As Michigan State football grapples with the aftermath of last year’s scandal, Jonathan Smith steps in as a beacon of stability and experience. Nearly a year after former coach Mel Tucker faced allegations of sexual harassment and was subsequently fired, Smith's arrival marks a fresh start for the beleaguered program.
Smith, who at 45 brings a wealth of experience and a calm demeanor, is tasked with picking up the pieces left by Tucker's tumultuous tenure. Tucker, who had a $95 million contract and a promising 11-win season in 2022, saw his time with the Spartans unravel after allegations surfaced about his behavior during a phone call with activist Brenda Tracy.
The fallout led to a dismal end to the season, with Michigan State losing eight of their last ten games. Tucker's legal battle continues as he filed a federal lawsuit earlier this month.
With Smith now steering the ship, there's a sense of cautious optimism. His previous success at Oregon State, where he turned around a one-win team into a Pac-12 contender, offers hope. Smith’s knack for revitalizing teams is well-documented; he led the Beavers to 25 wins over three seasons and earned Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors.
One of Smith’s significant achievements has been retaining and recruiting key players. He managed to keep several Spartans from jumping ship and brought over some of his trusted Oregon State staff. As Smith told The Associated Press :
“They could have chosen to go somewhere else — and they chose us. I do feel good about that part. These guys want to be here, they love football and we’re going to put this thing together.”
The quarterback position, crucial to any team’s success, appears solid with the return of Aidan Chiles. The 18-year-old, who saw action in nine games last season, was recently named a team captain by his peers.
“Off the field and in the locker room, he’s a uniter,” Smith noted before Chiles' captaincy. This familiarity with the new offensive schemes is expected to be a game-changer.
Smith also managed to recruit standout players such as AP All-Pac 12 offensive lineman Tanner Miller and all-conference tight end Jack Velling. These additions should bolster the Spartans' offensive line and provide reliable targets for Chiles.
Among the returning talent are leading rusher Nathan Carter, receiver Montorie Foster Jr., and top tackler Cal Haladay. Smith expressed confidence in Carter, stating, “Nate Carter has a chance to have a really good year in the scheme.”
The coaching staff Smith has assembled is a mix of familiar faces and new blood. Six former Oregon State assistants have joined him in East Lansing, alongside former Spartans like Courtney Hawkins and Demetrice Martin, who bring Big Ten experience to the table.
The season ahead poses a tough challenge. With a projected win total of just 5.5 games, according to BetMGM Sportsbook , the Spartans’ schedule is daunting. The Smith era kicks off with a Friday night game against Florida Atlantic on August 30.
The middle of the season is particularly grueling, featuring home games against No. 2 Ohio State and No. 25 Iowa, as well as road games against No. 3 Oregon and rival No. 9 Michigan.
As Michigan State embarks on this new chapter, Smith’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Smith can turn the program around and restore its former glory.
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