The college football season gets rolling this week, and on Friday in East Lansing as Michigan State welcomes Western Michigan to Spartan Stadium. It is the second year of the Jonathan Smith era, and fans are eager to see whether the Spartans can take a step forward after a tough 2024 campaign.
For Western Michigan, this matchup offers a chance to measure itself against a Big Ten program right away. The Broncos enter the new season with a retooled roster and plenty of energy, hoping to snap a long drought against Michigan State.
Western Michigan Broncos out of the MAC
Western Michigan went 6-7 in 2024, and head coach Lance Taylor hit the reset button over the offseason. The Broncos added more than 30 transfers and brought in a talented freshman class. The quarterback situation will be one of the biggest storylines, as Taylor plans to rotate between Broc Lowry, who has experience in the system, and JUCO standout Brady Jones, who put up video-game numbers at Riverside Community College last year.
The Broncos have emphasized competition throughout camp, and Taylor praised his quarterbacks for their leadership and efficiency. Western Michigan’s ability to protect the football and establish rhythm early will be key if they want to hang around with the Spartans.
Big Ten's Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State finished 5-7 in 2024, dropping four of its last five games to close the season. Jonathan Smith has stressed accountability and growth, and a lot of that falls on quarterback Aidan Chiles. The sophomore followed Smith from Oregon State and showed flashes of potential, passing for over 2,400 yards with 13 touchdowns. However, turnovers were an issue, as he threw 11 interceptions and lost four fumbles.
Chiles’ progress will determine how far the Spartans can go this year. Smith has praised his quarterback’s offseason development and wants him to play with confidence and trust the system. Michigan State will also look to establish balance on offense and lean on a defense that showed inconsistency last season.
Spartans seek 14th straight over Broncos
Michigan State has won 13 straight meetings with Western Michigan, but the Broncos arrive in East Lansing with fresh faces and new energy. For the Spartans, this opener is about setting the tone for the season and proving that Smith’s second year will be different. For the Broncos, it is an early opportunity to test themselves against Big Ten competition and see if their offseason overhaul can translate into results.
MORE: Opening night test: Miami (Ohio) meets Wisconsin under the lights
This Friday night matchup should offer an intriguing look at two programs starting new chapters, one trying to climb back to national relevance and the other aiming to surprise early in the year.
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