American college football season
2018 Michigan State Spartans football Conference Big Ten Conference Division East Division 2018 record 7–6 (5–4 Big Ten) Head coach Mark Dantonio (12th season)Co-offensive coordinator Dave Warner (6th season) Co-offensive coordinator Jim Bollman (6th season)Offensive scheme Pro-style Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel (4th as DC; 12th overall season)Base defense Multiple Home stadium Spartan Stadium Seasons
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 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] Brian Lewerke led the team in passing, finishing the year with 2,040 passing yards, 8 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.[2] Kenny Willekes led the Big Ten in tackles for a loss (21), and was named the conference's Defensive Lineman of the Year .[3] Joe Bachie was also an impact player, being named first team all-conference by the coaches.[3]
Previous season [ ] The Spartans finished the 2017 season 10–3, 7–2 in Big Ten play to finish in a tie for second place in the East Division. The Spartans received an invitation to the 2017 Holiday Bowl [4] Washington State .[5] [6]
Offseason [ ] 2018 NFL Draft [ ] 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.[7]
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.[8]
Recruiting [ ]
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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 :Rivals :247Sports :ESPN :
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:
Preseason [ ] Award watch lists [ ] Schedule [ ] Date Time Opponent Rank Site TV Result Attendance 7:00 p.m. Utah State * No. 11 BTN W 38–3173,114 September 8 10:45 p.m. at Arizona State * No. 15 ESPN L 13–1653,599 September 22 7:30 p.m. at Indiana No. 24 Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN (rivalry )BTN W 35–2145,445 September 29 12:00 p.m. Central Michigan * No. 21 Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI FS1 W 31–2073,752 October 6 12:00 p.m. Northwestern No. 20 Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI FS1 L 19–2972,850 October 13 3:30 p.m. at No. 8 Penn State Beaver Stadium University Park, PA (rivalry )BTN W 21–17106,685 October 20 12:00 p.m. No. 6 Michigan No. 24 Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI (rivalry ) FOX L 7–2176,131 October 27 12:00 p.m. Purdue Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI ESPN W 23–1372,657 November 3 12:00 p.m. at Maryland Maryland Stadium College Park, MD ESPN2 W 24–331,735 November 10 12:00 p.m. No. 8 Ohio State No. 24 Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI FOX L 6–2674,633 November 17 12:00 p.m. at Nebraska Memorial Stadium Lincoln, NE FOX L 6–988,793 November 24 4:00 p.m. Rutgers Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI FOX W 14–1064,951 3:00 p.m. vs. Oregon * FOX L 6–730,212 *Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time
Source[23]
Personnel [ ] Roster [ ] 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 [ ] 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.[24] Mike Tressel was promoted to defensive coordinator with the departure of Barnett.[25]
Also on January 19, former Kent State head coach Paul Haynes was hired as the secondary coach.[25] [26] [27] Don Treadwell , who had coached with the Spartans on two prior occasions, as a defensive backs and special teams coach.[28] Chuck Bullough as defensive ends coach.[29]
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 [ ] Utah State [ ]
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
First meeting
Week One: Utah State at Michigan State – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Utah State
7
7
10 7 31
No. 11 Michigan State 6
14
7 11 38
at Spartan Stadium , East Lansing, MI
Date : August 31, 2018Game time : 7:01 pm EDT Game weather : 80°F, Wind: 11 mph SSE, SunnyGame attendance : 73,114Referee : Ron SnodgrassTV announcers (BTN ) : Brandon Gaudin (Play-by-play), Glen Mason (analyst), Elise Menaker (sideline)Sources :[30]
Game information
First Quarter (12:58) USU TD: Love 1 yard rush, Eberle kickUtah State 7–0 ; 8 plays, 70 yards, 2:02
(9:34) MSU FG: Coghlin 49 yard field goalUtah State 7–3 ; 5 plays, 43 yards, 3:21
(2:58) MSU FG: Coghlin 32 yard field goalUtah State 7–6 ; 9 plays, 34 yards, 5:03 Second Quarter (10:49) MSU TD: White 7 yard pass from Lewerke, Coghlin kickMichigan State 13–7 ; 4 plays, 42 yards, 1:16
(6:55) USU TD: Thompson 2 yard rush, Eberle kick goodUtah State 14–13 ; 10 plays, 72 yards, 3:48
(0:28) MSU TD: Davis 10 yard pass from Lewerke, Coghlin kickMichigan State 20–14 ; 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:27 Third Quarter (9:06) MSU TD: Heyward 17 yard rush, Coghlin kickMichigan State 27–14 ; 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:43
(2:00) USU FG: Eberle 40 yard field goalMichigan State 27–17 ; 8 plays, 28 yards, 3:17
(1:50) USU TD: Ferguson 40 yard interception return, Eberle kickMichigan State 27–24 Fourth Quarter (10:27) MSU FG: Coghlin 24 yard field goalMichigan State 30–24 ; 14 plays, 38 yards, 1:27
(5:05) USU TD: Thompson 1 yard rush, Eberle kickUtah State 31–30 ; 17 plays, 63 yards, 5:18
(2:00) MSU TD: Heyward 13 yard rush, 2-point pass goodMichigan State 38–31 ; 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:05
Passing USU – Jordan Love : 29/44, 319 yards, 2 INT
MSU – Brian Lewerke: 23/33, 287 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT Rushing USU – Darwin Thompson : 10 carries, 28 yards, 2 TD
MSU – LJ Scott: 23 carries, 84 yards Receiving USU – Dax Raymond: 7 receptions, 76 yards
MSU – Darrell Stewart Jr.: 7 receptions, 55 yards
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 [ ]
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
1–1
Sep. 13, 1986
Arizona State, 20–17
Week Two: Michigan State at Arizona State – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
No. 15 Michigan State
0
3
10 0 13
Arizona State 0
0
3 13 16
at Sun Devil Stadium , Tempe, AZ
Date : September 8, 2018Game time : 10:45 pm EDT Game attendance : 53,599TV announcers (ESPN ) : Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst), Tom Luginbill (sideline)Sources :
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Passing Rushing Receiving
at Indiana [ ]
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
47–15–2
Oct. 21, 2017
MSU, 17–9
Week Three: Michigan State at Indiana – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
No. 24 Michigan State 14
7
7 7 35
Indiana
0
7
0 14 21
at Memorial Stadium , Bloomington, IN
Date : September 22, 2018Game time : 7:30 p.m. EDT Game attendance : 45,445TV announcers (BTN) : Brandon Gaudin (Play-by-play), Glen Mason (analyst), Elise Menaker (sideline)Sources :
Game information
First Quarter (8:11) MSU TD: Jalen Nailor 16-yard pass from Brian Lewerke, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 7–0 ; 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:57
(5:35) MSU TD: Shakur Brown 69-yard interception return, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 14–0 Second Quarter (6:54) IU TD: Stevie Scott 8-yard pass from Peyton Ramsey, Logan Justus kickMichigan State 14–7 ; 10 plays, 51 yards, 3:18
(0:19) MSU TD: Matt Dotson 11-yard pass from Brian Lewerke, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 21–7 ; 7 plays, 74 yards, 1:04 Third Quarter (4:47) MSU TD: Matt Coughlin 6-yard run, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 28–7 ; 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:49 Fourth Quarter (14:43) IU FG: Logan Justus 35-yard field goalMichigan State 28–10 ; 4 plays, -11 yards, 0:56
(8:19) IU TD: Whop Philyor 65-yard pass from Peyton Ramsey, Ramsey pass to Nick Westbrook for 2 pointsMichigan State 28–18 ; 7 plays, 90 yards, 1:58
(3:28) IU FG: Logan Justus 36-yard field goalMichigan State 28–21 ; 10 plays, 57 yards, 2:28
(3:17) MSU TD: Jalen Nailor 75-yard run, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 35–21 ; 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11
Passing MSU – Brian Lewerke: 14/25, 213 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
IU – Peyton Ramsey: 32/46, 272 yards, 2 TD, INT Rushing MSU – Jalen Nailor: 3 carries, 79 yards, TD
IU – Stevie Scott: 11 carries, 18 yards Receiving MSU – Felton Davis III: 5 receptions, 79 yards
IU – Whop Philyor: 13 receptions, 138 yards, TD
Central Michigan [ ]
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
7–3
Sep. 26, 2015
MSU, 30–10
Week Four: Central Michigan at Michigan State – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Central Michigan
3
0
0 17 20
No. 21 Michigan State 0
17
14 0 31
at Spartan Stadium , East Lansing, MI
Date : September 29, 2018Game time : 12:00 p.m. EDT Game attendance : 73,752TV : FS1 Sources :
Game information
First Quarter (13:09) FG CMU: Ryan Tice 45-yard field goal Central Michigan 3–0 ; 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:51 Second Quarter (10:57) TD MSU: Brian Lewerke 3-yard run, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 7–3 ; 4 plays, 35 yards, 2:03
(2:03) TD MSU: Brian Lewerke 5-yard run, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 14–3 ; 6 plays, 46 yards, 2:52
(0:29) FG MSU: Matt Coughlin 33-yard field goalMichigan State 17–3 ; 8 plays, 19 yards, 1:29 Third Quarter (10:24) TD MSU: Connor Heyward 2-yard run, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 24–3 ; 8 plays, 58 yards, 4:27
(4:18) TD MSU: La'Darius Jefferson 2-yard run, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 31–3 ; 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:42 Fourth Quarter (13:29) TD CMU: Julian Hicks 10-yard pass from Tommy Lazzaro, Ryan Tice kickMichigan State 31–10 ; 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:49
(12:08) FG CMU: Ryan Tice 40-yard field goalMichigan State 31–13 ; 6 plays, 26 yards, 1:19
(6:44) TD CMU: Tony Poljan 29-yard pass from Jonathan Ward, Ryan Tice kickMichigan State 31–20 ; 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:06
Passing CMU – Tommy Lazzaro: 19/34, 153 yards, TD
MSU – Brian Lewerke: 16/25, 185, INT Rushing CMU – Tommy Lazzaro: 11 carries, 32 yards
MSU – La'Darius Jefferson: 13 carries, 56 yards, TD Receiving CMU – Brandon Childress: 3 receptions, 46 yards
MSU – Felton Davis III: 3 receptions, 66 yards
Northwestern [ ] See also: 2018 Northwestern Wildcats football team
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
38–18
Oct. 28, 2017
NW, 39–31
Week Five: Northwestern at Michigan State – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Northwestern 7
7
8 7 29
No. 20 Michigan State
3
3
13 0 19
at Spartan Stadium , East Lansing, MI
Date : October 6, 2018Game time : 12:00 p.m. EDT Game attendance : 72,850TV : FS1Sources :
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Passing Rushing Receiving
at Penn State [ ] See also: 2018 Penn State Nittany Lions football team
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
16–15–1
Nov. 4, 2017
MSU, 27–24
Week Six: Michigan State at Penn State – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Michigan State 0
7
7 7 21
No. 8 Penn State
7
7
0 3 17
at Beaver Stadium , University Park, PA
Date : October 13, 2018Game time : 3:30 p.m. EDT Game weather : 50 °F (10 °C); cool, cloudyGame attendance : 106,685Referee : Michael CannonTV announcers (BTN ) : Kevin Kugler (Play-by-play), James Laurinaitis (analyst), Lisa Byington (sideline)Sources :
Game information
First Quarter (5:03) PSU TD: KJ Hamler 5-yard pass from Trace McSorley, Jake Pinegar kickPenn State 7–0 ; 4 plays, 94 yards, 1:32 Second Quarter (13:25) MSU TD: La'Darius Jefferson 1-yard rush, Matt Coughlin kickTie 7–7 ; 11 plays, 81 yards, 4:03
(4:33) PSU TD: Miles Sanders 48-yard rush, Jake Pinegar kickPenn State 14–0 ; 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:18 Third Quarter (6:10) MSU TD: Felton Davis 20-yard pass from Brian Lewerke, Matt Coughlin kickTie 14–14 ; 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:16 Fourth Quarter (9:21) PSU FG: Jake Pinegar 20-yard field goalPenn State 17–14 ; 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:15
(0:19) MSU TD: Felton Davis 25-yard pass from Brian Lewerke, Matt Coughlin kickMichigan State 21–17 ; 8 plays, 76 yards, 1:00
Passing MSU – Brian Lewerke: 24/52, 258 yards, 2 TD, INT
PSU – Trace McSorley: 19/32, 192 yards, TD Rushing MSU – La'Darius Jefferson: 15 carries, 60 yards, TD
PSU – Miles Sanders: 17 carries, 162 yards, 2 TD Receiving MSU – Felton Davis III: 8 receptions, 100 yards, 2 TD
PSU – KJ Hamler: 5 receptions, 66 yards, TD
Michigan [ ]
Paul Bunyan Trophy: #6 Michigan Wolverines (6–1) at #24 Michigan State Spartans (4–2)
1
2
3 4 Total
Michigan
0
7
7 7 21
Michigan State
0
0
7 0 7
at Spartan Stadium • East Lansing, Michigan
Date : October 20Game time : 12:05 p.m.Game weather : Partly cloudy • 52 °F (11 °C) • Wind 13 WGame attendance : 76,131Referee : Jerry McGinnTV announcers (Fox) : Gus Johnson , Joel Klatt , and Jenny TaftBox Score
Game information
Michigan
Michigan State Brian Lewerke LJ Scott
Darrell Stewart
Scoring summary
Quarter
Time
Drive
Team
Scoring information
Score
Plays
Yards
TOP
MICH
MSU
2
14:55
14
84
7:56
Michigan
Nico Collins 6-yard touchdown reception from Shea Patterson, Quinn Nordin kick good
7
0
3
11:12
2
7
0:48
Michigan State
Brian Lewerke 4-yard touchdown reception from Darrell Stewart, Matt Coghlin kick good
7
7
3
2:24
1
79
0:11
Michigan
Donovan Peoples-Jones 79-yard touchdown reception from Shea Patterson, Quinn Nordin kick good
14
7
4
10:21
13
84
6:41
Michigan
Ben Mason 5-yard touchdown run, Quinn Nordin kick good
21
7
"TOP" = time of possession . For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football .
21
7
Purdue [ ] See also: 2018 Purdue Boilermakers football team
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
36–27–3
Oct. 3, 2015
MSU, 24–21
Week Eight: Purdue at Michigan State – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Purdue
3
3
7 0 13
Michigan State 6
7
3 7 23
at Spartan Stadium , East Lansing, MI
Date : October 27, 2018Game time : EDT Sources :
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Passing Rushing Receiving
at Maryland [ ] See also: 2018 Maryland Terrapins football team
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
7–2
Nov. 18, 2017
MSU, 17–7
Week Nine: Michigan State at Maryland – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Michigan State 10
0
7 7 24
Maryland
0
3
0 0 3
at Maryland Stadium , College Park, MD
Date : November 3, 2018Game time : EDT Sources :
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Passing Rushing Receiving
Ohio State [ ] See also: 2018 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
15–31
Nov. 11, 2017
OSU, 48–3
Week Ten: Ohio State at Michigan State – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
No. 8 Ohio State 0
7
2 17 26
No. 24 Michigan State
0
3
3 0 6
at Spartan Stadium , East Lansing, MI
Date : November 10, 2018Game time : EST Sources :
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Passing Rushing Receiving
at Nebraska [ ] See also: 2018 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
2–8
Nov. 7, 2015
NEB, 39–38
Week Eleven: Michigan State at Nebraska – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Michigan State
3
0
0 3 6
Nebraska 0
0
0 9 9
at Memorial Stadium , Lincoln, NE
Date : November 17, 2018Game time : EST Sources :
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Passing Rushing Receiving
Rutgers [ ] See also: 2018 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
6–3
Nov. 25, 2017
MSU, 40–7
Week Twelve: Rutgers at Michigan State – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Rutgers
0
7
0 3 10
Michigan State 0
7
0 7 14
at Spartan Stadium , East Lansing, MI
Date : November 24, 2018Game time : EST TV : FoxSources :
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Passing Rushing Receiving
vs. Oregon (Redbox Bowl) [ ]
Series Record
Previous meeting
Result
3–3
2015
MSU, 31–28
2018 Redbox Bowl: Michigan State vs Oregon – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Michigan State
0
0
6 0 6
Oregon 0
0
0 7 7
at Levi's Stadium , Santa Clara, CA
Date : December 31, 2018Game time : PST TV : FoxSources :
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Passing Rushing Receiving
Rankings [ ]
Ranking movementsLegend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
Week
Poll
Pre
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Final
AP
11
15
25
24
21
20
NR
24
RV
RV
24
RV
RV
NR
NR
NR
NR
Coaches
12
13
24
23
18
19
RV
RV
RV
RV
RV
RV
RV
NR
NR
NR
NR
CFP
Not released
NR
18
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
Not released
Awards and honors [ ]
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 [ ] See also: 2019 NFL Draft
Round
Pick
Player
Position
NFL Club
3
83
Justin Layne CB
Pittsburgh Steelers
4
109
Khari Willis S
Indianapolis Colts
References [ ]
^ Solari, Chris (January 8, 2019). "Final stats show the dichotomy of Michigan State football's 2018 season" . Detroit Free Press . ^ "Brian Lewerke Game by Game Stats and Performance" . ESPN.com . Retrieved May 5, 2019 .^ a b c d "2018 All-Big Ten Football Teams and Individual Award Recipients" (PDF) . BigTen.org . Big Ten Conference. November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018 .^ "Michigan State bowl game 2017: Spartans will play Washington State in Holiday Bowl" . SpartanTailgate . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ "Washington State vs. Michigan State - Game Recap - December 28, 2017 - ESPN" . ESPN.com . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ "Michigan State's complete game reels in milestone win in Holiday Bowl" . Detroit Free Press . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ "NFL draft: Michigan State's Brian Allen goes to Rams in fourth round" . Detroit Free Press . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ Solari, Chris Solari and Chris. "Michigan State's Chris Frey agrees to deal with Carolina Panthers" . Detroit Free Press . Retrieved 2021-09-22 . ^ "2018 Bednarik Award Watch List - Maxwell Football Club" . Maxwell Football Club . 2018-07-16. Archived from the original on 2018-07-16. Retrieved 2018-07-17 .^ "2018 Maxwell Award Watch List" . July 16, 2018. Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018 .^ "Davey O'Brien Award Watch List includes 26 players" . July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018 .^ "2018 Doak Walker Award Candidates" . July 18, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018 .^ "Butkus Award - 2018 Collegiate Watchlist" . The Butkus Award. July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018 .^ "Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Names 2018 Preseason Watchlist" . July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018 .^ "2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List" . July 24, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2018 .^ "22018 OUTLAND TROPHY WATCH LIST UNVEILED" . July 24, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2018 .^ "Ray Guy Award preseason watch list unveiled" . July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018 .^ "Wuerffel Trophy Unveils 2018 Watch List" . July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018 .^ Carbone, Al (July 27, 2018). "Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2018 Player of the Year Preseason "Watch List" " . Retrieved July 30, 2018 . ^ "Preseason Watch List - 2018 edition of the Ted Hendricks Award" (PDF) . August 14, 2018. Retrieved August 16, 2018 .^ "Watch List for 2018 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award ® Presented by A. O. Smith Announced" . August 14, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018 .^ "Manning Award: See which quarterbacks made the preseason watch list for 2018" . August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018 .^ "2018 Michigan State Football Schedule" . fbsschedules.com . fbsschedules.com. Retrieved 30 November 2017 .^ "Michigan State's Harlon Barnett hired as Florida State's new defensive coordinator" . MLive.com . Retrieved 2018-01-05 .^ a b "Veteran assistant Tressel named Spartans' DC" . ESPN.com . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ "' Totally different' MSU impresses Haynes in his return" . Detroit News . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ "Kent State fires football coach after 5 losing seasons" . USA TODAY . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ "Michigan State Spartans football: Don Treadwell officially hired as MSU assistant" . SpartanTailgate . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ "Michigan St. hires Bullough as defensive coach" . ESPN.com . Retrieved 2018-07-10 .^ "Football vs Utah State on 8/31/2018 - Box Score" .
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