The 1975 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 1975 Big Ten football season. In their third and final season under head coach Denny Stolz, the Spartans compiled a 7–4 record (4–4 in conference games), finished in a three-way tie for third place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 222 to 167. In four games against ranked opponents, they lost to No. 3 Ohio State and No. 8 Michigan and defeated No. 19 Notre Dame and No. 8 Notre Dame.[1][2]
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On offense, the Spartans gained an average of 264.9 rushing yards and 82.9 passing yards per game. On defense, they gave up 191.2 rushing yards and 102.2 passing yards per game.[3] The individual statistical leaders included quarterback Charlie Baggett with 854 passing yards, Levi Jackson with 1,063 rushing yards, and Eugene Byrd with 10 receptions for 266 receiving yards.[3] Levi Jackson was selected as the team's most valuable player.[4]
Two Michigan State players were selected by the Associated Press (AP) and/or the United Press International (UPI) as first-team players on the 1975 All-Big Ten Conference football team: tight end Mike Cobb (AP-2, UPI-1); and defensive back Tommy Hannon (AP-1, UPI-1).[5]
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Michigan State was placed on three years of probation in January 1976 for recruiting and other rules violations.[8] Stolz was asked to resign as the team's head coach in March 1976.[9]
The team played its home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
