50 Facts About Michigan State Football

The Beginnings of Michigan State Football

Michigan State University's football program, known as the Spartans, has a rich history that dates back over a century. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about the early days and evolution of this storied program.

1. First Season: The Spartans kicked off their football journey in 1896, making them one of the oldest programs in the country.
2. Conference Affiliation: They are proud members of the Big Ten Conference, one of the most prestigious collegiate athletic conferences in the United States.
3. Head Coach: As of the 2023 season, Jonathan Smith is leading the team in his first year as head coach.
4. Stadium: Home games are played at Spartan Stadium, which boasts a seating capacity of 75,005 and is consistently ranked among the NCAA's Top 25 in attendance.
5. Field Surface: The field at Spartan Stadium is made of grass, providing a traditional and classic playing surface for the Spartans.
6. NCAA Division: The Spartans compete at the NCAA Division I FBS level, the highest level of college football.

Achievements and Records

Over the years, Michigan State football has achieved numerous milestones and set impressive records. Here are some highlights of their accomplishments.

7. All-Time Record: The Spartans have an all-time record of 730-487-44 (.596), reflecting their consistent performance over the years.
8. Bowl Record: In bowl games, the Spartans have a record of 14-16 (.467), indicating a mix of successes and setbacks in postseason play.
9. Playoff Appearances: The Spartans have appeared in the College Football Playoff once, in 2015, but unfortunately, they lost their only appearance.
10. Claimed National Titles: Michigan State claims six national championships, including two from the major wire-service polls (1952 and 1965).
11. Conference Titles: The Spartans have won eleven conference championships, with two in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and nine in the Big Ten.
12. Division Titles: The program has secured three division titles, showcasing their dominance within the Big Ten East division.

Rivalries and Traditions

Rivalries and traditions play a significant role in the culture of Michigan State football. Let's explore some of the most notable ones.

13. Rivalries: The Spartans have notable rivalries with Notre Dame, Indiana, Michigan, and Penn State, adding to the excitement and intensity of their games.
14. Consensus All-Americans: A total of 33 players from Michigan State have been named Consensus All-Americans, a testament to the program's commitment to excellence.
15. Fight Song: The fight song of the Michigan State Spartans is "Victory for MSU," which is sung by the Spartan Marching Band during games and other events.
16. Mascot: The official mascot of the Spartans is Sparty, a beloved symbol of school spirit and tradition.
17. Marching Band: The Spartan Marching Band is renowned for its performances and is an integral part of the game-day experience at Spartan Stadium.
18. Website: The official website of the Michigan State Spartans football program is msuspartans.com, where fans can find news, scores, and updates about the team.
19. Colors: The colors of the Michigan State Spartans are green and white, which are prominently displayed in their uniforms and other team attire.

Historical Highlights

Michigan State football has a rich history filled with memorable moments and legendary players. Here are some key highlights from their past.

20. Historical Achievements: In 1956, the Spartans defeated UCLA in the Rose Bowl, securing their second bowl win in school history.
21. Duffy Daugherty Era: Under the leadership of Duffy Daugherty, the Spartans experienced significant success in the 1950s and 1960s, including two national championships (1952 and 1965).
22. Notable Players: Some of the most notable players in Michigan State history include Bubba Smith, Clinton Jones, George Webster, and Gene Washington, all of whom were selected in the first eight picks of the first common NFL Draft in 1967.
23. Chris Baker: Chris Baker is considered one of the best tight ends in Michigan State history, with impressive statistics including 133 receptions, 1,705 receiving yards, and 13 touchdown catches over his four-year career.
24. Jerel Worthy: Jerel Worthy, another standout player, was ranked 48th on the list of top 50 Michigan State football players of all time, known for his defensive prowess and contributions to the team.
25. John L.’s Reign: Even during the down periods, such as John L.’s reign, the program maintained a level of talent that has been consistent throughout its history.

Championship Glory

The Spartans have enjoyed periods of dominance, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Here are some of their championship highlights.

26. National Titles in the 1950s and 1960s: The Spartans won national titles in 1951, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1965, and 1966, showcasing their dominance during these eras.
27. Big Ten Championships: The program has secured nine Big Ten Conference championships, with notable wins in 1953, 1965, 1966, 1978, 1987, 1990, 2010, 2013, and 2015.
28. Bobby Williams and Nick Saban Eras: Under Bobby Williams and Nick Saban, the Spartans experienced periods of success, including a 9-2 regular season record in 1999 under Saban before he left to coach LSU.
29. Mark Dantonio Era: Mark Dantonio, who coached from 2007 to 2019, became the winningest coach in school history with 114 victories and led the Spartans to three Big Ten Championships and six bowl game wins, including the 2014 Rose Bowl and 2015 Cotton Bowl.
30. College Football Playoff Appearance: In 2015, under Mark Dantonio's leadership, the Spartans made their only appearance in the College Football Playoff but unfortunately lost their only game.

Memorable Games and Moments

Michigan State football has been part of some unforgettable games and moments. Here are a few that stand out.

31. Notable Games: One of the most memorable games in Spartan history is "The Game of the Century" in 1966, where Michigan State tied with Notre Dame 10-10, leading to both teams being declared co-national champions.
32. Eric Allen's Record: Eric Allen set a school, Big Ten, and NCAA record with 350 yards rushing on 29 carries in a 43-10 victory at Purdue on October 30, 1971, a mark that still stands as the highest single-game rushing total in MSU history.
33. Levi Jackson’s Touchdown Run: Levi Jackson’s 88-yard touchdown run with 3:17 left in the game gave Michigan State a 16-13 victory over No. 1 Ohio State in Spartan Stadium on November 9, 1974, ranking among the Top 10 games of the 1970s.
34. Kirk Gibson and Ed Smith’s Season: Led by All-American wide receiver Kirk Gibson and quarterback Ed Smith, Michigan State won its fourth Big Ten title in school history with a record-breaking offense averaging 37.8 points and 481.2 yards per game in 1978.
35. Paul Edinger’s Field Goal: In the 1999 Citrus Bowl, Paul Edinger hit a 39-yard field goal as time expired to lead the Spartans past Florida, securing a 10-2 season and a top-10 national ranking.
36. Biggest Comeback in NCAA History: On October 21, 2006, the Spartans rallied from a 35-point deficit to defeat Northwestern 41-38, marking the biggest comeback in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision history.

Recent Developments

The Spartans continue to evolve and achieve new milestones. Here are some recent developments in the program.

37. Mark Dantonio’s Retirement: After a storied 13-season tenure, Mark Dantonio announced his retirement on February 4, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of success and leadership.
38. Jonathan Smith’s Inaugural Season: As of the 2023 season, Jonathan Smith is in his first year as head coach, bringing new energy and direction to the program.
39. Spartan Stadium Upgrades: In 1969, Spartan Stadium replaced its grass playing surface with Tartan Turf, becoming one of the first artificial playing surfaces in college football.
40. Notable Rivalries: The Spartans have long-standing rivalries with Notre Dame, Indiana, Michigan, and Penn State, adding to the excitement and intensity of their games.
41. Consistent Attendance: Spartan Stadium consistently ranks among the NCAA's Top 25 in attendance, reflecting the strong support and dedication of Spartan fans.
42. Historical Bowl Wins: The Spartans have secured multiple bowl wins, including victories in the Rose Bowl (1956) and the John Hancock Bowl (1978).

NFL Success Stories

Michigan State has produced numerous players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. Here are some notable examples.

43. Notable Players in the NFL: Over the past decade, Michigan State has sent numerous players to the NFL, including Le’Veon Bell, Jeremy Langford, Kirk Cousins, Brian Hoyer, Darqueze Dennard, and Trae Waynes, who have all had successful careers.
44. Chris Baker’s Career Stats: Chris Baker's impressive career statistics include 133 receptions, 1,705 receiving yards, and 13 touchdown catches, making him one of the top tight ends in school history.
45. Jerel Worthy’s Defensive Prowess: Jerel Worthy was known for his defensive skills and was ranked 48th on the list of top 50 Michigan State football players of all time.
46. John L.’s Reign Challenges: Even during down periods like John L.’s reign, the program maintained a level of talent that has been consistent throughout its history.

Championship Successes

The Spartans have a history of championship successes, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Here are some of their notable achievements.

47. National Titles in the 1950s and 1960s Achievements: The Spartans won national titles in 1951, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1965, and 1966, showcasing their dominance during these eras.
48. Big Ten Championships Successes: The program has secured nine Big Ten Conference championships, with notable wins in 1953, 1965, 1966, 1978, 1987, 1990, 2010, 2013, and 2015.
49. Bobby Williams and Nick Saban Eras Contributions: Under Bobby Williams and Nick Saban, the Spartans experienced periods of success, including a 9-2 regular season record in 1999 under Saban before he left to coach LSU.
50. Mark Dantonio’s Legacy: Mark Dantonio left behind a legacy of success and leadership, becoming the winningest coach in school history with 114 victories and leading the Spartans to three Big Ten Championships and six bowl game wins, including the 2014 Rose Bowl and 2015 Cotton Bowl.

The Legacy of Michigan State Football

Michigan State football boasts a rich history filled with triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. From its beginnings in 1896 to its current status in the Big Ten Conference, the Spartans have consistently shown excellence on and off the field. With six national championships, eleven conference titles, and numerous standout players, the program has left an indelible mark on college football. Iconic games, legendary coaches like Duffy Daugherty and Mark Dantonio, and a passionate fan base have all contributed to the Spartans' storied legacy. As Jonathan Smith steps in as head coach for the 2023 season, the future looks bright for Michigan State. The enduring spirit of Spartan football continues to inspire and excite fans, ensuring that the program's legacy will thrive for generations to come.