Aug. 16, 2003

EAST LANSING, Mich. - With temperatures in the low-80s, Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith sent his football team through a 125-play "controlled" scrimmage in Spartan Stadium Saturday, Aug. 16. It marked the Spartans' second scrimmage in the last five days.

The Spartan offense started the two-hour scrimmage with a bang, scoring touchdowns on four of its first five possessions.

"I was really pleased with the operation of the offense," Smith said. "The quarterbacks really didn't press the clock. They got the play signaled in, made the call in the huddle, got to the line of scrimmage and into the right formation. The offense came out and moved up and down the field."

Jeff Smoker (6-3, 224, Sr.) completed 11-of-19 throws for 194 yards and four TDs. Smoker's first three series all resulted in scoring passes. He capped a five-play, 65-yard drive with a 38-yard TD strike to Agim Shabaj (5-10, 194, So.). His next pass attempt produced a score, a 60-yard bomb to Ziehl Kavanaght (5-11, 180, Sr.). Smoker's 47-yard completion to Shabaj set up his third TD toss, a 13-yarder to Kyle Brown (6-1, 205, So.). He added a 5-yard TD pass to Jason Randall (6-5, 255, Jr.) on third-and-goal late in the scrimmage.

Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker completed 11-of-19 throws for 194 yards and four TDs.

"Jeff Smoker had a big day throwing the football," Smith said. "Jeff is beginning to let the offense work for him. He feels more comfortable with the offense every time he steps on the field. Jeff threw the ball well and didn't try to force any balls. Give the offensive line credit because the front did a good job in pass protection, allowing Jeff time to find the open receiver."

Damon Dowdell (6-1, 225, Jr.) and Drew Stanton (6-3, 222, R-Fr.) also took snaps with the first-team offense.

Dowdell hit five-of-10 passes for 85 yards, including a 66-yard scoring strike to Matt Trannon (6-6, 228, So.). His 16-yard completion to Samuel Champagne (6-3, 210, Fr.) set up a first-and-goal at the 4. Three plays later, Tyrell Dortch (5-10, 203, Jr.) scored on a 3-yard run around left end.

Stanton connected on four-of-12 passes for 59 yards, including a 35-yard completion to Trannon.

Trannon and Kavanaght had four receptions each for 104 and 74 yards, respectively. Ten different receivers caught at least one pass.

"I'm excited about what our receivers did today," Smith said. "They stepped up, competed and made plays. The receiving corps has made great strides since the opening of preseason camp.

"Matt Trannon displayed some big-play ability today and quite honestly, that's something that had been missing from our passing game. Matt really competed for the football and made some great catches. Hopefully, his performance removes any question marks he had in his mind. Now, he realizes that he doesn't have to be wide open to make plays. Matt adjusted well to the ball in the air and gave great effort going after it."

The offense generated 382 total yards, but only 44 yards on the ground.

"The offense got a little sloppy during the second half of the scrimmage," Smith said. "The offense needs to become more productive in the red zone. The running game was almost nonexistent. We need a running back to elevate his game and take charge. Right now, there's little separation between the runners. I hate the running back by committee approach. We're going to put some pressure on these guys and see who responds to the challenge."

Senior linebacker Mike Labinjo recorded four tackles for losses (13 yards).

SAM linebacker Mike Labinjo (6-1, 252, Sr.) recorded four tackles for losses (13 yards). Defensive end Clifford Dukes (6-3, 264, Jr.) continued his steady play, posting two tackles for losses (3 yards) including a sack (2). Cornerback Darren Barnett (6-0, 181, So.) ended a late scoring threat, intercepting Dowdell's pass attempt in the end zone on the final play.

"With the quick scores the offense put on the board, the defense was back on its heels, but the unit came back and executed much better during the second half of the scrimmage," Smith said. "The defense played its best in red-zone and goal-line situations. The players responded when their backs were against the wall, and that's a positive sign.

"The defense needs to play with great abandon and attitude. Right now, we don't take that approach every play. We need someone to step up and take control on the defensive side of the ball.

"Despite giving up some big plays in the passing game, I'm still very pleased with the development of our cornerbacks."

Placekicker Dave Rayner (6-2, 203, Jr.) converted four-of-five field-goal attempts, hitting from 40, 52 and twice from 48 yards. His 54-yard attempt had the distance but sailed wide left.

"We did a lot of good things on special teams today," Smith said. "Dave Rayner made all but one of his field-goal attempts. Dave has had a great preseason camp, and he's really improved his accuracy. Sometimes, he still doesn't trust his leg enough. Dave has a powerful leg, so he just needs to have the confidence to swing through the ball and let it go."

Brandon Fields (6-5, 219, R-Fr.) averaged 47.3 yards on three punts, including a 58-yarder, while Jason Daily (6-2, 179, Sr.) averaged 37.2 yards on two kicks.

"The punting job is up for grabs," Smith said. "Brandon Fields is really pushing Jason Daily for the starting role. Brandon is fantastic from an operation standpoint, handling the snap and getting the ball away. He has a strong leg, but needs to improve his consistency."

Michigan State's special teams accounted for two touchdowns in Saturday's scrimmage, with Kyle Brown returning a kickoff 93 yards and Shabaj bringing back a punt 85 yards.

"We got some production for our return game today," Smith said. "Both Kyle Brown and Agim Shabaj do a good job of catching the football and then running down hill with it. We need to create some game-winning scores from our return game this fall."

Under new NCAA legislation, prohibiting consecutive days of double sessions, the Spartans continue alternating between double and single workouts through Friday, Aug. 22. Michigan State has two practices scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 17 (9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. EDT).

Michigan State opens the 2003 season Saturday, Aug. 30 against Western Michigan at 3:40 p.m. EDT in Spartan Stadium. ESPN Plus will televise the game on a regional basis.