FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR AT ‘SPRING SHOWCASE’
Jonathan Smith didn’t make any outward promises when he took over as Michigan State’s head coach at the end of last season.
But he’s already delivering fans something that his predecessor didn’t — and that’s some semblance of a spring scrimmage.
Saturday’s “Spring Showcase” is a glorified practice that should offer a taste of what Michigan State has been working on over the past few weeks. Smith also plans to bring back a scrimmage for at least part of the two-hour event at Spartan Stadium.
“The clock’s going to run, try to create a game-like atmosphere for most of it,” Smith said earlier this week. “We’re gonna try to get about four quarters in of 10 minutes running clock and go offense versus defense. We’re gonna let the defense start with a lead, point-wise, and then play.”
Saturday’s event is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. but gates will open at 12:15 p.m. Fans who arrive early will have a chance to meet Smith and the team during a photo op and autograph session that will take place until 1 p.m.
With this being a critical offseason for Michigan State, and Smith’s first year at the helm, Saturday should offer plenty fans will want to see.
Here are five things to keep an eye on:
First look at ‘D’ under Rossi
Michigan State’s defense, once revered, has been rather underwhelming as of late. Last season, the Spartans didn’t dazzle at anything on that side of the ball as they allowed the 11th-most points per game in the Big Ten (28.3) and gave up the league’s second-most total yards per game (389.3).
New defensive coordinator Joe Rossi is hoping to fix that.
Rossi was hired away from Minnesota, where he helped the Gophers to one of the nation’s best defensive units in 2021 and
2022 before injuries to Minnesota’s defense last season hampered its success in that area.
Rossi’s defensive philosophy has been shaped over various stops over the course of his career. The three main goals, though, are
stopping the run, creating takeaways and eliminating explosive plays.
Earlier takeaways from players and other coaches have been encouraging. Some have described Rossi’s scheme this spring as “aggressive.” Saturday should give a better idea of where the team is at in mastering it.
Chemistry between Chiles and his weapons
Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles was one of Michigan State’s most exciting additions of the offseason. Chiles is coming off a freshman season where he served as a backup to a veteran but took advantage of his opportunities when he got them.
Chiles didn’t throw a single interception in his 35 attempts and completed 68.6% of his passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns. He said his confidence blossomed every time he stepped onto the field.
Chiles’ established relationship with Smith and coordinator Brian Lindgren as well as his familiarity in the offense they plan to run should aid in the process of implementing it at Michigan State.
There’s no denying Chiles has