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Sports | Football

FOOTBALL

Plummer, Bulger unlikely QB starts

Perennial superpro Marshall Faulk, the Rams running back, has a spot on the bench for several weeks as he nurses his knee and broken bones in his hand. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is nearing bust status if he doesn't return from his bye week to post big numbers in Week Four. Rams quarterback Kurt Warner is on the bench. Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon is playing like he should be on the bench. Redskins quarterback Patrick Ramsey has made 300-yard passing weeks a norm. And the ageless Jets passer Vinny Testaverde is posting big stats. The NFL has been anything but predictable so far this season. Stevie E.

FOOTBALL

Megaphone trophy returns

Monquiz Wedlow has never been happier to hold a cheerleader's megaphone. The only problem - no one had a camera to take a picture of him and MSU head football coach John L.

FOOTBALL

Taplin puts hurt on N.D. offense

Jon Styf
September 22, 2003

South Bend, Ind. - Greg Taplin has traveled a long way. But the 40-yard jaunt after his interception in Saturday's win over Notre Dame were the final baby steps he needed to get himself out of John L.

FOOTBALL

Smoker, Knott top injury list

The door at the trainers' office inside the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center has seen more action than many Spartans players have lately. Injuries were a factor in Saturday's 20-19 last-second loss to Louisiana Tech and also will play a major role this weekend as MSU heads to South Bend, Ind. Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker said his team needs to get healthy during the week and be ready for the long haul. "I sure hope (we're) not (tired) because it's a long season," Smoker said.

FOOTBALL

Smoker listed 50-50; Stanton named No. 2 QB

Jon Styf
September 16, 2003

The MSU offense came to a halt without its star quarterback on the sidelines in its 20-19 loss to Louisiana Tech on Saturday.So, the Spartans are hoping that he'll be able to return for this Saturday's game at Notre Dame.X-rays were negative on senior quarterback Jeff Smoker's right big toe, meaning it is not broken, and he is listed as questionable for Saturday's game."Jeff is (the starter) right now," head coach John L.

FOOTBALL

Bulldogs upset Spartans in last 2 seconds, 20-19

Like two war-torn generals meeting after a battle, Jeff Smoker hobbled over to Luke McCown to congratulate him after MSU was beat by Louisiana Tech on Saturday in the final minutes. Though he watched his team lose a 12-point lead in the final minutes from the sidelines, Smoker, on crutches, was still smiling as he and McCown met for the first time. The two senior quarterbacks shook hands and Smoker told McCown he led his team to a "heck of a comeback." The Spartans never trailed in the game until the final two seconds, after McCown completed an 11-yard pass to wide receiver D.J.

FOOTBALL

Spartans let game slip away

Jon Styf
September 13, 2003

The MSU football team held a lead late into the fourth quarter, but for the second straight season the third time lost its charm. The Spartans were stunned by Louisiana Tech 20-19 after a series of MSU errors gave the Bulldogs an opportunity to win. Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker injured his right big toe in the second quarter and never returned, leaving backup quarterback Damon Dowdell as the Spartans only hope. "I'm in disbelief," Smoker said.

FOOTBALL

Spartans conference leaders in penalties

With two games behind them and two weeks before conference play begins, MSU the defending national champion Ohio State are on top of the Big Ten. But the statistical category they share is not one to be proud of.

FOOTBALL

Fantasy gurus say Owens, Moulds in for a good week

With the first test of the fantasy football season now in the books, it's time to regroup, reflect and rethink what went well - and what didn't - in Week One. Sure, there were disappointments. Top-flight running backs Marshall Faulk of the Rams, LaDainian Tomlinson of the Chargers and Corey Dillon of the Bengals ran like mere impostors of their typical selves, combining for 96 yards on the ground and no touchdowns. And there were sweet surprises. Rookie Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin reset the record books for a debut receiver, with 10 catches for 217 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

FOOTBALL

Knott, McKinney doubtful; Dortch questionable

Jon Styf
September 9, 2003

It's only the third week of the season, but the injuries have already started to mount for the MSU football team. Junior tight end Eric Knott and junior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney are listed as out for Saturday's game against Louisiana Tech, although head coach John L.

FOOTBALL

Comeback spurs win

MSU attacked from every angle Saturday against Rutgers, but despite putting up 44 points, the victory was anything but easy. It took the Spartans almost 28 minutes to grab the lead from the Scarlet Knights, who opened up the scoring early with a 65-yard passing touchdown just two-and-a-half minutes into the game. Head coach John L.

FOOTBALL

Hayes shines with touchdowns

While most receivers contemplate their next move as they snatch the ball out of the air, Jaren Hayes is just praying he'll catch it. Perhaps Hayes' new style of play was inspired by his team's new nickname Saturday, for he was lining up for the Aggies, not the Spartans. Or maybe it was the chance to shine after starting running back Tyrell Dortch left the game in the second quarter because of a sprained ankle. But ask Hayes and he'll tell you he doesn't care where he played, or even how, just as long as the team, Aggies or Spartans, won. "In the first touchdown I scored, I was just praying that I was going to catch the ball and try and get some yards.