Michigan State football has made its return.
Under first-year head coach Jonathan Smith, the Spartans are entering a new chapter as they aim to revitalize the program following two disappointing seasons that resulted in no bowl games under the dismissed coach Mel Tucker.
The kickoff was slightly delayed to 7:10 p.m. due to a severe thunderstorm watch in the area, but conditions cleared in time for the game to commence.
The Spartans’ roster features significant changes, with transfer sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles leading the team. Chiles followed Smith and offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren from Oregon State. Michigan State has 61 players who were not part of last year’s season-opening roster, including 24 transfers.
The game is being broadcast on the Big Ten Network and can also be streamed on Fubo (which offers a free trial). According to BetMGM, Michigan State is a 13½-point favorite.
Live updates from the Michigan State vs. Florida Atlantic season opener are as follows:
Halftime: Michigan State leads 16-3
The first half wasn’t flawless for the Spartans but they managed to create a two-possession lead by the end of the second quarter. MSU committed two turnovers in the first quarter and scored the initial points with a safety from D’Quan Douse. In the second quarter, the offense found its rhythm with rushing touchdowns from Aidan Chiles and Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, while the defense contributed with two interceptions by safeties Angelo Grose and Nikai Martinez.
Chiles completed six out of 13 passes for 72 yards with one interception on the very first play. Lynch-Adams tallied 73 rushing yards on four carries, while Nate Carter rushed 11 times for 29 yards. Martinez and Khris Bogle each led the Spartans with four tackles, with Bogle also recording a sack and two tackles for loss. Florida Atlantic accumulated a total of 117 yards, with 96 coming on the ground.
4:43, 2Q: FAU scores with a field goal, MSU leads 16-3
Florida Atlantic finds the scoreboard after moving into Michigan State territory with strong runs from Zuberi Mobley and Cam Fancher. Although they fumbled near the Spartan red zone, Fancher recovered the ball, allowing Morgan Suarez to successfully kick a 43-yard field goal.
9:07, 2Q: Lynch-Adams rushes for a 63-yard touchdown, MSU leads 16-0
Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams made a statement with an explosive 63-yard touchdown run. After a previous near touchdown was thwarted, he broke through the middle of the line with the help of powerful blocks from center Tanner Miller and left guard Luke Newman, rushing untouched into the end zone.
11:15, 2Q: Aidan Chiles scores a touchdown, Michigan State leads 9-0
Aidan Chiles secured his first touchdown as a Spartan just three plays after an interception. On third-and-3 from the FAU 11, he executed a quarterback draw, evaded a defender, and walked into the end zone.
12:03, 2Q: Nikai Martinez intercepts a pass
Transfer Nikai Martinez secured his first turnover for the Spartans with an easy pick. After a preceding punt, Fancher attempted a sideline pass but overthrew it, allowing Martinez to make the interception and return it to the Florida Atlantic 18-yard line.
13:50, 2Q: Angelo Grose intercepts Fancher
Michigan State’s defense generated another key play as veteran cornerback Angelo Grose intercepted a pass after FAU made substantial progress down the field, thwarted by key penalties against the Spartans.
1:40, 1Q: Montorie Foster Jr. fumbles, FAU recovers
Michigan State’s offense registered its second turnover in three drives. After advancing to the red zone for the first time, a fumble by Foster while trying to evade a tackle handed the ball back to FAU.
7:49, 1Q: D’Quan Douse forces a safety, Michigan State leads 2-0
The Spartans scored their first points of the season thanks to D’Quan Douse, who sacked FAU’s quarterback in the end zone.
14:53, 1Q: Chiles intercepted on the first play
In an unfortunate start to the new era of Spartans football, Aidan Chiles was intercepted on the first play from scrimmage after a tipped pass gave FAU possession.
Lansing is currently under a severe thunderstorm watch, causing kickoff to be delayed to 7:10 p.m. The National Weather Service predicts possible hail and high winds, advising fans to take shelter during severe weather.
The Michigan State vs. FAU game date is Friday, August 30, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
The matchup will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, with streaming available on Fubo and radio coverage on WJR-AM in Detroit.
With the significant turnover in coaching staff and players, there is much curiosity about how Michigan State will perform this season. Jonathan Smith aims to replicate his success from Oregon State, building a balanced offense and solid defense as the Spartans prepare for the challenges of an expanded Big Ten.