American college football season
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] 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] Joe Bachie was also an impact player, being named first team all-conference by the coaches.[ 3]
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]
Additionally, one player, Chris Frey Jr., was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.[ 5]
College recruiting information (2019) 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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:
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 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 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 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 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[ 20]
Position key
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] 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] [ 24] Don Treadwell , who had coached with the Spartans on two prior occasions, as a defensive backs and special teams coach.[ 25] Chuck Bullough as defensive ends coach.[ 26]
Series Record Previous meeting Result First meeting
Week One: Utah State at Michigan State – Game summary
Quarter 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 :[ 27]
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 Rushing USU – Darwin Thompson : 10 carries, 28 yards, 2 TD MSU – LJ Scott: 23 carries, 84 yards Receiving
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.
Series Record Previous meeting Result 1–1 Sep. 13, 1986 Arizona State, 20–17
Week Two: Michigan State at Arizona State – Game summary
Quarter 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 weather : Clear skies, 100 °F (38 °C)Game attendance : 53,599Referee : Mike CannonTV announcers (ESPN ) : Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst), Tom Luginbill (sideline)Sources :
Game information First Quarter Second Quarter (13:19) MSU – Matt Coghlin 37-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:31; Michigan State 3–0 ) Third Quarter (9:37) MSU – Matt Coghlin 28-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 5:23; Michigan State 6–0 ) (7:48) ASU – Brandon Ruiz 49-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 1:49; Michigan State 6–3 ) (1:27) MSU – Cody White 31-yard pass from Brian Lewerke, Matt Coghlin kick (Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:15; Michigan State 13–3 ) Fourth Quarter (14:19) ASU – Brandon Ruiz 24-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 2:02; Michigan State 13–6 ) (8:45) ASU – N'Keal Harry 27-yard pass from Manny Wilkins, Brandon Ruiz kick (Drive: 2 plays, 65 yards, 0:27; Tied 13–13 ) (0:00) ASU – Brandon Ruiz 28-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 4:55; Arizona State 16–13 ) Passing MSU – Brian Lewerke – 27/39, 314 yards, TD, INT ASU – Manny Wilkins – 30/48, 380 yards, TD, INT Rushing Receiving MSU – Cody White – 9 receptions, 113 yards, TD ASU – Kyle Williams – 7 receptions, 104 yards
Series Record Previous meeting Result 47–15–2 Oct. 21, 2017 MSU, 17–9
Week Three: Michigan State at Indiana – Game summary
Quarter 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 weather : Cloudy, 63 °F (17 °C)Game attendance : 45,445Referee : Mark KluczynskiTV 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 Receiving MSU – Felton Davis III: 5 receptions, 79 yards IU – Whop Philyor : 13 receptions, 138 yards, TD
Series Record Previous meeting Result 7–3 Sep. 26, 2015 MSU, 30–10
Week Four: Central Michigan at Michigan State – Game summary
Quarter 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
Series Record Previous meeting Result 38–18 Oct. 28, 2017 NW, 39–31
Week Five: Northwestern at Michigan State – Game summary
Quarter 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
Series Record Previous meeting Result 16–15–1 Nov. 4, 2017 MSU, 27–24
Game information First Quarter (5:03) PSU TD: K. J. 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 – K. J. Hamler : 5 receptions, 66 yards, TD
Paul Bunyan Trophy: #6 Michigan Wolverines (6–1) at #24 Michigan State Spartans (4–2)
Quarter 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
Series Record Previous meeting Result 36–27–3 Oct. 3, 2015 MSU, 24–21
Week Eight: Purdue at Michigan State – Game summary
Quarter 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 : 12:02 p.m. EDT Game weather : 37°F, Clear, NW 18 MPHGame attendance : 72,657Referee : Ron SnodgrassTV announcers (ESPN ) : Mark Jones (Play-by-Play), Dusty Dvoracek (Analyst) & Molly McGrath (Sideline)Sources :
Game information First Quarter (11:07) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 43-yard field goalMichigan State 3–0 ; 7 plays, 24 yards, 2:03 (8:11) PUR FG: Spencer Evans 28-yard field goalTied 3–3 ; 6 plays, 20 yards, 1:35 (3:23) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 48-yard field goalMichigan State 6–3 ; 11 plays, 42 yards, 4:44 Second Quarter (6:33) PUR FG: Spencer Evans 35-yard field goalTied 6–6 ; 11 plays, 48 yards, 4:53 (0:56) MSU TD: Darrell Stewart 11-yard pass from Rocky Lombardi , Matt Coghlin kickMichigan State 13–6 ; 9 plays, 87 yards, 1:26 Third Quarter (3:08) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 34-yard field goalMichigan State 16–6 ; 10 plays, 34 yards, 4:39 (0:35) PUR FG: Terry Wright 1-yard run, Spencer Evans kickMichigan State 16–13 ; 7 plays, 74 yards, 2:26 Fourth Quarter (1:58) MSU TD: Jalen Nailor 48-yard pass from Rocky Lombardi, Matt Coghlin kickMichigan State 23–13 ; 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:44 Passing Rushing PUR – D. J. Knox – 7 carries, 51 yards MSU – LJ Scott – 15 carries, 52 yards Receiving PUR – Brycen Hopkins – 4 receptions, 80 yards MSU – Jalen Nailor – 3 receptions, 70 yards, TD
Series Record Previous meeting Result 7–2 Nov. 18, 2017 MSU, 17–7
Week Nine: Michigan State at Maryland – Game summary
Quarter 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 : 12:00 p.m. EDT Game attendance : 31,735TV : ESPN2 Sources :
Game information First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Passing Rushing Receiving
Series Record Previous meeting Result 15–31 Nov. 11, 2017 OSU, 48–3
Week Ten: Ohio State at Michigan State – Game summary
Quarter 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 : 12:05 p.m. EST Game weather : 33 °F (1 °C), Overcast & Flurries, WNW 14 miles per hour (23 km/h)Game attendance : 74,633Referee : John O'NeillTV announcers (FOX ) : Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt Sources :
Game information First Quarter No scoring plays
Second Quarter (1:29) OSU TD: P. Campbell 1-yard pass from Dwayne Haskins, Blake Haubeil kickOhio State 7–0 ; 11 plays, 55 yards, 4:26 (0:30) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 44-yard field goalOhio State 7–3 ; 7 plays, 49 yards, 0:59 Third Quarter (5:35) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 38-yard field goalOhio State 7–6 ; 8 plays, 74 yards, 2:45 (0:42) OSU: TEAM 1-yard safetyOhio State 9–6 Fourth Quarter (14:03) OSU TD: Dre'Mont Jones 0-yard fumble recovery, Blake Haubeil kickOhio State 16–6 (12:22) OSU FG: Blake Haubeil 35-yard field goalOhio State 19–6 ; 4 plays, -3 yards, 1:34 (1:12) OSU TD: Mike Weber 2-yard run, Blake Haubeil kickOhio State 26–6 ; 9 plays, 42 yards, 3:59 Passing OSU – Dwayne Haskins – 24/39, 227 yards, TD MSU – Brian Lewerke – 11/28, 128 yards, INT Rushing OSU – Mike Weber – 22 carries, 104 yards, TD MSU – Rocky Lombardi – 3 carries, 49 yards Receiving OSU – Terry McLaurin – 5 receptions, 63 yards MSU – Cody White – 8 receptions, 115 yards
Series Record Previous meeting Result 2–8 Nov. 7, 2015 NEB, 39–38
Week Eleven: Michigan State at Nebraska – Game summary
Quarter Total Michigan State 3 0 0 3 6 Nebraska 0 0 0 9 9
at Memorial Stadium , Lincoln, NE
Date : November 17, 2018Game time : 12:00 p.m. EST Game weather : Overcast, 27 °F (−3 °C), N/NE 16 miles per hour (26 km/h)Game attendance : 88,793Referee : Don CapronTV announcers (FOX ) : Brian Custer and Ben Leber Sources :
Game information First Quarter (7:46) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 34-yard field goalMichigan State 3–0 ; 10 plays, 50 yards, 4:45 Second Quarter No scoring plays
Third Quarter No scoring plays
Fourth Quarter (12:13) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 26-yard field goalMichigan State 6–0 ; 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:14 (11:07) NEB FG: Barret Pickering 36-yard field goalMichigan State 6–3 ; 5 plays, 36 yards, 1:00 (8:07) NEB FG: Barret Pickering 20-yard field goalTied 6–6 ; 7 plays, 17 yards, 2:02 (5:13) NEB FG: Barret Pickering 47-yard field goalNebraska 9–6 ; 6 plays, 23 yards, 1:59 Passing MSU – Rocky Lombardi – 15/41, 146 yards, INT NEB – Adrian Martinez – 16/37, 145 yards Rushing MSU – Connor Heyward – 21 carries, 80 yards NEB – Devine Ozigbo – 18 carries, 74 yards Receiving MSU – Connor Heyward – 5 receptions, 78 yards NEB – Stanley Morgan Jr. – 4 receptions, 67 yards
Series Record Previous meeting Result 6–3 Nov. 25, 2017 MSU, 40–7
Week Twelve: Rutgers at Michigan State – Game summary
Quarter 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 : 4:11 p.m. EST Game weather : 46 °F (8 °C), Cloudy, Light Mist, SW 9 miles per hour (14 km/h)Game attendance : 64,951Referee : Jeff ServinskiTV : FOX Sources :
Game information First Quarter (6:15) RUT TD: Travis Vokolek 27-yard pass from Giovanni Rescigno, Justin Davidovicz kickRutgers 7–0 ; 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:19 Second Quarter (7:04) MSU TD: Matt Sokol 18-yard pass from Rocky Lombardi, Matt Coghlin kickTied 7–7 ; 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:09 Third Quarter No scoring plays
Fourth Quarter (7:52) RUT FG: Justin Davidovicz 34-yard field goalRutgers 10–7 ; 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:57 (3:57) MSU TD: Cody White 22-yard run, Matt Coghlin kickMichigan State 14–10 ; 4 plays, 35 yards, 0:42 Passing RUT – Giovanni Rescigno – 9/17, 109 yards, TD, INT MSU – Rocky Lombardi – 19/43, 173 yards, TD, INT Rushing RUT – Giovanni Rescigno – 13 carries, 61 yards MSU – Connor Heyward – 19 carries, 81 yards Receiving RUT – Travis Vokolek – 4 receptions, 69 yards, TD MSU – Darrell Stewart – 7 receptions, 53 yards
[ edit ] Series Record Previous meeting Result 3–3 2015 MSU, 31–28
2018 Redbox Bowl: Michigan State vs Oregon – Game summary
Quarter 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 : 12:00 p.m. PST Game attendance : 30,212Referee : Reggie SmithTV announcers (FOX ) : Joe Davis , Brady Quinn and Bruce FeldmanSources :
Game information First Quarter No scoring plays
Second Quarter No scoring plays
Third Quarter (9:57) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 34-yard field goalMichigan State 3–0 ; 12 plays, 64 yards, 4:59 (1:17) MSU FG: Matt Coghlin 34-yard field goalMichigan State 6–0 ; 8 plays, 31 yards, 3:30 Fourth Quarter (11:19) ORE TD: Dillon Mitchell 28-yard pass from Justin Herbert, Adam Stack kickOregon 7–6 ; 6 plays, 77 yards, 1:40 Passing MSU – Brian Lewerke – 22/40, 172 yards, INT ORE – Justin Herbert – 19/33, 166 yards, TD Rushing MSU – LJ Scott – 24 carries, 84 yards ORE – C. J. Verdell – 14 carries, 43 yards Receiving MSU – Cody White – 6 receptions, 64 yards ORE – Dillon Mitchell – 6 receptions, 70 yards, TD
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 — 24 RV RV 24 RV RV — — — — Coaches 12 13 24 23 18 19 RV RV RV RV RV RV RV — — — — CFP Not released — 18 — — — — — Not released
Players drafted into the NFL [ edit ] ^ 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. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 29, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018 .^ Solari, Chris (April 28, 2018). "NFL draft: Michigan State's Brian Allen goes to Rams in Round 4" . Detroit Free Press . Retrieved November 23, 2024 . ^ Solari, Chris (April 29, 2018). "Michigan State LB Chris Frey signs with Carolina Panthers" . Detroit Free Press . Retrieved November 23, 2024 . ^ "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 .^ "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. Archived from the original on 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. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010. 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. Archived from the original on 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. Archived from the original (PDF) on 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 November 30, 2017 .^ "Michigan State's Harlon Barnett hired as Florida State's new defensive coordinator" . MLive.com . Retrieved January 5, 2018 .^ a b "Veteran assistant Tressel named Spartans' DC" . ESPN.com . Retrieved July 10, 2018 .^ " . Detroit News . Retrieved July 10, 2018 .^ "Kent State fires football coach after 5 losing seasons" . USA TODAY . Retrieved July 10, 2018 .^ "Michigan State Spartans football: Don Treadwell officially hired as MSU assistant" . SpartanTailgate . Retrieved July 10, 2018 .^ "Michigan St. hires Bullough as defensive coach" . ESPN.com . Retrieved July 10, 2018 .^ "Football vs Utah State on 8/31/2018 - Box Score" .
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