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Michigan State will be competing in the West Palm Beach Classic this year in addition to the Acrisure Classic previously announced.

Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith announced the Scout Team Players of the Week ahead of Florida Atlantic game, via social media. The players highlighted include true freshman wide receiver Jaylan Brown, true freshman defensive end Kekai Burnett, true freshman walk-on offensive lineman Kyler Brunan, redshirt freshman walk-on defensive back Caleb Gash and redshirt senior walk-on wide receiver Zach Gillespie.

Perhaps a new weekly feature from Smith?

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Nick Samac has made the Ravens roster as a center

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The 2024 Paris Paralympics begin today with the opening ceremony. There are always really inspiring stories to come out of the Paralympics. Here's the story of an athlete that has local Mid-Michigan ties.

When competition begins tomorrow (Thursday), keep an eye on St. Johns native and Lansing Community College student Jayci Simon who will compete in Para-badminton.

Simon has acromicric dysplasia (a form of dwarfism) and she will compete in the SH6 (Standing, short stature) classification of the Para-badminton event. Simon is in the SH6 Women's Singles tournament and SH6 Mixed Doubles tournament with her partner Miles Krajewski.

She trains with the MSU club badminton team playing with and against non-Para athletes because she doesn't have a regular coach or a facility to train at.

Here are some links if you want to learn more about Simon's story.

Feature story on Simon:


Athlete bio:

MSU has released its full hockey schedule.

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Article to come.

DJ Uiagalelei playing his Clemson type ball. Kid is horrendous. Shocked how shitty FSU looks.

In terms of playing rotations, Smith said that he and the coaching staff are “getting close” to figuring out who will play the first snaps on offense and defense. No matter who starts the game, though, there are multiple positions where Smith feels comfortable rotating players in and out of the game.

“We talk about 22 starters, which yeah, we’ll throw 22 guys out there, but I feel good that we’re going to play multiple guys in some positions,” Smith explained. “I think about the defensive line. We’re going to rotate through that. We feel five, six guys could rotate in the interior of the (defensive) line. Linebacker, same way. Receiver-wise, we will play more than two or three guys. Even the tight end spot, with (Jack) Velling, (Brennan) Parachek coming along here, Mola’s (Ademola Faleye) had a great camp, Mike (Masunas), you’re going to see multiple guys there. I mean, shoot, you might even see more than just five throughout the game at (offensive) line.”

More:

The time has finally come to officially kick off my weekly and somewhat whimsical series on Spartan Football, the broader college football landscape, math, and a dash of potentially dubious betting advice.

For those who may not be familiar, I have been using my algorithm and simulation methodology for several years now to analyze the football season. Over the years, I derived a couple of methods to find perhaps a few angles when it comes to betting.

As a general rule, I think that my upset bets are the most accurate and potentially lucrative. My recommended bets against the spread are very good over a 7-year span, but the last few years the hit rate has been a bit under .500. I recently added point total bets, but the results there have been extremely mixed. Two years ago, those picks were awesome. Last year they were terrible. I am not sure how this year will go.

I do not actually bet on sports myself, so I do recommend caution. I do this for the pure entertainment value only. But if you see a few things here that support some ideas you already have, let me provide a bit of confirmation bias.

As always, enjoy!

Michigan State's Matt Forbes opens U.S. Open action Tuesday as the first-ever Spartan in tournament.

Of note: Forbes is part of the MSU NIL Collective 'This is Sparta!'

Good stuff here from MSU:

Michigan State men’s tennis freshman Matthew Forbes will open action in the main draw of the 2024 U.S. Open on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow, New York, as announced by the U.S. Open Friday.

Forbes is the first Spartan to qualify for the tournament and will face Roman Safiullin of Russia in his first match, as the draw was announced by the U.S. Open.

“It means a lot to me to play in the U.S. Open as a Spartan and be the first Michigan State player to play there, especially since I think I’m one of just four college players in the main draw,” Forbes said. “I think it means a lot to the program and recruiting wise, there’s going to be young kids that see that Spartan head logo and our coaching staff in Spartan gear and hopefully over the next few years and that will be great for our program.”

The Spartan earned the wild card entry by winning the singles title at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Boys’ 18-Under National Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Aug. 11 at Kalamazoo College’s Stowe Stadium.

“It’s great to have Matthew playing in the U.S. Open main draw, he’s the first from our program and not a lot of college programs get to say they have a guy in the main draw of the U.S. Open,” assistant coach Kazuki Matsuno said to the media on Thursday. “It’s huge for us and huge promotion for us since he’ll be sporting some Sparty gear while he’s there, so people will be seeing Spartan colors there, which is huge for our tennis program and for Michigan State University.”

A TennisRecruiting.net blue-chip recruit, Forbes signed a National Letter of Intent with the Spartans in July. The Raleigh, North Carolina native has an International Tennis Federation (ITF) juniors career-high ranking of No. 34 and is ranked sixth in the class of 2024.

Forbes will be accompanied to New York by MSU men’s tennis head coach Harry Jadun, Coach Matsuno, and other members of the Spartan coaching staff, along with his hitting partner, junior Ozan Baris.

John Harbaugh said former Spartan Center Nick Samac has been coming on strong and has earned some first-string reps.

Tyler Linderbaum has been battling various ailments, opening the door for Samac.

“It will be fun to take this team into a hostile environment,” Herman said on Monday. “I certainly respect the heck out of Michigan State and their tradition, their fan base. It’s going to be a really, really difficult place to play.”

“I just remember – this is no offense to their brothers in Ann Arbor but that stadium in Ann Arbor holds 40,000 more people,” Herman said, “and I thought the one in East Lansing was significantly louder and more disruptive for an offense.”

Offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren spoke the media on Tuesday and gave us a decent idea on what we can expect against Florida Atlantic on Friday.

Read the article here:

With the passing of Don Wert, here is a list of players, coaches, media, and people associated with the 1968 Tigers who are still living, and the dates others passed


Gates Brown - D Sep 27, 2013
Les Cain - 76 years old
Dave Campbell - 82 years old
Norm Cash - D Oct 11, 1986
Bob Christian - D Feb 20, 1974
Wayne Comer - D Oct 4, 2023
Pat Dobson - D Nov 22, 2006
Roy Face - 96 years old
Bill Freehan - D Aug 19, 2021
Lenny Green - D Jan 6, 2019
John Hiller - 81 years old
Willie Horton - 81 years old
Al Kaline - D Apr 6, 2020
Fred Lasher - D Feb 27, 2022
Mickey Lolich - 83 years old
Tom Matchick - D Jan 4, 2022
Eddie Mathews - D Feb 18, 2001
Dick McAuliffe - D May 13, 2016
Denny McLain - 80 years old
Don McMahon - D July 22, 1987
Jim Northrup - D Jun 8, 20 11
Ray Oyler - D Jan 26, 1981
Daryl Patterson - 80 years old
Jim Price - D Aug 7, 2023
Dennis Ribant - D Apr 24, 2023
Jim Rooker - 81 years old
Joe Sparma - D May 14, 1986
Mickey Stanley - 82 years old
Dick Tracewski - 89 years old
Jon Warden - 77 years old
Don Wert - D Aug 25, 2024
Earl Wilson - D Apr 23, 2005
John Wyatt - D Apr 6, 1998
Mayo Smith Manager - D Nov 24, 1977
Tony Cuccinello 3rd Base Coach - D Sep 21, 1995
Wally Moses Hitting/1st Base Coach - D Oct 10, 1990
Hal Naragon Bullpen Coach - D Aug 31, 2019
Johnny Sain Pitching Coach - D Nov 7, 2006
Julio Moreno Batting Practice Pitcher - D Jan 2, 1987
Ray Herbert Batting Practice Pitcher - D Dec 20, 2022
Bill Behm Trainer - D Sep 28, 2012
John Fetzer Owner - D Feb 20, 1991
Jim Campbell General Manager - D Oct 31, 1995
George Kell WJBK TV - D Mar 24, 2009
Larry Osterman WJBK TV - 89 years old
Ernie Harwell WJR Radio - D May 4, 2010
Ray Lane WJR Radio - 94 years old

FAU +13.5

MSU -13.5

I watched the new documentary, called "Sign Stealer," about Connor Stalions on Netflix this morning. It was definitely told in a way that was much more catered to a non-college football fan that might not have heard too much about the insane depth of the story, which makes sense. To be honest, the documentary did not focus very much about the intricacies of the scheme.

This, frankly, is because Stalions is still dragging his feet about the entire thing. The biggest new piece of information from it was Stalions denying any true involvement with in-person scouting. But here's the weird part -- his side of the story is that he would, in fact, buy tickets to games featuring future Michigan opponents and then transfer or flip the seats to friends and family. After that, Stalions said while talking with the NCAA that those he gave tickets to would film "parts of games" without being directed to do so.

Also worth noting is that Stalions says that is was not him on the sideline of the Central Michigan game last year, but Dave Portnoy claimed that Stalions told him that is was.

Other tidbits include that Stalions received a game ball from Jim Harbaugh after UM beat Iowa in 2022, he appears to think Ohio State hacked him, he rushed the field after Michigan beat OSU and that a friend that Stalions bought tickets for says there is "no evidence" that he filmed games.

The Spartans Illustrated staff predicts Michigan State's record for the 2024 season:

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Rossi:

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Lindgren:

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Miller:

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Carter:

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3 days until kickoff!
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MSU Hockey announced their captains for the 2024-25 season this morning. Senior forward and Detroit Red Wings draft pick Redmond Savage will be the Captain for the upcoming season. The junior class is the rest of the leadership team with defensemen Matt Basgall, forward Tiernan Shoudy and forward Karsen Dorwart rounding out the group.

The Spartans will open the season Saturday Oct. 5 at Lake Superior State

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This is the second-straight season the Spartans and the Falcons have met in the home opener.​

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EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State men's soccer opens the home schedule against Bowling Green on Monday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium. Monday is Welcome Back Students Night at DeMartin.

In the season opener, the Spartans tied No. 25 SIUE 1-1 in Edwardsville, Illinois on Thursday, Aug. 22. Senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan provided the offense converting a penalty kick in the first half.

Brad LaPlante and Joe DesVergnes are on the call for B1G+.

LOOKING AT THE FALCONS
Bowling Green earned a season-opening win against Wright State on Friday, 3-2. After trailing 2-0 at half time, the Falcons came fighting back to score three second-half goals.

BGSU was picked to finish fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Falcons return 17 of 20 players from last year's team. Alberto Anaya and Trace Terry were both named All-MVC honors last season.

SERIES HISTORY
Michigan State leads the overall series with Bowling Green 25-17-7. In East Lansing, MSU holds a 10-3 advantage, while having a slight lead at Bowling Green 11-10-4. Last season's meeting was also MSU's home opener with the Spartans coming out on top 3-0. Michigan State got goals from Efosa Emovon, Jake Spadafora and Colin Arce. MSU is 8-1-1 against BGSU in the last 10 games.

RULE CHANGES THIS SEASON
This season the clock will stop on substitutions with 15 minutes left if the game is tied or the winning team makes a sub.

Substitutions can be made during any stoppage of time.

Another change is to allow teams six moments to make substitutions in a game. Current substitution exceptions for goalkeepers, injury caused by an opposing player who was cautioned or ejected, bleeding injury, blood on the uniform, concussion evaluation and a permanent medical condition will not count as a moment as long as no other substitutions are made at the same time by that team. If a coach has used all of their moments and there is an injury not covered by the current exceptions listed previously, the team will play short. For postseason overtime games, any unused moments will carry over and one additional moment for all of overtime will be awarded.

PK KING
Senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan scored the Spartans' only goal in the 1-1 tie against No. 25 SIUE. Kerrigan continues to shine from the penalty spot. Last season, Kerrigan led Michigan State in scoring with 12 points on six goals. Five of his six goals were penalty kicks.

HERMANN TROPHY
Junior midfielder Jonathan Stout was named to the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch List. The MAC Hermann Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college soccer and is presented annually to the most outstanding male and female players of the year.

Stout is the first Spartan to make the list since Giuseppe Barone and Patrick Nielsen were named to the Hermann Watch List in 2019. Prior to that, Ryan Sierakowski was honored in 2017. Goalkeeper Avery Steinlage was named to the watch list in 2010. In 2014, midfielder Jay Chapman was named a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, becoming the first Spartan in school history to achieve the feat.

PRESEASON HONORS
Michigan State men's soccer team had three players named to the Big Ten Players to Watch List, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday.
Juniors Jeremy Sharp, Jake Spadafora and Jonathan Stout were all honored by the league.

The Big Ten preseason poll was also released Tuesday, as voted on by the 11 conference coaches. This is first season the league has expanded to 11 teams with the addition of UCLA and Washington. MSU was voted to pick fifth, while Indiana was once again picked to win the league. Penn State was voted second, while newcomer UCLA was picked third.

Sharp, who hails from Roseville, Michigan, earned a spot on the B1G Player to Watch list for the first time in his career. Last season, the defender earned second-team All-Big Ten honors, playing in all 15 games. Sharp ended the season with third-team All-North Region honors. He was tied for third on the team in scoring last season with seven points on one goal and a team-high five assists.

Stout, a native of Wyoming, Michigan, was second on the team in scoring last season with 10 points on five goals. The midfielder was named to the preseason list last season as well. Stout was also named first-team All-Big Ten as a sophomore. He also captured first-team All-North Region honors.

Spadafora, a forward who hails from Northville, Michigan, was tied for third on the team in scoring with three goals and one assist for seven points. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors last season, as well as capturing second-team All-North Region accolades. Spadafora was also named to the watch list last season.

PRESEASON PLAY
The Spartans played two exhibition games to prepare for the 2024 season. On Aug. 12, MSU defeated Butler on the road 3-2. The Spartans fell in their final exhibition to UIC 1-0 on Aug. 16 at DeMartin Stadium.

NEWCOMERS
The Spartans welcome eight new players to the 2024 roster with four freshmen and four transfers. Senior midfielders Levin Gerhardt and Shion Soga come to MSU from CSUN and South Florida, respectively. Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Michael Sly Jr. comes to the Spartans from Oakland, while redshirt-sophomore defender Ryan Van De Winkle transferred from Loyola Chicago.

The Spartans also welcome freshmen: goalkeeper Jake Grekowicz, forward Oscar Huerta, defender Brandon Munson and midfielder Jared Smid.

GUESS WHO'S BACK
Michigan State brings back its top eight scorers from last season, including leading scorer senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan, who led the team with six goals for 12 points. Junior midfielder Jonathan Stout was second in scoring with 10 points on five goals. Juniors Jake Spadafora and Jeremy Sharp were tied for third in scoring with seven points.

Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Zac Kelly returns in net for the Spartans. Kelly had a fantastic season last season, allowing only 15 goals in 16 games for a 0.94 GAA.

UP NEXT
The Spartans next host Villanova on Friday, Sept. 30 at 12 p.m.

THE STAFF
MSU head coach Damon Rensing enters his 16th season at the helm of the Spartans. Assistant coaches T.J. Kolba is in his sixth season, while Nick Barry enters his fifth year at MSU. Reid Friedrichs, who enters his second year with Michigan State. Friedrichs has plenty of experience in the Green and White as a player, including Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 1996.

Game preview courtesy of MSU Athletics.

Below you can find links to all of our football 2024 season preview content:

• Full roster breakdown by the numbers
• Breakout candidates on offense
• Breaking down Michigan State's schedule
• Bold predictions
• Staff record predictions
• Michigan State 2023-2024 transfer portal tracker
• Positional Preview: Quarterbacks
• Positional Preview: Running backs
• Positional Preview: Wide receivers
• Positional Preview: Tight ends
• Positional Preview: Offensive line
• Positional Preview: Interior defensive line
• Positional Preview: Defensive ends and rush ends
• Positional Preview: Linebackers
• Positional Preview: Defensive backs
• Positional Preview: Special teams

This post will continue to be added to as more season preview content is published.

The Spartans men's basketball team will play Northern Michigan in Marquette, Michigan, on Sunday, October 13, at 1 p.m.

Northern Michigan's Superior Dome is the largest free-standing Wooden Dome in the World.

Jonathan Smith will have a press conference at 12:30.

We will drop some news and notes here.

EDIT:

Full press conference video up on our YouTube channel

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