Jonathan Smith steps off flight ‘ready to go to work’
A little more than 24 hours after being named Michigan State’s new head coach, Jonathan Smith’s feet hit the ground in the 517 area code. The former Oregon State coach arrived on a charter flight late Sunday afternoon at the Capital Region International Airport and was greeted by athletic director Alan Haller, cheerleaders and Sparty.“I’m excited to be here,” Smith told WLNS shortly after landing. “We’re ready to go to work. This is a special place, I’m anxious to learn about it.”
Source: MLive.com
Jonathan Smith Named Michigan State University Head Football Coach
Jonathan Smith, who has led Oregon State to new heights during his tenure over the past six seasons, has been named Michigan State University’s 26th head football coach. Smith will be introduced at a press conference on campus early next week.
Harlon Bennett, Michigan State football coaching staff dismissed after dismal season
Athletic director Alan Haller relieved the current football coaching staff of its duties, sources with knowledge of the decision confirmed to the Free Press. That includes interim head coach Harlon Barnett, who went 2-8 after taking over for Mel Tucker. Tucker was suspended Sept. 10 and then fired Sept. 27.
Source: Detroit Free Press
CFB insider says ‘hurdles remain’ to Michigan State hiring Jonathan Smith
ESPN’s Pete Thamel provided an update on Michigan State’s coaching search during Saturday’s College GameDay, as multiple reports have linked Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith to the position. Per Thamel, “talks have intensified” and the 2 sides could reach a deal “within the next 24 hours”.
Source: Saturday Tradition
Michigan State Falls to No. 11 Penn State at Ford Field
No. 11 Penn State defeated the Michigan State football team, 42-0, before a crowd 51,927 Friday night at Ford Field. It marked MSU’s second-ever game at the home of the Detroit Lions.
Momtorie Foster, Jaren Mangham undecided about returning next season
Michigan State has just one game left on the schedule. After that, choices will be made. Some players are in their final season of eligibility while others will have to decide about declaring for the NFL draft or returning to East Lansing or looking to transfer and continue their college career at a different school.
Source: MLive.com
Spartans Host No. 11 Penn State Friday at Ford Field in Detroit
Michigan State closes the regular season against No. 11/11 Penn State on Friday, Nov. 24 at Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is set for 7:35 p.m. The game will be televised on NBC and streamed live on Peacock with Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Kathryn Tappen (sidelines) on the call.
Source: Michigan State University Athletics
Alan Haller reportedly wanted Mel Tucker fired before 2023 season
This comes from a report by ESPN’s Dan Murphy. According to the report, Haller had been wanting to part ways with Tucker before the season but the administration wouldn’t get on board with it. They essentially wanted the process to play out. Another bad look for the board of trustees and the school administration.
Source: Spartan Shadows
Harlon Barnett makes pitch to be Michigan State’s full-time coach
“As far as the job itself and wanting the job – and I do want this job as the head football coach – there is nobody that they can go find that loves this place more than I do,” Barnett said on Monday, “and I don’t think will do a better job because there is something to loving a place and caring about a place as opposed to just going there for a job. There is extra that will be done – above and beyond – understanding the place. I understand what Michigan State is all about and our alumni and our fans.”
Source: MLive.com
4-star RB decommits from Michigan State
Michigan State lost another member of its next recruiting class. Anthony Carrie, a 2024 four-star running back from Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, Fla., told On3.com on Monday he decommitted from the Spartans. At 6-foot-0 and 185 pounds, Carrie is listed as the No. 20 running back and No. 287 player overall in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports Composite. He committed to Michigan State in June, has about 50 offers and took an official visit to NC State earlier this month.
Source: MLive.com
Maliq Carr, Katin Houser Earn Big Ten Weekly Honors
Michigan State redshirt junior tight end Maliq Carr has been named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, while redshirt freshman quarterback Katin Houser has earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, the conference office announced on Monday. Both Carr and Houser played pivotal roles in MSU’s 24-21 win at Indiana last Saturday.
Source: Michigan State University Athletics
These 4 coaches reportedly on second round of interviews with Michigan State football
None of these names are overly surprising, but hearing that Mike Elko, Jonathan Smith, Jedd Fisch, and Jason Candle are confirmed to have interviewed with the Spartans already is a good sign.
Source: Spartan Shadows
Michigan State Takes Down Indiana, 24-21
The Michigan State football team rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Indiana, 24-21, Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium, reclaiming the Old Brass Spittoon from the Hoosiers.
Source: Michigan State University Athletics
5 things to watch in Michigan State vs. Indiana and a final score prediction
Michigan State will hit the road for the second week in a row when it travels to play at Indiana on Saturday. The Spartans (3-7, 1-6 Big Ten) are coming off a 38-3 loss at Ohio State and have dropped seven of their last eight games. The Hoosiers (3-7, 1-6) followed a victory against Wisconsin with a 48-45 overtime loss at Illinois last week.
Source: MLive.com
The unique path from walk-on kicker to starting tight end at Michigan State
Evan Morris arrived at Michigan State with very modest expectations. That was a reasonable outlook to take for a walk-on kicker from nearby Ovid-Elsie High School. “My dream as a freshman was to just step on the field for one play and that was just one kick,” Morris said. “That was my whole dream, just one play.”
Source: MLive.com
MSU Football looks to get back in win column on the road as they travel to face Indiana
The Michigan State Football team will be on the road for the second consecutive week as they travel to face Indiana on Saturday. MSU showed little-to-no fight in their last contest against No. 3 ranked Ohio State, losing 38-3. With just two games left in the season and the Spartans already being eliminated from bowl game contention, they will look to play for the team’s pride heading down the final stretch.
Source: The State News
Big-legged kicker Jonathan Kim providing boost, leaning on returning next season
Before sunset on a hot evening in Iowa City, Jonathan Kim went though the pregame routine and determined his range for the game. The Michigan State kicker told the staff 55 yards was the longest distance he felt comfortable from on field goals going into the wind. After the Spartans put together a quick drive late in the first half, interim coach Harlon Barnett called timeout with four seconds left. Then he sent Kim out for a 58-yard attempt that split the uprights with room to spare.
Source: MLive.com
Spartans Look to Reclaim Old Brass Spittoon from Indiana Saturday in Bloomington
Michigan State will be looking for its third straight win at Memorial Stadium when the Spartans travel to Bloomington to face Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 12 p.m. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network and streamed live on the FOX Sports app with Jason Ross Jr. (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (analyst) and Meghan McKeown (sidelines) on the call.