Michigan State Football: What I like and dislike about the 2024 Spartans

The 2024 Michigan State football season is just hours away from kickoff and here’s what I like and dislike about this year’s Spartans.

Are you excited about Michigan State football? You’ve come to the right place.

Are you unsure of what to expect from the Spartans in 2024? You’ve also come to the right place.

Skip the preview magazines. Skip the podcasts. Your quick and honest assessment of Michigan State’s football team is right here. As usual, there are reasons to be excited. There are also reasons to be concerned. Here’s what I like and dislike about 2024 Michigan State football.

I like Jonathan Smith

It appeared very clear from the reporting and stories that followed this hire that athletic director Alan Haller got his top choice. It’s hard to dislike anything about Jonathan Smith right now. He rebuilt Oregon State from the ground up through slow, steady player development. He brings a clear identity that focuses on a physical brand of football. Does that sound familiar?

His “log ego, high output” motto is a refreshing change of pace that brings Michigan State football fans back to the heyday of Spartan football under Mark Dantonio. Smith had ample time to assemble a coaching staff, work the transfer portal, and make an impact in high school recruiting. The preparation, organization, and game management should be markedly improved from where it was a year ago under the interim staff.

He runs an offense that fits the league and the geographic location of the school. The defensive coordinator is already established and proven within the conference. The transfers that were brought in are veterans that know Jonathan Smith’s process and won’t let this team quit early. The program is in a much better spot now than it was the day Jonathan Smith took over. That’s all you can ask for.

I like the linebackers

On paper, this looks like the strongest position group on the roster. Tackling machine Cal Haladay returns for his fifth season in East Lansing. As does the extremely promising true sophomore Jordan Hall. Old Dominion transfer Wayne Matthews III enters the program after finishing 11th in FBS with 135 tackles in 2023. Also new to the program is fifth-year senior Jordan Turner. After spending four seasons at Wisconsin, Turner was recently named a captain. After missing all of 2022 with an injury, and redshirting across four games in 2023, Darius Snow will look to make a difference in his fourth year with the program. This group has talent, experience, and real difference makers for Joe Rossi’s defense.

I don’t like October

Technically, this horrifying stretch on the schedule starts in late September. But I’m concerned that the only enjoyable part of October for MSU fans will be the foliage. The Spartans host Ohio State on Sept. 28. Six days later, they get Oregon in Eugene on short rest. After a bye, pesky Iowa comes to East Lansing before MSU heads to Ann Arbor on Oct. 26. Put that four game stretch up against anyone in the country. The Spartans are going to be lucky to win one of those games.

Aside from the losses piling up, the physical brand of football those teams play could leave this group battered for the home stretch. That’s concerning because if MSU is going to make a bowl, it’s because of a strong November with winnable games against Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and Rutgers. Any good vibes from September are going to be put to a serious test in October.

Buckle up.

I like the kicking

You’re not a true Big Ten football fan if you don’t have an appreciation for great special teams. While Iowa gets all the attention for their punting, Michigan State has turned into a punting powerhouse themselves. Redshirt sophomore Ryan Eckley returns after being named second-team All-Big Ten last season. Kicker Jonathan Kim is also back after a pleasantly surprising season. Kim converted 13-of-18 field goals while also hitting every extra point. Most impressively, he converted four field goals of 50 yards or more. In close games, the kicking game can often be the difference. Reliable special teams play should serve as a nice security blanket for the coaching staff this fall.

I like Aidan Chiles

Shocking, I know. I like the 6-foot-3 dual threat quarterback that is oozing with potential. Well, sue me. I can’t wait to watch him play. Some programs grind for years to land a talent like Aidan Chiles. Jonathan Smith starting with him in year one is a huge bonus. Quarterback is the most important position in sports. Having one can cover up a lot of other roster deficiencies. And we know this MSU roster certainly isn’t perfect. I love that there’s no competition or controversy. He won’t be looking over his shoulder. He was recently named captain, indicating coaches and teammates are fully behind him. Michigan State football fans have every reason to buy into Chiles.

I don’t like the receivers

As excited as I am about Chiles, I think there’s a ceiling for his potential this year. Part of that is due to the weapons at his disposal. Montorie Foster returning is big, and he should be a consistent, reliable option. Beyond that, there are major questions. The window is wide open for youngsters Antonio Gates Jr. and Jaron Glover to step into a major role. Can either, or both, make more of their opportunities this year? True freshman Nick Marsh appears poised for a sizable role in the offense. While that’s exciting, does it say more about his talent or the lack of talent at the position? Beyond those four, the room is littered with unproven freshmen or redshirt freshmen. Physically, this is also a smaller unit. Seven of the 13 receivers listed on the roster are smaller than 6-foot and just three weigh over 200 pounds. It’s a youthful group, and I don’t doubt that there is talent. But when you close your eyes and think of a key third down and eight on the road against Maryland, ask yourself: who is the ball going to? It’s anyone’s guess right now.

I like Joe Rossi

Michigan State’s new defensive coordinator comes to East Lansing after spending six years in the Big Ten at Minnesota. Rossi consistently fielded one of the better defensive units in the conference. The Gophers peaked in 2021 and 2022 under Rossi, where they finished fourth and sixth, respectively, nationally in scoring defense. Rossi’s base scheme is a little bit difficult to categorize, but it primarily features three-down linemen with a standup edge rusher. It’s not a defense that creates a bunch of tackles for loss or turnovers. It’s fundamentally sound. While the hope is that this unit generates more big plays in the future, for this team, a “back to basics” approach is a welcome sound.

For years, MSU’s defense has struggled with tackling and communication. Rossi’s impact in those areas should be noticeable right away.

I don’t like the offensive line

I should start by saying that I don’t dislike everything about this unit. I like Oregon State transfer Tanner Miller at center. I think Kristian Phillips has some upside at guard. And I like offensive line coach Jim Michalczik. But I’m worried that this is going to be a problem area for MSU all season. Luke Newman played exclusively left tackle while at Holy Cross. Is he fit for that position in the Big Ten? If not, where does he fit in and how impactful will he be in his first season at a new position? The same can be asked of Dallas Fincher, who is likely going to end up at guard after playing center a year ago. Brandon Baldwin is an experienced player who will be in the mix at tackle.

After those five, MSU’s lack of experience is eye opening. Injuries are going to happen, so this is a spot where depth is key. When you look at some of the defensive lines MSU has to go against, it gets worrisome quickly. A lot is going to be asked of this group when it comes to creating running lanes and protecting Aidan Chiles. There is a wide range of outcomes for this group, and it’s going to go a long way in determining Michigan State’s success in 2024.

I like the Boston College game

I’m an out of state Spartan, so when I head back to East Lansing, it’s a commitment. And while I love going back, it’s nice to use those vacation days to visit new places while also catching a game. To me, this is great scheduling. It’s a winnable game in a great city during the best time of the year. Sign me up. I suspect Chestnut Hill will be flooded with Spartans on Sept. 21. I can’t wait to see everyone there.