Tuesday, September 27, 2005

U-M vs. MSU: Noon Saturday | Spartan Stadium | TV: ABC; Radio: WJR 760, WXYZ 1270

Stanton fits in Heisman Trophy race

MSU quarterback runs headlong into early-season consideration

By Dave Dye / The Detroit News

Dale G. Young / The Detroit News Drew Stanton aims to ease the pain of a 2004 loss to Michigan in which he suffered a dislocated shoulder. Related links Big Ten Talk Big Ten Weblog MSU schedule MSU roster MSU stats Big Ten schedule Big Ten standings Big Ten stats AP Top-25 poll USA Today / ESPN Top-25 poll Game photo galleries MSU 49, Kent State 14 MSU 42, Hawaii 14 MSU 44, Notre Dame 41 Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

EAST LANSING -- Drew Stanton has two words for anyone who thinks he's a candidate for the Heisman Trophy -- Reggie Bush.

"I don't know if any of you guys saw that USC game, but I think you can give (running back) Reggie Bush the Heisman right now without a doubt," said Stanton, referring to the Southern California running back who ran for 122 yards and scored two touchdowns Saturday against Oregon.

"He does stuff that doesn't look human out there."

Stanton, a fourth-year junior who played at Farmington Hills Harrison, has been awfully impressive himself while leading No. 11 Michigan State to a 4-0 start entering Saturday's game against Michigan.

He leads the nation in pass efficiency with a 201.3 rating. He has completed 73.1 percent (79-of-108) for 1,184 yards (296 per game) and 13 touchdowns, with only two interceptions.

"He's starting to blossom," MSU coach John L. Smith said.

Starting to blossom?

"He's just scratching the surface," Smith added.

Stanton, who was named offensive player of the week by the Big Ten for the second straight time Monday, hasn't been perfect this season, but he's been close. He is the complete package -- athletic and cerebral, a deceptively talented runner and accurate passer.

Those are some of the tangibles, but his intangibles -- fascinating leadership skills -- are just as important to the Spartans' success.

Many are calling him a "special" player, which is why Stanton is starting to get more Heisman consideration.

An ESPN.com poll of 15 analysts ranks Stanton fifth among Heisman candidates, with three fourth-place votes and five fifth-place votes. The players ahead of him are Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart, Bush, Texas quarterback Vince Young and Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney.

"It's nice to be mentioned in the same breath as the elite athletes in college football," Stanton said, "but the biggest thing is for us as a team to be successful."

Since he was a youngster growing up in a Michigan State family, Stanton has dreamed of leading the Spartans over Michigan.

How obsessed is he with U-M? He tore the cover off a video game because it had a Michigan player on it.

Stanton admits last season's crushing loss to the Wolverines was the worst he has felt after a game. He missed the second half after suffering a separated right (throwing) shoulder on a tackle by linebacker LaMarr Woodley. The Spartans then blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost in overtime.

What's more, Stanton noticed some Michigan fans cheering when he left the field injured.

"It was unfortunate to see or hear," he said. "I guess they felt that at that point, with me going down, they had a better chance to win. There were some fans saying different things that you could take for whatever they're worth. It almost makes you realize that this is just a game. At the end of the day ... it's a good rivalry, but it's no more than that. It's not life or death."

For Stanton, it's as close as a football game can get to that because of his background.

It's fair to say he grew up with a reasonable dislike for the Wolverines, although he's taking a much more politically correct approach this week for obvious reasons.

Michigan actually recruited Stanton, but the relationship didn't get far.

"It started out kind of sour a little bit because I said some things after the state championship my junior year that I'd never go there," Stanton said.

"... To say it's a little extra special to beat Michigan, yeah, it will be for us."

Smith said he's not concerned that Stanton's obsession for beating Michigan will get out of control and become a negative.

"That's him," Smith said. "That's the way he is. You don't want to change him. You want a guy that's emotional. I don't worry about that. He's a great competitor. He'll fight hard."

Access denied

Smith changed the Spartans' interview routine with the media. Stanton, center Chris Morris and safety Eric Smith were available Monday. He has made the rest of the team off limits this week.

The typical routine is for almost any players (except freshmen) who are requested by the media to be available following the Tuesday practice.

Smith originally didn't want any players to be interviewed this week.

"We just want to maintain our focus," he said.

Injury report

Linebacker David Herron (slight concussion) and kicker John Goss (knee) are expected to be available Saturday, Smith said.

You can reach Dave Dye at dave.dye@detnews.com.