1980 Michigan State Spartans football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1980 Michigan State Spartans football Big Ten Conference Big Ten 3–8 2–6 Muddy Waters 1st Joe Pendry 1st Steve Smith Steve Smith Rodney Strata George Cooper Bernard Hay Spartan Stadium The 1980 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 1980 Big Ten football season. In their first season under head coach Muddy Waters, the Spartans compiled a 3–8 record (2–6 in conference games), finished in ninth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 281 to 221. In two games against ranked opponents, they lost to No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 9 Ohio State.1980 Michigan State Spartans Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football April 21, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/1980-schedule.html2025 Michigan State Football Media Guide Michigan State University 205 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 The team's .273 winning percentage was the worst in program history since the winless 1917 season.Michigan State Spartans School History Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 8, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/ In January 1980, Michigan State hired Frank "Muddy" Waters as its new head football coach after Darryl Rogers resigned to take over as Arizona State's head coach. Waters had played for Michigan State from 1946 to 1949 and had been a head coach at Hillsdale College (1954–1973) and Saginaw Valley State (1975–1979).Spartans pick Muddy Waters: Football coach is yet another surprise Detroit Free Press Charlie Vincent January 30, 1980 D1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7317170/spartans_pick_muddy_waters/ The team's statistical leaders included quarterback John Leister with 1,559 passing yards, Steve Smith with 667 rushing yards, Ted Jones with 568 receiving yards, and placekicker Morten Andersen with 57 points.1980 Michigan State Spartans Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 8, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/1980.html Punter Ray Stachowicz was selected by both the Associated Press (AP) and the United Press International (UPI) as a first-team player on the 1980 All-Big Ten Conference football team.Herrmann All-Big Ten Quarterback The Blade, Toledo, Ohio (AP story) December 2, 1980 30 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19801201&id=LWdRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PgMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2075,1605913&hl=enHerrmann Finally On All-Big Ten Unit Kentucky New Era (AP story) December 2, 1980 16 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=266&dat=19801129&id=GhYxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AeEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3397,3746729&hl=enCollege Football: All-Big Ten Detroit Free Press November 25, 1980 4D https://freep.newspapers.com/clip/3745781/college_football_all_big_ten/ Several Michigan State players also ranked among the Big Ten leaders in various statistical categories, including the following: Morten Andersen ranked third in the Big Ten with 12 field goals made and a 66.7 field goal percentage, and seventh with 56 points scored.1980 Big Ten Conference Year Summary Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 2, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/1980.html John Leister ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 247 pass attempts and 14 interceptions, and fifth with 1,559 passing yards and 1,658 total yards. Thomas Morris ranked second with 185 punt return yards and third with 7.1 yards per punt return. Steve Smith ranked fourth with nine touchdowns from scrimmage and sixth with 180 plays from scrimmage and 54 points scored. Smith was also selected as the team's most valuable player.2025 Media Guide, p. 300. The team played its home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Schedule 1980 AP September 13 l y Illinois Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL 17–20 46,377 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pantagraph-bass-proves-hes-no-fish/158650316/ The Pantagraph Bass proves he's no fish out of water November 14, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com September 20 l y y Oregon Autzen Stadium Eugene, OR 7–35 30,431 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-ogburn-leads/158516110/ The San Francisco Examiner Ogburn leads Ducks to rout of Michigan State September 21, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com September 27 w y Western Michigan Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 33–7 75,123 https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-msu-finally-wins/158650358/ Battle Creek Enquirer MSU finally wins, thanks to Western September 28, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 4 l y Notre Dame 7 Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI rivalry 21–26 76,821 https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-irish-escape-msu/158454520/ Wisconsin State Journal Irish escape MSU ambush October 5, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 11 l y Michigan Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 23–27 105,263 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-bo-passes-up-kick/158650394/ The South Bend Tribune Bo passes up kick for TD and 27–23 edge over MSU October 12, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 18 l y Wisconsin Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 7–17 76,173 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-wisconsin-surpri/158650443/ The Des Moines Register Wisconsin surprises Michigan State, 17–7 October 19, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 25 l y Purdue Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN 25–36 69,231 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-boilermakers-down-msu/158650484/ The Times Boilermakers down MSU October 26, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 1 l Ohio State 9 Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 16–48 77,153 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lima-news-schlichter-is-red-hot-buc/158650531/ The Lima News Schlichter is red-hot; Bucks crush Spartans November 2, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 8 w Northwestern Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 42–10 60,157 https://www.newspapers.com/article/herald-times-reporter-spartans-rout-nort/158650147/ Herald-Times-Reporter Spartans rout Northwestern November 9, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 15 w y Minnesota Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN 30–12 30,329 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-rock-island-argus-leister-tosses-for/158650588/ The Rock Island Argus Leister tosses for 3 as Spartans triumph November 16, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 22 l Iowa Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 0–41 55,123 https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-journal-hawkeyes-record-410-mangli/158650637/ News Journal Hawkeyes record 41–0 mangling of Spartans November 23, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com Game summaries At Illinois On September 13, Michigan State lost to Illinois, 20–17, in Champaign, Illinois, to spoil Muddy Waters debut as the Spartans' head coach. Mike Bass kicked the game-winning field goal as time ran out.Illinois' final kick boots MSU Detroit Free Press Charlie Vincent September 14, 1980 1H, 6H https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7311712/illinois_final_kick_boots_msu/ At Oregon On September 20, Michigan State lost to Oregon, 35–7, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. After the game, Michigan State coach Muddy Waters said, "They just beat our face off."MSU mistakes mean wet woes vs. Ducks Lansing State Journal September 21, 1980 C1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7314943/msu_mistakes_mean_wet_woes_vs_ducks/ Western Michigan On September 27, Michigan State defeated Western Michigan, 33–7, before a crowd of 75,12 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. The victory was the first of the Muddy Waters era at Michigan State. The Spartans were assisted by five Western Michigan fumbles and two interceptions. The Spartans scored three touchdowns off Western Michigan turnovers. Michigan State tailback Tony Ellis scored three touchdowns. Morten Andersen kicked two field goals for the Spartans.Special delivery: WMU hands Muddy his first win, 33-7 Charlie Vincent Detroit Free Press September 28, 1980 1F, 3F https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7344015/special_delivery_wmu_hands_muddy_his/ Notre Dame On October 4, Michigan State lost to Notre Dame (ranked No. 7 in the AP Poll), 26–21. Notre Dame running back Phil Carter rushed for 254 yards in the game.Irish slip MSU trap, 26–21 Detroit Free Press October 5, 1980 1E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7305474/irish_slip_msu_trap_2621/ Michigan State honored former head coach Duffy Daugherty at halftime. At Michigan On October 11, in the annual Michigan–Michigan State football rivalry game, Michigan State lost to Michigan, 27–23, before a crowd of 105,263 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Michigan took an early 10–0 lead, but Michigan State rallied back, aided by three Morten Andersen field goals, including a 57-yard conversion that set a Michigan State record. In the third quarter, with the score tied 13-13, Michigan State was penalized for roughing the kicker on a field goal attempt The penalty gave Michigan a first down at the nine-yard line, and three plays later John Wangler threw a touchdown pass to Anthony Carter. Stan Edwards rushed for 139 yards for Michigan. Michigan scored its final touchdown on a pass from Wangler to Craig Dunaway. Michigan intercepted a pass in the final minute-and-a-half of the game to stop the Spartans' final drive.U-M wins 27-23 . . . but MSU can brag Detroit Free Press October 12, 1980 1D, 13D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7358804/um_wins_2723__but_msu_can_brag/ Wisconsin On October 18, Michigan State lost to Wisconsin, 17–7, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Wisconsin fullback Dave Mohapp rushed for 138 yards and scored a touchdown. Wisconsin's second touchdown followed a fumbled punt that was recovered in the end zone by Mark Subach.Badgers, Mohapp down Spartans Green Bay Press-Gazette October 19, 1980 D1-D2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7339738/badgers_mohapp_down_spartans/ At Purdue On October 25, Purdue defeated Michigan State, 36–25, in West Lafayette. Purdue quarterback completed 24 of 46 passes for 340 yards to break the NCAA career record for passing yardage. Hermann passed the prior record of 7,747 yards set by Jack Thompson from 1976 to 1978. Michigan State quarterback John Leister threw more passes (54) than Hermann, but completed only 18, had five interceptions, and lost a fumble. After the game, Michigan State coach Muddy Waters said, "John is pretty disgusted with himself."Hermann eclipses MSU, 36-25 Detroit Free Press October 26, 1980 1H, 11H https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7365368/hermann_eclipses_msu_3625/ Ohio State On November 1, Ohio State (AP No. 9) defeated Michigan State, 48–16, in front of a crowd of 77,153 persons at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Ohio State tallied 603 total yards in the game, and the Buckeyes' 48 points was the most allowed by Michigan State since 1976.Spartans buried, 48–16, by Buckeyes Detroit Free Press Charlie Vincent November 2, 1980 1H, 8H https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7319972/spartans_buried_4816_by_buckeyes/ Northwestern On November 8, Michigan State defeated Northwestern, 42–10, before a crowd of 60,157 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Michigan State tailback Steve Smith rushed for 229 yards and a school record with four touchdowns. The Spartans totaled 571 yards of total offense.Hallellujah! Northwestern heals Spartan ills Lansing State Journal November 9, 1980 C1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7319006/hallellujah_northwestern_heals_spartan/ At Minnesota On November 15, Michigan State defeated Minnesota, 30–12, before a crowd of 30,329 in Minneapolis. Michigan State quarterback John Leister passed for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Minnesota quarterback Tim Salem completed only 5 of 15 passes, threw two interceptions, and fumbled twice.'Start season now,' say surging Spartans Lansing State Journal James Tinney November 16, 1980 C1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7317707/start_season_now_say_surging_spartans/ Iowa On November 22, Iowa shut out Michigan State, 41–0, before a disappointed crowd of 55,123 fans at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. After the game, Iowa coach Hayden Fry called it a "real fine victory," while Michigan State coach Muddy Waters said: "You saw it – rotten, lousy flat. It was about the worst game I ever saw. We were afraid it would happen, scared to death it would happen with an inexperienced team like we have."Iowa express wrecks Spartan respectability Lansing State Journal James Tinney November 23, 1980 C1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7316529/iowa_express_wrecks_spartan/ Personnel 1980 Michigan State Spartans f 84 Fr Scott Auer TE y 15 Jr Bryan Clark QB y 66 Sr Mike Densmore OG 5 Tony Ellis RB 12 Addie Gaddis QB 24 Jr Tony Gilbert WR 9 So Otis Grant WR y 22 James Hodo RB 44 Rob Holland RB 42 Derek Hughes RB 51 Joe Jacquemain C 25 Mike Jones WR 21 So Ted Jones WR 95 Sr Al Kimichik TE 18 John Leister QB y 71 Jr Marv Mantos G 56 Jr Tom Piette C 30 Sr Bruce Reeves RB 45 Sr Andy Schramm RB 20 Sr Steve Smith RB 69 Sr Rod Strata G 38 Fr Daryl Turner WR y 15 Jr Bert Vaughn QB 63 Sr Dave Whittle T 85 Jr Jim Williams WR 72 Jr Jeff Wiska OT y Terry Bailey LB 54 Fr Carl Banks LB y 28 Jr Jim Burroughs CB y 39 Jr George Cooper LB y George Cooper (linebacker) 91 Jr Smiley Creswell DE y 35 Fr Tim Cunningham DB 48 Fr Nate Hannah DB 93 Sr Bernard Hay DT 86 Sr Johnny Lee Haynes DT 23 So Todd Langerveld S 43 Jr Steve Maidlow LB y 2 Sr Mike Marshall DB 40 Sr John McCormick LB 55 So Howard McAdoo DT 13 Jr Rick Milhizer DB 88 Jr Ron Mitchem DL 27 Jr Thomas Morris DB 58 So Jim Neely LB Calvin Perkins DL 83 So Joe Stevens DL 36 Jr Tony Townsend S 7 So Chris Van Pelt CB Carl Williams DB 32 Jr Van Williams CB 8 Jr Morten Andersen K y 19 Sr Ray Stachowicz P y *Muddy Waters See also 1980 in Michigan References Michigan State Category:Michigan State Spartans football seasons Michigan State Spartans football