2001 FBL at Michigan State -- postgame notes
11/3/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
A Boot for the Books
Hayden Epstein's (Cardiff, Calif./Torrey Pines HS) 57-yard field goal with 7:30 left in the first quarter not only marked the longest field goal ever given up by Michigan State, but it also marked the longest field goal in Michigan history. The previous high in both categories was set by Epstein on Oct. 9, 1999, when he converted on a 56-yard kick against the Spartans. Epstein also become the sole leader in U-M history for 50-plus-yard field goals with four, after previously sharing the top spot with Bob Bergeron (1984-87), who had three.
Walker Gains 100 Yards Receiving
Before Michigan and Michigan State had completed one half of football, senior wide receiver Marquise Walker (Syracuse, N.Y./Henninger HS) moved up the charts in several categories of the Michigan record book. With 131 yards receiving in the first half, Walker posted his seventh career game with 100 or more receiving yards, which ranks fifth all-time. It is also the fourth game this year in which he has accumulated 100 yards. The Michigan record for 100-yard games in a season is five, which is owned by Anthony Carter, Tai Streets and David Terrell.
Streaking
Marquise Walker continues to add to his impressive streaks. His 14-yard touchdown reception with 12:07 left in the second quarter marked the seventh consecutive game in which he has a scoring reception as well as marking the 32nd consecutive game in which he has reeled in at least one pass.
Multiple-Touchdown Game for Walker
Marquise Walker's second touchdown reception of the game, which occurred with 5:04 left in the second quarter, marked the third time in his career he has had multiple touchdown receptions in a game. Earlier this year, Walker hauled in two scoring receptions against Washington, and last year he had two touchdown catches against Rice.
Keep on Climbing
Marquise Walker ended the game with nine catches for 150 yards. With 148 career receptions, Walker now ranks third all-time in Michigan history in that category, ranking behind Anthony Carter (161) and David Terrell (152). His 1,935 career receiving yards also ranks among the best in Michigan history, fitting in as the ninth best output. Derrick Alexander is next on the list for career receiving yards as he holds the eighth place with 1,977 yards.
Sack Attack
With 12 sacks on Saturday, Michigan set a new school record, eclipsing the previous mark of nine which was established in 1992 against Northwestern and Indiana. Michigan tied its previous season high with seven sacks in the first half and then posted five more sacks in the second half to set the record. The Wolverines have racked up 40 sacks this season and are on pace to challenge the school record of 46 sacks which was set during 1992. Heading into the game against Michigan State, the Maize and Blue led the Big Ten Conference in sacks and had already passed last year's total of 21. Before Saturday, the Wolverines' season high was seven sacks, which they accomplished against Western Michigan and Purdue. The NCAA did not start keeping sacks as an official statistic until 1968.
100 Only Once
Michigan State junior running back T.J. Duckett carried the ball 27 times for 211 yards, making him the only player to rush for over a 100 yards against Michigan this season. Duckett's 211 yards also marks the highest total ever for a Michigan State running back against Michigan.
Doing It All
Michigan's final touchdown came as a result of John Navarre's 20-yard touchdown pass to sophomore quarterback Jermaine Gonzales (Pontiac, Mich./Orchard Lake St. Mary's HS). So far in 2001, Gonzales has two receptions for 71 yards, including a 51-yard pass from wide receiver Marquise Walker against Illinois.
Series History
Saturday's matchup marked the 95th meeting between Michigan and Michigan State, with the Maize and Blue holding a 61-28-5 advantage after today's 26-24 defeat. This also marks the 56th consecutive season the two teams have met. The only years since 1910 the two teams haven't met was in 1943 and 1944 due to World War II.
Running Game
For the 32nd time in the last 33 meetings, the team with the most rushing yards at the end of the game was victorious. On Saturday, Michigan State finished with 169 yards on the ground while Michigan ended the game with 121. The only time a team has had fewer rushing yards and won was in 1995 when the Maize and Blue won despite being outran 218-73.
Notes on Navarre
Sophomore quarterback John Navarre (Cudahy, Wis./Cudahy HS) ended the game with 14 completions for 195 yards, giving him 1,787 yards passing on the season. Navarre now needs 213 to reach 2,000 passing yards for the year, which would make him the eighth quarterback in Michigan history to surpass 2,000 yards in a season. His three touchdowns against Michigan State were a season high and extended his streak to eight consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass.
