Sports

A new era of MSU football began Friday night, topping Florida Atlantic by a shaky score of 16-10

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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.

Sports

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown embraces new contract, city of Detroit, and newest Lions draft pick

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As a fourth-round selection – pick No. 112 to be exact – becoming the highest-paid wide receiver in the National Football League is a pipe dream. 

Three years of hard work, dedication, and being a sought-after teammate guided Amon-Ra St. Brown to ink a four-year, $120 million contract extension, including $77 million guaranteed, becoming the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

Sports

A few takeaways from the new-look Michigan State football team at its annual spring showcase

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Just under a month into spring, Michigan State football returned to Spartan Stadium for its Spring Showcase. Led by new head coach Jonathan Smith, as well as a plethora of his coaching staff and transfer players who now call East Lansing home after some time at Oregon State, the team was eager to take the field and play in front of the Spartan faithful. New starting quarterback Aidan Chiles, a sophomore who transferred from Oregon State to follow his head coach Jonathan Smith, talked about what it was like to get his first taste of what Michigan State football is all about. 

Sports

MSU basketball uses suffocating defense to down Michigan in Ann Arbor, 73-63

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Career goals and aspirations vary from player to player.

Some strive to win personal accolades, and some dream of being a March Madness legend.

But beating your biggest rival on their home court is a goal that sifts through the minds of nearly every competitive athlete.

On Saturday night, all 15 players on the Michigan State basketball team got their first taste of beating rival Michigan in Ann Arbor.