Michigan State rallied for the greatest comeback in Division I-A history with a 41-38 win over NW

Master Football Coaches Award MCS Game Balls
Michigan State's Dave Baldwin named Offensive Coordinator of the Week

By MCS Staff

ATLANTA (October 23, 2006) – Staring at an almost certain five-game losing streak, Michigan State staged the greatest comeback in Division I-A history to defeat Northwestern 41-38.  The Spartans trailed 38-3 in the 3rd quarter and rallied for an unbelievable win, which may have saved their season.  Offensive coordinator, Dave Baldwin, made great halftime adjustments that
allowed for the improbable comeback.  Baldwin’s offense scored 31 points in the final 22:03 of the game, including Brett Swenson’s 38-yard field goal that clinched the victory.  The Spartans totaled 436 yards and converted 6-of-6 chances inside the red zone.  For his team’s incredible effort, Dave Baldwin is awarded the “MCS Game Ball” for offensive coordinator of the week.

Each week during the 2006 college football season, the 17 Master Football Coaches will award an MCS Game Ball to the respective schools of an Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week. The Master Coaches will also present a game ball to the offensive and defensive coordinator whose game plans made the biggest impact in their respective teams' victory.

In addition to Jones, the Master Football Coaches will also award MCS Game Balls to Baylor quarterback Shawn Bell, Boston College cornerback DeJuan Tribble, Arkansas running back and kick returner Felix Jones and Washington State defensive coordinator Robb Akey.

Offensive Coordinator
Dave Baldwin, Michigan State

Michigan State trailed 38-3 in the 3rd quarter of their game against Northwestern.  Offensive Coordinator Dave Baldwin and the Spartan offense rallied and defeated the Wildcats, 41-38.  The win marked the greatest comeback in Division I-A history and ended a four-game losing streak.  The Michigan State offense totaled 436 yards and scored 31 points in the final 22:03 en route to the improbable victory.

Offense
Shawn Bell, QB Baylor

Quarterback Shawn Bell had a career and record-setting day for the Baylor Bears in their 36-35 win over Kansas.  Baylor faced an 18-point 4th quarter deficit in which Bell was 13-of-17 for 222 yards and three touchdowns.  His touchdown pass to Dominique Ziegler with 68 seconds remaining was the game-winner and was his 5th touchdown of the day.

Defense
DeJuan Tribble, CB Boston College

Cornerback DeJuan Tribble made the play of the game for Boston College in their 24-19 win over Florida State.  With under a minute left in the first half of play, Tribble intercepted a Drew Weatherford pass and returned it 36 yards for the score, giving the Eagles a 21-10 lead that they would never surrender.  Tribble also added 4 tackles in the victory, including one for a loss.

Special Teams
Felix Jones, RB/KR Arkansas

Felix Jones tied a school record for the longest kickoff return in No. 14 Arkansas’ 38-3 win over Ole Miss.  Jones took the opening kickoff 100 yards for the score and set the tone for the game.  His return helped move Arkansas from 61st to ninth in the nation in kickoff returns average at 26.5 yards per return.

Defensive Coordinator
Robb Akey, Washington State