Ringer runs into MSU recordbook

EAST LANSING - With the horrible weather on Saturday, Javon Ringer knew his work load would be significant.

Nobody knew it would be of historic magnitude.

The senior tailback rushed for 282 yards on 43 carries and two touchdowns in Michigan State's 17-0 victory over Florida Atlantic at Spartan Stadium.

The yardage total was the fourth-best in MSU history, trailing only Eric Allen's 350 against Purdue in 1971 and a pair of games by Lorenzo White vs. Indiana in 1985 (286 yards) and 1987 (292).

"It definitely means a lot especially since it was something I didn't think I'd be able to do with the offense before coach Dantonio came, " Ringer said about his record-setting performance. "It is so hard for me to just take credit for all that (because) it is definitely my offensive line, my fullbacks, tight ends and receivers blocking downfield so all the credit has to go to them."

Through three games, the Spartan co-captain has 498 yards and nine touchdowns. He is averaging 166 yards per game and is on track for 1992 yards on the season.

He also surpassed the 3,000-yard rushing mark on Saturday, becoming just the sixth Spartan to reach the milestone.

No matter how many defensive players the Owls brought up to stop Ringer, they could not wrap up the 5-foot-9 back. With the weather the way it was and the passing game struggling, everybody in the stadium knew No. 23 was getting the ball.

"He is talented," said Owls defensive lineman Jervonte Jackson regarding Ringer. "We had to wrap him up a little bit, but he made some plays for them and he gave them a whole lot of yards and carries. He is pretty decent."

In addition to his career-high in yards, Ringer's 43 carries surpassed his previous high of 34, set last week against Eastern Michigan. The 43 carries is also the fifth-most in school history.

The extra workload didn't seem to bother Ringer.

"It is definitely the most work, but my body feels pretty good," he said. "The only thing on me that is really aggravating is my feet ... they're wet."

INJURY UPDATE: Starting receivers B.J. Cunningham and Mark Dell both suffered minor injuries Saturday.

Cunningham bruised his knee in the second quarter while Dell tweaked his ankle in the third. Cunningham did not return to the game but he should be ready for next Saturday's game vs. Notre Dame. Dell returned to the game a few drives later.

Fellow wide receiver Deon Curry, for the second consecutive game, dressed but did not play. Defensive back Kendell Davis-Clark was again a scratch with a shoulder injury.

BE LIKE MIKE: Junior defensive tackle Michael Jordan is beginning to show flashes of why he was such a highly touted junior college prospect.

The 6-foot-5, 287-pounder recorded two tackles and recovered a fumble in Saturday's win over FAU.

"Michael Jordan is an intense guy, he's going to be a great player before he leaves here," defensive end Brandon Long said.

STANLEY CUP ON CAMPUS: The Stanley Cup will be on display in a tent in the northwest corner outside Spartan Stadium prior to Saturday's game vs. Notre Dame.

For a $5 donation, fans can take photos with the Cup.

Money will go to Cure Kids Cancer at Sparrow Hospital, the beneficiary of MSU's "Shoot for a Cure" initiative. Current Detroit Red Wing and former MSU hockey player Justin Abdelkader started the program.

The Cup will also make an appearance on the field during the first quarter of the game.