2009 Michigan State Spartans football team
{{short description|American college football season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox NCAA team season|sport=football
|year=2009
|team=Michigan State Spartans
|image=Michigan State Spartans alternate logo.svg
|image_size=120
|conference=Big Ten Conference
|division=
|short_conf=Big Ten
|record=6–7
|conf_record=4–4
|CoachRank=
|APRank=
|BCSRank=
|head_coach=Mark Dantonio
|hc_year = 3rd
|off_coach=Don Treadwell
|oc_year = 3rd
|def_coach=Pat Narduzzi
|dc_year = 3rd
|off_scheme=
|def_scheme=
|stadium=Spartan Stadium
|champion=
|bowl=Alamo Bowl
|bowl_result=L 31–41 vs. Texas Tech
}}
{{2009 Big Ten football standings}}
The 2009 Michigan State Spartans football team competed on behalf of the Michigan State University in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans were coached by Mark Dantonio, who was in his third season with the Spartans. Michigan State played their home games in Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
Recruiting class
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2009}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Denicos Allen
| position = LB
| hometown = Hamilton, Ohio
| highschool = Hamilton (OH)
| feet = 6
| inches = 0
| weight = 205
| 40 = 4.56
| commitdate = October 7, 2008
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 77
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Edwin Baker
| position = RB
| hometown = Oak Park, Michigan
| highschool = Oak Park (MI)
| feet = 5
| inches = 10
| weight = 200
| 40 = 4.40
| commitdate = February 26, 2008
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 81
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = David Barrent
| position = OT
| hometown = West Des Moines, Iowa
| highschool = Valley (IA)
| feet = 6
| inches = 7
| weight = 285
| 40 = –
| commitdate = July 29, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 82
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Larry Caper
| position = RB
| hometown = Battle Creek, Michigan
| highschool = Battle Creek Central (MI)
| feet = 5
| inches = 11
| weight = 220
| 40 = 4.55
| commitdate = March 6, 2008
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 80
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Henry Conway
| position = OT
| hometown = Shaker Heights, Ohio
| highschool = Shaker Heights (OH)
| feet = 6
| inches = 6
| weight = 300
| 40 = 5.10
| commitdate = January 21, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 77
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Dana Dixon
| position = WR
| hometown = Detroit, Michigan
| highschool = Renaissance (MI)
| feet = 6
| inches = 3
| weight = 175
| 40 = 4.55
| commitdate = June 20, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 73
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Denzel Drone
| position = LB
| hometown = Plant City, Florida
| highschool = Plant City (FL)
| feet = 6
| inches = 1
| weight = 225
| 40 = 4.65
| commitdate = January 25, 2009
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 68
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Bennie Fowler
| position = WR
| hometown = Beverly Hills, Michigan
| highschool = Detroit Country Day (MI)
| feet = 6
| inches = 1
| weight = 185
| 40 = 4.4
| commitdate = July 12, 2008
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 77
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Dan France
| position = OT
| hometown = North Royalton, Ohio
| highschool = North Royalton (OH)
| feet = 6
| inches = 6
| weight = 270
| 40 = 4.9
| commitdate = August 3, 2008
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 73
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Corey Freeman
| position = DE
| hometown = University Heights, Ohio
| highschool = Cleveland Heights (OH)
| feet = 6
| inches = 3
| weight = 235
| 40 = 4.55
| commitdate = February 4, 2009
| scout stars = 1
| rivals stars = 2
| espn grade = 40
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Jeremy Gainer
| position = LB
| hometown = Livonia, Michigan
| highschool = Clarenceville (MI)
| feet = 6
| inches = 2
| weight = 210
| 40 = 4.50
| commitdate = December 18, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 75
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Tyquan Hammock
| position = LB
| hometown = Fort Wayne, Indiana
| highschool = Bishop Luers (IN)
| feet = 6
| inches = 1
| weight = 215
| 40 = 4.7
| commitdate = July 22, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 75
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Derek Hoebing
| position = TE
| hometown = Vermilion, Ohio
| highschool = Vermilion (OH)
| feet = 6
| inches = 6
| weight = 245
| 40 = 4.9
| commitdate = July 13, 2008
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 2
| espn grade = 67
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Jairus Jones
| position = S
| hometown = Tampa, Florida
| highschool = Wharton (FL)
| feet = 6
| inches = 1
| weight = 205
| 40 = 4.60
| commitdate = January 31, 2009
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 78
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Nate Klatt
| position = C
| hometown = Canal Fulton, Ohio
| highschool = Northwest (OH)
| feet = 6
| inches = 4
| weight = 280
| 40 = 5.4
| commitdate = July 7, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 75
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Andrew Maxwell
| position = QB
| hometown = Midland, Michigan
| highschool = Midland (MI)
| feet = 6
| inches = 3
| weight = 185
| 40 = 4.9
| commitdate = March 2, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 80
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Kevin Muma
| position = K
| hometown = Troy, Michigan
| highschool = Troy (MI)
| feet = 5
| inches = 10
| weight = 175
| 40 = –
| commitdate = January 19, 2009
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 2
| espn grade = 75
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Chris Norman
| position = LB
| hometown = Detroit, Michigan
| highschool = Renaissance (MI)
| feet = 6
| inches = 2
| weight = 220
| 40 = 4.60
| commitdate = February 5, 2009
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 79
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Micajah Reynolds
| position = OG
| hometown = Lansing, Michigan
| highschool = J.W. Sexton (MI)
| feet = 6
| inches = 5
| weight = 317
| 40 = 5.10
| commitdate = June 24, 2008
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 77
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Dion Sims
| position = TE
| hometown = Orchard Lake, Michigan
| highschool = St. Mary's Prep (OH)
| feet = 6
| inches = 5
| weight = 230
| 40 = 4.60
| commitdate = January 13, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 79
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Donald Spencer
| position = WR
| hometown = Ypsilanti, Michigan
| highschool = Ypsilanti (MI)
| feet = 6
| inches = 2
| weight = 192
| 40 = 4.5
| commitdate = February 23, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 78
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Blake Treadwell
| position = C
| hometown = East Lansing, Michigan
| highschool = East Lansing (MI)
| feet = 6
| inches = 3
| weight = 273
| 40 = 4.90
| commitdate = March 16, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 77
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Patrick White
| position = WR
| hometown = Pickerington, Ohio
| highschool = Pickerington (OH)
| feet = 5
| inches = 11
| weight = 171
| 40 = 4.4
| commitdate = June 8, 2008
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 74
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit End
| 40 =
| year = 2009
| rivals ref title = Michigan State 2009 Football Commitments
| scout ref title = 2009 Michigan State Football Commits
| espn ref title = ESPN
| rivals school =
| scout s =
| espn schoolid =
| scout overall = 37
| rivals overall = 17
| accessdate = October 6, 2009
| bball =
}}
Schedule
This season saw the Spartans schedule a Division I FCS opponent (Montana State) for the first time since the NCAA split Division I football in 1978. This left Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, and Washington as the only Division I FBS teams to never have played a lower-division opponent since the split.{{cite news|url=http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=915586 |title=Even the SEC's best are not looking good |first=Mike |last=Huguenin |publisher=Rivals.com |date=February 23, 2009 |access-date=February 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531232212/http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=915586 |archive-date=May 31, 2009 |url-status=live }}
{{CFB schedule
| rankyear = 2009
| poll = AP
| timezone = Eastern
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 5
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| rank =
| opponent = Montana State
| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 44–3
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 12
| w/l = l
| nonconf = y
| rank =
| opponent = Central Michigan
| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium
| site_cityst = East Lansing, Michigan
| tv = ESPN2
| score = 27–29
| attend = 76,221{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=292550127|title=Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Michigan State Spartans Box Score|work=ESPN|date=September 12, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 19
| w/l = l
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| rank =
| opponent = Notre Dame
| gamename = Megaphone Trophy
| site_stadium = Notre Dame Stadium
| site_cityst = Notre Dame, IN
| tv = NBC
| score = 30–33
| attend = 80,795{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=292620087|title=Michigan State Spartans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Box Score|work=ESPN|date=September 19, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413130745/http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=292620087|archive-date=April 13, 2010|url-status=live}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 26
| time = 12:00 p.m.
| w/l = l
| away = y
| rank =
| opponent = Wisconsin
| site_stadium = Camp Randall Stadium
| site_cityst = Madison, WI
| tv = ESPN
| score = 30–38
| attend = 80,123{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=292690275|title=Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers Box Score|work=ESPN|date=September 26, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 3
| time = 12:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| rank =
| opponent = Michigan
| opprank = 22
| gamename = Paul Bunyan Trophy
| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 26–20
| overtime = OT
| attend = 78,629{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=292760127|title=Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans Box Score|work=ESPN|date=October 3, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 10
| time = 12:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| away = y
| rank =
| opponent = Illinois
| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
| site_cityst = Champaign, IL
| tv = BTN
| score = 24–14
| attend = 62,870{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=292830356|title=Michigan State Spartans vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Box Score|work=ESPN|date=October 10, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 17
| time = 12:00 p.m.{{cite news|url=http://detnews.com/article/20090605/SPORTS0202/906050418/1132/sports0202/MSU-homecoming-game-against-Northwestern-at-noon |title=MSU homecoming game against Northwestern at noon |newspaper=The Detroit News |date=June 5, 2009 |access-date=June 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090620174032/http://detnews.com/article/20090605/SPORTS0202/906050418/1132/sports0202/MSU-homecoming-game-against-Northwestern-at-noon |archive-date=June 20, 2009 |url-status=live }}
| w/l = w
| homecoming = y
| rank =
| opponent = Northwestern
| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = ESPN2
| score = 24–14
| attend = 71,726{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=292900127|title=Northwestern Wildcats vs. Michigan State Spartans Box Score|work=ESPN|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 24
| w/l = l
| rank =
| opponent = Iowa
| opprank = 6
| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| score = 13–15
| attend = 74,411{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=292970127|title=Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans|work=ESPN|date=October 24, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 31
| w/l = l
| away = y
| rank =
| opponent = Minnesota
| site_stadium = TCF Bank Stadium
| site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
| score = 34–42
| attend = 50,805{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=293040135|title=Michigan State Spartans vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Box Score|work=ESPN|date=October 31, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 7
| time = 12:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| rank =
| opponent = Western Michigan
| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 49–14
| attend = 73,910{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=293110127|title=Western Michigan Broncos vs. Michigan State Spartans Box Score|work=ESPN|date=November 7, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 14
| time = 12:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| away = y
| rank =
| opponent = Purdue
| site_stadium = Ross–Ade Stadium
| site_cityst = West Lafayette, IN
| tv = ESPN
| score = 40–37
| attend = 48,408{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=293182509|title=Michigan State Spartans vs. Purdue Boilermakers Box Score|work=ESPN|date=November 14, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 21
| time = 3:30 p.m.
| w/l = l
| rank =
| opponent = Penn State
| opprank = 14
| gamename = Land Grant Trophy
| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = ABC/ESPN
| score = 14–42
| attend = 73,771{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=293250127|title=Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan State Spartans Box Score|work=ESPN|date=November 21, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = January 2, 2010
| time = 9:00 p.m.
| w/l = l
| nonconf = y
| neutral = y
| rank =
| opponent = Texas Tech
| gamename = Alamo Bowl
| site_stadium = Alamodome
| site_cityst = San Antonio, TX
| tv = ESPN
| score = 31–41
| attend = 64,757{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=300022641|title=Michigan State Spartans vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Box Score|work=ESPN|date=January 2, 2010|access-date=March 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307082105/http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=300022641|archive-date=March 7, 2010|url-status=live}}
}}
}}
Personnel
{{American football roster/Header|year=2009|team=Michigan State Spartans|teamcolors=y
|offensive_players=
{{American football roster/Player|num=8|class=So|first=Kirk|last=Cousins|pos=QB|link=y}}
|defensive_players=
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Jeremy|last=Ware|pos=CB|link=y|dab=Jeremy Ware (American football)}}
|special_teams_players=
{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Brett|last=Swenson|pos=K|link=y}}
}}
{{American football roster/Footer|roster_url=|accessdate=
|head_coach=
|asst_coach=
- Don Treadwell – Offenvie Coordinator/Wide Receivers coach
- Dave Warner – Quarterbacks coach
- Dan Enos – Running backs coach
- Mark Staten – Tight ends coach/Tackles/Recruiting Coordinator
- Dan Roushar – Offensive line coach
- Pat Narduzzi – Defensive Coordinator
- Ted Gill – Defensive line coach
- Mike Tressel – Linebackers coach/Special Teams Coordinator
- Harlon Barnett – Secondary coach
}}
Game summaries
=Montana State=
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Montana State
|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=3 |V4=0
|Host=Michigan State
|H1=7 |H2=21 |H3=6 |H4=10
|Date=September 5
|Location=Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI
|StartTime=12:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=74,518
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Dan Gutowsky (Play-by-play), Ron Johnson (Color), & Lisa Byington (Sideline)
|TVStation=BTN
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Central Michigan=
{{see also|2009 Central Michigan Chippewas football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Central Michigan
|V1=3 |V2=10 |V3=0 |V4=16
|Host=Michigan State
|H1=10 |H2=7 |H3= 3|H4=7
|Date=September 12
|Location=Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI
|StartTime=12:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=76,221
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Pam Ward (Play-by-play) & Ray Bentley (Color)
|TVStation=ESPN2
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Notre Dame=
{{see also|2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Megaphone Trophy}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Michigan State
|V1=3 |V2= 14|V3=6 |V4=7
|Host=Notre Dame
|H1=13 |H2=3 |H3=10 |H4=7
|Date=September 19
|Location=Notre Dame Stadium
Notre Dame, IN
|StartTime=3:30 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=80,795
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hammond (Play-by-play), Pat Haden (Color), & Alex Flanagan (Sideline)
|TVStation=NBC
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Wisconsin=
{{see also|2009 Wisconsin Badgers football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Michigan State
|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3= 10|V4=13
|Host=Wisconsin
|H1=7 |H2=14 |H3=3 |H4=14
|Date=September 26
|Location=Camp Randall Stadium
Madison, WI
|StartTime=12:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=80,123
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Bob Griese (Color), & Chris Spielman (Color)
|TVStation=ESPN
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Michigan=
{{see also|2009 Michigan Wolverines football team|Michigan–Michigan State football rivalry}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Michigan
|V1= 3|V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=14 |VOT=0
|Host=Michigan State
|H1= 7|H2= 3|H3=3 |H4=7 |HOT=6
|Date=October 3
|Location=Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI
|StartTime=12:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=78,629
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Wayne Larrivee (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color), & Brent Stover (Sideline)
|TVStation=BTN
}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:27 |Team=Michigan |Event=Jason Olesnavage 36-yard field goal |Score= Michigan 3–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=2:25 |Team=Michigan St |Event=Larry Caper 1-yard run (Brett Swenson kick) |Score= Michigan St 7–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=4:43 |Team=Michigan |Event=Jason Olesnavage 42-yard field goal |Score=Michigan St 7–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=Michigan St |Event= Brett Swenson 26-yard field goal|Score= Michigan St 10–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=6:09 |Team=Michigan St |Event= Brett Swenson 24-yard field goal |Score= Michigan St 13–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:49 |Team=Michigan St |Event= Glenn Winston 15-yard run (Brett Swenson kick) |Score= Michigan St 20–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:03 |Team=Michigan |Event=Darryl Stonum 60-yard pass from Tate Forcier (Jason Olesnavage kick) |Score= Michigan St 20–13}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:02 |Team=Michigan |Event=Roy Roundtree 9-yard pass from Tate Forcier (Jason Olesnavage kick) |Score= Tie 20–20}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=OT |Time= |Team=Michigan St |Event=Larry Caper 23-yard run |Score=Michigan St 26–20 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}
Michigan came into the game 4–0 (1–0 Big Ten) and ranked #22, looking to reclaim the Paul Bunyan trophy after losing to MSU the previous year. Michigan State dominated the first 55 minutes of regulation, building a 20–6 lead. Michigan rallied with two TDs in the final minutes to send the game to OT, but MSU quickly intercepted a pass and running back Larry Caper rushed 23 yards through multiple tackles for the game-winning score.
{{Clear}}
=Illinois=
{{see also|2009 Illinois Fighting Illini football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Michigan State
|V1=14 |V2=3 |V3=7 |V4=0
|Host=Illinois
|H1= 0|H2=0 |H3= 7|H4=7
|Date=October 10
|Location=Memorial Stadium
Champaign, IL
|StartTime=12:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=62,870
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Wayne Larrivee (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color), & Rebecca Haarlow (Sideline)
|TVStation=BTN
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Northwestern=
{{see also|2009 Northwestern Wildcats football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Northwestern
|V1= 0|V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=7
|Host=Michigan State
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=17 |H4=7
|Date=October 17
|Location=Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI
|StartTime=12:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=71,726
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Pam Ward (Play-by-play) & Ray Bentley (Color)
|TVStation=ESPN2
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Iowa=
{{see also|2009 Iowa Hawkeyes football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Iowa
|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=12
|Host=Michigan State
|H1=3 |H2=0 |H3=3 |H4=7
|Date=October 24
|Location=Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI
|StartTime=7:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=74,411
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Wayne Larrivee (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color), & Lisa Byington (Sideline)
|TVStation=BTN
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
Final Seconds: With 2 seconds remaining in the game, on 4th and Goal from the Michigan State 7 and a half yard line, Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi snapped the ball and passed the ball to Iowa WR Marvin McNutt into the end zone as the time expired to win the game.
{{Clear}}
=Minnesota=
{{see also|2009 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Michigan State
|V1=3 |V2=7 |V3=21 |V4=3
|Host=Minnesota
|H1=14 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=14
|Date=October 31
|Location=TCF Bank Stadium
Minneapolis, MN
|StartTime=8:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EDT
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=50,805
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Wayne Larrivee (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color), & Rebecca Haarlow (Sideline)
|TVStation=BTN
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Western Michigan=
{{see also|2009 Western Michigan Broncos football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Western Michigan
|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=14 |V4=0
|Host=Michigan State
|H1=21 |H2=14 |H3=7 |H4=7
|Date=November 7
|Location=Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI
|StartTime=12:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=73,910
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Ari Wolfe (Play-by-play), Anthony Herron (Color), & Lisa Byington (Sideline)
|TVStation=BTN
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Purdue=
{{see also|2009 Purdue Boilermakers football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=Michigan State at Purdue
|Visitor=Michigan State
|V1= 7|V2=10 |V3= 6|V4=17
|Host=Purdue
|H1= 10|H2=10 |H3=7 |H4=10
|Date=November 14
|Location=Ross–Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN
|StartTime=12:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=48,408
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Bob Griese (Color), & Chris Spielman (Color)
|TVStation=ESPN
}}
- Source: [https://archive.today/20130411012339/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=293182509 ESPN]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=14:53 |Team=MSU |Event=Chris L. Rucker 11-yard fumble return (Brett Swenson kick) |Score= MSU 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=10:58 |Team=PUR |Event=Keith Smith 26-yard pass from Joey Elliott (Carson Wiggs kick) |Score=Tied 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=3:42 |Team=PUR |Event=Carson Wiggs 20-yard field goal |Score=PUR 10–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=11:18 |Team=PUR |Event=Carson Wiggs 42-yard field goal |Score= PUR 13–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:59 |Team=MSU |Event=Andrew Hawken 4-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Brett Swenson kick) |Score= MSU 14–13}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:47 |Team=PUR |Event=Ralph Bolden 9-yard run (Carson Wiggs kick) |Score= PUR 20–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=1:49 |Team=MSU |Event=Brett Swenson 28-yard field goal |Score= PUR 20–17}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=13:24 |Team=MSU |Event=Brett Swenson 52-yard field goal |Score= Tied 20–20}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:52 |Team=PUR |Event=Cortez Smith 3-yard pass from Joey Elliott (Carson Wiggs kick) |Score= PUR 27–20}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=1:06 |Team=MSU |Event=Brett Swenson 52-yard field goal |Score= PUR 27–23}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=11:52 |Team=PUR |Event=Ralph Bolden 1-yard run (Carson Wiggs kick) |Score= PUR 34–23}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=11:34 |Team=MSU |Event=B.J. Cunningham 73-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Brett Swenson kick) |Score= PUR 34–30}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=6:59 |Team=MSU |Event=Blair White 9-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Brett Swenson kick) |Score= MSU 37–34}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=2:38 |Team=PUR |Event=Carson Wiggs 49-yard field goal |Score= Tied 37–37}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:51 |Team=MSU |Event=Brett Swenson 21-yard field goal |Score= MSU 40–37|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Penn State=
{{see also|2009 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Land Grant Trophy}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Penn State
|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=28 |V4=7
|Host=Michigan State
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=7
|Date=November 21
|Location=Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI
|StartTime=3:30 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=73,771
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Mike Patrick (Play-by-play), Craig James (Color), & Heather Cox (Sideline)
|TVStation=ABC/ESPN
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
=Alamo Bowl=
{{see also|2010 Alamo Bowl (January)|2009 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Michigan State
|V1=7 |V2=7 |V3=14 |V4=3
|Host=Texas Tech
|H1= 7|H2=13 |H3=7 |H4=14
|Date=January 2
|Location=Alamodome
San Antonio, TX
|StartTime=9:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=64,757
|Weather=
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Mike Patrick (Play-by-play), Bob Davie (Color), & Heather Cox (Sideline)/Bill Rosinski (Play-by-play), Dennis Franchione (Color), & Joe Schad (Sideline)
|TVStation=ESPN/ESPN Radio
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
{{Clear}}
2010 NFL draft
Only one Spartan was selected in the 2010 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/draft.htm |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} However, wide receiver Blair White signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent.
| class="wikitable" width="70%"
! Player !! Round !! Pick !! Position !! NFL team | ||||
| align="center" bgcolor="" | 7 | 215 | Cornerback | Oakland Raiders |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Michigan State Spartans football navbox}}