against Illinois’ eighth ranked rush defense (152 yards/game), which will be the difference.

PREDICTION: Iowa 24, Illinois 20

Michigan at Purdue: (a king size Snickers bar…but the wrapper is open, so you don’t know if there’s a razor blade slipped in–normally a satisfying find, now a health hazard). The only time head coaches Rich Rodriguez and Joe Tiller get to settle the “Snake Oil Bowl” will be this year. Don’t confuse good defense with offensive sludge in this one – Purdue is eleventh (395 yards/game) and Michigan ninth (378 yards/game) in total defense and they are tied for last (-9) in turnover margin in the Big Ten. Toss in a Michigan quarterback who can’t feel from his elbow down (Steve Threet) and Purdue quarterback who is still listed on their roster as a running back (Justin Siller). On the flip side, if there’s any kind of fight left in the tank for either team, they should remember that bowl eligibility hangs in the balance. Oh, the gravity of the situation.

I believe Michigan will finish with two wins. Therefore, Purdue wins. It’s that simple.

PREDICTION: Purdue sloppy, Michigan sloppier

Central Michigan at Indiana: (the Smarties that fell out of the weak cellophane wrapper, smashed up at the bottom of the of your bag – Halloween is a chocolate holiday, enough said) Last year, Central Michigan quarterback Dan Lefevour nearly eclipsed 5,000 total yards (3,652 passing, 1122 rushing) with 46 total touchdowns. This year’s numbers are down significantly as he is pacing for only 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. Last year, Hoosiers quarterback Kellen Lewis approached 4,000 total yards (3,043 passing, 736 rushing) with 37 total touchdowns. This year’s numbers are down significantly (partially due to injuries) as he is pacing for 2,000 yards and only 12 touchdowns. How about we take both teams, hop in our DeLorean, punch it to 88 mph and see if we can play this one last year?

PREDICTION: Because this game will have been played in the past with said time machine, I looked up the results online and found the quarterbacks themselves combined for 800 yards and seven touchdowns in a surprising thriller. Indiana 39, Central Michigan 34

Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Athletic Communications

This Date in College Football History

October 30, 1971: In West Lafayette, Michigan State halfback Eric "The Flea" Allen breaks Michigan running back Ron Johnson's (1992 College Football Hall of Fame inductee) NCAA record for rushing yards in a single game, sprinting for 350 yards in the Spartans' 43-10 victory over Purdue.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

This Date in College Football History

Oct. 19, 1957: Unranked and 0-3 Purdue enters East Lansing and upsets No. 1 Michigan State 20-13. The Boilermakers recover five Spartan fumbles.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Big Ten Preview - Week Eight: Time for the Dust to Settle

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

1. Ohio State (3-0) at Michigan State (3-0): This weekend,the Spartans and Buckeyes will tangle in a Big Ten showdown full of title implications. Both come in with a single, non-conference loss, tied with Penn State on top of the conference. Luckily for both teams, the loser still survives as Penn State remains on both of their schedules.

Key Match-ups: Ohio State rushing vs. Michigan State rushing – Both teams bring great ball-carriers to the table (Michigan State’s Javon Ringer and Ohio State’s Beanie Wells) and are even in yardage on the ground (177 yards/game). But the Spartans yield more on defense (140 yards/game). Both teams use the run to set up the pass, but Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor will rely on the ground game a bit more to set up the pass. Otherwise, the Buckeye offense may struggle like they did against Purdue (222 total yards, 97 yards passing). Or, understanding that Michigan State is near the bottom of the Big Ten in pass defense (227 yards/game), Ohio State may consider using a passing scheme that can help set up the run. As for the Spartans, they will certainly need their run to set up the passing attack for Brian Hoyer who, despite showing steady improvement, has not faced the Buckeyes’ top ranked passing defense (165 yards/game). If Ohio State can keep the Spartans (eighth with a 37% 3rd down conversion rate) in third and long situations and out of the red zone (Spartans hold the top two scoring slots in the Big Ten – Ringer [84] and kicker Brett Swenson [68]), they have a better shot at leaving East Lansing with their heads held high in victory. Ohio State’s defense will pull through and keep the Spartans out of the end zone…barely.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 27, Michigan State 23

2. Michigan (1-1) at Penn State (3-0): First things first--the only number in Michigan’s favor is their nine game winning streak against the Nittany Lions. Other than history, there is nothing statistically that can prove this game will be close. One thing that is certain is that there will be a great deal of emotion emanating from both sidelines. Penn State’s Daryll Clark, Deon Butler and Penn State coaches talked the talk last week after their big win over Wisconsin claiming that Michigan is a tough, competitive group. Further, no current Penn State player has beaten the Wolverines which will allow the Lions to stay focused on the task at hand. From Michigan’s perspective, as much as they bottomed out against non-conference Toledo, they still believe they have enough fight left in them to get through the rest of the conference schedule successfully. This sort of speak seems to be coming mostly from the defensive side of the ball, which begs the question--how resilient can Rich Rodriguez’s offense be at this point of the season? Character, confidence, emotion, and pride are the catalysts for victory for both teams, albeit for different reasons. All the white that will blanket Happy Valley Saturday will not only lend support to the home team, but also inadvertently symbolize the Michigan surrender.

PREDICTION: Penn State by, uh, I can’t make a prediction now- my wife just told me she bought a $500 purse. PSU 500, Michigan broke

3. Wisconsin (0-3) at Iowa (1-2): After losing their first three games in the conference, the Badgers now get to head out to Iowa City to face the 4-3 Hawkeyes. Wisconsin needs: character, confidence, emotion, pride (yes, I am being redundant)…and a dash of some consistent passing. Tight ends Travis Beckum and Garrett Graham have been very quiet during their losing streak and their play must improve if Wisconsin is to cure their offensive ills. The Hawkeyes (98 yards/game) are solid at stuffing the run and that, coupled with Wisconsin’s decimated offensive line, will keep the Badgers sputtering in Kinnick Stadium.

PREDICTION: Iowa 24, Wisconsin 10

4. Purdue (0-2) at Northwestern (1-1): The future of quarterback Curtis Painter could very well be in the hands of the Wildcats. Purdue Coach Joe Tiller is hinting that his patience will soon run out on the senior, forcing a quarterback change for the future in junior Joey Elliott. This will finally light the fire under the senior signal caller, but he will remain in the hot seat.

PREDICTION: Purdue 29, Northwestern 17

5. Indiana (0-3) at Illinois (1-2): This game will look very similar to Illinois’ victory against Michigan two weeks ago. Lots of scoring and yardage and not much competition from the competition. Illinois stumbled last week, yielding costly sacks and committing untimely turnovers against Minnesota, but the Hoosiers do not hold the same big-play defensive capability as Minnesota. Thus, same result as the Michigan game, and the Illini will continue to confuse us concerning their true potential.

PREDICTION: Illinois 38, Indiana 23

This Date in College Football History

Oct. 9, 1999: For the first time in almost two decades, intrastate rivals Michigan and Michigan State enter the game undefeated. Down early after the Spartans score on their first three possessions, Coach Lloyd Carr replaces Wolverine quarterback Drew Henson with Tom Brady, who completes 30-41 for 285 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan State holds on for a 34-31 victory in East Lansing.

Big Ten Week Six Previews

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Underdogs in need of some help from baseball legends.

Last week, the visiting squads needed to get off to early starts to stay alive. This week, the home teams will need to step up their games if they are to defend their turf. In light of the Major League Baseball playoffs, I have added some baseball legends whom, had they traded batting helmets for facemasks, could help out the underdogs.

Northwestern stays undefeated. OK, they are off this week. Who else comes out unscathed from Week 6?

1. Ohio State at Wisconsin: Badgers need Willie Mays to run everything down in center field.Against Michigan, Wisconsin could have been exploited over the deep middle several times. Slot receiver Martavious Odoms ran wild on several pass attempts last week, but the Wolverines lacked the necessary timing and experience to connect. In order for the Badgers to cash in at night at Camp Randall, they will need safeties Jay Valai and Shane Carter to not only track down balls launched over their heads, but also to close down alleyways around the box to stuff the run. Wisconsin has shown enough discipline on defense to do this (if you forget the second half last week). If they choose to merely maintain that run discipline and defend against Beanie Wells, it will leave time for Terrelle Pryor to make good decisions passing the ball and wideouts Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie will exploit the deep middle. The Badgers will lose a great game in a great atmosphere, perhaps on Ohio State’s last possession.
PREDICTION: Ohio State 30, Wisconsin 27

2. Illinois at Michigan: Michigan needs Ichiro Suzuki to put the ball in play. The difference between last week and this week for Michigan is that after one half of play, Wisconsin thought Michigan’s offense was inept and eased off the gas. This week, Illinois knows that the Wolverines can move the ball at times, despite being ranked in the pits for total offense (110th, 285 yards/game). Michigan needs to be able to hit for power, hit for average and play faster; but the Illini are much more athletic on defense than Wisconsin, which may counter Rich Rodriguez’s spread even more. Contrary to last week where Illinois could not keep up with their opponent (Penn State), it will be Michigan that will not be able to keep up with the Illini in a game that promises to be close…but not close enough.
PREDICTION Illinois 27, Michigan 20

3. Penn State at Purdue: The Boilermakers need Derek Jeter if they want to be playing for something worthwhile in November. Purdue’s season-killing skid usually starts a little later in the season, but they will need immediate leadership on both sides of the ball from the coaches and/or quarterback Curtis Painter to avoid an early collapse. The tools are there for Purdue to contend, but they need to piece this season back together fast. However, it’s a bad time to face a third straight loss as red-hot Penn State comes to West Lafayette looking to maintain their national championship hopes (averaging 515 yards/game and FBS-leading 33 touchdowns). Just as this year has panned out for Jeter and the New York Yankees, it may be a lonely October for the Boilermakers--Penn State rolls in a four-quarter sweep.
PREDICTION Penn State 42, Purdue 17

4. Iowa at Michigan State: Hawkeyes need Thurman Munson blocking home plate.
The NCAA officially lists Iowa’s offensive focal point (running back) Shonn Greene as “probable”, which is the good news. The bad news is the description of his injury listed as “head”. Oh boy. With a completely healthy Greene, this would have been an intriguing match-up of smash-mouth football between Greene (6th in the FBS with 133 yards/game) and Spartans’ tailback Javon Ringer (2nd in the FBS with 180 yards/game). Now I’m not so sure Iowa will have the offensive firepower to keep this one close on the road. Iowa must keep this one a low scoring affair by keeping Ringer out of the end zone. The Hawkeyes’ predecessors were not able to do it, and neither will Iowa.
PREDICTION: Ringer 21, Iowa 10

5. Indiana at Minnesota: The Hoosiers need Ozzie Smith to make some “short stops”. Last week, Michigan State went to Bloomington and piled up nearly 500 yards of offense on a porous Indiana defense. Combined with the prior week’s loss to Ball State, they had given up 966 yards and 84 points, which showed promise. This week, the Hoosiers go on the road to face a spread offense led by Minnesota’s sophomore quarterback Adam Weber. Weber will have to correct some of those mistakes that he and the Gophers made Columbus if they are to control the ball better this week. The Indiana defense needs an all-star performance, one that provides the offense with enough time to put up points on their own (which they have shown they certainly can). Who will step up on defense for the Hoosiers? No one.
PREDICTION: Minnesota 37, Indiana 30

Big Ten Week 4 Preview

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan have the week off. One could argue, by virtue of their schedules, that Penn State (vs. Temple) and Ohio State (vs. Troy) come pretty close to having the week off before they open up their Big Ten conference schedules. This week may leave a lot to be desired overall, but let’s take a look at some intriguing match-ups:

1. (Purdue vs. Central Michigan) Purdue’s Curtis Painter vs. Central Michigan’s Chris LeFevour: The stellar quarterbacks go toe-to-toe in what could be a match-up eventually seen on Sundays. Last year, LeFevour put up strong numbers (17-34, 296 yards, 4 touchdowns) in a dramatic shoot-out loss (51-48) to the Boilermakers, in which Painter threw for over 500 yards and three touchdowns. Expect nothing less from these two future pros in this season’s sequel. Not enough to whet your appetite? Central Michigan is 109th in passing defense, yielding 285 yards a game. Who will put on the better show for the scouts? PREDICTION: Purdue 85, CMU 77

2. (MSU at ND) Will MSU running back Javon Ringer continue his Heisman campaign against Notre Dame? Ringer leads the NCAA FBS in attempts (104) and touchdowns (nine) and is third in yards (498). On the other side of the ball, ND’s defense was susceptible to the shifty running of Michigan’s Sam McGuffie (25-131, 5.2 yards/carry). Defensive captain and inside linebacker Maurice Crum left the game early last week. He’s still a little banged up, but the word on the street is that he will be ready to play against Michigan State. Does Notre Dame build on their 2-0 start and continue their 180-degree turnaround from ’07? PREDICTION: MSU 20, ND 17

Iowa at Pittsburgh? OK, so I may be stretching it here since Pittsburgh has stumbled out of the gate 1-1 (win vs. Buffalo, loss to Bowling Green), but this is a nice road test to see if Coach Kirk Ferentz is putting Iowa (3-0) in serious position to compete in the Big Ten again. It is early, but did you know that, along with Michigan State’s Ringer and Wisconsin’s P.J. Hill, Shonn Greene of Iowa is also a member of the top ten rushing club (Greene is ninth nationally with 359 yards and three touchdowns)? Keys to the game: Pittsburgh comes in stout against the run, ranked 34th (94.5 yards/game), but will be tested by the strong running of Greene. Iowa’s 29th ranked pass defense will face a similar test going up against Pittsburgh’s 37th ranked pass offense. This one will almost certainly NOT be mistaken for an old-fashioned shoot-out. PREDICTION: Iowa 17 Pittsburgh 13

This Date in College Football History

September 15, 1973: Northwestern defeats Big Ten rival Michigan State 14-10 in Evanston, giving the Wildcats' their first season-opening win in six years.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

This Date in College Football History

Sept. 5, 1987: In the first night game played in Spartan Stadium, Michigan State ends Southern California's 17-game winning streak against Big Ten teams 27-13. Tailback Lorenzo White leads the Spartans with 111 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Spartans, Wolverines set to mark 100th meeting in rivalry

By TIM MARTIN
Associated Press Writer

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Former Michigan State running back T.J. Duckett says his lifelong best friend, fellow Kalamazoo native John Bradford, ``is the biggest Michigan fan in the history of the state.''

In 2001, Duckett irritated his buddy - and millions of other Wolverines fans - by catching the game-winning touchdown as time expired in one of the most controversial games in a rivalry that celebrates its 100th game Saturday.

Measured by a century or a second, time is a recurring theme in the Michigan-Michigan State football series.

In the 'Clock Game' of 2001, Michigan fans swear time stood still in Spartan Stadium long enough for Michigan State and Duckett to pull off a last-second 26-24 victory. Duckett says that to this day, Bradford claims Michigan State didn't really win the game.

This year, clocks in football training facilities at Michigan State (5-4, 1-4 Big Ten) began counting down the days to kickoff against No. 15 Michigan (7-2, 5-0) before the season started.

It's the latest edition of a rivalry that began in 1898. Except for a two-year break caused in part by World War II, it's been an annual affair since 1910. That's plenty of time to develop millions of split allegiances between friends and families that roar to the surface during Michigan-Michigan State week.

Michigan State usually has measured its football success against neighboring Michigan, college football's all-time winningest program. The Wolverines have dominated the series with a 66-28-5 advantage.

All but a few games were played in Ann Arbor until Michigan State became a full-fledged member of the Big Ten in the 1950s. That's when the teams began playing for the Paul Bunyan Trophy and the Spartans had equal standing for a home-and-home series.

The only prolonged streak of Spartan superiority over the Wolverines came in the 1950s and '60s, when Michigan State held a 14-4-2 edge while winning at least one version of a national championship in six different seasons under Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty.

Before and since, it's been pretty much all Michigan. The Wolverines have won five straight headed into Saturday's contest and own a 29-8 record in the series since 1970. No wonder some Wolverines say the Spartans have an inferiority complex.

First-year Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio this week asked his players, none of whom has ever beaten Michigan, if they were ready to stop bowing to the Wolverines. He says the Ann Arbor school, located roughly 60 miles southeast of East Lansing, is a measuring stick for the Spartans - and they haven't measured up lately.

``We compete against them in everything that we do every day, whether it's for a recruit, whether it's for a fan, or whether it's for a 9-year-old's heart,'' Dantonio said. ``Whatever it is, we are going to compete against those people down the road every single day.''

Some Michigan alums say the rivalry means much more to Michigan State than it does to them. No wonder some Spartans say the Wolverines are arrogant.

``I've always considered Ohio State and Notre Dame to be our rivals, not Michigan State,'' former Michigan receiver and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. ``As a player, I always had the impression from State that if they could beat us it would make their season. However, it was never like that for us. We expected to win and beating them held no more significance to us than a victory against Purdue or Minnesota.''

The Wolverines established their football program in 1879 and were considered a powerhouse well before what was then Michigan Agricultural College fielded its first team in 1896.

Michigan won the programs' first meeting 39-0, en route to a perfect 10-0 season in 1898.

A 0-0 tie in 1908 prompted wild celebration in East Lansing. About 6,000 fans threw their hats and pennants in the air and carried Michigan State players off the field. Then some 600 students took streetcars to nearby Lansing and partied in the streets, starting a big bonfire near the state Capitol.

Michigan State's first win, 12-7 in 1913, came in Ann Arbor and ruined Michigan's unbeaten season. Michigan State fans celebrated on the Wolverines' field for a half-hour after the game. Back home, the win prompted another celebration near the state Capitol and a building fire on campus that some suspected may have been set by rowdy celebrants, although that was never proven.

Police still marshal a larger-than-normal force whenever the Wolverines visit East Lansing.

The teams have traded massive upsets over the years.

In 1955, Michigan State's only loss was 14-7 in Ann Arbor. Although the Spartans would win the Rose Bowl and a minor version of the national title that season, the loss to Michigan likely cost them the consensus national championship.

In 1990, Michigan was ranked No. 1 in the nation and hosting the underdog Spartans in the Big House. The Spartans escaped with a controversial 28-27 win. On a potential game-winning 2-point conversion pass late in the game, Howard looked for a penalty flag against Michigan State's Eddie Brown, but it never came.

In 1999, Spartans quarterback Bill Burke passed for a school record 400 yards to lead No. 11 Michigan State past No. 3. Michigan in East Lansing, 34-31.

``You got the idea that a lot of people were affected by the outcome of that game,'' said Burke, an Ohio native who didn't know much about the rivalry until he arrived at Michigan State. ``You drive down almost any street in East Lansing and you'll see a lot of Spartan flags, but you'll see some Michigan flags too. Michigan State grads marry Michigan grads. A lot of families are split right down the middle.''

Ron Bellamy, a former Wolverine receiver who like Duckett is now with the NFL's Detroit Lions, grew up in Louisiana but quickly learned about the Great Lakes State rivalry.

``Michigan State is like the neighbor that keeps coming on your property, and you say, 'We're going to have to handle this if you keep coming on my side,''' Bellamy said. ``We hate them, and they hate us and it's a dirty game with a lot of trash talking.''

Bellamy is among those who believe the Wolverines were robbed by the clock operator and game officials as time wound down in the 2001 game at Spartan Stadium.

Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker spiked the ball during a last-chance drive in time to preserve one second on the clock, officials ruled, despite Michigan's objections that time should have run out.

Frank Beckmann, a longtime radio announcer for Michigan football games, called the clock incident ``criminal'' on the air.

Smoker, scrambling and off-balance, then lobbed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Duckett as time expired.

``I don't know if it was criminal, but it definitely was a great play in Spartan history,'' Duckett said.

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

No. 1 Buckeyes hold off Spartans, 24-17

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- No. 1 Ohio State got a scare, but avoided being yet another upset victim.

The Buckeyes built a comfortable lead and then gave up two touchdowns off turnovers late in the third quarter - and almost lost another fumble deep in their own territory on the next play - to slip past Michigan State 24-17 on Saturday.

All week, both sides had talked about what happened in the 1998 meeting, when the unbeaten Buckeyes were 26 1/2-point favorites and had a 24-9 lead in the third quarter yet unraveled to lose the No. 1 ranking when the Spartans pulled off a 28-24 shocker.

Michigan State (5-3, 1-3 Big Ten) almost pulled off a repeat of that performance from nine years ago.

The Buckeyes (8-0, 4-0) rolled for most of the first three quarters, building their big lead on two touchdown passes by Todd Boeckman, the running of Chris Wells and a bruising defense that thoroughly shut down Michigan State.

Ahead 24-0 late in the third quarter, they were seemingly in command and looking ahead to next week's test at Penn State.

In the span of four plays, it was 24-14 and Michigan State blew a chance to recover another Ohio State turnover on the very next play when two defenders touched Wells' fumble, but the back ended up recovering.

The comeback started when Boeckman flipped a pass under pressure that safety Otis Wiley picked off and returned 54 yards to put the Spartans on the board.

After the ensuing kickoff, a short run and two penalties gave the Buckeyes a first down at their own 15. But Boeckman was sacked by Jonal Saint-Dic and fumbled, with linebacker Sirdarean Adams swooping in to scoop up the ball and run 25 yards to make it 24-14.

Suddenly, a crowd of 105,287 was so silent you could hear a national championship trophy drop.

After the next kickoff, the Buckeyes took over at their own 22. On first down, Wells fumbled when hit by Jeremiah Antonio and the ball bounced loose. Wiley and end Ervin Baldwin each had a clear shot at falling on the ball but failed to grab it.

Boeckman, who completed his first 10 passes in the game and tied a school-record with 12 straight completions, now had trouble even getting time to pass, much less complete one.

After an Ohio State punt midway through the fourth quarter, Brett Swenson kicked a 43-yard field goal to tighten it to 24-17 with just 3:42 left.

It got so bad that on the kickoff that followed, the Ohio State coach Jim Tressel even instructed returner Brandon Saine to take a knee to avoid turning the ball over with another fumble.

The Buckeyes took no more chances. Wells carried on the final seven carries while Michigan State exhausted its timeouts, gaining 36 yards as Ohio State played keepaway to stay perfect.

Wells, so close to being a goat, ended up a hero as he finished with 221 yards on 31 carries including a 5-yard touchdown.

After hitting his first 10 passes, Boeckman struggled, completing 15-of-23 passes for 193 yards and touchdowns of 14 yards to Jake Ballard and 50 yards to Brian Robiskie.

The Spartans mustered just nine first downs and 185 yards of total offense against an Ohio State defense which came in No. 1 in the nation in points (6.57 per game) and yards allowed (212 per game).

Michigan State didn't help itself in the opening half, with Brian Hoyer throwing an interception to Doug Worthington which helped set up Wells' TD run, and a 19-yard punt which gave the Buckeyes the ball at the Michigan State 29.

Hoyer, who finished 12-of-23 passing for 126 yards with the one interception, didn't complete his second pass until the Spartans' fourth possession.

Javon Ringer, averaging 178 yards in Big Ten games, ran for 49 yards on 18 attempts.

Ohio State's players wore small ``23'' decals on the back of their helmets in support of Ron Springs, a star running back from 1976-78 who is in a coma in a Dallas hospital after surgery. His son Shawn, currently a member of the Washington Redskins, also played for Ohio State from 1994-96.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Collegiate Images