Depth chart fun continues today on the Big Ten blog as Michigan State released its two-deep for Friday night’s season-opener against Youngstown State. Although the Spartans name a clear starter at both quarterback (Kirk Cousins) and running back (Edwin Baker), they might get the nod for most “ORs” in the league. Let’s take a look:
Michigan State’s Mark Dell (2) runs on a pass reception in front of Illinois’ Travon Bellamy (31) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in East Lansing, Mich.
I think I had a pretty decent game today. It was a great experience coming out here and playing for the Spartans for the first time. I always dreamed about something like this for my first time coming on a college field.
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| — | Le’Veon Bell, who became the first freshman running back at Michigan State to rush for more than 100 yards in his opening game. |
Spartans win 38-14 in opener!
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP)—Freshman Le’Veon Bell rushed for 141 yards on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns to spark Michigan State past Western Michigan 38-14 in a season-opening game Saturday.
Bell’s 75-yard run was the key play in a scoring drive that gave the Spartans a 21-7 lead in the second quarter. He followed it up with touchdown runs of 2 yards in the second quarter and 18 yards in the third quarter to put Michigan State ahead 35-7.
Bell became the first true freshman in Michigan State history to rush for 100 yards or more in his debut game.
The Spartans were sluggish early, but the Reynoldsburg, Ohio native gave them a spark off the bench spelling starter Edwin Baker.
Baker finished with 117 yards and two TDs on 17 carries.
Running back Larry Caper, nursing an injured right hand, did not play for Michigan State. He could have played if needed, but the Spartans were fine without him against outmatched Western Michigan.
Alex Carder, making his first start at quarterback for Western Michigan, completed 27 of 49 passes for 220 yards with two touchdown and an interception.
Kirk Cousins completed 13 of 21 passes for 186 yards a touchdown for Michigan State.
Andrew Maxwell will be coach Mark Dantonio choice for number 2 quarterback going into this weeks game against Western Michigan.
Preview: Week 1 - Western Michigan
- Date: September 4, 2010
- Game time: 12:00 PM
- Television: ESPN 2
- Radio: WJR, AM 760 Detroit (listen online).
- Nickname: Broncos
- Last Meeting: Spartans beat the Broncos 49-14 (Nov. 7, 2009).
- Series History: Michigan State leads 9-2
- Scouting The Offense: The Broncos lost two big pieces to last year’s offense in QB Tim Hiller and TB Brandon West. Aaron Winchester figures to be a solid replacement for West, considering he showed signs of effectiveness during his playing opportunities the past two seasons. They key for the offense will be how consistent first-year starting QB Alex Carder plays (Rivals).
- Scouting The Defense: Coach Bill Cubit wasn’t pleased with the way his defense responded to tough situations last season and got rid of the coaches on that side of the ball. With a new staff in place, coaches say leaders among the players have emerged. The true test will come in the first few games (Rivals).
MSU 2012 Schedule
Michigan State has released it’s 2012 schedule:
- 09/01 - Home Game To Be Announced
- 09/08 - @ Central Michigan
- 09/15 - Notre Dame
- 09/22 - Eastern Michigan
- 09/29 - Ohio State
- 10/06 - @ Indiana
- 10/13 - Iowa
- 10/20 - @ Michigan
- 10/27 - @ Wisconsin
- 11/03 - Nebraska
- 11/17 - Northwestern
- 11/24 - @ Minnesota
MSU 2011 Schedule
Michigan State has released it’s 2011 schedule:
- 09/03 - Youngstown State
- 09/10 - Florida Atlantic
- 09/17 - @ Notre Dame
- 09/24 - Central Michigan
- 10/01 - @ Ohio State
- 10/15 - Michigan
- 10/22 - Wisconsin
- 10/29 - @ Nebraska
- 11/05 - Minnesota
- 11/12 - @ Iowa
- 11/19 - Indiana
- 11/26 - @ Northwestern
