Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Irish turned the ball over three times and missed two field goals, hurting their chances of starting 3-0.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Javon Ringer is trying to share the spotlight.
He brought a slew of offensive linemen, tight ends and fullbacks to a news conference after running for 201 yards and two touchdowns on 39 attempts, carrying the Spartans to a 23-7 win over Notre Dame on Saturday.
“We were able to win because of these guys,” Ringer said. “Not because of me.”
Nice try, Ringer.
His speed, power and some spin helped him take advantage of holes, becoming the first player to run for 200 yards in consecutive games in Michigan State history.
Ringer has carried the ball 143 times this year, making him the busiest running back through four games since Iowa State’s Troy Davis had six more carries in 1996 according to STATS.
“You can hit him and hit him and he just keeps coming,” Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said.
Ringer led the nation with nine touchdowns and 104 carries after three games, coming off career highs with 43 carries and 282 yards last week.
“You want to feature your best player,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. “And right now, that’s our tailback.”
Michigan State (3-1) took a 13-0 lead into the fourth quarter, then sealed the victory by handing off to Ringer on all seven plays of a 77-yard drive he capped with a TD with 2:16 left.
“Giving Javon the ball each time was a statement for our offensive line,” Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer said. “We did what we wanted to do.”
The Irish (2-1) turned the ball over three times and missed two field goals, hurting their chances of starting 3-0 for the first time since 2002 and the second time in 12 years.
Jimmy Clausen was 24-of-41 for 242 yards with a TD and two interceptions in the first half, one of which was in the end zone on a play that was overturned by a video review.