2020 Michigan State Spartans football team

Last updated

2020 Michigan State Spartans football
Michigan State Spartans logo.svg
Conference Big Ten Conference
DivisionEast Division
Record2–5 (2–5 Big Ten)
Head coach
Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson (1st season)
Offensive scheme Multiple
Defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton (1st season)
Base defense 4–3
Home stadium Spartan Stadium
Uniform
Michigan spartans football unif.png
Seasons
←  2019
2021  →
2020 Big Ten Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
East Division
No. 2 Ohio State xy$^  5 –0   7 –1  
No. 12 Indiana  6 –1   6 –2  
Penn State  4 –5   4 –5  
Maryland  2 –3   2 –3  
Rutgers  3 –6   3 –6  
Michigan  2 –4   2 –4  
Michigan State  2 –5   2 –5  
West Division
No. 10 Northwestern xy 6 –1   7 –2  
No. 16 Iowa  6 –2   6 –2  
Wisconsin  3 –3   4 –3  
Minnesota  3 –4   3 –4  
Nebraska  3 –5   3 –5  
Purdue  2 –4   2 –4  
Illinois  2 –6   2 –6  
Championship: Ohio State 22, Northwestern 10
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
  • Note: Due to COVID-19, the Big Ten suspended the season on August 11, but later decided to begin play on October 24. In addition to the title game that was played on December 19, the conference seeded all remaining teams for "championship week" games. [1]
Rankings from AP Poll.

The 2020 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University during the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans competed as members of the East Division of the Big Ten Conference and played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. This was the program's first season under head coach Mel Tucker.

Contents

In a limited season, which was initially canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic before being reinstated, the Spartans compiled a 2–5 record, all in conference games. On December 20, the program announced that it would not participate in any bowl game. [2]

Previous season

The Spartans finished the 2019 season 7–6, 4–5 in Big Ten play to finish in fifth place in the East Division. The Spartans received a bid to the 2019 Pinstripe Bowl where they defeated Wake Forest 27–21. [3]

On February 4, 2020, the school announced that head coach Mark Dantonio had retired and Mike Tressel would be taking over as interim head coach for the Spartans. [4] Tressel was previously the team's defensive coordinator. [5] On February 12, the school announced the hiring of Colorado head coach Mel Tucker as the university's 25th head football coach. [6] [7]

Offseason

2020 NFL Draft

MSU kept its streak of 80 years of having at least one player drafted in the NFL Draft when cornerback Josiah Scott was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

RoundPickTeamPlayerPosition
431 Jacksonville Jaguars Josiah Scott Cornerback
711 Minnesota Vikings Kenny Willekes Defensive End

Several other undrafted players signed free agent contracts with NFL teams:

Coaching changes

After Dantonio abruptly retired in March, new head coach Mel Tucker took approximately 10 days to assemble his assistants for the season. [15] Tucker brought with him from his Colorado staff offensive coordinator Jay Johnson, offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, running backs coach William Peagler, and special teams coordinator Ross Els. [15] Former Spartan wide receiver Courtney Hawkins was named the wide receivers coach, Ted Gilmore the tight ends coach, and Scottie Hazelton the defensive coordinator. [15] Former MSU defensive coach Harlon Barnett returned to coach the secondary after spending two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Florida State. [16] Ron Burton (defensive line) and Mike Tressel (safeties) were the only holdovers from Dantonio's staff. [15]

Recruiting

US college sports recruiting information for 2020 recruits
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeightCommit date
Ricky White
WR		 Marietta, GA Marietta 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)165 lb (75 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Dallas Fincher
OG		 Grand Rapids, MI East Kentwood 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)274 lb (124 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Terry Lockett
WR		 Minneapolis, MN Minnehaha Academy 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)165 lb (75 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Ian Stewart
WR		 Rockwood, MI Oscar A. Carlson 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)200 lb (91 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Tommy Guajardo
TE		 Dearborn, MI Dearborn 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)230 lb (100 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Simeon Barrow Jr.
WDE		 Grovetown, GA Grovetown 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)252 lb (114 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Avery Dunn
WDE		 Cleveland, OH Shaker Heights 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)216 lb (98 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Montorie Foster
WR		 Lakewood, OH St. Edward 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)175 lb (79 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Chris Mayfield
SDE		 Hilliard, OH Hilliard Bradley 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)250 lb (110 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Noah Kim
PRO		 Chantilly, VA Westfield 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)180 lb (82 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Jeff Pietrowski
WDE		 Lakewood, OH St. Edward 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)235 lb (107 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Cole DeMarzo
OLB		 Hilton Head Island, SC Hilton Head 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)200 lb (91 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Jasiyah Robinson
SDE		 Groveport, OH Groveport Madison 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)222 lb (101 kg)Jan 22, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Donovan Eaglin
SDE		 Manvel, TX Manvel HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)215 lb (98 kg)Jan 29, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Nolan Rossback (Transfer Illinois)
LS		 Hudsonville, MI {{{highschool}}}6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)215 lb (98 kg) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
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:

  • "Scout". Scout.com. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  • "2020 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 4, 2020.

Preseason

Preseason Big Ten poll

Although the Big Ten Conference has not held an official preseason poll since 2010, Cleveland.com has polled sports journalists representing all member schools as a de facto preseason media poll since 2011. For the 2020 poll, Michigan State was projected to finish in fifth in the East Division. [17]

Media poll (East Division)
Predicted finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1Ohio State237 (33)
2Penn State204 (1)
3Michigan169
4Indiana134
5Michigan State94
6Maryland76
7Rutgers38

COVID-19 effects on season

On July 9, 2020, the Big Ten announced that member teams will only play conference games in effort to reduce issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. [18] On July 24, the school announced that the entire team, which had returned to campus for voluntary workouts, was being placed on a 14-day quarantine after two staff members and one player tested positive for COVID-19. [19]

On August 11, 2020, the Big Ten canceled the college football season for the fall of 2020 due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. [20] [21] [22] On September 16, the conference reversed course and announced that a season would be played. Teams would begin play on October 24. [23] [24] On September 19, the conference announced an eight-game schedule. [25]

One game, against Maryland, was canceled due to the school's COVID-19 outbreak. [26] A scheduled rematch on December 19 as part of the Big Ten Champions Week was also canceled due to continued COVID-19 issues at Maryland. [27]

Personnel

Roster

2020 Michigan State Spartans football team roster
PlayersCoaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
WR 2Julian BarnettSo
WR 4C. J. Hayes Redshirt.svg  Jr
WR 5 Jayden Reed Jr
QB 6 Theo Day Redshirt.svg  So
WR 7 Ricky White Fr
WR 8Jalen NailorJr
QB 10 Payton Thorne So
QB 12 Rocky Lombardi Redshirt.svg  Jr
WR 13Laress NelsonSr
QB 14 Noah Kim Fr
WR 17Tre MosleySo
WR 18Tre'Von MorganSo
WR 20Emmanuel Flowers Redshirt.svg  Jr
QB 23Eli McLean Redshirt.svg  So
RB 24Elijah Collins Redshirt.svg  So
RB 26Brandon WrightSo
RB 34Anthony Williams Jr.So
RB 36Noah Sargent Redshirt.svg  Sr
RB 39Alante Thomas Redshirt.svg  Sr
TE 40Jonathan Brys Redshirt.svg  Jr
FB 41Reid Burton Redshirt.svg  Sr
FB 49Max Rosenthal Redshirt.svg  Jr
OT 55Jordan ReidSr
G 56Matt Carrick Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 58Spencer BrownSo
OL 59 Nick Samac So
OT 62Luke Campbell Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 64Matt Allen Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 66Blake Bueter Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 67J.D. DuplainSo
OT 68Dan Vanopstall Redshirt.svg  So
OL 69Tommy Liesveld Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 71James Ohonba Redshirt.svg  So
OL 72Damon KaylorSo
OL 73Jacob Isaia Redshirt.svg  So
OL 74Jack Henrichs Redshirt.svg  Jr
G 75Kevin JarvisSr
OT 76 A. J. Arcuri Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 77Dimitri Douglas Redshirt.svg  So
OT 79Mustafa Khaleefah Redshirt.svg  Jr
WR 80Jalen Allen Redshirt.svg  So
WR 82Javez Alexander Redshirt.svg  So
WR 85Cade McDonaldSo
TE 86Parks Gissinger Redshirt.svg  So
WR 87Jahz Watts Redshirt.svg  Jr
TE 88Trenton Gillison Redshirt.svg  So
TE 89Matt DotsonSr
Defense
Pos.#NameClass
S 3Xavier HendersonJr
DE 5Michael FletcherSo
S 7Michael Dowell Redshirt.svg  So
CB 8Chris Jackson Redshirt.svg  So
S 9Dominique LongSr
LB 13Marcel LewisSo
CB 14Davion Williams Redshirt.svg  So
CB 18Kalon Gervin Redshirt.svg  So
LB 21Chase Kline Redshirt.svg  So
DB 23Andre WelchSr
CB 24Tre PersonSr
S 28Tate HallockSo
CB 29Shakur Brown Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 30Tanner Hallock Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 31Edward Warinner Redshirt.svg  So
DB 32Corey Pryor Redshirt.svg  Sr
LB 33Jeslord Boateng Redshirt.svg  So
LB 34Antjuan SimmonsSr
LB 37Dante Razzano Redshirt.svg  Sr
LB 38Luke FultonSo
LB 41Charles WillekesSo
DE 42Brent Mossburg Redshirt.svg  Jr
S 43Jack Mandryk Redshirt.svg  Jr
DE 44Adam BerghorstSo
LB 45Noah Harvey Redshirt.svg  Jr
S 49David Kruse Redshirt.svg  So
LB 53Peter Fisk Redshirt.svg  Sr
DE 55Zach Slade Redshirt.svg  So
DL 57Evan BrunningSo
LB 58Terry O'Connor Redshirt.svg  So
DT 64Jacob Slade Redshirt.svg  So
DL 86Drew Beesley Redshirt.svg  Sr
DL 89Jalen HuntSo
DE 91Jack Camper Redshirt.svg  Jr
DE 92DeAri Todd Redshirt.svg  Jr
DT 93 Naquan Jones Redshirt.svg  Sr
DT 94Dashaun Mallory Redshirt.svg  So
DE 96Jacub PanasiukSr
Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
K 4Matt Coghlin Redshirt.svg  Sr
LS 51Jude PedrozoSo
K, P 92Evan MorrisSo
K 97Tyler Hunt Redshirt.svg  Jr
K 98Cole Hahn Redshirt.svg  Jr
P 99Bryce Baringer Redshirt.svg  Jr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Cruz Roja.svg Injured
  • Redshirt.svg Redshirt

Roster
Last update: February 14, 2020

Coaching staff

NamePositionSeason
Mel Tucker Head coach 1st
Jay Johnson Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks 1st
Chris Kapilovic Offensive Line/run game coordinator1st
Ted Gilmore [28] Tight ends 1st
Courtney Hawkins Wide receivers 1st
William Pegler [29] Running backs1st
Scottie Hazelton Defensive coordinator 1st
Ron Burton Defensive line7th
Harlon Barnett Defensive backs12th
Ross Els [29] Special Teams1st
Mike Tressel Linebackers14th

Schedule

Michigan State's 2020 schedule originally was planned to begin with a conference home game against Northwestern, followed by three non-conference opponents: the independent BYU Cougars, Toledo of the Mid-American Conference, and finally Miami of the ACC. The non-conference slate was canceled on July 9 due to the Big Ten Conference's decision to play a conference-only schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [30]

On August 4, the Big Ten Conference announced the schedule for all Big Ten teams. [31] In conference play, the Spartans were play all members of the East Division, as well as Northwestern, Iowa, and Minnesota from the West Division. The season was canceled by the conference on August 11, 2020. [22]

On September 19, the conference changed course and announced a new, revised, eight-game schedule. [25] A ninth game will be played the week of December 19 where the first place teams in each division will play for the Big Ten Championship, while the remaining teams will play the same-seeded team in the opposite division. [32]

On November 19, it was announced that the November 21 game against Maryland had been canceled as all team-related activities were paused because of an elevated number of coronavirus cases within the Terrapins' program. [33] A rescheduled game against Maryland as part of Big Ten Champions Week was also canceled due to COVID-19 issues at Maryland. [27]

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
October 2412:00 p.m. Rutgers
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI
 BTN L 27–380
October 31 12:00 p.m.at No. 13 Michigan
FOX W 27–24615
November 712:00 p.m.at Iowa
ESPN L 7–491,441
November 1412:00 p.m.No. 10 Indiana
ABC L 0–24340
November 2112:00 p.m.at Maryland
BTNNo Contest _
November 283:30 p.m.No. 8 Northwestern
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI
ESPN2W 29–200
December 512:00 p.m.No. 4 Ohio State
  • Spartan Stadium
  • East Lansing, MI
ABCL 12–520
December 1212:00 p.m.at Penn State
ABCL 24–390
December 197:30 p.m.at Maryland
  • Maryland Stadium
  • College Park, MD (Champions Week)
BTNNo Contest _

    Rankings

    Ranking movements
    Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
    — = Not ranked RV = Received votes
    Week
    PollPre12345678910111213141516Final
    AP —————————RV———————
    Coaches —————————RV———————
    CFP Not released—————Not released

    Radio

    Radio coverage for all games will be broadcast statewide on the Spartans Sports Network [34]

    Game summaries

    Rutgers

    Series RecordPrevious meetingResult
    8–3Nov 23, 2019MSU, 27–0
    Week One: Rutgers at Michigan State – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Rutgers141401038
    Michigan State767727

    at Spartan Stadium

    • Date: October 24, 2020
    • Game time: 12:00 p.m.
    • Game weather: 44°F, Wind: 5 mph NNW, Crisp fall afternoon
    • Referee: J. Servinski
    • TV announcers (BTN): Lisa Byington, Matt Millen
    • Sources: [35]
    Game information

    MSU opened the 2020 season at home against Rutgers. Rutgers scored on their first possession, moving 75 yards before Isiah Pacheco rushed for a 12-yard touchdown to give the Scarlet Knights the early 7–0 lead. MSU quickly turned the ball over to Rutgers on their first offensive play as Jayden Reed fumbled and the Knights took over at MSU's 44. The Spartan defense forced a three-and-out, but the offense again turned the ball over as Rocky Lombardi fumbled the ball and Rutgers took over at the MSU four-yard line. A one-yard touchdown run a few plays later put the Knights up 14–0 with just under seven minutes remaining in the quarter. MSU's offense took the ensuing kickoff at mid-field and moved to the Rutgers' 42-yard line. However, MSU turned the ball over again, this time on downs, failing to get the first down on a fourth and three play. After a Rutgers' punt, Lombardi hit Reed on a 50-yard pass to bring MSU within seven points. Another Knights' punt gave MSU the ball with 14 minutes remaining in the second quarter. However, once again, the MSU offense turned the ball over as Lombardi was intercepted and Rutgers took over inside the MSU 30-yard line. Two plays later, a Rutgers' 24-yard touchdown run moved the Knights' lead to 21–7. MSU answered with an 11-play drive that moved into Rutgers territory, but another Jayden Reed fumble gave the ball back to Rutgers with less than eight minutes remaining in the half. MSU took the ball back on an interception by Shakur Brown and MSU notched a field goal to draw within 21–10. With just over three minutes remaining in the half, Rutgers pushed the lead to 28–10 with a three-yard touchdown run. Matt Coghlin hit his second field goal of the game as time expired to make the score 28–13 at the half.

    On the first possession of the second half, MSU again turned the ball over on a Jordan Simmons fumble. Rutgers could not capitalize and punted the ball back to MSU. MSU was forced to punt, but a Rutgers fumble on the punt gave MSU the ball at the Rutgers 30. Jalen Nailor scored on the next play, a 30-yard touchdown catch to narrow the lead to 28–20. A Rutgers' fumble on their ensuing possession set MSU up at the 29-yard line. However, the Spartans were again stopped on a fourth down run, turning the ball over on downs. A Rutgers' field goal to start the fourth quarter pushed the Knights' lead to 31–20. The teams exchanged punts before Rutgers put the game out of reach with a 14-yard touchdown pass with just under five minutes remaining in the game. Another Jayden Reed touchdown catch brought the Spartans within 11. A Rutgers' punt preceded another turnover, the seventh in the game, as Lombardi was intercepted with under 40 seconds remaining. The Knights were able to run out the clock as the Spartans fell 38–27.

    Michigan

    Series RecordPrevious meetingResult
    36–71–5Nov 16, 2019Mich, 44–10
    Week Two: Michigan State at Michigan – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Michigan State776727
    No. 13 Michigan737724

    at Michigan Stadium

    • Date: Oct 31, 2020
    • Game time: 12:00 p.m.
    • Game weather: 45°F, Wind: 10–15 mph S, Sunny
    • Game attendance: 615
    • Referee: T. Stapleton
    • TV announcers (FOX): Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt
    • Sources: [36]
    Game information

    In their first road game of the season, the Spartans traveled to face their rival, Michigan, for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Despite being a multiple touchdown underdog, the Spartans took the early lead after each team traded punts when Rocky Lombardi hit Ricky White for a 30-yard touchdown pass. However, Michigan quickly responded by scoring on an 11-yard touchdown run following an eight-play drive to tie the game at seven. Each team again was forced to punt on their next two possessions as the game moved to the second quarter. Lombardi put the Spartans up again on a two-yard touchdown pass to Connor Heyward moving the Spartan lead to 14–7. Again, each team traded punts before the Wolverines settled for a field goal with 2:49 remaining in the half. Another exchange of punts left MSU with the ball with less than a minute remaining in the half as they ran out the clock to go to halftime with the three-point lead.

    In the second half, Michigan punted on their first possession and the Spartans moved the ball into Wolverine territory on the ensuing possession, but settled for another Matt Coghlin field goal to extend the lead to 17–10. Michigan tied it on their next possession with a one-yard touchdown run to put the score at 17–17. MSU retook the lead on their next possession as Coghlin connected on a 51-yard field goal to move MSU into the lead at 20–17. Following a Michigan punt, MSU moved to the Wolverine 23, but Coghlin missed a 40-yard field goal that would have moved the Spartan lead to six points. Michigan again failed to move the ball and was forced to punt on their next possession. Following the punt, MSU took over at their own eight-yard line with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game. The Spartans, helped by a Ricky White 31 yard reception, moved to the Michigan 13 with just over five minutes remaining. Lombardi then hit Heyward again for a 13-yard touchdown catch and run to push the Spartan lead to 10 at 27–17. The Wolverines scored on their next possession, but the 18-play drive took over four and a half minutes and left less than 40 seconds remaining on the clock while the Spartans held a 27–24 lead. The onside kick was recovered by Heyward and Lombardi gave the Spartans on a fourth down sneak to run out the clock as the Spartans defeated their rivals 27–24. The win moved MSU to 1–1 on the season.

    Iowa

    Series RecordPrevious meetingResult
    22–23–2Sept 30, 2017MSU, 17–10
    Week Three: Michigan State at Iowa – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Michigan State00707
    Iowa14217749

    at Kinnick Stadium

    • Date: Nov 7, 2020
    • Game time: 12:00 p.m.
    • Game weather: 6°F, Wind: 12 mph S, Sunny
    • Game attendance: 1,441
    • Referee: R. Snodgrass
    • TV announcers (ESPN): Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky
    • Sources: [37]
    Game information

    At Indiana

    Series RecordPrevious meetingResult
    48–16–2Sept 28, 2019MSU, 40–31
    Week Four: Michigan State at Indiana – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Michigan State00000
    No. 10 Indiana14100024

    at Spartan Stadium

    • Date: Nov 14, 2020
    • Game time: 12:00 p.m.
    • Game weather: 38°F, Wind: 6 mph SSE, Sunny
    • Game attendance: 340
    • Referee: J. O'Neill
    • TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy
    Game information

    Northwestern

    Series RecordPrevious meetingResult
    38–20Sep 21, 2019MSU, 31–10
    Week Six: Northwestern at Michigan State – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    No. 8 Northwestern067720
    Michigan State10701229

    at Spartan Stadium

    • Date: Nov 28, 2020
    • Game time: 3:30 p.m.
    • Game weather: 45 °F, Wind: 7 mph SW, Sunny, light clouds
    • Game attendance: 0
    • Referee: M. Kluczynski
    • TV announcers (ESPN): Clay Matvick, Rocky Boiman

    Ohio State

    Series RecordPrevious meetingResult
    15–33Oct 5, 2019OSU, 34–10
    Week Seven: Ohio State at Michigan State – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    No. 3 Ohio State1414101452
    Michigan State007512

    at Spartan Stadium

    • Date: Dec 5, 2020
    • Game time: TBA
    • Game weather: 34 °F, Wind: 4 mph NNW, Cloudy
    • Game attendance: 0
    • Referee: L. Smith
    • TV announcers (ABC): Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky

    Penn State

    Series RecordPrevious meetingResult
    17–16–1Oct 26, 2019PSU, 28–7
    Week Eight: Michigan State at Penn State – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Michigan State0213024
    Penn State37151439

    at Beaver Stadium

    • Date: Dec 12, 2020
    • Game time: TBA
    • Game weather: 45 °F, Wind: 3 mph SSW, Partly Cloudy
    • Game attendance: 0
    • Referee: R. Snodgrass
    • TV announcers (ABC): Dave Flemming, Rod Gilmore

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    The 2013 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the Legends Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Michigan State played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan and were led by seventh year head coach Mark Dantonio. The Spartans finished the year 13–1, 8–0 and undefeated in Big Ten play. By winning the Legends Division, they earned a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game, their second appearance in the championship game. Facing No. 2-ranked Ohio State, they defeated the Buckeyes 34–24, knocking Ohio State out of the running for the BCS National Championship Game. The Spartans received an invitation to the Rose Bowl, their first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1988. There they defeated No. 5-ranked Stanford for the school's first Rose Bowl win since 1988.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Michigan State Spartans football team</span> American college football season

    The 2014 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Michigan State played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan and were led by eighth-year head coach Mark Dantonio. The season marked a new division organization and the Spartans were members of the East Division.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl</span> College football game

    The 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, the 24th edition of the game, was a post-season American college football bowl game held on December 29, 2012 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona as part of the 2012–13 NCAA Bowl season.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Rose Bowl</span> College football game

    The 2014 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game that was played on January 1, 2014, at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California. This 100th Rose Bowl Game matched Big Ten Conference Champions Michigan State Spartans against Pac-12 Conference champions Stanford Cardinal. It was one of the 2013–14 bowl games that concluded the 2013 FBS football season. The first game in the final edition of the Bowl Championship Series, it was sponsored by the Vizio consumer electronics company, and officially titled the Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Michigan State Spartans football team</span> American college football season

    The 2015 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Michigan State played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan and were led by ninth-year head coach Mark Dantonio. They finished the season 12–2, 7–1 in Big Ten play to share the East Division championship with Ohio State. Due to their head-to-head win over Ohio State, they represented the East Division in the Big Ten Championship Game where they defeated West Division champion Iowa to become Big Ten Champions. They finished the season No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings and were selected to play in the CFP Semifinals at the Cotton Bowl Classic where they lost to No. 2 Alabama.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Michigan State Spartans football team</span> American college football season

    The 2016 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans played in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference and played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. They were led by head coach Mark Dantonio, who was in his tenth season. They finished the season 3–9, 1–8 in Big Ten play to finish in sixth place in the East Division.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Michigan State Spartans football team</span> American college football season

    The 2017 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans played their home games at the Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, and competed in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference. They were led by 11th-year head coach Mark Dantonio. The Spartans finished the 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 Holiday Bowl where they defeated Washington State.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Michigan State Spartans football team</span> 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.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Michigan State Spartans football team</span> American college football season

    The 2019 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, and competed as member of the East Division of the Big Ten Conference. They were led by head coach Mark Dantonio in his 13th and final season at MSU.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

    The 2020 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In their sixth year under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines played only six games in a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, compiling a 2–4 record.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

    The 2021 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan as a member of the East Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In their seventh year under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team compiled a 12–2 record, won the Big Ten championship, outscored opponents by a total of 501 to 243, and was ranked No. 3 in the final AP and Coaches Polls. The Wolverines advanced to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, losing to eventual national champion Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

    The 2021 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans competed as members of the East Division of the Big Ten Conference and played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. This was the program's second season under head coach Mel Tucker.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

    The 2022 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by eighth-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines compiled an overall record of 12–0 in the regular season with a mark of 9–0 in conference play, winning the Big Ten East Division title for the second consecutive season. Michigan beat Purdue in the Big Ten Championship Game to repeat as conference champions. The Wolverines advanced to the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the second straight year, where they lost to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl for the CFP Semifinal on December 31.

    The 2022 Michigan State Spartans football team was an American football team that represented Michigan State University in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans were led by third-year head coach Mel Tucker. The Spartans played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.

    On October 17, 2015, the Michigan Wolverines hosted the Michigan State Spartans as part of the Michigan–Michigan State football rivalry. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines 27–23 on the back of a fumbled punt return.

    References

    1. ↑ Stevens, Matthew. "Big Ten To Play A "Championship Weekend" 9th Game Of 2020 Season". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
    2. ↑ Solari, Chris. "Michigan State football will not accept bowl invitation". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
    3. ↑ "Michigan State vs. Wake Forest – Game Recap – December 27, 2019".
    4. ↑ Forde, Pat. "Where Does Michigan State Turn From Here?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
    5. ↑ Solari, Chris; Jesse, David. "Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio retires after 13 seasons". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
    6. ↑ Bonesteel, Matt. "Mel Tucker turned down Michigan State the first time. The second time, he couldn't say no". Washington Post. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
    7. ↑ "Michigan State hires Mel Tucker after coach said he would stay at Colorado". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
    8. ↑ "Western's Cody White inks NFL contract with Kansas City Chiefs". The Spinal Column. May 1, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    9. ↑ Stiefel, Keagan (June 8, 2020). "Patriots undrafted free agent profiles: QB Brian Lewerke". Pats Pulpit. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    10. ↑ Gowton, Brandon Lee (May 18, 2020). "Eagles Rookie Profile: 6 things to know about Raequan Williams". Bleeding Green Nation. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    11. ↑ "Former MSU LB Joe Bachie on why he signed with the Saints". 247Sports. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    12. ↑ Williamson, Bill (April 29, 2020). "Raiders rookie DT Mike Panasiuk will do whatever it takes to make the roster". Silver And Black Pride. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    13. ↑ "Green Bay Packers: Scouting Report on UDFA WR Darrell Stewart". Dairyland Express. May 18, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    14. ↑ "Vikings waive undrafted free-agent signee Tyler Higby". Twin Cities. August 9, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    15. 1 2 3 4 "A look at Mel Tucker's assistant coaching staff at Michigan State". mlive. March 10, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
    16. ↑ Solari, Chris. "Harlon Barnett returning to Michigan State football as secondary coach". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
    17. ↑ Baird, Nathan (July 31, 2020). "Ohio State voted 2020 Big Ten favorite in cleveland.com Preseason Poll". cleveland. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
    18. ↑ "Big Ten to play conference-only football schedule for 2020 season amid COVID-19 pandemic". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
    19. ↑ "Entire MSU football team in 14-day quarantine". ESPN.com. July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
    20. ↑ "Big Ten cancels college football season for fall 2020, hopes to play in spring 2021". CBSSports.com. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
    21. ↑ West, Jenna. "Big Ten Postpones Fall Sports, Including Football". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
    22. 1 2 "Big Ten nixes fall football season, eyes spring". ESPN.com. August 11, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
    23. ↑ "Big Ten football to resume weekend of Oct. 24". ESPN.com. September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
    24. ↑ "The Big Ten Conference Adopts Stringent Medical Protocols; Football Season to Resume October 23–24, 2020". bigten.org. September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
    25. 1 2 "Big Ten football schedule 2020: Eight-game conference slates begin Oct. 24 with Ohio State-Michigan on Dec. 12". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
    26. ↑ Solari, Chris. "Michigan State football game at Maryland canceled due to Terps' COVID-19 issues". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    27. 1 2 Solari, Chris. "Michigan State football game vs. Maryland canceled again". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
    28. ↑ "Tucker Names Ted Gilmore Tight Ends Coach, Announces Additional Staff Hirings".
    29. 1 2 "Tucker Names Ross eLS Special Teams Coordinator, William Peagler Running Backs Coach".
    30. ↑ Myerberg, Paul. "Big Ten football reduces season schedule to only conference games, maybe setting stage for others to follow". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
    31. ↑ "Big Ten to start Sept. 3; Michigan-OSU on Oct. 24". ESPN.com. August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
    32. ↑ Wells, Seth. "Big Ten reveals new 2020 football schedule, MSU to open at home vs. Rutgers". wilx.com. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
    33. ↑ "Terrapins coach Mike Locksley tests positive as Michigan State-Maryland canceled over COVID-19". espn.com. November 19, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
    34. ↑ "Spartans Radio".
    35. ↑ https://msuspartans.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&id=15171l [ dead link ]
    36. ↑ "Football vs Michigan on 10/31/2020 - Box Score".
    37. ↑ "Football vs Iowa on 11/7/2020 - Box Score".
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