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Michigan State Spartans Football

MSU Football Falls to Michigan: Post-Game Analysis

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 27, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

MSU Football Report Card: ‍Spartans Fall to Michigan, Future of Coaching Regime in Question

EAST LANSING – Michigan State football received a ‍harsh grade in its Saturday‍ matchup against Michigan, ⁣falling 3-0 to their in-state rivals at Spartan Stadium. The loss effectively closes the door on any potential turnaround for‌ the ‍Spartans this season and intensifies scrutiny on head coach Jonathan Smith’s future. This game ‍represented a critical⁤ prospect ⁣for MSU to demonstrate progress and possibly salvage a disappointing season, but the offensive struggles and late-game decisions have led⁤ to widespread concern.

The defeat marks a ‍notable low point for the programme, raising serious questions about the direction of the football team under Smith. With the season spiraling, the focus now shifts to ‌potential coaching changes and the long-term rebuilding process for MSU football. The outcome against Michigan all but confirms expectations ⁣of an‌ imminent overhaul.

COACHING: 4

Joe Rossi’s defense⁣ provided a bright spot, earning praise for its performance against a potent Michigan offense. ⁤Rossi, coaching from the sidelines this week, appeared to have effective strategies to contain the Wolverines.Though, the⁣ offensive side of the ball proved problematic. MSU’s passing game lacked⁢ rhythm,and ⁢several late-game decisions drew criticism,including a questionable running play with ⁤limited time remaining and a fourth-down throw‌ to Jack Velling that ⁢appeared unlikely to succeed.The offensive ineffectiveness was notably glaring given the need for Jonathan Smith to make a strong impression.

BOTTOM LINE

This game was widely viewed as a last chance for MSU to demonstrate betterment and potentially ‌alter the trajectory of the season and the coaching staff’s tenure.The result confirms ‍a previously anticipated outcome.

Michigan State’s aidan‍ Chiles looks on from the sideline late during the fourth quarter in the game against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Spartan ⁤Stadium in East Lansing. (Nick King/Lansing State Journal)

Contact Graham Couch at gcouch@lsj.com. Follow him on X @Graham_Couch and BlueSky @Graham_Couch.

October 27, 2025 0 comments

Business

Michigan State Football: Fumble Call Controversy vs. Michigan

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Controversial Call⁢ Denies Michigan State Potential Game-Changing Turnover in Loss to Michigan

ANN ARBOR,Mich. – A critical fumble recovery by Michigan State in the closing‌ minutes of Saturday’s 24-17 loss ⁤to‌ Michigan at the Big House remains a point of intense controversy, ‌with replays raising questions‌ about whether the Wolverines were incorrectly awarded possession. The disputed play occurred with 3:54⁢ remaining and Michigan clinging to a 24-17 lead. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy was stripped near the MSU 40-yard line, with Spartan linebacker Sione Moala appearing to secure the loose ball.

However, the on-field ruling was a fumble out of bounds, with officials determining McCarthy’s knee was down before losing possession. The call, upheld after review, effectively ended michigan State’s chances of mounting a‌ comeback. The incident has ignited debate among fans and analysts, focusing‍ on the speed of the‍ play and the difficulty of definitively determining whether McCarthy ⁣was down before the fumble.

This rivalry, already steeped in decades of animosity, has seen a recent escalation of on-field incidents. Last⁣ year, a post-game skirmish erupted following Michigan’s win in ‌Ann Arbor, highlighted ‍by michigan tight end ⁣colston Loveland headbutting MSU defensive ⁤lineman Anthony Jones. Loveland subsequently referenced comments made by former MSU coach Mike Hart,stating,”Little bro stay doing little bro things.” The Big Ten reviewed the incident but opted not to penalize‍ any players. Prior to ⁢that,in 2022,a brawl broke out in the michigan Stadium tunnel,leading to eight MSU player suspensions and criminal charges for seven.‌ These past confrontations underscore the ⁢heightened emotions surrounding the Michigan-Michigan State matchup.

The disputed fumble is the latest chapter in a series of contentious moments between ‍the⁢ two programs. In⁢ 2018, Devin Bush drew⁢ criticism for stepping on the Spartan logo at Spartan Stadium. Before the 2014 game, a pre-game incident dubbed the⁤ “stake game” further fueled‍ the rivalry. While the Big Ten has a history of reviewing and sometimes penalizing incidents‍ stemming from these games, the decision to stand by ⁤the ⁤fumble ⁢ruling on Saturday has left Michigan State fans and‌ coaches feeling aggrieved.

October 26, 2025 0 comments

News

Michigan State Football: Youngstown State Prediction & Scouting Report

by David Harrison – Chief Editor September 15, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

East Lansing,Mich. – michigan⁢ State football is heavily favored to ⁢defeat Youngstown State on Saturday, with four Free Press sports writers predicting a agreeable Spartan victory in Week 3 of the 2025 season. MSU is seeking to start ⁢the season 3-0 ‌for the first ‌time since 2006-07.

The spartans are coming off a double-overtime win and⁣ will face⁤ a ‍Youngstown State team that has won ‍its⁣ first two games‌ against⁣ FCS‍ opponents, Mercyhurst and Robert Morris, scoring 80 points⁢ combined. ⁢

Here’s a breakdown ⁤of the predictions:

chris Solar: MSU 48, Youngstown State 10. Solar anticipates continued offensive success from Aidan ⁣Chiles and ‍a defensive⁢ effort led ⁤by Joe‌ Rossi that will contain ⁤Youngstown State quarterback ‌Beau Brungard’s rushing ability. He also ‍expects the game to⁢ provide an possibility for younger⁢ players to gain experience before ⁣Big Ten play begins at ‍USC.

Carlos Monarrez: MSU 42, Youngstown State 14. Monarrez believes Chiles and Jordan Hall, recent Big Ten offensive and defensive players of the⁣ week, will⁢ have strong performances before being rested in preparation for the game at USC.

Jeff Seidel: MSU 41, Youngstown State 10.‌ Seidel highlights the significance of achieving a ‍3-0 start ‍and focuses on the challenge of defending‍ Brungard, who has ⁤rushed for over 400 yards in two ⁣games.

Shawn Windsor: MSU 41, Youngstown State 20. Windsor suggests⁢ Youngstown State ⁣may score a couple‍ of⁣ touchdowns,‍ but predicts ⁤a strong showing from Chiles in Spartan Stadium.

September 15, 2025 0 comments

News

MSU Football vs. USC: Video Analysis and Big Ten Debut

by Emma Walker – News Editor September 8, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Michigan State‘s football game⁣ at USC on September 27, 2025, has been slated for a late-night kickoff of 8 ‍p.m. Pacific time, ⁣the Big Ten Conference announced Monday. The game will be televised on Fox.

The late start time presents ⁣a unique challenge for the spartans, requiring cross-country travel and ⁤adjustment to a significant⁤ time difference. MSU last played a late-night ⁣West Coast game in 2018, losing to Arizona State 16-13 in a ⁤10:45 p.m.‍ kickoff in Tempe. This matchup against the Trojans marks MSU’s⁣ first Big Ten contest against a Pac-12 program now within the conference.

The ‌game holds added meaning ⁤as a homecoming for both MSU head coach‍ Jonathan Smith, a native of Pasadena, California, and quarterback ‌Aidan ⁣Chiles, who hails from Long Beach, California. USC will open Big Ten play the same day, facing Purdue ‍at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. MSU will host Youngstown State (2-0) at 3:30 p.m. ⁢ET on BTN in its final nonconference game before⁢ traveling to Los Angeles. The Spartans have a‍ bye week following the USC game before visiting nebraska on October 4, with the kickoff ⁢time to be persistent.

September 8, 2025 0 comments

News

Michigan State Defeats Boston College in Dramatic 2OT Victory

by David Harrison – Chief Editor September 7, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Michigan State Edges Boston College 42-40 in Double Overtime Thriller

BOSTON, MA – September 6, 2025 – ‍Michigan State secured a ⁢hard-fought 42-40 double-overtime victory over ⁤Boston College Friday night, fueled by a ⁣game-winning two-point conversion catch by Omari Kelly. The Spartans overcame multiple lead changes and a late Eagles ‌rally to improve to [insert record here].

The game began ‍with a back-and-forth first half,‍ culminating in a 21-21 tie at halftime. Michigan State opened the third quarter with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Chiles to Tre Marsh, tying the game. Boston College‌ responded with ⁣a field goal to regain the lead at 24-21.

The Spartans answered with‍ a 50-yard field goal‌ from freshman kicker Martin Connington – his first career attempt – to tie the score at 24 apiece heading⁣ into the fourth quarter. A potential⁤ Elijah Tau-Tolliver touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty, forcing Michigan state to settle for another Connington field goal, giving them ⁣a 27-24 lead with ⁣five minutes remaining.

Boston College quickly tied it back up with a field goal of their own, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With 1:16 left in regulation, Chiles ⁣had a chance to win the game, but the⁣ score remained tied at 27,⁣ sending the contest to overtime.

In the first overtime,Jay Coyne hauled ⁣in a touchdown pass,giving Michigan State a 34-27 lead. However, the Eagles responded with a touchdown of their own, tying the game at 34 and forcing a second overtime.

Boston College scored a touchdown⁤ in the second overtime but failed on their two-point conversion attempt, leaving the door open for the Spartans. Chiles capped‍ off the night with a rushing touchdown, ‌followed by a accomplished two-point conversion catch by Kelly, sealing the 42-40 victory for Michigan State.

September 7, 2025 0 comments

News

No doubt Ohio State is top team after Week 1

by David Harrison – Chief Editor September 1, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Ohio State Ascends to No. 1⁢ Following Dominant Week 1 Performances

PASADENA, Calif. – Following a Week‍ 1 marked by critically important upsets and uneven performances from preseason contenders,Ohio State has emerged as the consensus No. 1 team in the nation.The Buckeyes‘ decisive victory, coupled with losses⁢ suffered by previously ranked programs like UCLA and LSU, has reshaped the college football landscape just days into the season.

The shift at the top underscores the volatility of early-season rankings and the high stakes of each game. UCLA,⁤ ranked No.18, ⁢suffered a humbling 43-10 defeat at home ⁢against utah, while LSU ⁤fell 23-3 ⁤at Tulane. These results, alongside other unexpected outcomes, have created an opening for ⁤Ohio State to ⁤seize control of the national conversation and establish itself as the team to beat.

UCLA’s highly⁣ anticipated debut of ⁣quarterback Nico Iamaleava proved disastrous. He completed 11 of 22 passes for 136 yards, ⁣one ‌touchdown, and‍ one‌ interception as utah dominated from start to finish, scoring the first 20 and final 20 points of the game at the Rose Bowl.

LSU’s road loss to Tulane further⁤ complicated the early ‍rankings. The Green Wave’s ⁢23-3 victory demonstrated a significant gap between preseason‌ expectations and on-field reality for the Tigers.

September 1, 2025 0 comments