1948 Michigan State Spartans football team
| 1948 Michigan State Spartans football | |
|---|---|
| Conference | Independent |
| Ranking | |
| AP | No. 14 |
| 1948 record | 6–2–2 |
| Head coach | Biggie Munn (2nd year) |
| Captain | Robert B. McCurry |
| Home stadium |
Macklin Stadium (Capacity: 51,000) |
|
The 1948 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State College in the 1948 college football season. In their second season under head coach Biggie Munn, the Spartans compiled a 6–2–2 record and were ranked #14 in the final AP Poll.
Two Spartans received second-team honors on the 1948 College Football All-America Team. Guard Don Mason received second-team honors from the Associated Press, and end Warren Huey received second-team honors from the Football Writers Association of America.
The 1948 Spartans sustained their two losses in annual rivalry games against Notre Dame (26-7) and national champion Michigan (13-7). In intersectional play, the Spartans beat Hawaii (68-21), Arizona (61-7), Oregon State (46-21), and Washington State (40-0), but tied with Penn State (14-14) and Santa Clara (21-21).
Michigan State opened it 1948 season with a 13–7 loss to Michigan in East Lansing. The game was also the first to be played at Michigan State's new Macklin Stadium. Early in the opening quarter, fullback Don Peterson threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Dick Rifenburg. Peterson kicked the extra point, and Michigan's 7–0 lead held through halftime. Michigan State tied the game in the third quarter on a disputed play in which a pass from Lynn Chandnois was caught by both Hank Minarik and Wally Teninga. The official ruled that possession went to the offensive player as a touchdown. Peterson scored the winning touchdown for Michigan on a five-yard run in the fourth quarter, but failed to convert the extra point attempt. Late in the fourth quarter, Michigan State drove the ball to Michigan's two-yard line. With time running out, Teninga intercepted a Michigan State pass. Michigan's offense was held to 106 rushing yards and 117 passing yards in the game.
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