The 1970 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 1970 Big Ten football season. In their 17th season under head coach Duffy Daugherty, the Spartans compiled a 4–6 record (3–4 in conference games), tied for fifth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 215 to 190. In four games against ranked opponents, they lost to No. 4 Notre Dame, No. 1 Ohio State, No. 6 Michigan, and No. 18 Northwestern. On offense, the Spartans gained an average of 171.4 rushing yards and 169.7 passing yards per game. On defense, they gave up 201.0 rushing yards and 148.6 passing yards per game. The individual statistical leaders included quarterback Mike Rasmussen with 1,344 passing yards, halfback Eric Allen with 811 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, and split end Gordon Bowdell with 34 receptions and 495 receiving yards. Four Michigan State players received second-team honors from either the Associated Press (AP) or the United Press International (UPI) on the 1970 All-Big Ten Conference football team: split end Gordon Bowdell (AP-2, UPI-2); halfback Eric Allen (UPI-2); offensive guard Joe DeLamielleure (AP-2); and center Tom Beard. Allen was selected as the team's most valuable player. The team played its home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Wiki link