Angelique S. Chengelis, Madeline Kenney, John Niyo, and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Friday’s Michigan State-Florida Atlantic game in the season opener at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing (7 p.m., NBC/760).
▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: It’s time for first-year Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith and his Spartans to make their debut, and among the most anticipated aspects of this game is new quarterback Aidan Chiles. He has built respect within the team and at 18 was elected captain. Then there’s running back Nathan Carter and what he can bring to the offense, but the question mark is the offensive line, with the protection it can provide and holes it can create. This also will be the first time new defensive coordinator Joe Rossi’s defense is on display. FAU returns only two starters from last year’s offense on a team that went 4-8, but the Spartans defense will have to contain quarterback Cam Fancher, a transfer from Marshall who threw for 2,162 yards and 11 touchdowns with 11 interceptions last year. Pick: Michigan State, 24-13
▶ Madeline Kenney: With both teams in rehabilitative states, it’s hard to know what to expect. Both Florida Atlantic and Michigan State utilized the transfer portal and reloaded their rosters with a ton of new faces. That’s what can make Week 1 projections tough at times. But the Spartans profile as the team that has the upper hand — as they should. Aidan Chiles last week made headlines when he suggested bettors should “take the over” when it comes to this game. That number is set at 45 points. While I don’t normally recommend taking betting advice from an 18-year-old with very clear and casual bravado (as he should have), he might be right this time. Pick: Michigan State, 31-17
▶ John Niyo: If last week taught us anything in college football, it’s that we know almost nothing until the games are played in the transfer portal era. That’s particularly true in this matchup, where more than half of Michigan State’s roster is new to Spartan Stadium and FAU’s roster includes 41 fledgling Owls and just one returning starter on offense: the center. Throw in some of the other factors — it’s a night game with a chance of a late thunderstorm — and it’s anyone’s guess how this will play out. But I’d expect a couple turnovers and big plays early, and then a second-half show of force from the Spartans’ improved defense to give Jonathan Smith a win in his debut. Pick: Michigan State, 27-20
▶ Bob Wojnowski: Florida Atlantic was 4-8 last season but brought in a bunch of new players. Michigan State was 4-8 but brought in a bunch of new players. Anyone who thinks they know what to expect Friday night is delusional. What the Spartans should hope to see under Jonathan Smith is the early makings of a more dynamic offense led by sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles. Nathan Carter is a tough runner and Nick Marsh is a touted freshman receiver. Beyond that, MSU fans should take solace in knowing FAU coach Tom Herman, the former boss at Texas, also has a fresh bunch of transfers and unknowns. The Spartans are desperately trying to build an offensive line, and while they do, Chiles will make enough plays with his arm and legs to pull it out. Pick: Michigan State, 28-17
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Publish date : 2024-08-29 09:56:00
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