EAST LANSING — A hefty sigh of relief is in order for Jonathan Smith and the Michigan State football team.
Following a massive overhaul of the coaching staff and players, the former Oregon State head coach stood alongside his team on the sideline for the first time, with expectations looming large from the fanbase for the program.
As any new regime faces, its first game on the gridiron was marked by both turbulence and promise.
But, after 60 minutes, MSU topped Florida Atlantic 16-10, and no team will complain about a win, no matter how it comes.
“Game one, you’re gonna learn a lot about your team, and we [MSU] have got a lot to work on,” Smith said. “What I did learn – and was pleased with – is that there’s a response in this group. We’re gonna play for four quarters, you win the game in the fourth quarter, and we were able to do that.”
Aidan Chiles, the four-star transfer quarterback who followed his coach to East Lansing, who made his debut in the Spartan uniform Friday night, was on par with how any 18-year-old making their first collegiate start would go: flashes of playmaking ability with some rust and nerves to contrast it.
The difference between Chiles and your average true sophomore starter is, simply put, his leadership. Michigan State’s offense struggled to make the extra step in this game, whether it be miscues that lead to turnovers or the ability to get the ball down the field and score when it needs to happen.
“I’m taking full responsibility for everything that happened today,” Chiles said. “I play football for a living and didn’t come out and perform my best today.”
While Chiles may not have been satisfied with his performance, the run game was an asset that he was incredibly proud of on the offensive side of the ball.
“Those running backs, they work so hard,” Chiles said. “I’m so proud of them. They did everything for me today, and I truly appreciate them.”
The run game carried the MSU offense through this dogfight. Newcomer Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, a senior transfer from UMass, had his way with the Florida Atlantic defense. Lynch-Adams broke the 100-yard threshold in his debut, courtesy of a 63-yard house call that ignited the Spartan faithful.
“That was an offensive line touchdown,” Lynch-Adams said. “As soon as that crease opened up, I just did what I was supposed to do.”
On the flip side, MSU’s defense played rock solid for most of the game. Fifth-year senior defensive back Angelo Grose rose up with 11 tackles and an interception, while sixth-year senior defensive lineman Khris Bogle was a force to be reckoned with in the backfield, tallying five tackles, a sack and a half, and two and a half quarterback hits.
“[It’s my] last year, man,” Grose said. “Last ride. I got to do everything. Fly around, make plays.
Growth and development are going to be vital for Michigan State as it navigates the newly formed Big Ten conference for the rest of the season. As the leaves turn to fall colors, and the snow starts to layer the campus, this team will experience some growing pains through Smith’s inaugural season. But, at the end of the day, winning the football game is what matters, and Jonathan Smith begins his MSU tenure 1-0.
“Obviously you try to win the game, and we got that done,” Smith said.
Michigan State will travel to College Park, Maryland next Saturday, Sept. 7, to take on the Maryland Terrapins. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.