The 1982 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 1982 Big Ten football season. In their third and final season under head coach Muddy Waters, the Spartans compiled a 2–9 record (2–7 in conference games), tied for eighth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 242 to 202. In three games against ranked opponents, they lost to No. 12 Ohio State, No. 16 Miami (FL), and No. 11 Notre Dame.
On offense, the Spartans gained an average of 104.1 rushing yards and 173.5 passing yards per game. On defense, they held opponents to an average of 147.7 rushing yards and 204.3 passing yards per game. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback John Lester with 1,321 passing yards, Tony Ellis with 671 rushing yards, Otis Grant with 36 receptions and 547 receiving yards, and kicker Ralf Mojsiejenko with 58 points scored (14 of 20 field goals, 16 of 16 extra points).
Two Spartans were recognized by the Associated Press (AP) and/or the United Press International (UPI) on the 1982 All-Big Ten Conference football team: linebacker Carl Banks (AP-1; UPI-1); and defensive lineman Smiley Creswell (AP-2; UPI-2). Linebacker James Neely was selected by his teammates as the team's most valuable player for the 1982 season.2025 Media Guide, p. 300.
The team played its home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
Schedule
Game summaries
At Miami (FL)
Notre Dame
Iowa
Roster
References