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The State News sports reporters discuss all MSU sports.
Welcome back into the Sports Roundtable, your weekly discussion hub for everything Michigan State from the writers at the state news. Today, we will be discussing none other than Michigan State football. Football is almost back, if you're into the UFL. Today, a little bit different. Today, we're actually gonna talk with Jacob Smith who wrote and covered football, during the 2023 football season.
Brad:And welcome to the show, Jacob.
Jacob:Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Brad:I really
Jacob:appreciate to be here.
Brad:Yeah. I'm really excited. This is your podcast debut.
Jacob:Right? Yes.
Brad:Are you are you excited?
Jacob:I'm more than excited. You know? I had a podcast for sports when I was in high school, but this is, like, the real deal. We got the headset on. We got the mics right in front of me.
Jacob:Like, there's nothing better than this. So I can't wait.
Brad:State of the art. State of the art stuff. So I guess, like, it isn't it isn't re it isn't really football season. We do have a new college football video game coming out
Jacob:Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Brad:Which is exciting. EA Sports College Football 25. Are you ready for that?
Jacob:More than ready. Whatever, like, more than ready is in the definition, that's what I am. I cannot wait for that again.
Brad:I key I have, like, a pinned like, I'm not even joking. On my browser, I have pinned, like, pinned to the tabs. I have a search of this video, like college football 25. Yeah. I have a search, and I just refresh it every day with, like, notifications, like, to see if there's any new articles
Jacob:or anything, not any new news. There's stuff coming out. I saw some banners going up today where, like, around the colleges. I think Michigan was one of them. And they're just, like, just the small promotions.
Jacob:You know? Like, just to get the hype excited. Because this game's been years in the making, but Yeah. There's nothing better than playing college football in a video game. Like, I can't even wait.
Jacob:I can't even fathom how that's gonna be. It's just gonna be an unreal experience.
Brad:And it's it's gonna be crazy because I didn't play Madden, like, as a you know, I mean, I don't play Madden,
Jacob:I should say. Like not a little bit.
Brad:That's the thing. Like, it's like, I love football video games, but Madden's kinda like, you know, I don't know. I just don't care about it too much. You know what I used to play when I was a kid Is this is just gonna be the video game episode. I used to play, NFL street.
Brad:Did you ever play those games?
Jacob:I think I'm a little too young for that
Brad:Oh my god. Oh my god. You're the kids these days are missing out. NFL Street. No.
Brad:It was this, it was this game. It was, like, basically street football.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:And, like, yeah, I guess you might be a little too young, but, like, if you have, like, an old PS 2, play this game. Like, straight up. Because this game would be like it'd be like this big like, Joey Harrington for the Lions. Like, would be playing, you know, be playing under center. And, like, you would basically, like, you get these, like, power ups or whatever.
Brad:They also had an NBA street video game.
Jacob:That one. Yeah. That
Brad:so that one was good. I I think that one was more popular. Like, I actually like that more than NBA live Yeah. Growing up.
Jacob:Oh, yeah. Yeah. NBA live. Because we we grew I grew up on the 2 k NBA 2 k. Yeah.
Jacob:We got we had, like, they have the normal play modes and stuff, but they got the blacktop, which is that kind of that street feel, 5 on 5, 3 on 3, whatever you
Brad:you wanna run. And that that was, like, when I was It was cool, because I think you could, like, kick the ball at some point. Like, that was one of the power ups. Like, you could kick the ball into the net or something. Like, I don't even remember.
Brad:It was just, like, crazy stuff.
Jacob:The art of video games.
Brad:Yeah. So, they should bring those back.
Jacob:Right now. Little special Miller stuff in?
Brad:That and, like, backyard or backyard baseball.
Jacob:Oh, I got
Brad:that one. There you go.
Jacob:Yeah. So Those those are the good ones.
Brad:Those are the good ones. Anyways, so as you can tell, we have a little bit of a slow a slow week for MSU Sports. But, I did wanna talk about MSU Football because MSU Football is, kind of in a transition for the second time in, like, 5 years, you'd say. Right? Like so we were transitioning from Dantonio to Tucker.
Brad:And Dantonio didn't have, right, the the best of outing. Like, he didn't go out the best. Right? His his legacy was like, it's good because he took MSU's football program, especially in the modern game. He took it to heights that it never had had.
Brad:Exactly. Right? And, so then you but then at the end, he wasn't, like, recruiting or getting the best out of his players. So like, it kind of sucked to see him to see those latter seasons that were just not on par with how MSU was at the peak. Right?
Brad:So, but then you had Tucker come in and he seemed like you do do a new good job. Then it was like kind of a facade because you weren't sure if it was just because of of of Walker. But also, I think that, in some ways, you could argue that, like, Tucker, you know, you think about who he is as a coach. Right? And I'm gonna make my case for Jonathan Smith, I guess, right here is, that when Tucker came in, he had a lot of success when he was with Georgia, when he was with Ohio State.
Brad:He had never really had a head coaching role, but he when he was, like, you know, at those bigger schools, like, he was, he was like defensive coordinator at OSU or or Georgia or these big programs with very, very, very, like unlimited recruiting resources. And then you get to MSU where it's like it's not a a program with a bad or a small name, but people it's you gotta convince players to come here over like a a school like Michigan.
Jacob:Right.
Brad:You know, that's why D'Antonio, I think, did so well is because he like recruited small, but then he coached well. You know, he he really got the most or more potential out of his players than than he's, I think, sometimes given credit for.
Jacob:Exactly.
Brad:And then, so you have Jonathan Smith come in, and he is kinda like that archetype where he's like like, I was listening to a podcast and they were arguing that, MS this is before Smith was hired and they were arguing that, Smith should be, or not Smith. Sorry. That that MSU's next coach should be a guy like Dantonio. It shouldn't be Dantonio because Dantonio's kinda like past his age. Yeah.
Brad:Right. But you should have a have a coach that comes in and is like, knows how to do it at a small scale. Right? Like and Smith is is like that. Right?
Brad:So what I guess what are your thoughts on on Jonathan Smith and his his what he did at Oregon State?
Jacob:Yeah. I'm glad that you brought up that point with DeAntonio and how he kinda had to bring this program up a little bit. That's kinda what I see in Jonathan Smith, especially with the hire because that was the talk, like, in the off season, like, kinda we were already looking at him a little bit, like, when the season was finishing up. So we kinda knew the direction we were heading in. And, obviously, Tucker had come in and kind of establish a good like a culture, kinda built something that had been, like, established as a foundation from D'Antonio.
Jacob:What I see from Smith is he has that same kind of experience like I was saying with D'Antonio. Oregon State was not a good program when he was hired. I think their 1st season, they had 1 or 2 wins. Like, they were absolutely nothing. And then Jonathan Smith came in.
Jacob:You know, obviously, it's not gonna be a 1 year turnaround. Like, you have to work up. You gotta recruit your your guys and stuff like that. But once he started to build a culture there of his own, he built his own culture. And I think that's what's very important.
Jacob:He's proven that he can do that, especially at a program like Oregon State because they're not known for being a football school. But he took them after the rebuilding seasons, you know, and they they made bowl appearances, this past year. They were very successful. They had people that had, like, another bowl season. I think 3 straight bowl seasons is what he made.
Jacob:So it's just when you when you kind of realize, like, that this guy, like, he's here for a while. He he he's not, like, somebody that's, like, trying to prove himself and then, like, you know, like, it's just that. Like, he's here to build a culture, and I think that's what he's gonna bring to Michigan State. We got, like, we were going through a little transitional period. Like you said, like, this kind of season wasn't what we were expecting in in a sense.
Jacob:And I think that when you bring in him a guy like that who's ready to build up that and he's ready to just he's just he's gonna he's gonna be there for these guys. You just know that. You can tell by him and, like, just from how he speaks, how he presents himself. I think that's, like, the most important thing with him is that he's here to build a culture, and that's my initial thoughts on him. Obviously, we gotta see him coach.
Jacob:We gotta see how he does on the field, but I think this is kinda what he brings to the table. And I think he's if you're looking for a guy to turn around your program, bring it back to the glory that it had, I think he's the right guy.
Brad:Yeah. And I think especially since he did that at Oregon State. Right? That, like you said, isn't known for being a a powerhouse and in some ways is smaller than MSU. And he sorta brought it to the the I don't know if it's, I would say, the national spotlight, but I like say, you know, it's not hard.
Brad:I don't think it would be too much of a leap to imagine that if Jonathan Smith wasn't hired by MSU and this job opening didn't come about, I don't think it's that far of a stretch to say, like, he could have done way more at Oregon State. Right? Like like, this was not the ceiling at the program. And, so it was only it was only on on a continuation almost. Like, because at its it's in the in the several years that he was at Oregon State, he, what?
Brad:Like, I think, like, last season, he had a very successful year. However, like, they only they the games they lost were, like, ranked opponents.
Jacob:Agreed. You
Brad:know, that's the thing. That's what you see from the score book because it's like, you won basically every game you were supposed
Jacob:to. Exactly.
Brad:And it was just it was just, I think, taking that actual, like, hump. But at Oregon State, you can imagine the challenges in that. Like, I mean, if you're competing with, USC, if you're competing with even even UCLA in a good season, if you're competing with Oregon I mean, yeah, Oregon. Right? Your your rival in state.
Brad:Like, that's very hard because, you know, if if somebody's going to to Oregon, they're probably going to the University of Oregon. You know what I mean? They're not they're not really choosing Oregon State. It's kind of a sort of an afterthought. And then, like, Washington is also very good.
Brad:And that that they were in the conference for, like, the longest time. So I think when when he comes to MSU, he'll have, I I I think, more to do, like, more resources that to his at his disposal.
Jacob:Yeah. No. I'm glad that you said that with the resources because he's proven that he can win those games that he needs to. And I think that it's it is a matter of taking that next step. And he's gonna have plenty of opportunity to do so.
Jacob:I mean, with the Big 10, it's expanding now, but it's already been a pretty known conference. It's a pretty top heavy conference for those teams like Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan that are good every single year. So I think that he's gonna have that chance to kinda get over that home with the resources that he's had. And now that he's bringing that experience, he he's proven that he can win some of those games. Because I think one of the biggest problems with Michigan State last year, for example, is we didn't win all of our 50 50 games.
Jacob:Like, we were known as a team, like, especially when we had that run-in 2021. We were beating the teams we're supposed to, and then a few of our losses were just a little like, we have a slip up here and now against Purdue in 2021, but stuff like that would beat the teams that we needed to. And then when the ranked teams came, it was more of that. And then last week, 2022 and then especially last year in 2023, we haven't seen that. Like, some of those big ten games have been tossed up.
Jacob:So I think that if you give him the tools, Jonathan Smith, if you give him the tools and that he can build himself up like we've been saying and get that roster to where it needs to be to take care of those teams, and then he's gonna have plenty more chances to take down some of the bigger dogs in the conference. I think that's gonna really help him. And I think that's why, this job fits for him a lot better. I mean, his Oregon State fit was great, but I think this is, like, a step up in terms of fit for him.
Brad:Yeah. Absolutely. Especially since Oregon State is not going to be in a conference. Now I think I think that that is that sucks. First of all, like, I feel so bad, especially with Washington State.
Brad:I mean, because I kinda have a, like a, like, kind of a soft spot for Washington State. You know, like those two programs, Washington State and Oregon State. Those are the ones that are left out of the Pac 12. Right?
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:Pac 2? No. We're not. You know, like, so that's that's the thing. It's it's hard to, you know, it's it's it's tough.
Brad:And so, especially since they're not following their in state counterparts to the Big 10 like that, I I don't know. I think I think that's a real bummer. And yeah, did you wanna talk about, what's what's Jonathan Smith doing with the roster? And, like, are how you know, do you know how what which players are staying and which, like, I guess, what does that look like in the outlook?
Jacob:Yeah. So the roster experienced a little bit of turnover and a little bit of people. Like, a lot of new like, just a lot of new faces, I guess. One of the most notable things that Jonathan Smith said in his introductory press conference back in, November was that he thinks Michigan State is a place that you can develop, and he was kinda just excited about, like, what he has to work with here. But he also we also saw how he brought in, some of his guys.
Jacob:So, obviously, the biggest name that we're gonna be seeing in a change, this year is at the quarterback position with Aiden Chiles. He was, the backup to DJ back in at Oregon State, and he was a 4 star recruit. So he's he's he was Jonathan Smith's best recruit. So bringing him in is one of is obviously, like, the headlining move. That's what everybody's gonna be talking about.
Jacob:He he also brought in we Michigan State added 12 players, from the transfer portal in the off season. Lot of offensive linemen, a lot of defensive linemen, but he he brought in 3 players from, Oregon State. He, added Jack Vielen. He's a tight end. He's a sophomore at Oregon State.
Jacob:He'll be coming in, and Tanner Miller is an offensive lineman they're coming in too. So I think that was the biggest thing is, like, kind of bringing in some of those other guys that had the experience from Oregon State. Like, they wanna play for John Smith, and they wanna develop here. That was, like, a big thing. And the transfer reporter, like, that's kinda modern college football now.
Jacob:Like, you need that. You need to utilize that in order to succeed and establish, like, establish your roster, like, stuff like that. But in terms of people staying too, like, you had or or sorry. One more comment on the people leaving. All 3 quarterbacks transferred out as well.
Jacob:Right. Which he is. Kate Noah's or Sam Levin. No no Kim.
Brad:Right.
Jacob:They're all gone. So you needed to address that quarterback position. And I mean, there's no better person to bring in other native child for that. Like that it's his it's his team now. They got the keys.
Jacob:And then they're gonna pair some of that with the people that are returning. The defense was very young last year. That is, one of the biggest things that, was, like, kind of a problem with them. But also, along with the problems, they showed flashes. So they're bringing back, Malik Spencer, Dylan Tatum, what's it called?
Jacob:Chance Buckers coming back. Like these guys and Charles Brantley. These guys were all very young, last year in the secondary and and the linebacker's positions. And they're coming back, and they're gonna be they're gonna be here to develop. That's the keyword, I think, with Smith.
Jacob:And then, obviously, on the offensive side, you bring back Nate Carter, the running back. He showed lots of flashes, multiple 100 plus yard running running games last year. And, Monterey Foster is another big one that's coming back at the receiver position for his, last year of eligibility. So they're mixing guys. They're mixing in that little, bring back some guys, but also develop them and then bring in some other guys from the transport and stuff like that.
Jacob:But I think the biggest way to describe how this roster is looking now is a little bit of a turnover. But it's also not in a bad position because of the guys that are coming back.
Brad:And then I know you mentioned, you know, obviously, all 3 quarterbacks are are transferring out, which which kinda sucks. Right? You know, I mean, I guess it it Levitt makes more makes sense. Right? Because, Levitt is I guess they all kinda make sense to to some degree.
Brad:Because Kim, first of all, is is the one that makes the most obvious sense.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:Because I think that he was gonna transfer regardless of which coach came in. Exactly. Like, because even if there was no coaching change, I still think, like, even if they came out, like, with with Tucker. Because I firmly believe that if if Tucker saw how Noah Kim was performing on the field because sometimes you think that a guy might be better when he's in practice.
Jacob:Right.
Brad:But then you see him in the actual tangibles on the on the field, it doesn't add up. Right? And that's kind of how I felt like it was because I believe that that Tucker thought that Noah Kim was the best quarterback at the time.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:But then you see him develop and you see him put, you put him out in in practice or not in practice, but in a real game, and you just don't see it. Like, you just it's not working. No. Exactly. That's exactly what happened with Noah Kim.
Brad:I honestly didn't believe that he was the I'm just I'm not saying I told anyone so. I didn't think that he was the answer anyway.
Jacob:Yeah. Well, I here here's the thing about that. I think the interesting thing is, like, if you were to I think at this at different points of this season, I think that answer became more apparent at different times. I think that if you were to ask the beginning season, like, who's the best quarterback on this roster between the 3? I think a good portion of fan base would say Noah Kim because Noah Kim was also waiting for his turn last year in 2022 when Payton Thorne wasn't really getting it done.
Jacob:And I think that Noah Kim, like, kinda like, he was the starter to the Iowa game. And then after that, you're like, okay. Like, we're kinda seeing, like, this offense is going where they average 15.9 points beginning of the season. Like, this is not an offense that was flowing. So you throw in Tate and Howser to try.
Jacob:You throw in Sam Levitt to try. And, like, it still wasn't really getting thrown.
Brad:And the problem is is, like, at some point, like, it's, like, with with Hauser, at least, like, you're throwing in a young quarterback. Because then, you know, with Kim, it's like, if if Kim is what? Like, a junior last year?
Jacob:You know,
Brad:know, a senior? Yeah. He
Jacob:was junior.
Brad:Or something. Right. Right. So if when he was a junior, it's like you're you're you've been here for 3 years. You've you've done, like, all this stuff.
Brad:You know? Like like, this is probably pretty close to the the ceiling. Yeah. Like, this is probably you're almost there.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:And if you're not if you're not performing now, then I don't think that you will. Yeah.
Jacob:And I think we got the glimpses of that for sure. Like, we saw kind of as much as, like, this offense. Like, we were excited about it. And, like, we thought that, okay, Noah Kim might be the answer. It definitely had its limitations.
Jacob:And especially when that running game wasn't going with Nate Carter and you had to force Noah Kim to throw, that's what teams started to do to us. And that was that was all. Like, we started to lose some of those closer games. Like, Iowa's a close game. That's the one I'm thinking of because that was his last start.
Jacob:But other games that, like, that were a little bit closer, and even when the offense was stalled against, like, number 8 Washington, we put up 7 points. Like, that he just was not getting it done to move the ball. And then when like I said, with other, portions of the offense aren't going like Nate Carter in the running game. Like, you just that's where the limitations came in. And I think that's that's why I, like, okay.
Jacob:As much as Noah Kim probably needs to change, I think it's appropriate that Michigan State needs to change too because we saw that there there was obviously disconnections. And I think that's the most important thing about, like, their decisions. It makes sense, but at the same time, it's like when all 3 of them go, it's a little bit difficult.
Brad:It it does suck. Because, like, I guess I get it. You know, like like like I said, if Kim's already done it, he's not one gonna wanna come back. That's just not I think you need a fresh start if you're anybody in that situation that he went through. And that, like, I think I think Kim would also fit.
Brad:It's just like, it's really hard. It's, you know, because if you're a big 10 quarterback, there are big expectations
Jacob:Right.
Brad:With that. You know what I mean? Like, you're gonna have to play against good competition. And, like, with the big ten, like, they're one of 2 of the best conferences in the country. Right?
Brad:And so, like, you're gonna have to play Ohio State. You're gonna have to play Michigan. You're gonna have to play against really good teams, and you're gonna have to perform against them. And I think that that's, like, too much of a high expectation for some people, and they're just not fit to be on a big ten roster Yeah. Unless you're playing for Indiana or,
Jacob:you know Exactly. No. Right.
Brad:Someone who's who's those expectations aren't too high to begin with.
Jacob:Right. No. I agree. And I think the most important thing about that is, like, Michigan State played 4 ranked opponents all inside the top ten last year. They put up 10 points combined against all 4 of those teams.
Jacob:Like that's that's I think that's just the like, you need like, as much as, it was nice to have 3 quarterbacks to rotate through and, like, try to throw them in there and see, like, is this gonna work at something? That was also kind of a disgrace because Harlan Barnett, the interim head coach last year, he was like, pick and choose who's gonna be the starter for each game. And, like, you can't roll around. You can't roll through your season, especially when you got Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State on your schedule. Those all 3 came those 3 teams came in the last portion of the season.
Jacob:When you have those teams on your schedule and what's coming up like that, you can't take a gamble and be like, ah, I don't know. Am I gonna put Levitt out there today, or am I gonna put Kate and Hauser out there today? Like, I can't really do that. And I think that's the most important thing about the quarterback changes even though that all 3 of them are departing. With Aiden Childs coming in, you have stability.
Jacob:You know he's gonna be your starter. And you know he's gonna play all of your games as long as he's healthy. So I think that is what is really, like, as much as three quarterbacks transferring out and, like, your your room getting a little bit depleted, I think it's a positive note and a step in the right direction with 1 quarterback who we know is gonna be that guy for the season.
Brad:And Levitt's hard too because, like, with with, because I mean, with Houser, I think he's just too good. Yeah. You know what I mean? Like, I mean, like, he's too good to wait behind somebody. But if you if you know that the coach's old recruit is coming in, then, like, you know, you're not gonna wanna wait Yeah.
Jacob:For for for
Brad:an opportunity. Because you'd know that that that Charles is already favored to begin with. Right. Right? And then so, like, so with with Hauser, that's that's, I guess, your issue there.
Brad:And then your barrier with, with Levitt is that, like, he was recruited by Smith, and then he didn't get recruited by he didn't get an offer from Smith.
Jacob:Yep.
Brad:So then there's that. Right? So you have some sort of animosity towards and I think and what's funny is I think I don't think that Levitt would have been so quick to to pass judgment if Chiles had been like a junior or senior. Right? If they hadn't been part of the same class, I think that I think that that's the part of the issue too is that Childs was literally the quarterback that Levitt, like, had over, you know, or that Levitt was wasn't picked for.
Jacob:Yeah. You know
Brad:what I mean? So, like, you have, yeah. So, like, you have the other quarterback that's coming in, the quarterback that you literally lost out to. How, how how how do you think that Levitt is supposed to, think that he will be he will get a chance a fair shot.
Jacob:No. Right.
Brad:So, like, it's it's everybody has their reason and it sucks for MSU. Right. No. But, like, every reason is pretty valid.
Jacob:No. Exactly.
Brad:You know? And who did and and did they have gotten an an option, right, at the backup position now?
Jacob:Yeah. I mean, Levitt's at Arizona State, so I'm I'm he will be completely fine.
Brad:But didn't MSU, didn't they recruit a backup?
Jacob:Yeah. Well well, they got in the portal. They got, from North Dakota, Tommy Shuster. That's what I thought. He's gonna probably be the backup.
Jacob:I mean, North Dakota is I think they're FPS. So or FCS. I always get
Brad:them confused.
Jacob:Mhmm. So he's like that's like, not the competition level. It isn't quite what he's acquainted to, but solely for backed up. And they have they had Andrew Softstar last year. I mean, I think he was a welcome, but, like, just as bodies.
Jacob:Like, you need you need people in that room and stuff like that. So, I mean, yeah, they got some backup. So the
Brad:funny thing is is, like, if Charles gets injured, like, what do you do?
Jacob:Yeah. It's like, you know, it gets a little shaky, but, like, I think it's just the risk you gotta take and like
Brad:I think that's their it's really their only option. Exactly. Because, I mean, like, the the upside that Childs might have, especially in a room with Smith, is pretty is pretty significant.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:Whereas, like, you know, if you don't take that risk, then, like, you're gonna the person you might get in the portal otherwise, like, you might be able to get 2 guys in the portal and ask them to compete. Yeah. And that might be an option. But at the same time, like, I don't know. I always find it interesting, like, I'm wondering if I wonder if athletes take that into account.
Brad:Like, if I'm transferring to a school, like, you'd you'd think that you'd like to know that you're getting a job. Right?
Jacob:Right.
Brad:Like, when when Peyton Thorne went to Auburn, I was like, he's gotta get the job. Right? Exactly. Because Why else is he transferring? Why else would you transfer?
Jacob:Yeah. And I think that's when you were mentioning with Levitt. Like, he probably didn't know. Like, towards the end of the season, in the middle of the season, when he was, like, starting to get his snaps, he because he did he preserved his red shirt. He redshirted the season.
Jacob:He only played in 4 games. He preserved it. So he probably didn't know that going into the 24 season and even into the off season. He probably didn't know that he wasn't guaranteed that. Like, he probably is thinking, like, alright.
Jacob:This might be my team next year, and, like, I can build off that. I'm I'm a preserve my shirt and prepare for that. But then all of a sudden, then modern college football, when the transfer portal exists, and then you can start throwing money at guys left and right. And Jonathan Smith comes in, you're like, well, maybe I don't wanna be here anymore because I believe that I'm good enough to be a starter. I think that's just what people get in their heads, especially these young college athletes who some of them might think they're better than people, some of them might, like, think
Brad:Oh, I remember. I remember. I was a very unathletic, baseball player. Like, very unathletic.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:And I was, like, convinced that I was gonna go pro at 13.
Jacob:I think every kid was. Right?
Brad:And that's the thing. Like, you just you I mean, and these guys, by the way, are way more talented than I I ever was.
Jacob:Right.
Brad:But, like, that's the, you know, that's the thing is, like, you know, you you you want to be selfish for yourself. Right? Like, you're never gonna you're never gonna act against your own interest.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:And so and that's kind of what these kids are doing. So, I guess, I guess I kinda wanna move on to MSU's, like, what do you prediction, you know, like, in terms of, you know, I I think that here's the thing though. I think this comes with an asterisk because I really do think the core how important the quarterback position is gonna be, especially for this team. I think the quarterback position is huge. And so, like, Aiden Childs is kind of a wild card.
Brad:So I think that, like, you could honestly say, like, you could give a number and you could be, like, anywhere between this and this many wins.
Jacob:That's exactly where I was gonna go with that question that you were asking me because I think from an out like, from an outsider's perspective, if we didn't go to Michigan State, like, you're this is one of the most intriguing teams in the country. You do not know what the record's gonna be. Like, you can't even almost put in a ballpark. Like, you do not know how the season's gonna go. And I think that's what's really interesting, but also can cause some problems.
Jacob:Like, you you like, you don't know how to judge it. Like, you don't know when these games are showing up because they've got a they have a challenging schedule. Like, there's no doubt about it. They travel to Oregon and then play Ohio State the like, back to back weeks. Like like, that is a tough stretch, and that's only the beginning of the tough stretches they got.
Jacob:They they still got Michigan on their schedule. They still got Washington coming in for the b 10. Like, these teams are on their schedule. So that's more of the scheduling part. But when you look at the team, I think it as much as we talked about quarterbacks already and where it starts from, I think it starts from the offense and the Angels because that was the biggest concern last year.
Jacob:Like I mentioned, they only put up 15.9 points per game, and that's just horrendous in college football. Like, the team's scoring 50, 60 plus sometimes. So you don't want that to be your identity. And I think the biggest thing that I'm gonna be watching for and I think that, like, at home, if you guys are watching Michigan State football season, I think you wanna pay attention to Charles' rushing ability. I think that's the most intriguing thing about him because that's not just in college football, on modern college football.
Jacob:But if you look in the pros, you need kinda like a dynamic quarterback to have team success. You need somebody that can throw up, but also can take off and be agile when you need them to win the pocket collapses or those receivers not downfield. So, Charles, he's he's kinda limited last year. Like, he he was the backup to DJ Ugolet. Like I said, Only had, 24 completions for 3 0 94 touchdowns, but he also had 79 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.
Jacob:So that's where his that's where his strength is, I think, is on the ground. He's also a very good thrower, but that's why I think that's what the season's gonna depend on. It's like, how much success are we gonna have with that rushing attack? And the big ten is notorious kinda guys that are just more throwers. You know?
Jacob:I don't think you see, like, a little bit here and there with some guys that can run, like Gavin Winstapp from Rutgers or even JJ McCarthy last year. Like, those guys are a little bit more hybrid. But I think that they've had success, and they've given some of those, like, bottom feeder teams trouble. I know that Gavin Wissett gave us trouble when we played Rutgers, and that's why we blew a 24 to 6 lead in that like, after half. Like, that's just how these guys win.
Jacob:So I think that's what can be the identity and the tail of season. You can also look at your rushing attack because Nate Carter is back. He was one of the more dynamic players on the field last year. And when that rushing attack is on, it's on. And the the offensive line was good last year.
Jacob:They had some guys leaving, like, JD Duplant. JD Duplant's going to the NFL. But, when you bring in these guys from the transport and stuff, the offense, it it it might have some sparks finally. And I think that's what we're truly missing last year, and that's truly why, last year was also kind of like a there's promise. There's something there.
Jacob:There's a spark. I think that is what's gonna make or break Michigan State's identity in 2024.
Brad:And I guess last, what do you what do you think MSU fans should should look for in the spring showcase?
Jacob:K. April 20th, that's when it's coming up.
Brad:So It's it's less than it's, not less than. Sorry. A little bit more than a week.
Jacob:Yeah. Mhmm. I mean, from just from past experience just going and stuff. Don't expect the full game. Don't affect the sprint.
Jacob:Like, don't expect the skirmish. Don't expect agent Childs and the backups. Like, no one had it against, like, our own team. Like, just to be a stay is known for doing the spring game kind of like an open practice. That's kind of what you should expect.
Jacob:I don't know if Jonathan Smith's gonna change that form about under the Mel Tucker days since I've been in college. That's what they've done. Jonathan Smith might bring in the game style. We don't know that yet, but I think that, you should look like you should definitely look for, the players that you wanna really focus on on the field. I mean, Child's gonna be there.
Jacob:Like, you these new guys coming in are are gonna be there. I think that's what you should look for, but also don't underestimate that defense. I think that you might not see it as much from the spring practice or anything like that. But if I were to like, if I were to give you some heads up going to next year, like, don't underestimate them. This was a young group last year, and they held their own, especially against somebody like Washington with Roman Doone and Jalen Lipol.
Jacob:Like, last year, you got tested. You got, like, the year. Freshmans and sophomores started.
Brad:That was also True
Jacob:freshmen and sophomores starting in that in that defensive back. Like,
Brad:the first position. I don't think the team was as bad as people thought it, like, as as the record showed. They had a lot of close games that they could've won. I think they if if Tucker didn't have that scandal, I think they would've went
Jacob:for a bowl game.
Brad:I think they would have won 8 games, to be honest.
Jacob:I know. It's not even though, like, that much of a stretch to say that because not like, you can't underestimate, like, not just Mel Tucker's case, but any coach getting fired or investigated or arrested or anything like that. That is going to screw up a team mentally, physically. Like, that throws everything off no matter who you are. And, like, all props to Harlan Burnett.
Jacob:I know his record didn't show how much he put in faith and effort into trying to just hold that team to something, to an identity. Like, I think it would
Brad:be true. The pressure that that Barnett was under.
Jacob:Yeah. I know. There it it was just a completely horrible situation for him. But at the same time, he was trying his very best, and you see how that works out. So you can't you can't really underestimate that.
Jacob:So, like, I think if you were to, like, just compare this year and last year, like, maybe don't expect the worst. Because this year, we have culture. We have something. We have a structure that's being built, and that's the biggest thing. Like, I know last year was disappointing, and that's not Michigan State football.
Jacob:But you just kinda look at everything that happened too. Like, worst like, we got 4 wins with pretty much the worst possible scenario you can get. So I think that's, like, the kind of biggest thing. Like, just to look at maybe, like, in the spring practice, but also next season, like, look at that culture. The kinda, like, see how the players are acting on field almost in a way.
Jacob:Like, I kinda pay attention to the maybe the smaller stuff. Maybe not as much with football, but see how the team's kinda, like, coming together. Are they jumping around together? Are they giving each other hugs, daps, stuff like that? And I think that's what's kind of that that'll also kinda make or break next season.
Jacob:Like, is there a true culture? Can Jonathan Smith bring that here, and can he really get these guys to a family? I think last year, we kinda saw, like, a little bit of a divorce almost. Like, it was kinda just like a awkward ending between the two parties. So I think that's what I would instruct you guys to look for at home for looking into the next season in the practice.
Brad:Epic. So here's the deal. So we are gonna move on, first of all. So we're gonna move on to trivia.
Jacob:Oh, yeah.
Brad:We love some trivia.
Jacob:Who doesn't?
Brad:I'm actually looking up a rule in the NCAA right now. Oh, fact check. Well, because I want to know, do you remember when college football stopped getting rid of or stopped doing, like, ties? Do they still do ties? They don't do ties anymore, do they?
Jacob:Definitely not in football. That that sounds like some 1900.
Brad:This isn't this is definitely not a the trivia question.
Jacob:Okay.
Brad:The college football has now established tie breaking rules.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:The last tie in college football occurred. This is some trivia without even getting into trivia. The last high was on November 25, 1995 between Wisconsin and Illinois.
Jacob:Okay.
Brad:I was 1 month old.
Jacob:I wasn't crazy. Close the womb. So,
Brad:so they didn't, they didn't, I because I don't think that they changed game rules or something. Or I can't actually know. Maybe I'm just looking at the Wikipedia.
Jacob:It's hard to picture the, like, no college football. I thought overtime, like that recent too.
Brad:So they they established actual tie breaking rules. And so I think that because the, like, actual game rules weren't weren't changed, there are, like, no reasons why they are trying to, like, repeal it.
Jacob:You know
Brad:what I mean? So, like, there's no reason. So, overtime rules were added to the regular season games to settle ties.
Jacob:That's great.
Brad:So now, now that we know that, there's also something you should know. So the last time that Michigan State and Michigan tied was in 1963. Okay? There's another stat for you. How many times has the game ended in a tie?
Jacob:Between UHAB and Michigan.
Brad:Between Michigan and Michigan State. I can tell you this, the number is between 27. The only reason I'm telling you that is because, is because, like, I wanted it to be multiple choice. Yeah. But, like, I felt like I wanted to have, like, at least, like, 5 b 3, c 4, d 5, e 6, or f 7.
Brad:Man, that You get one guess.
Jacob:I'm trying to think of it, like, modestly, but I don't know. Like, because we're like, as a school, we're founded 1850. So that's out, like, only, like, a 100 years band.
Brad:Yeah. Yeah.
Jacob:And true college football didn't really start till when
Brad:And the last time was in 1963.
Jacob:Yeah. So, I'm gonna go I wanna go on somewhere in the middle. I'm gonna go with c 4 times.
Brad:Oof. So close. So close. The answer is 5.
Jacob:Man, I know. Somewhere in the middle. I should've
Brad:known it. Isn't that isn't that crazy? So the last time the Michigan State, and Michigan Tide was in 1963. Yeah. And that is pretty much it.
Jacob:I can't picture what college football did at the time.
Brad:Yeah. It's, it's actually kinda wild. You know, what's interesting though is, like, I think when, Michigan and Michigan State like, I constantly think about how, like, Michigan State has kinda had the edge in the rivalry if you look since, like, 2013 Yeah. Or so. Right?
Brad:But, like, the funny thing is is, like, you gotta remember that Michigan went through such a huge slide between 2010 and 2015. Right? And so because they went through that slide, like and also Michigan were was really good, But what's interesting is, I don't think that MSU has won since not being, like, being lower ranked since, oh, so they've done it actually 7, 7 times. Yeah. So So it was number 8 and number 6.
Brad:I don't really, like, know if I count that.
Jacob:Oh, yeah.
Brad:But that but it they've won 7 times. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Jacob:Okay.
Brad:Times as a lower ranked teams because they were unranked in 2017 and 2020
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:And 2001 and 2009. So those are 4 times just being unranked.
Jacob:Wow.
Brad:And then in 2011 and 2013, MSU was ranked 23 and 24. And then in 2021, they
Jacob:were number 8,
Brad:and they beat number 6. But that was, like, basically
Jacob:Kinda the same.
Brad:Both teams are really good. But Anyway, Michigan has only won as a lower ranked team twice Oh, wow. By the way. 2003 and 2005. 2005 is an unranked team, by the way, in overtime Oh.
Brad:In East Lansing. So That's about as hard
Jacob:it gets.
Brad:That is as best as hard as it gets.
Jacob:At least we don't get upside upset by them as much.
Brad:Yeah. Not not as much. But anyway, so that has been the sports round table, with MSU Football. The first time, actually, that I've talked about MSU Football on this podcast, which is crazy because football, it's been so long.
Jacob:I know. Right? We all miss it.
Brad:Almost we're almost there.
Jacob:Yeah.
Brad:Yeah. So this has been Sports Roundtable. If you would like to find out more information about the Sports Roundtable, follow the state news on Twitter at the snooze, and we will see you guys again in
Jacob:the next
Brad:one. Take care.