Michigan State Spartans Football: Jonathan Smith Era Begins in the Big Ten

A New Era in East Lansing

East Lansing, Michigan - A new era of Michigan State Spartans football is underway as Jonathan Smith takes the reins as head coach. Smith, a former Spartan quarterback and offensive coordinator, returns to his alma mater after a successful tenure at Oregon State.

A Challenging Start

The Spartans face a tough challenge in their inaugural Big Ten season. The conference is home to some of the nation's top programs, including Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. Smith and his staff will need to quickly adjust to the higher level of competition.

Key Players to Watch

* Quarterback Payton Thorne: The sophomore quarterback is expected to lead the Spartans' offense. He threw for over 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns in his breakout season last year. * Running Back Kenneth Walker III: The junior running back is a key part of the Spartans' rushing attack. He ran for over 1,000 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2020. * Linebacker Cal Haladay: The senior linebacker is the Spartans' leading tackler. He had over 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons.

Outlook for the Season

Predicting the Spartans' record in their first Big Ten season is difficult. They have a talented roster but will face a challenging schedule. A bowl game appearance would be a solid first step for Smith and his team.

Smith's Vision for the Program

Smith's vision for Michigan State football is to build a team that is competitive in the Big Ten and contends for championships. He wants to develop players both on and off the field and create a culture of excellence. If he can achieve his goals, the Spartans could be a force in the Big Ten for years to come.