1965 Michigan State Spartans football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1965 Michigan State Spartans football Big Ten Conference Big Ten 1 2 10–1 7–0 Duffy Daugherty 12th Steve Juday Donald Japinga Steve Juday Spartan Stadium Coaches Poll national championFWAA co-national championNFF national championBig Ten champion Rose Bowl L 12–14 vs. UCLA The 1965 Michigan State Spartans football team was an American football team that represented Michigan State University as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1965 Big Ten football season. In their 12th season under head coach Duffy Daugherty, the Spartans compiled a 10–1 record (7–0 in conference games), won the Big Ten championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 251 to 62.1967 Michigan State Spartans Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football April 23, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/1967-schedule.html2025 Michigan State Football Media Guide Michigan State University 203 April 23, 2025 https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/msuspartans.com/documents/2025/8/29/2025_Michigan_State_Football_Media_Guide.pdf?timestamp=20250829045740 Undefeated in the regular season, the Spartans were ranked No. 1 in the final UPI coaches poll and No. 2 in the final AP writers poll, both of which were released before the bowl games. The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) selected Michigan State and undefeated Alabama as co-national champions. The Spartans concluded the season with a 14–12 loss to No. 5 UCLA in the 1966 Rose Bowl. Quarterback Steve Juday was selected as the team's most valuable player and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Duffy Daugherty received multiple national coach of the year awards, and defensive back George Webster was a consensus first-team pick on the 1965 All-America college football team. A total of eight Spartans received first-team All-America honors, including defensive end Bubba Smith, linebacker Ron Goovert, middle guard Harold Lucas, and defensive back Dan Japinga. On defense, the Spartans fielded the strongest rush defense in school history, giving up an average of only 45.6 rushing yards per game and holding each of Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame to negative rushing yards. The team played its home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Schedule 1965 AP September 18 w y UCLA Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 13–3 51,279 State Ignores Mistakes to Beat UCLA The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner September 19, 1965 C1, C2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-state-ignores-mist/196242973/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-spartans-salvage-133/193407525/ The Flint Journal Spartans salvage 13–3 victory over UCLA September 19, 1965 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com September 25 w y y Penn State Beaver Stadium University Park, PA rivalry 23–0 46,100 Spartans Impress Duffy's Relatives: MSU Romps Past Penn State, 23–0 The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner September 26, 1965 G1, G2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-spartans-impress-d/196244961/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-terre-haute-tribune-spartans-defens/193242683/ The Terre Haute Tribune Spartans' defense holds Penn State scoreless in win September 26, 1965 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com October 2 w 9 Illinois Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 22–12 71,237 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-msu-vs-illinois/170149399/ The Lansing State Journal Spartans' Top Effort Tumbles Illini, 22–12: State Hits Strice in 4th Period Bob Hoerner October 3, 1965 E1, E2 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com October 9 w y 5 Michigan Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 24–7 103,219 Mighty Michigan Falls to Spunky Spartans, 24 to 7 The Lansing State Journal Lad Slingerlend October 10, 1965 G1, G2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-mighty-michigan-fa/196245251/ Newspapers.comSpartans Rip U-M, 24–7 Detroit Free Press Bob Pille October 10, 1965 1E, 5E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38844086/spartans_rip_um_247/ Newspapers.com October 16 w 4 Ohio State Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 32–7 75,288 Spartans Scatter Buckeye Dust, 32–7 The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner October 17, 1965 F1, F2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-msu-illinois/196243397/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-enquirer-michigan-state-o/193406989/ The Cincinnati Enquirer Michigan State overwhelms Buckeyes, 32–7 October 17, 1965 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com October 23 w y 2 Purdue 6 Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN 14–10 62,113 Unbeaten State Ignores Panic Button: Spartans Rally to Trip Purdue, 14–10 The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner October 24, 1965 G1, G2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-unbeaten-state-ign/196244731/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-purdue-flunks-mich/193406610/ The Indianapolis Star Purdue flunks Mich. State test, 14–10 October 24, 1965 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com October 30 w y 1 Northwestern Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 49–7 74,215 Michigan State Zooms, 49 to 7: Romp Over Northwestern Best Spartan Output Since 1957 The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner October 31, 1965 F1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-msu-northwestern/196243620/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-msu-strengthens-bi/193404956/ Enquirer and News MSU strengthens Big Ten lead on runaway win, 49–7 October 31, 1965 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com November 6 w y 1 Iowa Iowa Stadium Iowa City, IA 35–0 54,700 'The Jones Boy' Paces MSU to Title Tie The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner November 7, 1965 F1, F5 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-the-jones-boy-pa/196244553/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bradenton-herald-michigan-state-pulv/193402260/ The Bradenton Herald Michigan State pulverizes Iowa, 35–0 November 7, 1965 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com November 13 w 1 Indiana Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI rivalry 27–13 75,280 Tough Indiana Forces State To Rally Late The Lansing State Journal Lad Slingerlend November 13, 1965 G1, G2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-msu-indiana/196243876/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/palladium-item-hoosiers-fail-in-bid-agai/193403259/ The Palladium-Item Hoosiers fail in bid against Spartans November 14, 1965 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com November 20 w y y 1 Notre Dame 4 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry 12–3 59,291 No. 1 State Shakes Mistakes to Win, 12 to 3: Irish Offense Obliterated In Defensive Masterpiece The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner November 21, 1965 G1, G2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-no-1-state-shakes/196708817/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-star-spartans-handcuff-irish/193250023/ Rockford Morning Star Spartans handcuff Irish, 12–3 November 21, 1965 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com January 1, 1966 l y y 1 UCLA 5 Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl 12–14 100,087 MSU's Bowl Luck Runs Out: UCLA Strikes Early to Post 14 to 12 Upset The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner January 2, 1965 F1, F2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-msu-ucla-rose-bo/196244366/ Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-houston-chronicle-ucla-knocks-off-no/193407258/ The Houston Chronicle UCLA knocks off No. 1 Spartans, 14–12 January 2, 1966 March 14, 2026 Newspapers.com Schedule/Results (1965 Michigan State) https://stats.ncaa.org/teams/251033 National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA Statistics March 14, 2026 http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2009-2010/1965.html Football Statistics Summary for 1965 msuspartans.com August 20, 2013 Game summaries UCLA Week 1: UCLA at Michigan State UCLA 0 0 3 0 Michigan State 0 10 3 0 September 18 East Lansing, MI 51,279 yes 2 MSU Bob Apisa 21-yard run (Dick Kenney kick) MSU 7–0 2 MSU Kenney 34-yard field goal MSU 10–0 3 UCLA Kurt Zimmerman 37-yard field goal MSU 10–3 3 MSU Kenney 23-yard field goal MSU 13–3 yes On September 18, Michigan State defeated UCLA in its season opener by a 13–3 score before a crowd of 51,279 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. The Spartans' barefoot kicker Dick Kenney scored two field goals and an extra point. Fullback Bob Apisa scored the only touchdown on a 21-yard run in the second quarter. Penn State Week 2: Michigan State at Penn State Michigan State 0 0 0 0 Penn State 3 17 0 3 September 25 University Park, PA 46,100 yes 1 MSU Dick Kenney 24-yard field goal MSU 3–0 2 MSU Steve Juday 4-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 10–0 2 MSU Bob Apisa 35-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 17–0 2 MSU Kenney 29-yard field goal MSU 20–0 4 MSU Kenney 36-yard field goal MSU 23–0 yes On September 25, Michigan State defeated Penn State by a 23–0 score before a crowd of 46,100 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. A pair of Hawaiians, fullback Bob Apisa and barefoot kicker Dick Kenney, led the Spartans to victory. Apisa tallied 81 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Kenney set a school record with three fields goals (24, 29 and 36 yards) and also converted two extra points for a total of 11 points. Steve Juday completed 10 of 13 passes for 100 yards and also scored on a four-yard touchdown run. It was the first time Penn State was shut out at home since 1955. Illinois Week 3: Illinois at Michigan State Illinois 7 3 2 0 No. 9 Michigan State 3 6 0 13 October 2 East Lansing, MI 71,237 yes 1 MSU Dick Kenney 47-yard field goal MSU 3–0 1 ILL Jim Grabowski 7-yard run (Custardo kick) ILL 7–3 2 ILL Custardo 34-yard field goal ILL 10–3 2 MSU Clinton Jones 13-yard run (pass failed) ILL 10–9 3 ILL Safety, Philips tackled in end zone ILL 12–9 4 MSU Bob Apisa 10-yard run (kick failed) MSU 15–12 4 MSU Gene Washington 8-yard pass from Steve Juday (Kenney kick) MSU 22–12 yes On October 2, No.9 Michigan State defeated unranked Illinois by a 22–12 score at homecoming in East Lansing. The Spartans got off to a slow start and trailed, 12–9, at the end of three quarters. Illinois tallied on a Jim Grabowski touchdown run, a field goal, and a safety. In the fourth quarter, Michigan State rallied for two touchdowns and held the Illini scoreless. Clinton Jones tallied 89 rushing yards on 16 carries. Michigan Week 4: Michigan State at Michigan No. 5 Michigan State 6 3 6 9 Michigan 0 7 0 0 October 9 Ann Arbor, MI 103,219 yes 1 MSU Steve Juday 1-yard run (kick failed) MSU 6–0 2 MICH Wally Gabler 1-yard run (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–6 2 MSU Dick Kenney 20-yard field goal MSU 9–7 3 MSU Jones 10-yard run (run failed) MSU 15–7 4 MSU Kenney 35-yard field goal MSU 18–7 4 MSU Bob Apisa 39-yard run (kick failed) MSU 24–7 yes On October 9, Michigan State won its rivalry game against unranked Michigan by a 24–7 score. The game was played at Michigan Stadium before a crowd of 103,219.Spartans Rip U-M, 24–7 Detroit Free Press Bob Pille October 10, 1965 1E, 5E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38844086/spartans_rip_um_247/ Newspapers.com MSU Rolls, 24–7: 'Monster' Defense Squelches Michigan Ground, Air Attacks The Michigan Daily October 10, 1965 1 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/355 Bentley Historical Library Michigan State opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown plunge by quarterback Steve Juday. Michigan responded with an 57-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter, capped by Wally Gabler's one-yard run. The Spartans added a 20-yard field goal by its barefoot kicker, Dick Kenney, and led 9–7 at halftime. Michigan State's first-half scores followed turnovers (a fumble recovery and an interception) by linebacker George Webster. In the second half, Michigan played without its offensive stars, Jim Detwiler, Carl Ward, and Jack Clancy, each of whom sustained injuries in the game. The Spartans held the Wolverines scoreless, as the Michigan State offense added 15 points on two touchdowns (including a 39-yard run by Samoan fullback Bob Apisa) and a second field goal. Michigan's running game limited to −38 rushing yards, including −50 yards by quarterback Dick Vidmer. With the run game stymied, Michigan turned to the air, completing 17 of 40 passes for 287 yards. The Spartans intercepted two passes and forced seven fumbles, three resulting in turnovers. Ohio State Week 5: Ohio State at Michigan State Ohio State 0 0 0 7 No. 4 Michigan State 7 0 5 20 October 16 East Lansing, MI 75,288 yes 1 MSU Clinton Jones 80-yard run (Dick Kenney kick) MSU 7–0 3 MSU Dick Kenney 35-yard FG MSU 10–0 3 MSU Safety, Don Unverferth tackled by Ron Goovert in end zone MSU 12–0 4 OSU Fontes 36-yard pass from Unverferth (Funk kick) MSU 12–7 4 MSU Clinton Jones 12-yard pass from Juday (snap from center fumbled) MSU 18–7 4 MSU Bob Apisa 1-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 25–7 4 MSU Chuck Lowther 6-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 32–7 yes On October 16, No. 4 Michigan State defeated unranked Ohio State by a 32–7 score. The game was played at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing before a crowd of 75,288. It was Woody Hayes' worst defeat in a Big Ten game. The Spartans gained 538 yards (387 rushing, 151 passing) while holding the Buckeyes to 152 yards (minus 22 rushing, 174 passing). The Buckeyes did not convert a single first down by rushing. Two Michigan State backs tallied over 100 rushing yards: Clinton Jones with 132 yards on 16 carries (including an 80-yard run in the first quarter) and Bob Apisa with 114 yards on 17 carries. Gene Washington had six receptions for 83 yards. Purdue Week 6: Michigan State at Purdue No. 2 Michigan State 0 0 0 14 No. 6 Purdue 3 7 0 0 October 23 West Lafayette, IN 62,113 yes 1 PUR Bob Griese 20-yard field goal PUR 3–0 2 PUR Finley 7-yard pass from Griese (Griese kick) PUR 10–0 4 MSU Bob Apisa 1-yard run (Jones pass from Juday) PUR 10–8 4 MSU Clinton Jones 8-yard run (pass failed) MSU 14–10 yes On October 23, No. 2 Michigan State defeated No. 6 Purdue by a 14–10 score. The game was played at West Lafayette, Indiana, before a homecoming crowd of 62,113. Purdue took a 10–0 lead in the first quarter, as Purdue quarterback Bob Griese threw for a touchdown and kicked a field goal and an extra point. The Boilermakers held the Spartans scoreless through the first three quarters, but the Spartan defense held Purdue scoreless in the second half. Griese, who completed 13 of 23 passes for 113 yards in the first half, completed only two of ten passes in the second half. The Spartans scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter for a come-from-behind victory. Northwestern Week 7: Northwestern at Michigan State Northwestern 7 0 0 0 No. 1 Michigan State 6 15 21 7 October 30 East Lansing, MI 74,215 yes 1 NW Gates fumble recovery in end zone (Dickie kick) NW 7–0 1 MSU Bob Apisa 1-yard run (run failed) NW 7–6 2 MSU Clinton Jones 4-yard run (Apisa run) MSU 14–7 2 MSU Apisa 2-yard run (Dick Kenney kick) MSU 21–7 3 MSU Apisa 1-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 28–7 3 MSU Jones, 10-yard pass from Steve Juday (Kenney kick) MSU 35–7 3 MSU Dwight Lee 1-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 42–7 4 MSU Jim Raye 46-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 49–7 yes On October 30, Michigan State defeated unranked Northwestern by a 49–7 score before a homecoming crowd of 74,215 in East Lansing. Prior to the game, the Spartans were elevated to No. 1 in the AP poll. Their tally of 49 points was the highest by a Michigan State team since 1957. Fullback Bob Apisa ran for three touchdowns and a two-point conversion; his 20 point tied the school scoring record in a Big Ten game. Halfback Clinton Jones also scored two touchdowns. The Spartans gained 322 rushing yards, led by Jones and backup quarterback Jim Raye 99 yards each and Apisa with 76 yards. Quarterback Steve Juday completed nine of 17 passes for 126 yards. On defense, the Spartan held Northwestern to a net of seven rushing yards and 79 passing yards. Iowa Week 8: Michigan State at Iowa No. 1 Michigan State 0 14 7 14 Iowa 0 0 0 0 November 6 Iowa City, IA 54,700 yes 2 MSU Clinton Jones 19-yard run (Dick Kenney kick) MSU 7–0 2 MSU Jones 6-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 14–0 3 MSU Jones 2-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 21–0 4 MSU Jones 4-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 28–0 4 MSU Lee 14-yard run (Kenney kick) MSU 35–0 yes On November 6, No. 1 Michigan State defeated unranked Iowa, 35–0, in East Lansing. Halfback Clinton Jones rushed for 53 yards on 14 carries and scored four touchdowns; he became the second Michigan State player to tally four touchdowns in a game. (Bud Crane was the first, doing so in 1947.) The Spartans tallied 434 yards of offense with 318 rushing yards and 116 passing yards. Defensive end Bubba Smith knocked down several passes and blocked a punt to set up the Spartans' second touchdown. Indiana Week 9: Indiana at Michigan State Indiana 0 7 6 0 No. 1 Michigan State 3 7 0 17 November 13 East Lansing, MI 75,280 yes 1 MSU Dick Kenney 21-yard FG MSU 3–0 2 MSU Gene Washington 27-yard pass from Steve Juday (Kenney kick) MSU 10–0 2 IND Bill Malinchak 10-yard pass from Frank Stavroff (kick failed) MSU 10–6 2 IND Stavroff 1-yard run (kick failed) IND 13–10 4 MSU Washington 43-yard pass from Juday (Kenney kick) MSU 17–13 4 MSU Kenney 27-yard field goal MSU 20–13 3 MSU Washington 4-yard pass from Juday (Kenney kick) MSU 27–13 yes On November 13, No 1 Michigan State defeated unranked Indiana by a 27–13 score before a crowd at 75,280 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Indiana led, 13–10, at the end of the third quarter. Michigan State scored three times in the fourth quarter (two touchdowns and a field goal) to win by a 27–13 score. Gene Washington caught the game-winning touchdown pass with only 13 seconds remaining in the game. Washington caught six passes for 112 yards and set a Michigan State record with three touchdown receptions. The Spartans out-gained the Hoosiers by a total of 344 yards to 238 yards. Halfback Dwight Lee gained 103 rushing yards on 23 carries, and Steve Juday completed 11 of 22 passes for 150 yards. With the victory, Michigan State won its first undisputed Big Ten championship since 1953. Notre Dame Week 10: Michigan State at Notre Dame No. 1 Michigan State 0 0 6 6 No. 4 Notre Dame 3 0 0 0 November 20 Notre Dame, IN 59,291 yes 1 ND Ken Ivan 32-yard FG ND 3–0 3 MSU Clint Jones 3-yard run (kick failed) MSU 6–3 4 MSU Dwight Lee 19-yard pass from Steve Juday (pass failed) MSU 12–3 yes On November 20, Michigan State capped an undefeated regular season with a 12–3 victory over No. 4 Notre Dame before a crowd of 59,291 at Notre Dame. The Spartans' defense held Notre Dame to negative 12 yards of total offense, including minus 36 yards rushing. Notre Dame kicked a field goal in the first quarter after recovering a Michigan State fumble at the 19-yard line. On offense, the Spartans tallied 215 rushing yards and 71 passing yards. Clint Jones led the team with 117 rushing yards on 20 carries, including a three-yard touchdown run that put the Spartans in the lead. UCLA—Rose Bowl 1966 Rose Bowl Michigan State vs. UCLA No. 1 Michigan State 0 0 0 12 No. 5 UCLA 0 14 0 0 January 1, 1966 Pasadena, CA 100,087 yes 2 UCLA Gary Beban 1-yard run (Zimmerman kick) UCLA 7–0 2 UCLA Beban 1-yard run (Zimmerman kick) UCLA 14–0 4 MSU Bob Apisa 38-yard run (pass failed) UCLA 14–12 4 UCLA Steve Juday 1-yard run (run failed) UCLA 14–12 yes On January 1, 1966, No. 1 Michigan State lost, 14–12, to No. 5 UCLA before a crowd of 100,087 in the 1966 Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California. UCLA took a 14–0 lead on two one-yard touchdown runs by Gary Beban early in the second quarter. UCLA's first touchdown followed a fumbled point that was recovered by the Bruins at the Michigan State seven-yard line. After their first touchdown, the Bruins recovered an on-side kick to set up their second score. The Spartans' comeback effort in the fourth quarter netted two touchdowns, but fell short as two attempts at two-point conversion failed. Quarterback Steve Juday scored the second touchdown with 31 seconds remaining in the game, but Bob Apisa was stopped short of the goal-line on his run for a two-point conversion. The Spartans out-gained the Bruins by 314 yards to 212 yards. Personnel Roster 1965 Michigan State Spartans y 23 Steve Juday QB y 26 Clinton Jones HB y Clinton Jones (American football) 34 Dwight Lee HB 44 Eddie Cotton FB 45 Bob Apisa FB y 50 Boris Dimitroff C 57 Joe Przybycki OT 58 John Karpinski G 63 Norm Jenkins G 67 Jerry West OT 80 Jim Proebstle E 84 Gene Washington E y Gene Washington (American football, born 1944) 14 Don Japinga DB 20 Jim Summers DB 29 J. Jones DB 38 Jess Phillips S 51 Harold Lucas MG 53 Buddy Owens DT 61 Ron Goovert LB y 65 Don Bierowicz DT 71 Charles Thornhill LB 85 Bob Viney DE 90 George Webster Rover y George Webster (American football) 95 Bubba Smith DE y Dick Kenney PK |} Rose Bowl Lineups Valley Times December 31, 1965 11 https://www.newspapers.com/article/valley-times-rose-bowl-lineups/196762334/ Newspapers.com Statistics Team statistics On offense, the Spartans gained 2,369 rushing yards (236.9 yards game) and 1,186 passing yards (118.6 yards per game). On defense, they held opponents to only 456 rushing yards (45.6 yards per game) and 1,243 passing yards (124.3 yards per game). Outstanding single-game accomplishments on defense included: The Spartans held Notre Dame to minus 12 yards of total offense, a figure that remains the third best defensive performance by a Michigan State team. They gave up only three first downs in the game.2025 Media Guide, p. 159. They did not allow Ohio State to convert a first down by rushing. The Buckeyes were limited to negative 22 rushing yards in the game. The 32–7 margin was Ohio State's worst defeat in a Big Ten game during the Woody Hayes era. In a 24–7 victory over rival Michigan, the Spartans held the Wolverines to minus 39 rushing yards. Individual statistics Quarterback Steve Juday completed 89 of 168 passes for 1,173 passing yards, seven touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 117.0 quarterback rating. He also rushed for 170 yards for a team-high 1,343 yards of total offense. Halfback Clinton Jones led the team in rushing with 788 yards on 164 carries for an average of 4.8 yards per carry. He also led the team in scoring with 72 points on 12 touchdowns. He was also the team's No. 2 receiver with 26 catches for 308 yards. The team's other top rushers were fullback Bob Apisa with 666 yards and Dwight Lee with 405 yards. End Gene Washington led the team 40 receptions and 638 receiving yards.1965 Michigan State Spartans Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football April 21, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/1965.html Awards and honors Steve Juday. Senior quarterback Steve Juday from Northville, Michigan, was a team co-captain (sharing the honor with Don Japinga) and received the Governor of Michigan Award as the most valuable player on the 1965 Michigan State football team.Juday Voted Most Valuable The Lansing State Journal Bog Hoerner November 23, 1965 C2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-juday-mvp/196192872/ Newspapers.com He also finished sixth in the 1965 voting for the Heisman Trophy.1965 Heisman Trophy Voting Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football April 23, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-1965.html He was also selected by the Associated Press as the first-team quarterback on its 1965 All-America football team. Juday was also named as a winner of the 1965 Scholar-Athlete Award by the National Football Foundation,Juday Receives Scholar-Athlete Award Fellowship The Niles Daily Star November 24, 1965 14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-niles-daily-star-juday-receives-scho/196309684/ Newspapers.com and won the Big Ten Medal of Honor as the Michigan State male athlete with the most outstanding athletic and academic achievement.2025 Media Guide, p. 299. He closed his collegiate career as Michigan State's all-time leader in passing yardage and touchdown passes, and was inducted into the Michigan State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.2025 Media Guide, p. 276. George Webster. Junior George Webster of Anderson, South Carolina, led the team on defense, playing at what was variously referred to as defensive back, linebacker, or "roverback". He was a consensus first-team pick on the 1965 All-America college football team.Football Award Winners National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2016 October 21, 2017 10 http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2016/awards.pdf He received first-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press (AP), Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA), United Press International (UPI), and Football News (FN). In January 1966, the mayor of his hometown (Anderson, South Carolina) proclaimed "George Webster Day" with a motorcade through downtown and ceremonies at city Hall.Special Day Held In Anderson, S.C., For George Webster The Lansing State Journal UPI January 19, 1965 D2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-george-webster/196255531/ Newspapers.com Duffy Daugherty. In late December 1965, the FWAA selected Daugherty as the winner of its National Football Coach of the Year award.Daugherty Year's Top Grid Coach The Lansing State Journal Associated Press December 24, 1965 B3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-daugherty/196192702/ Newspapers.com He also won the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year AwardEddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award Winners Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football May 5, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/robinson.html and The Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year award in 1965.Sporting News Picks Emanuel The Knoxville News-Sentinel December 5, 1965 B4 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-daugherty/196923954/ Newspapers.com He had previously won Coach of the Year honors in 1955.Werner Ladder AFCA FBS Coach Of The Year https://www.afca.com/awards/ July 28, 2023 American Football Coaches Association All-America honors. Eight Michigan State players received first-team All-America honors. In addition to Webster and Juday, the other honorees were: defensive end Bubba Smith (AFCA, UPI); end Gene Washington (CP, FN); halfback Clinton Jones (FWAA); linebacker Ron Goovert (FWAA); middle guard Harold Lucas (NEA); and fullback Bob Apisa (FN).2025 Media Guide, p. 268.1965 Spartans Most Decorated in 69 Years The Lansing State Journal Bob Hoerner November 24, 1965 1C https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-1965-spartans-most/196207388/ Newspapers.com2 Spartans Gain All-American Spots: Lucas, Webster on NEA Team The Lansing State Journal November 20, 1965 1B https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-2-spartans-gain-al/196207686/ Newspapers.comSpartan Trio Nabs More All-American Honors The Lansing State Journal December 2, 1965 1G https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-spartan-trio-nabs/196207831/ Newspapers.com All-Big Ten honors. Eleven Spartans received first- or second-team honors from the Associated Press (AP) or United Press International (UPI) on their 1965 All-Big Ten Conference football teams: Webster at defensive back (AP-1, UPI-1); running back Clinton Jones (AP-1, UPI-1); end Gene Washington (AP-1, UPI-1); defensive end Bubba Smith (AP-1, UPI-1); quarterback Steve Juday (AP-1, UPI-2); defensive guard Harold Lucas (AP-2, UPI-1); linebacker Ron Goovert (AP-1, UPI-2); defensive back Don Japinga (AP-2, UPI-1); fullback Bob Apisa (AP-2, UPI-2); offensive guard John Karpinski (AP-2); and offensive tackle Jerry West (UPI-2).7 Spartans All-Big 10 Selections The Lansing State Journal November 24, 1965 C1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-1965-spartans-most/196207388/Grabbo, Hansen, Acks All-Big 10 St. Louis Post-Dispatch November 24, 1965 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8695895/grabbo_hansen_acks_allbig_10/ College Football Hall of Fame. Five members of the 1965 team were later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame: head coach Duffy Daugherty in 1984;Duffy Daugherty National Football Foundation April 24, 2026 https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=1851 defensive back George Webster in 1987;George Webter National Football Foundation April 24, 2026 https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=1853 defensive end Bubba Smith in 1988;Bubba Smith National Football Foundation April 24, 2026 https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=1852 wide receiver Gene Washington in 2011;Gene Washington National Football Foundation April 24, 2026 https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2272 and running back Clinton Jones in 2015.Clinton Jones National Football Foundation April 24, 2026 https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2382 Team awards. At the team banquet in late November 1965, awards were presented to Harold Lucas as the Detroit area player contributing most to the team; Steve Juday as most valuable player and the player best combining athletic and academic ability; Jim Proebstle the president's award for perseverance; Dan Japinga the award for dedication; George Webster as outstanding defensive back; Ron Goovert as the outstanding defensive lineman; Clint Jones as outstanding offensive back; Gene Washington as outstanding end; and Bob Viney the Biggie Munn Award as the most improved player.Additional Honors Go to Spartan Gridders The Niles Daily Star November 24, 1965 14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-niles-daily-star-additional-honors-g/196310327/ Newspapers.com In addition, the 1965 and 1966 teams were inducted into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024. Several players from the teams have also been inducted, including Bob Apisa, Clinton Jones, Steve Juday, Jimmy Ray, Bubba Smith, Gene Washington, and George Webster.'Dream come true' MSU's 1965, '66 teams get their due – a 'brotherhood' finally honored together The Lansing State Journal Graham Crouch September 13, 2024 1B https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-dream-come-true/196192229/ Newspapers.com References Michigan State Category:Michigan State Spartans football seasons Category:College football national champions Category:Big Ten Conference football champion seasons Michigan State Spartans football