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2018 Michigan State Spartans football team

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2018 Michigan State Spartans football
Redbox Bowl, L 6–7 vs. Oregon
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
DivisionEast Division
Record7–6 (5–4 Big Ten)
Head coach
Co-offensive coordinatorDave Warner (6th season)
Co-offensive coordinatorJim Bollman (6th season)
Offensive schemePro-style
Defensive coordinatorMike Tressel (4th as DC; 12th overall season)
Base defenseMultiple
Home stadiumSpartan Stadium
Seasons
← 2017
2019 →
2018 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
No. 3 Ohio State xy$   8 1     13 1  
No. 14 Michigan x   8 1     10 3  
No. 17 Penn State   6 3     9 4  
Michigan State   5 4     7 6  
Maryland   3 6     5 7  
Indiana   2 7     5 7  
Rutgers   0 9     1 11  
West Division
No. 21 Northwestern xy   8 1     9 5  
Wisconsin   5 4     8 5  
No. 25 Iowa   5 4     9 4  
Purdue   5 4     6 7  
Minnesota   3 6     7 6  
Nebraska   3 6     4 8  
Illinois   2 7     4 8  
Championship: Ohio State 45, Northwestern 24
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2018 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, and competed in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference. They were led by 12th-year head coach Mark Dantonio.

The Spartans returned 19 starters from their Holiday Bowl-winning 2017 team, and began the year at 11th in the AP Poll. In the second game of the year, the team was upset on the road by unranked Arizona State. The team fell out of the top 25 after falling to Northwestern on homecoming, but bounced back with a road win against then-No. 8 Penn State. The Spartan offense struggled mightily in the second half of the season, and the team failed to score more than 7 points in losses to Michigan, Ohio State, and Nebraska. They finished the regular season in fourth in the East Division with a conference record of 5–4. Michigan State was invited to the Redbox Bowl, where they lost to Oregon by a score of 7–6, which matched their final record.

The team was characterized by a stark dichotomy in performance between offense and defense; the defense finished in the top ten nationally in six categories, while the offense finished in the bottom 20 nationally in six categories.[1] Junior quarterback Brian Lewerke led the team in passing, finishing the year with 2,040 passing yards, 8 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.[2] He was replaced by redshirt freshman Rocky Lombardi in several games as Lewerke struggled with injuries and poor performance. Connor Heyward, replacing the injured LJ Scott, led the team in rushing. On defense, Kenny Willekes led the Big Ten in tackles for a loss (21), and was named the conference's Defensive Lineman of the Year.[3] Linebacker Joe Bachie was also an impact player, being named first team all-conference by the coaches.[3]

Offseason

[edit]

2018 NFL Draft

[edit]

MSU kept its streak of 78 years of having at least one player drafted in the NFL Draft alive when Brian Allen was drafted in the fourth round.[4]

Round Pick Team Player Position
4 111 Los Angeles Rams Brian Allen Offensive lineman

Additionally, one player, Chris Frey Jr., was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.[5]

Recruiting

[edit]
US college sports recruiting information for 2019 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Xavier Henderson
DB
Pickerington, Ohio Pickerington High School Central 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 189 lb (86 kg) Sep 9, 2016 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Trenton Gillison
TE
Pickerington, Ohio Pickerington High School Central 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Jan 29, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Theo Day
QB
Dearborn, Michigan Divine Child High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 197 lb (89 kg) Feb 26, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Christian Jackson
CB
Marietta, Georgia Lassiter High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Mar 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Edward Warinner
LB
Powell, Ohio Olentangy Liberty High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 222 lb (101 kg) Apr 12, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Michael Dowell
DB
North Ridgeville, Ohio St. Edward High School (Lakewood) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 195 lb (88 kg) May 29, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Jeslord Boateng
LB
Dublin, Ohio Dublin Coffman High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 210 lb (95 kg) Jun 12, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Davion Williams
CB
Belleville, Michigan Belleville High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Jun 17, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Dimitri Douglas
OT
Saline, Michigan Saline High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 282 lb (128 kg) Jun 19, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jacob Slade
DE
Lewis Center, Ohio Olentangy High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 255 lb (116 kg) Jun 25, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Zachary Slade
DE
Lewis Center, Ohio Olentangy High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 240 lb (110 kg) Jun 25, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Javez Alexander
WR
Sandusky, Ohio Sandusky High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Jun 28, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Parks Gissinger
DE
West Hills, California Chaminade College Preparatory School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 227 lb (103 kg) Jul 20, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Chase Kline
LB
Chardon, Ohio Chardon High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Jul 25, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Julian Major
WR
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Penn Hills High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Jul 29, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
James Ohonba
OT
Stockbridge, Georgia Woodland High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 345 lb (156 kg) Sep 29, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Elijah Collins
RB
Detroit, Michigan University of Detroit Jesuit High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 194 lb (88 kg) Sep 29, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jacob Isaia
OG
Las Vegas, Nevada Bishop Gorman High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 280 lb (130 kg) Oct 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Kalon Gervin
CB
Detroit, Michigan Cass Technical High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Dec 2, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
La'Darius Jefferson
QB
Muskegon, Michigan Muskegon High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 209 lb (95 kg) Dec 9, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jalen Nailor
WR
Las Vegas, Nevada Bishop Gorman High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Feb 3, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2018 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 26, 2018.

Preseason

[edit]

Award watch lists

[edit]
Award Player Position Year
Chuck Bednarik Award[6] Joe Bachie LB JR
Maxwell Award[7] Brian Lewerke QB JR
LJ Scott RB SR
Davey O'Brien Award[8] Brian Lewerke QB JR
Doak Walker Award[9] LJ Scott RB SR
Butkus Award[10] Joe Bachie LB JR
Jim Thorpe Award[11] David Dowell S JR
Bronko Nagurski Trophy[12] Joe Bachle LB JR
Outland Trophy[13] David Beedle G SR
Ray Guy Award[14] Jake Hartbarger P SR
Wuerffel Trophy[15] Khari Willis DB SR
Walter Camp Award[16] Brian Lewerke QB JR
Ted Hendricks Award[17] Kenny Willekes DE JR
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award[18] Brian Lewerke QB JR
Manning Award[19] Brian Lewerke QB JR

Schedule

[edit]
DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 317:00 p.m.Utah State*No. 11BTNW 38–3173,114
September 810:45 p.m.at Arizona State*No. 15ESPNL 13–1653,599
September 227:30 p.m.at IndianaNo. 24BTNW 35–2145,445
September 2912:00 p.m.Central Michigan*No. 21
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI
FS1W 31–2073,752
October 612:00 p.m.NorthwesterndaggerNo. 20
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI
FS1L 19–2972,850
October 133:30 p.m.at No. 8 Penn StateBTNW 21–17106,685
October 2012:00 p.m.No. 6 MichiganNo. 24
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI (rivalry)
FOXL 7–2176,131
October 2712:00 p.m.Purdue
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI
ESPNW 23–1372,657
November 312:00 p.m.at MarylandESPN2W 24–331,735
November 1012:00 p.m. No. 8 Ohio StateNo. 24
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI
FOXL 6–2674,633
November 1712:00 p.m.at NebraskaFOXL 6–988,793
November 244:00 p.m.Rutgers
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI
FOXW 14–1064,951
December 313:00 p.m.vs. Oregon*FOXL 6–730,212
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

Source[20]

Personnel

[edit]

Roster

[edit]
2018 Michigan State Spartans football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
RB 3 LJ Scott Sr
WR 4 C. J. Hayes  Fr
QB 6 Theo Day Fr
WR 7 Cody White So
WR 9 Jalen Nailor Fr
RB 11 Connor Heyward So
WR 12 Nick Krumm  Jr
QB 12 Rocky Lombardi  Fr
QB 13 Mickey Macius  Sr
WR 13 Laress Nelson So
WR 14 Emmanuel Flowers  Fr
QB 14 Brian Lewerke (C)  Jr
RB 15 La'Darius Jefferson Fr
RB 16 Austin Andrews  So
WR 16 Brandon Sowards  Sr
WR 18 Felton Davis III Sr
WR 19 Julian Major Fr
WR 20 David Lewandowski  Jr
WR 21 Cam Chambers  So
RB 24 Elijah Collins Fr
WR 25 Darrell Stewart Jr.  Jr
RB 27 Weston Bridges  Fr
RB 36 Noah Sargent  So
RB 39 Alante Thomas  So
FB 40 Collin Lucas  Sr
FB 41 Reid Burton  So
FB 44 Max Rosenthal  Fr
FB 45 Ben Line  Sr
OT 55 Jordan Reid So
G 56 Matt Carrick  Fr
G 59 David Beedle  Sr
OT 61 Cole Chewins  Jr
OT 62 Luke Campbell  So
OT 63 Noah Listermann  Jr
OL 64 Matt Allen  So
OL 66 Blake Bueter  Fr
OL 67 Bryce Wilker  Jr
OT 68 Dan Vanopstall Fr
OL 69 Tommy Liesveld  So
OL 70 Tyler Higby  Jr
OL 71 James Ohonba Fr
OL 73 Jacob Isaia Fr
OL 74 Jack Henrichs  Fr
G 75 Kevin Jarvis So
OT 76 A. J. Arcuri  So
OL 77 Dimitri Douglas Fr
OT 79 Mustafa Khaleefah  Fr
TE 80 Matt Seybert  Jr
TE 81 Matt Sokol  Sr
WR 82 Javez Alexander Fr
TE 84 Noah Davis  So
WR 85 Khylin Barton  So
TE 86 Jonathan Brys (I)  So
WR 87 Jahz Watts  Fr
TE 88 Trenton Gillison Fr
WR 88 Andre Welch So
TE 89 Matt Dotson So
TE 94 Chase Gianacakos  Sr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
CB 2 Justin Layne Jr
S 3 Xavier Henderson Fr
LB 5 Andrew Dowell Sr
S 6 David Dowell  Jr
S 7 Michael Dowell Fr
CB 8 Chris Jackson Fr
S 9 Dominique Long So
S 10 Matt Morrissey  Sr
CB 11 Davion Williams Fr
LB 17 Tyriq Thompson  Jr
CB 18 Kalon Gervin Fr
CB 19 Josh Butler  Jr
LB 21 Chase Kline Fr
CB 22 Josiah Scott So
S 24 Tre Person So
LB 26 Brandon Bouyer-Randle  So
S 27 Khari Willis (C) Sr
LB 28 Jon Reschke  Sr
DB 29 Shakur Brown  Fr
LB 30 Tanner Hallock  Fr
LB 31 Edward Warinner Fr
DB 32 Corey Pryor  So
LB 33 Jesslord Boateng Fr
LB 34 Antjuan Simmons So
LB 35 Joe Bachie (C) Jr
CB 36 Jiah Norman  Fr
LB 37 Dante Razzano  So
LB 38 Byron Bullough  Sr
DL 41 Gerald Owens  Sr
DE 42 Brent Mossburg  Fr
S 43 Jack Mandryk  Fr
LB 44 Grayson Miller Sr
LB 47 Noah Harvey  Fr
DE 48 Kenny Willekes  Jr
S 49 David Kruse Fr
DE 52 Dillon Alexander  Sr
LB 53 Peter Fisk  So
LB 54 Mitchell Sokol  Fr
DE 55 Zach Slade Fr
LB 58 Terry O'Connor Fr
DT 64 Jacob Slade Fr
DT 72 Mike Panasiuk Jr
DT 83 Mufi Hill-Hunt  So
DL 86 Drew Beesley  So
DE 91 Jack Camper  Fr
DE 92 DeAri Todd  Fr
DT 93 Naquan Jones  So
DT 94 Dashaun Mallory Fr
DE 96 Jacub Panasiuk So
DE 97 Justice Alexander  Jr
DE 98 Parks Gissinger Fr
DT 99 Raequan Williams  Jr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K 4 Matt Coghlin  So
P 25 Jake Hartbarger  Sr
LS 47 Ryan Armour Jr
LS 57 Collin Caflisch  Jr
P 92 William Przystup Fr
K, P 94 Jack McKenna  Fr
K 97 Tyler Hunt  Fr
K 98 Cole Hahn  Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Mark Staten (Assistant head coach / Offensive Line)
  • Mike Tressel (Co-Defensive coordinator / Linebackers)
  • Dave Warner (Co-Offensive Coordinator / Running Backs)
  • Jim Bollman (Co-Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends)
  • Chuck Bullough (Defensive Ends)
  • Ron Burton (Defensive Tackles)
  • Brad Salem (Quarterbacks)
  • Paul Haynes (Secondary / Special Teams)
  • Terrence Samuel (Wide Receivers)
  • Don Treadwell (Asst. Defensive Backs)

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: August 29, 2018

Position key

Back B Center C Cornerback CB Defensive back DB
Defensive end DE Defensive lineman DL Defensive tackle DT End E
Fullback FB Guard G Halfback HB Kicker K
Kickoff returner KR Offensive tackle OT Offensive lineman OL Linebacker LB
Long snapper LS Punter P Punt returner PR Quarterback QB
Running back RB Safety S Tight end TE Wide receiver WR

Coaching staff

[edit]

On January 2, 2018, Harlon Barnett was hired as defensive coordinator for Florida State, leaving the Spartans after spending the previous 14 years with head coach Mark Dantonio.[21] On January 19, the school announced that co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel was promoted to defensive coordinator with the departure of Barnett.[22]

Also on January 19, former Kent State head coach Paul Haynes was hired as the secondary coach.[22][23] Haynes, who was fired from Kent State after five seasons as head coach,[24] returned to the Spartans after serving as defensive backs coach from 2003 to 2004. On January 22, the school announced the hiring of former Kent State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell, who had coached with the Spartans on two prior occasions, as a defensive backs and special teams coach.[25] On February 1, the school hired Chuck Bullough as defensive ends coach.[26]

Name Position Joined staff
Mark Dantonio Head coach 2007
Mark Staten Assistant head coach/offensive line 2007
Dave Warner Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs 2007
Jim Bollman Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends 2013
Mike Tressel Defensive coordinator/linebackers 2007
Brad Salem Quarterbacks 2010
Terrence Samuel Wide receivers 2011
Ron Burton Defensive Tackles 2013
Chuck Bullough Defensive Ends 2018
Don Treadwell Assistant Defensive Backs/Special Teams, Freshmen 2018
Paul Haynes Secondary 2018

Game summaries

[edit]

Utah State

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
First meeting
Week One: Utah State at Michigan State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Utah State 7 7 10731
No. 11 Michigan State 6 14 71138

at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

  • Date: August 31, 2018
  • Game time: 7:01 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 80°F, Wind: 11 mph SSE, Sunny
  • Game attendance: 73,114
  • Referee: Ron Snodgrass
  • TV announcers (BTN): Brandon Gaudin (Play-by-play), Glen Mason (analyst), Elise Menaker (sideline)
  • Sources:[27]
Game information

The Spartans opened the 2018 season under the lights at home against Mountain West opponent Utah State.

Utah State received the opening kickoff and took little time scoring on their opening drive, taking only just over two minutes to score on a Jordan Love one-yard run. The MSU offense stalled at midfield on their first drive, but Matt Coghlin made a 49-yard field goal to put the Spartans on the board, 7–3. After a turnover on downs on the following Utah State possession, Michigan State added another field goal, bringing them within a point. The second quarter featured sloppy play from both teams. As Michigan State was driving into Utah State territory, Brian Lewerke was sacked and attempted to throw the ball away. After review, the officials determined that Lewerke had not completed a forward throwing motion, that he had fumbled the ball, and it was recovered by Utah State. However, the Aggies did not score off of the turnover. Several possessions later, the Aggies committed a turnover of their own when Jordan Love threw an interception that resulted in Michigan State points when Brian Lewerke connected with Cody White on a seven-yard pass for a touchdown. The score gave the Spartans their first lead of the game, 13–7. Utah State answered with a touchdown of their own on the following possession, retaking the lead 14–13. The Spartan offense drove deep into Utah State territory and Felton Davis scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Brian Lewerke with 28 seconds left in the half to give MSU a 20–14 lead at halftime.

The Spartans extended their lead after in the second half when a 17-yard Connor Heyward touchdown run increased their lead to 27–14. Late in the third quarter, Utah State added a field goal to narrow the lead to 27–17. The following Michigan State possession ended in disaster when a Brian Lewerke pass intended for Jalen Nailor was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Gage Ferguson to bring Utah State within three, 27–24. Michigan State increase their lead with a field goal early in the fourth quarter, but Utah State retook the lead with five minutes remaining in the game on a Darwin Thompson one-yard touchdown run. Brian Lewerke led the offense down the field the following possession, completing five straight passes before Connor Heyward scored the go-ahead touchdown on an option pitch from Lewerke to give Michigan State a 36–31 lead with two minutes remaining. Lewerke then connected with Davis on the two-point conversion pass to give MSU a 38–31 lead. With less than two minutes remaining, Utah State drove the ball to the MSU 46-yard line. However, MSU linebacker Joe Bachie leapt to deflect a pass and secured the interception to seal the win for the Spartans, avoiding a major upset. Michigan State extended its home opening winning streak to 20 games with the victory.

At Arizona State

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
1–1 Sep. 13, 1986 Arizona State, 20–17
Week Two: Michigan State at Arizona State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 15 Michigan State 0 3 10013
Arizona State 0 0 31316

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ

  • Date: September 8, 2018
  • Game time: 10:45 pm EDT
  • Game weather: Clear skies, 100 °F (38 °C)
  • Game attendance: 53,599
  • Referee: Mike Cannon
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst), Tom Luginbill (sideline)
  • Sources:
Game information

At Indiana

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
47–15–2 Oct. 21, 2017 MSU, 17–9
Week Three: Michigan State at Indiana – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 24 Michigan State 14 7 7735
Indiana 0 7 01421

at Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN

  • Date: September 22, 2018
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 63 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,445
  • Referee: Mark Kluczynski
  • TV announcers (BTN): Brandon Gaudin (Play-by-play), Glen Mason (analyst), Elise Menaker (sideline)
  • Sources:
Game information

Central Michigan

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
7–3 Sep. 26, 2015 MSU, 30–10
Week Four: Central Michigan at Michigan State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Central Michigan 3 0 01720
No. 21 Michigan State 0 17 14031

at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

  • Date: September 29, 2018
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 73,752
  • TV: FS1
  • Sources:
Game information

Northwestern

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
38–18 Oct. 28, 2017 NW, 39–31
Week Five: Northwestern at Michigan State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Northwestern 7 7 8729
No. 20 Michigan State 3 3 13019

at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

  • Date: October 6, 2018
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 72,850
  • TV: FS1
  • Sources:
Game information

At Penn State

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
16–15–1 Nov. 4, 2017 MSU, 27–24
Week Six: Michigan State at Penn State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Michigan State 0 7 7721
No. 8 Penn State 7 7 0317

at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

  • Date: October 13, 2018
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C); cool, cloudy
  • Game attendance: 106,685
  • Referee: Michael Cannon
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler (Play-by-play), James Laurinaitis (analyst), Lisa Byington (sideline)
  • Sources:
Game information

Michigan

[edit]
Paul Bunyan Trophy: #6 Michigan Wolverines (6–1) at #24 Michigan State Spartans (4–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
Michigan 0 7 7721
Michigan State 0 0 707

at Spartan StadiumEast Lansing, Michigan

  • Date: October 20
  • Game time: 12:05 p.m.
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy • 52 °F (11 °C) • Wind 13 W
  • Game attendance: 76,131
  • Referee: Jerry McGinn
  • TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft
  • Box Score
Game information

Purdue

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
36–27–3 Oct. 3, 2015 MSU, 24–21
Week Eight: Purdue at Michigan State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Purdue 3 3 7013
Michigan State 6 7 3723

at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

  • Date: October 27, 2018
  • Game time: 12:02 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 37°F, Clear, NW 18 MPH
  • Game attendance: 72,657
  • Referee: Ron Snodgrass
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones (Play-by-Play), Dusty Dvoracek (Analyst) & Molly McGrath (Sideline)
  • Sources:
Game information

At Maryland

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
7–2 Nov. 18, 2017 MSU, 17–7
Week Nine: Michigan State at Maryland – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Michigan State 10 0 7724
Maryland 0 3 003

at Maryland Stadium, College Park, MD

  • Date: November 3, 2018
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 31,735
  • TV: ESPN2
  • Sources:
Game information

Ohio State

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
15–31 Nov. 11, 2017 OSU, 48–3
Week Ten: Ohio State at Michigan State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 8 Ohio State 0 7 21726
No. 24 Michigan State 0 3 306

at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

  • Date: November 10, 2018
  • Game time: 12:05 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C), Overcast & Flurries, WNW 14 miles per hour (23 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 74,633
  • Referee: John O'Neill
  • TV announcers (FOX): Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt
  • Sources:
Game information

At Nebraska

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
2–8 Nov. 7, 2015 NEB, 39–38
Week Eleven: Michigan State at Nebraska – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Michigan State 3 0 036
Nebraska 0 0 099

at Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE

  • Date: November 17, 2018
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Overcast, 27 °F (−3 °C), N/NE 16 miles per hour (26 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 88,793
  • Referee: Don Capron
  • TV announcers (FOX): Brian Custer and Ben Leber
  • Sources:
Game information

Rutgers

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
6–3 Nov. 25, 2017 MSU, 40–7
Week Twelve: Rutgers at Michigan State – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Rutgers 0 7 0310
Michigan State 0 7 0714

at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

  • Date: November 24, 2018
  • Game time: 4:11 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C), Cloudy, Light Mist, SW 9 miles per hour (14 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 64,951
  • Referee: Jeff Servinski
  • TV: FOX
  • Sources:
Game information

Vs. Oregon (Redbox Bowl)

[edit]
Series Record Previous meeting Result
3–3 2015 MSU, 31–28
2018 Redbox Bowl: Michigan State vs Oregon – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Michigan State 0 0 606
Oregon 0 0 077

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

  • Date: December 31, 2018
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. PST
  • Game attendance: 30,212
  • Referee: Reggie Smith
  • TV announcers (FOX): Joe Davis, Brady Quinn and Bruce Feldman
  • Sources:
Game information

Rankings

[edit]
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
AP11152524212024RVRV24RVRV
Coaches121324231819RVRVRVRVRVRVRV
CFPNot released18Not released

Awards and honors

[edit]
Individual Awards
Player Award Ref.
Kenny Willekes Smith–Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year [3]
All-Big Ten
Player Position Coaches Media
Kenny Willekes DL 1 1
Joe Bachie LB 1 2
Matt Coghlin K 3 1
Justin Layne DB 2 2
Raequan Williams DL 3 3
David Dowell DB 3 Hon.
Khari Willis DB Hon. 3
Andrew Dowell LB Hon. Hon.
Mike Panasiuk DL Hon. Hon.
Felton Davis III WR Hon. Hon.
Connor Heyward KR Hon.
Hon. = Honorable mention. Reference:[3]

Players drafted into the NFL

[edit]
Round Pick Player Position NFL club
3 83 Justin Layne CB Pittsburgh Steelers
4 109 Khari Willis S Indianapolis Colts

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Solari, Chris (January 8, 2019). "Final stats show the dichotomy of Michigan State football's 2018 season". Detroit Free Press.
  2. ^ "Brian Lewerke Game by Game Stats and Performance". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d "2018 All-Big Ten Football Teams and Individual Award Recipients" (PDF). BigTen.org. Big Ten Conference. November 28, 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 29, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  4. ^ "NFL draft: Michigan State's Brian Allen goes to Rams in fourth round". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  5. ^ Solari, Chris Solari and Chris. "Michigan State's Chris Frey agrees to deal with Carolina Panthers". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  6. ^ "2018 Bednarik Award Watch List - Maxwell Football Club". Maxwell Football Club. July 16, 2018. Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  7. ^ "2018 Maxwell Award Watch List". July 16, 2018. Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  8. ^ "Davey O'Brien Award Watch List includes 26 players". July 17, 2018. Archived from the original on July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  9. ^ "2018 Doak Walker Award Candidates". July 18, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  10. ^ "Butkus Award - 2018 Collegiate Watchlist". The Butkus Award. July 23, 2018. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
  11. ^ "Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Names 2018 Preseason Watchlist". July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
  12. ^ "2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List". July 24, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  13. ^ "22018 OUTLAND TROPHY WATCH LIST UNVEILED". July 24, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  14. ^ "Ray Guy Award preseason watch list unveiled". July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  15. ^ "Wuerffel Trophy Unveils 2018 Watch List". July 26, 2018. Archived from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  16. ^ Carbone, Al (July 27, 2018). "Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2018 Player of the Year Preseason "Watch List"". Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  17. ^ "Preseason Watch List - 2018 edition of the Ted Hendricks Award" (PDF). August 14, 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 14, 2018. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  18. ^ "Watch List for 2018 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award ® Presented by A. O. Smith Announced". August 14, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  19. ^ "Manning Award: See which quarterbacks made the preseason watch list for 2018". August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  20. ^ "2018 Michigan State Football Schedule". fbsschedules.com. fbsschedules.com. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  21. ^ "Michigan State's Harlon Barnett hired as Florida State's new defensive coordinator". MLive.com. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  22. ^ a b "Veteran assistant Tressel named Spartans' DC". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  23. ^ "'Totally different' MSU impresses Haynes in his return". Detroit News. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  24. ^ "Kent State fires football coach after 5 losing seasons". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  25. ^ "Michigan State Spartans football: Don Treadwell officially hired as MSU assistant". SpartanTailgate. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  26. ^ "Michigan St. hires Bullough as defensive coach". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  27. ^ "Football vs Utah State on 8/31/2018 - Box Score".