The Michigan State Spartans ended their maiden season with Jonathan Smith rather awfully. They had a 5-7 record, which had the fandom questioning if the head coach’s decision was the right one.
The offensive line was disturbed by injuries. This pushed young, inexperienced players into action, which led to rotation issues and a lack of chemistry. This ended with eleven sacks given up in six games and a sluggish 2.5 yards per carry on the ground.
To add on, the red zone inefficiency was also evident. Smith’s Oregon State team led the nation in conversions in 2023, but MSU ranked a dismal 127th in 2024. If that was not enough, add to it the inconsistent linebacker play. It looks like Smith couldn’t bring his Oregon magic in his first year.
From the looks of the 2025 schedule, this year is not going to get any better unless Smith can bring the magic element he was hired for.
List of Michigan State Spartans Opponents in 2025
Non-Conference Games:
- August 30 Saturday:
vs Western Michigan (Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Mich.) - September 6 Saturday:
vs Boston College (Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Mich.) - September 13, Saturday:
vs Youngstown State (Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Mich.) - September 20, Saturday:
at USC (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Big Ten Conference Games:
- October 4, Saturday:
at Nebraska (Lincoln, Neb.) - October 11, Saturday:
vs UCLA (Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Mich.) - October 18, Saturday:
at Indiana (Bloomington, Ind.) - October 25 Saturday:
vs Michigan (Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Mich.) - November 1, Saturday:
at Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minn.) - November 15, Saturday:
vs Penn State (Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Mich.) - November 22, Saturday:
at Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa) - November 29, Saturday:
vs Maryland (Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.)
A bunch of names on this year’s schedule have a built-in storyline. The Spartans will be looking for revenge in the matchup against Boston College after their 23-19 loss in 2024. Then there is also the Michigan showdown. Meanwhile, MSU’s matchup with Iowa will be one to watch.
In 2024, the Spartans took down the Hawkeyes, 32-20. But that was in East Lansing; this time, they will have to face Iowa in Iowa City. And no doubt, it will not be easy.
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And of course, there’s USC. They are one of the biggest names in college football, and their team is as strong as ever. Then there is also Indiana, a team that the Spartans could not take down last season.
Indian went on to win 47-10, with an early lead for Spartans vanishing by halftime. Jonathan Smith’s second year needs to be one that brings a strong game. The pieces are there, but the Spartans need to tighten up in the red zone, solidify their offensive line, and get consistent linebacker play. If they do, 2025 could be the year of the Spartans.
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