The 1984 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 1984 Big Ten football season. In their second season under head coach George Perles, the Spartans compiled a 6–6 record (5–4 in conference games), tied for sixth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 193 to 187. In three games against ranked opponents, they defeated No. 13 Michigan and No. 18 Iowa, but lost to No. 8 Ohio State. The Spartans played in the program's first bowl game since 1965, losing to Army in the 1984 Cherry Bowl.
On offense, the Spartans gained an average of 141.5 rushing yards and 123.9 passing yards per game. On defense, and with Nick Saban in his second season as the Spartans' defensive coordinator, they held opponents to an average of 115.7 rushing yards and 212.9 passing yards per game. The team's individual leaders included quarterback Dave Yarema with 1,322 passing yards, Carl Butler with 581 rushing yards, wide receiver Mark Ingram Sr. with 21 receptions and 479 receiving yards, and kicker Ralf Mojsiejenko with 45 points scored (10 of 14 field goals, 15 of 20 extra points).
Six Spartans were recognized by the Associated Press (AP) and/or the United Press International (UPI) on the 1984 All-Big Ten Conference football team: linebacker Jim Morrissey (AP-2; UPI-1); defensive back Phil Parker (UPI-1); running back Carl Butler (UPI-2); center Mark Napolitan (AP-2); defensive lineman Kelly Quinn (AP-2; UPI-2); and placekicker and punter Ralf Mojsienenko (AP-2; UPI-2). Linebacker Jim Morrissey was the team captain and 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
Game summaries
Notre Dame
Gainesville Sun. 1984 Sept 16.
At Michigan
Ohio State
At Iowa
Vs. Army (Cherry Bowl)
Personnel
References