The 1986 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 1986 Big Ten football season. In their fourth season under head coach George Perles, the Spartans compiled a 6–5 record (4–4 in conference games), finished in fifth place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 285 to 197. In three games against ranked opponents, they defeated No. 20 Notre Dame, but lost to No. 11 Iowa and No. 4 Michigan.
Quarterback Dave Yarema led the Big Ten with 2,581 passing yards, a 67.3% completion percentage, and 16 passing touchdowns. The team's other statistical leaders included Lorenzo White with 633 rushing yards and wide receiver Andre Rison with 54 receptions and 966 receiving yards.
Eight Spartans were recognized by the Associated Press (AP) and/or the United Press International (UPI) on the 1986 All-Big Ten Conference football team: receiver Andre Rison (AP-1; UPI-1); punter Greg Montgomery (AP-1, UPI-1); linebacker Shane Bullough (AP-2, UPI-1); receiver Mark Ingram Sr. (AP-2, UPI-2); defensive tackle Mark Nichols (AP-2, UPI-2); running back Lorenzo White (UPI-2); quarterback Dave Yarema (UPI-2); and defensive end John Budde (AP-2).
The team played its home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
Schedule
Game summaries Purdue Lorenzo White rushed for 79 yards on 19 carries in part-time duty in return from injury while the Spartans' defense intercepted four passes. White ran for first half touchdowns of three and one yards, respectively.Eugene Register-Guard. 1986 Oct 26. Retrieved 2022-Oct-04.
Personnel
References