2018 Michigan State Spartans football team

2018 Michigan State Spartans football
Redbox Bowl, L 6–7 vs. Oregon
Conference	Big Ten Conference
Division	East Division
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 ←  2017 2019  →

2018 Big Ten Conference football standings

v t e	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

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. ^[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

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

Preseason

Award watch lists

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

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 31	7:00 p.m.	Utah State *	No. 11	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI	BTN	W 38–31	73,114
September 8	10:45 p.m.	at Arizona State *	No. 15	Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, AZ	ESPN	L 13–16	53,599
September 22	7:30 p.m.	at Indiana	No. 24	Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN (rivalry)	BTN	W 35–21	45,445
September 29	12:00 p.m.	Central Michigan *	No. 21	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI	FS1	W 31–20	73,752
October 6	12:00 p.m.	Northwestern	No. 20	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI	FS1	L 19–29	72,850
October 13	3:30 p.m.	at No. 8 Penn State		Beaver Stadium University Park, PA (rivalry)	BTN	W 21–17	106,685
October 20	12:00 p.m.	No. 6 Michigan	No. 24	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI (rivalry)	FOX	L 7–21	76,131
October 27	12:00 p.m.	Purdue		Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI	ESPN	W 23–13	72,657
November 3	12:00 p.m.	at Maryland		Maryland Stadium College Park, MD	ESPN2	W 24–3	31,735
November 10	12:00 p.m.	No. 8 Ohio State	No. 24	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI	FOX	L 6–26	74,633
November 17	12:00 p.m.	at Nebraska		Memorial Stadium Lincoln, NE	FOX	L 6–9	88,793
November 24	4:00 p.m.	Rutgers		Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI	FOX	W 14–10	64,951
December 31	3:00 p.m.	vs. Oregon *		Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA (Redbox Bowl)	FOX	L 6–7	30,212
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

Source ^[20]

Personnel

Roster

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 Mark Dantonio 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 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

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

Utah State

See also: 2018 Utah State Aggies football team

Series Record	Previous meeting	Result
First meeting

Week One: Utah State at Michigan State – Game summary

Period	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, 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

First Quarter (12:58) USU TD: Love 1 yard rush, Eberle kick Utah State 7–0; 8 plays, 70 yards, 2:02 (9:34) MSU FG: Coghlin 49 yard field goal Utah State 7–3; 5 plays, 43 yards, 3:21 (2:58) MSU FG: Coghlin 32 yard field goal Utah State 7–6; 9 plays, 34 yards, 5:03 Second Quarter (10:49) MSU TD: White 7 yard pass from Lewerke, Coghlin kick Michigan State 13–7; 4 plays, 42 yards, 1:16 (6:55) USU TD: Thompson 2 yard rush, Eberle kick good Utah State 14–13; 10 plays, 72 yards, 3:48 (0:28) MSU TD: Davis 10 yard pass from Lewerke, Coghlin kick Michigan State 20–14; 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:27 Third Quarter (9:06) MSU TD: Heyward 17 yard rush, Coghlin kick Michigan State 27–14; 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:43 (2:00) USU FG: Eberle 40 yard field goal Michigan State 27–17; 8 plays, 28 yards, 3:17 (1:50) USU TD: Ferguson 40 yard interception return, Eberle kick Michigan State 27–24 Fourth Quarter (10:27) MSU FG: Coghlin 24 yard field goal Michigan State 30–24; 14 plays, 38 yards, 1:27 (5:05) USU TD: Thompson 1 yard rush, Eberle kick Utah State 31–30; 17 plays, 63 yards, 5:18 (2:00) MSU TD: Heyward 13 yard rush, 2-point pass good Michigan 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

See also: 2018 Arizona State Sun Devils football team

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	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, 2018
• Game time: 10:45 pm EDT
• Game attendance: 53,599
• TV 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 MSU – ASU – Rushing MSU – ASU – Receiving MSU – ASU –

At Indiana

See also: 2018 Indiana Hoosiers football team and Indiana–Michigan State football rivalry

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	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, 2018
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 45,445
• TV 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 kick Michigan State 7–0; 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:57 (5:35) MSU TD: Shakur Brown 69-yard interception return, Matt Coughlin kick Michigan State 14–0 Second Quarter (6:54) IU TD: Stevie Scott 8-yard pass from Peyton Ramsey, Logan Justus kick Michigan State 14–7; 10 plays, 51 yards, 3:18 (0:19) MSU TD: Matt Dotson 11-yard pass from Brian Lewerke, Matt Coughlin kick Michigan State 21–7; 7 plays, 74 yards, 1:04 Third Quarter (4:47) MSU TD: Matt Coughlin 6-yard run, Matt Coughlin kick Michigan State 28–7; 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:49 Fourth Quarter (14:43) IU FG: Logan Justus 35-yard field goal Michigan 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 points Michigan State 28–18; 7 plays, 90 yards, 1:58 (3:28) IU FG: Logan Justus 36-yard field goal Michigan State 28–21; 10 plays, 57 yards, 2:28 (3:17) MSU TD: Jalen Nailor 75-yard run, Matt Coughlin kick Michigan 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

See also: 2018 Central Michigan Chippewas football team

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	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, 2018
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 73,752
• TV: 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 kick Michigan State 7–3; 4 plays, 35 yards, 2:03 (2:03) TD MSU: Brian Lewerke 5-yard run, Matt Coughlin kick Michigan State 14–3; 6 plays, 46 yards, 2:52 (0:29) FG MSU: Matt Coughlin 33-yard field goal Michigan State 17–3; 8 plays, 19 yards, 1:29 Third Quarter (10:24) TD MSU: Connor Heyward 2-yard run, Matt Coughlin kick Michigan State 24–3; 8 plays, 58 yards, 4:27 (4:18) TD MSU: La'Darius Jefferson 2-yard run, Matt Coughlin kick Michigan 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 kick Michigan State 31–10; 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:49 (12:08) FG CMU: Ryan Tice 40-yard field goal Michigan State 31–13; 6 plays, 26 yards, 1:19 (6:44) TD CMU: Tony Poljan 29-yard pass from Jonathan Ward, Ryan Tice kick Michigan 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

Period	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, 2018
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 72,850
• TV: FS1
• Sources:

Game information
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Passing NW – MSU – Rushing NW – MSU – Receiving NW – MSU –

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

Period	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, 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

First Quarter (5:03) PSU TD: K. J. Hamler 5-yard pass from Trace McSorley, Jake Pinegar kick Penn State 7–0; 4 plays, 94 yards, 1:32 Second Quarter (13:25) MSU TD: La'Darius Jefferson 1-yard rush, Matt Coughlin kick Tie 7–7; 11 plays, 81 yards, 4:03 (4:33) PSU TD: Miles Sanders 48-yard rush, Jake Pinegar kick Penn 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 kick Tie 14–14; 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:16 Fourth Quarter (9:21) PSU FG: Jake Pinegar 20-yard field goal Penn State 17–14; 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:15 (0:19) MSU TD: Felton Davis 25-yard pass from Brian Lewerke, Matt Coughlin kick Michigan 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

Michigan

See also: 2018 Michigan Wolverines football team and Michigan–Michigan State football rivalry

Paul Bunyan Trophy: #6 Michigan Wolverines (6–1) at #24 Michigan State Spartans (4–2)

Period	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 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
Michigan Shea Patterson 14/25, 212 Yds, 2 TD Karan Higdon 33 Rush, 144 Yds Donovan Peoples-Jones 1 Rec, 79 Yds, TD Michigan State Brian Lewerke 5/25, 66 Yds LJ Scott 10 Rush, 25 Yds Darrell Stewart 2 Rec, 24 Yds

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

Period	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, 2018
• Game time: EDT
• Sources:

Game information
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Passing PUR – MSU – Rushing PUR – MSU – Receiving PUR – MSU –

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

Period	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, 2018
• Game time: EDT
• Sources:

Game information
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Passing MSU – UMD – Rushing MSU – UMD – Receiving MSU – UMD –

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

Period	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, 2018
• Game time: EST
• Sources:

Game information
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Passing OSU – MSU – Rushing OSU – MSU – Receiving OSU – MSU –

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

Period	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, 2018
• Game time: EST
• Sources:

Game information
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Passing MSU – NEB – Rushing MSU – NEB – Receiving MSU – NEB –

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

Period	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, 2018
• Game time: EST
• TV: Fox
• Sources:

Game information
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Passing RUT – MSU – Rushing RUT – MSU – Receiving RUT – MSU –

Vs. Oregon (Redbox Bowl)

See also: 2018 Oregon Ducks football team and 2018 Redbox Bowl

Series Record	Previous meeting	Result
3–3	2015	MSU, 31–28

2018 Redbox Bowl: Michigan State vs Oregon – Game summary

Period	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, 2018
• Game time: PST
• TV: Fox
• Sources:

Game information
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Passing MSU – ORE – Rushing MSU – ORE – Receiving MSU – ORE –

Rankings

Further information: 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes

	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

Awards and honors

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

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

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. "2018 All-Big Ten Football Teams and Individual Award Recipients" (PDF). BigTen.org. Big Ten Conference. November 28, 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. "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".