Conference Big Ten Conference Head coach Muddy Waters | 1981 record 5–6 (4–5 Big Ten) Home stadium Spartan Stadium | |
Captain George Cooper, John Leister | ||
The 1981 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the 1981 Big Ten Conference football season. In their second season under head coach Muddy Waters, the Spartans compiled a 5–6 overall record (4–5 against Big Ten opponents) and finished in a tie for sixth place in the Big Ten Conference.
Four Spartans were recognized by the Associated Press (AP) and/or the United Press International (UPI) as first-team players on the 1981 All-Big Ten Conference football team: center Tom Piette (AP-2; UPI-1); linebacker Carl Banks (AP-2; UPI-1); defensive back James Burroughs (AP-2; UPI-1); and placekicker Morten Andersen (AP-1; UPI-1). Several Michigan State players ranked among the Big Ten leaders, including the following: