Tag: msu football

Potential replacements for Mark Dantonio at Michigan State

Who are some names to watch for as MSU opens up a coaching search?

For the first time in 13 years Michigan State football is looking for a new coach.

Mark Dantonio resigned Tuesday afternoon leaving the school in a spot it hasn’t been in since the 2007 season when he took over. The school promoted defensive coordinator Mike Tressel to interim head coach while a formal search is conducted.

Here are some names being bandied about as a potential replacement.

Luke Fickell, Cincinnati Head Coach

Luke Fickell is a well-respected defensive mind that has been successful at Cincinnati after an excellent run as defensive coordinator at Ohio State. Sound familiar? Fickell’s path is on the exact same trajectory as Dantonio’s before he took the MSU job. Fickell is a midwest guy and an excellent recruiter. He would bring the same blue-collar mentality that Dantonio built Michigan State with. He’s among the most mentioned names whenever a job comes open and is prime for a step up. Michigan State could be just the opportunity Fickell is waiting for.

Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh Head Coach

Narduzzi could very well return to East Lansing as the head man. He has great memories here, leading some of the best defenses in the nation during his time as defensive coordinator, a position he held for eight seasons. Narduzzi is 36-29 during his five seasons at Pitt and won the ACC Coastal division in 2018. Narduzzi’s Pitt teams have been to bowl games in four of his five seasons.

Mike Tressel, Michigan State Defensive Coordinator

Tressel could be in the mix, depending on how the administration wants to handle Danotnio’s late departure. Many of the good candidates have begun preparations for the 2020 season and with recruiting classes finishing up in the next few days, it may be hard to lure somebody to move their family and ditch their current programs this late in the process. If that’s the case, MSU may end up with an internal promotion and Tressel would be the candidate there, leading top defensive units the last two seasons.

Mark Stoops, Kentucky Head Coach

Stoops has midwest ties being from Youngstown and we all know the connection between Michigan State, the midwest and specifically the town of Youngstown. Stoops has done a really good job at Kentucky despite being in impossible circumstances. Yes, he’s in the SEC, but his program doesn’t have the resources available to them as the big boys in the conference. Plus, Kentucky football will always be a distant second fiddle to the basketball team in Lexington. Stoops has already proven to be an excellent recruiter of Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, stealing top prospects from the big in-state programs.

Matt Campbell, Iowa State Head Coach

Campbell has been a hot name in recent coaching searches and truth be told, he might be waiting for a bigger job than Michigan State. Heading to East Lansing would certainly be a step up for Campbell, but if he waits he could be a name mentioned for Texas or Oklahoma or a job that size when they open up. Campbell is a gifted offensive mind that has piled up a number of impressive wins during his time in Ames. He took over a 3-9 team and had them to eight wins within two years.

Jason Candle, Toledo Head Coach

Another Ohio guy! Candle has done a really good job at Toledo, racking up a 34-19 record in his five seasons, including and 11-win campaign in 2017. Candle is an offensive mastermind type and the Rockets are always among the top offensive teams in the MAC. He’s a little bit like Matt Campbell light, having worked with Campbell at Mount Union (WI) and Toledo in the past.

Urban Meyer

Just kidding. He’d never do it, but wouldn’t that be fun?!

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Four former MSU Football players are on XFL rosters to start season

Michigan State has four former players who will are on active rosters in the XFL to start the season.

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With the NFL season now complete, you know what that means! It’s XFL time baby! No, seriously, it’s XFL time. For the first time in 20 years, the XFL will kick off with a newly redesigned league on February 8th. MSU Football had six players drafted back in October, and of those, four of them are on rosters to start the season.

Here is every former Michigan State player who will be lacing up cleats for the XFL this season:

  • QB Connor Cook, Houston Roughnecks
  • LB Taiwan Jones, Los Angeles Wildcats
  • S Demetrious Cox, New York Guardians
  • WR Keith Mumphery, St. Louis Battlehawks

Note: Kurtis Drummond and Miguel Machado were both drafted, but are currently not listed on any rosters.

It’s definitely an interesting group of players, headlined by former Big Ten Quarterback of the Year Connor Cook. Cook was a fourth-round draft pick of the Raiders who since bounced around the league, never seeming to find a place, for one reason or another. He is currently listed as the backup for the Roughnecks and former Temple quarterback Philip Walker…

Former Third Team All-Big Ten safety Demetrious Cox also spent some time on a few different NFL teams but will now try his hand in Vince McMahon’s league.

Taiwan Jones played a couple games for the New York Jets back in 2015-16, but never really stuck in the NFL. He recently had tried out for WWE but now will look to find a fit with their sister organization in the XFL.

Keith Mumphery had, without a doubt, the most successful NFL career of anyone on this list, playing 27 games with the Houston Texans. However, Mumphery was released from the Texans after a report came out about an alleged sexual assault while he was at Michigan State. He should be the most impactful former Spartan playing in the XFL this season if Connor Cook remains the backup.

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Mississippi State RB Kylin Hill returning for senior season

Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill is passing up the 2020 NFL draft and will return to the Bulldogs for his senior season

One of the SEC’s top running backs is coming back to school for another year.

Mississippi State’s Kylin Hill is passing up the 2020 NFL draft, and will return to the Bulldogs for his senior season. He made his announcement via social media Wednesday.

Listed at 5-11, 215 pounds, Hill is a tough, physical running who put up big numbers for MSU in 2019. He racked up 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground this season, and will be primed for another big campaign in 2020.

Don’t be surprised if Hill is among the top running back prospects in the 2021 NFL draft class.

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MSU Football vs. Maryland: Three Things To Watch

Michigan State Football has its final regular season game against Maryland this Saturday, Nov. 30. Here are three things to watch.

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The Michigan State Football regular season finale is upon us. The Spartans are set to take on the Maryland Terpins this Saturday, Nov. 30. For many fans, this game comes as a sign of relief.

Here are three things to watch:

Bowl Eligibility

MSU must win this game against Maryland to become bowl eligible. This would be the twelfth time in Mark Dantonio’s tenure as head coach. Note, he has been the Spartans head coach for 13 years. This year was not as enjoyable as the others. A win against Maryland puts MSU at 6-6 on the year. On the other hand, a loss puts them back at rather pitiful 5-7 on the year.

Fan Reaction

Fan reaction to a Maryland loss is rather easy to predict. On the other hand, fan reaction to a Maryland win is certainly unpredictable. Will fans be happy? Does bowl eligibility matter given their deflating performances all year long?

If I had to guess, I’d say bowl eligibility is met with strong apathy. Unfortunately, many fans will not care. Furthermore, I think fans react with vitriol to a bowl game loss. I hope, for Dantonio’s sake, MSU finishes strong against Maryland and the potential bowl game opponent who comes after. This will at least guarantee some favor in the eyes of fans until next year.

Signs Of The Future

Despite the negativity surrounding this season, there are positive signs for the future all around. In particular, there are positive signs on the Football field. All three freshman RB’s will likely improve heading into next year. Most notable is Elijah Collins, a proven stud. Collins racked up numbers this year even though the offensive line suffered numerous injuries.

C.J Hayes returns next year as does Cody White. Behind them, the receiving core features Jalen Nailor and Tre Mosley. That is a solid group of young receivers to pair with a new QB. If MSU blows out Maryland, we might even see someone besides Brian Lewerke at QB.

Firing a head coach is easier said than done. Especially when there is no viable replacement. Let’s pump the brakes on the Dantonio talk until the start of next season.

Tune in Saturday at 3:30 P.M. on FS1 to cheer on the Spartans. Stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.

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MSU Football vs Maryland: Scouting Report

Michigan State Football takes on Maryland this weekend on Saturday, Nov. 30. Here is a scouting report of the Maryland Football team.

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Michigan State Football squares off against Maryland this weekend on Saturday, Nov. 30. The Spartans come into this game after a 27-0 victory against Rutgers. Maryland, on the other hand, is fresh off a 54-7 loss to Nebraska.

Here is a scouting report for the Maryland Terpins Football team:

Offensive Side Of The Ball

Maryland is…not a good football team, however, their offense isn’t absolutely terrible. Maryland has a solid QB by the name of Josh Jackson. Jackson has racked up 1,133 yards and 11 touchdowns on 180 throwing attempts.

While Jackson has a strong arm, it is certainly not accurate. He has thrown five interceptions on the year. Furthermore, Maryland has scored one touchdown or less in four different games. Michigan State’s defense can exploit his inaccuracies for their own gain. Much like they did with Johnny Langan last week against Rutgers.

Junior RB Javon Leake and sophomore RB Anthony McFarland shoulder the load for the run game. Leake has 92 carries for 716 yards on the year with eight touchdowns to boot. McFarland, on the other hand, has tallied 480 yards and seven touchdowns on 106 attempts. The Spartans must dominate the trenches to shut down Maryland’s run game.

Defensive Side Of The Ball

Maryland, much like Rutgers, is really weak on defense. Opponents average 36 points per game against the Terpins. Furthermore, Maryland suffers horrendous losses at the hands of high-end collegiate programs.

Penn State dropped 59 total points on Maryland. Michigan put up 38 points. Ohio State devastated the Terpins in a 73-14 loss and as I mentioned earlier, Nebraska blew them away 54-7.

Yes, Michigan State has struggled in the past offensively. This should not persist against Maryland though. Instead, the Spartans should have a field day on offense Especially given how hot the Brian Lewerke and Cody White connection is as of late. At the very least, MSU Football ends the year on a high note with a blowout victory.

The game kicks off on Saturday at 3:30 P.M. and you can catch all of the action on FS1. Stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.

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Michigan State football Hall of Famer Hank Bullough dies at age 85

The patriarch of one of the biggest names in MSU football has died.

The patriarch of one of the biggest names in Michigan State football has died.

Hank Bullough, former Spartan player, assistant coach and MSU Athletics Hall of Fame member, died on Sunday, November 24 at the age of 85.

Bullough played at Michigan State from 1952-54 and was an assistant at the school for 12 years from 1959-69 and in 1994. Bullough won a national championship as both a player (1952) and coach (1965-1966). He also won a Super Bowl ring as an assistant coach with the Colts during the 1970 season.

“Michigan State has lost a great Spartan and the game of football has lost a coaching legend,” said MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio in a released statement from the school. “I met Hank the first day I came to Michigan State as an assistant coach in 1995, when he was leaving as the defensive coordinator under Coach Perles. He made an immediate impact on me.

Dantonio coached three of Bullough’s grandsons, Max, Riley and Byron and Hank’s son Chuck is currently the defensive end’s coach at MSU. Chuck was a linebacker at MSU in the 1980s as was Hank’s other son Shane.

“Hank lived and breathed green and white. He was extremely active in the Michigan State Football Players Association and led the organization for a number of years. He was also instrumental in helping create the George Webster Scholarship Program, which is a huge benefit for our program,” Dantonio said in the released statement.

“The Spartan football family sends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Bullough family.”

“Thanks to Michigan State, I accomplished everything I could have hoped for in my profession,” Bullough said in 2013, when he was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame. “I played here during the 28-game winning streak (1950-53), played on the 1952 National Championship team and coached for the 1965 and ’66 National Championship teams. In 1970, I won a Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Colts. There aren’t many who have been involved in this game that can say that. I’ve been very fortunate. For me, Michigan State is a place where a student can come and accomplish whatever he or she wants to because this University offers so many opportunities.”

In 2004, he was named president of the MSU Football Players Association and later became executive director of the organization.

Born Jan. 24, 1934, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Bullough attended high school in Canton, Ohio. At Timken Vocational High in Canton, he earned honorable mention all-state accolades in football.

Bullough earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State in 1955. He played a season with the Green Bay Packers in 1955 before serving in the Army, and was discharged in time to rejoin Green Bay for the 1958 season.

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MSU Football routes Rutgers: Three Key Takeaways

Michigan State football handled Rutgers in a 27-0 victory yesterday. Here are three key takeaways from this game for the Spartans.

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Michigan State Football took care of business against Rutgers yesterday in a 27-0 victory. On paper, this score may offer up some positive sentiments. Upon further review, I’m not quite sure I feel all that great about this victory.

Here are three key takeaways from this game:

Summary Of The Season

Michigan State put up 395 yards total in this game against Rutgers. Again, this seems impressive on the surface, but they only scored 27 points on that 395 yard total. That is not good. The Spartans strung together long drives that often ended with punts or field goal attempts.

The Spartans defense showed up to play, per usual. One sequence, in particular, was a perfect representation of this MSU football season. Sophomore Xavier Henderson snagged a nice interception and set up the offense with a rather favorable field position. Unfortunately, the Spartan’s offense could not score. Instead, Matt Coghlin came out and missed a field goal.

This sequence represents MSU’s consistent defensive success and offensive woes. I’m still on the Mark Dantonio coaching train, he should not go anywhere. His staff, on the other hand, must go. There should be significant turnover within the coaching staff before the start of next season.

Cody White Looked Like A Pro

Cody White had two touchdown catches coming into this game. He tallied three touchdown receptions against Rutgers for five on the year and 11 in his career. White was walking human highlight reel. He made catch after catch, ending the game with 11 receptions and 136 yards.

White went above and beyond against Rutgers. A few catches were made on really bad passes from QB Brian Lewerke. MSU WR Darrell Stewart is out with injury. So, the Spartans really needed Cody White to step.

Here are all three of his touchdown receptions:

Hope For The Future?

Freshman RB Elijah Collins had a solid game against Rutgers. Granted, he has suffered from offensive line injuries. Nonetheless, Collins makes the most of every play. He is certainly the RB option of the future for Michigan State and that is a positive takeaway from this season.

Freshman Tre Mosley, sophomore Jalen Nailor, and Julian Barnett are incredibly intriguing for Michigan State’s future. Mosley has looked great so far when given chances. Barnett is rather impressive as a WR and has 10 receptions on the year. Lastly, Nailor returned from injury against Rutgers and played well. Nailor ended the game with 5 receptions and 27 yards.

Why bring them up? They are Michigan State’s future WR core. It is possible that MSU loses both Darrell Stewart and Cody White next year to the draft. This leaves MSU with the aforementioned players and WR C.J. Hayes. I think Dantonio should give all the younger receivers some snaps as the season winds down.

Michigan State Football is back in action next weekend on Nov. 30. The game kicks off at 3:30 P.M. and you can catch all the action on FS1.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for coverage of this game and all things MSU Football.

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Game Recap: Michigan State, Cody White torch Rutgers 27-0

Michigan State football trampled Rutgers 27-0 in an impressive performance. Here is a game recap with all the details you need.

Michigan State Football demolished Rutgers in a 27-0 shutout today. Before this victory, the Spartans were on a five-game losing streak. Michigan State was sluggish and sloppy in the first half. Then, in the second half, Cody White exploded in an impressive showing.

Here is a recap of this game:

First Half

The Spartans offense lacked urgency early on in this game. MSU’s offense moved the chains but failed to score on their first drive. On the other hand, the defense showed up to play. Yet again, the Spartan’s defense did not allow a touchdown on the opening drive. Sure, this is against Rutger’s offense, but, we can still marvel at this accomplishment.

Next, Michigan State’s offense continued to move downfield. A high snap almost forced a turnover but Brian Lewerke did not fumble. This set up a third and long which is rather intimidating for this offensive unit. Luckily, Lewerke threw a nice touchdown pass to Cody White.

Later, the offense failed to capitalize on a nice drive. Instead, they settled for a field goal. This brought the first quarter to a close as Michigan State lead Rutgers 10-0.

Rutger’s defense came out hot in the second quarter. Lewerke was sacked and this set up a third and long. MSU then went three and out. Sophomore Safety Xavier Henderson stepped up with a beautiful interception. Unfortunately, the Spartans failed to convert this into a touchdown and settled for a field goal. This time, Matt Coghlin missed the field goal kick. This sequence can sum up the entire year for MSU.

Late in the second quarter, the Spartans ran a two-minute drill. Play after play, Lewerke hit Cody White for big gains. Eventually, Lewerke threw another, crisp touchdown pass to White on a seam route.

Second Half

Rutgers started the second half with plenty of offensive movement. Their run game yielded more success in the first three minutes of the second half than the entire first half. No worries, the Spartans did not give up any points on this Rutger’s drive. Instead, Kenny Willekes sacked QB Johnny Langan.

Michigan State put in AJ Arcuri at LT for their first drive of the half. MSU managed to move the chains forward for a first down. Lewerke found White on yet another impressive deep ball, but, this play went under review. Eventually, the referees determined the play was an incomplete pass.

Next thing you know, this drive turned into a disaster. Lewerke tried to hit White again in the endzone but White could not control the ball. Instead, Rutger’s defense snatched the ball away for an interception.

Early in the fourth quarter, Josiah Scott forced a fumble and gave Michigan State a favorable field position. Unlike earlier, the Spartans capitalized on this key turnover with an amazing touchdown. Lewerke overthrew a ball to White but it did not matter. White managed to snag the ball and fell into the endzone for a touchdown and a 27-0 lead.

Cody White ended the game with 11 receptions, 136 yards, and three touchdown catches. QB Brian Lewerke ended the game with 239 yards on 21/30 attempts with three touchdowns and one interception.

Michigan State football takes on Maryland next week on Saturday, Nov. 30. This game starts at 3:30 P.M.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.

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MSU Football’s blowout loss to Michigan: Three Key Takeaways

Michigan State football suffered an incredibly tragic defeat at the hands of Michigan, 44-10. Here are three key takeaways from this game

Michigan State Football suffered an a horrific loss at the hands of interstate rival Michigan, 44-10. The Spartans kept it relatively close at first, but, the Wolverines took over in the third quarter. This lead to a landslide victory for the University of Michigan.

Here are three key takeaways from this game:

Paradigm Shift

Remember the start of this season? When Mark Dantonio surpassed Hugh Daugherty as the most winningest coach in Spartan history. Those days now seem long gone. Nearly every Michigan State fan has turned on Dantonio.

There are certain fans that want Dantonio to retire, others want Dantonio to be fired. Does it have to be this way? I understand the frustration. He had a chance to clean house in the offseason and start fresh but did not do so. Does his success not warrant any good faith from fans?

It is possible to chalk up this season to the coordinator staff, injuries, and lack of talent. The Ohio State loss clearly displayed the disparity in talent between the Buckeyes and the Spartans. The offensive line is absolutely depleted and Joe Bachie is suspended. WR Darrell Stewart went down with an injury just as WR CJ Hayes came back.

I know it is easy to succumb to frustration, but, coaching decisions must be backed by logic and rational thoughts. Do not think about just the present, instead consider the future. Who will replace Dantonio? Are they a better coach? If not, then you set yourself up for failure by firing him.

The Rivalry Is Strong

Michigan and Michigan State offer up one of the most heated rivalries in all of sports. The players do not like each other, the fans do not like each other. This was on full display yesterday. The game started out chippy and it only grew from there.

Later in the game, Jacub Panasiuk hit Shea Patterson late and was flagged for roughing the passer. The referees ejected Panasiuk from the game for this hit. No doubt this was the culmination of frustration for Michigan State.

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In between the chippy play, there were celebrations galore. Cody White was flagged for taunting after a nice catch over a Michigan defender. On the other hand, Michigan WR Tarik Black was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after flexing on Josh Butler. This rivalry has not taken a step back whatsoever.

Curtain Call For Brian Lewerke

I’ve spent almost all year defending Brian Lewerke. Last week, I gave this up. I cannot do this anymore. Lewerke is not a terrible QB, but, he is certainly not a winning QB. He had an absolutely horrendous outing against the Wolverines.

Michigan QB Shea Patterson won the QB duel yesterday against Lewerke. Patterson dropped 384 yards, completing 24 of his 33 pass attempts. This lead to Patterson throwing four touchdown passes, three more than Lewerke. Brian only put up 166 yards, completing 17 of his 30 attempts.

It is not easy to bench a senior QB and maybe that won’t even happen. Personally, I think it’s time for Rocky Lombardi and Theo Day to get some snaps. Especially late in a blowout game. These reps can help shape the offseason perspective and QB scenario moving forward. It’s time to think about the future.

Michigan State football travels to SHI Stadium to play against Rutgers University on Nov. 23. The game starts at 12:00 P.M.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.

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