MSU OC Lindgren: Lots of Learning in Spring Practices

Michigan State Spartans offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren talked about cleaning up the little things as spring practice nears its end.

Michigan State offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren knows all eyes will be on the offense in 2024.

Last season, the Spartans ranked 96th in passing offense, 125th in rushing offense and 125th in total offense. The Spartans were 120th in third-down conversion percentage (30.9 %) and were third to last in the country in scoring offense.

As offensive coordinator under current Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith at Oregon State last season, Lindgren orchestrated one of the better offenses in college football. OSU finished 45th in passing offense, 57th in rushing, and 45th in total offense (ahead of national champion Michigan, Ohio State and Alabama).

This offseason, Lindgren is tasked with implementing an improved offense that is expected from him and Smith.

"[It's] Trending upwards," Lindgren told media members after Michigan State's spring practice on Thursday. "There are a lot of teachable moments throughout the first 11 practices. Obviously, we have thrown a lot at them in terms of install and a lot of guys getting in for the first time.

"We have just a lot of little details and those things to clean up. ... Coming out of that first scrimmage there are those typical things of pre-snap penalties, we had a number of turnovers putting the ball on the ground, quarterback center exchange, and some of those basic things that we would like to clean up before we do it again. The guys have had an awesome attitude and they have been working hard at it."

Lindgren has a talented quarterback group, led by highly-touted Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles, and a full running back room to work with -- returning Spartans like redshirt junior Nate Carter (leading rusher from last season), redshirt senior Jalen Berger, redshirt junior Davion Primm and sixth-year running back Jaren Mangham.

At tight end, transfer Jack Velling has stood out. The Spartans are plenty confident in their experienced wide receiver corps as well.

"Like I said," Lindgren said, "we have been throwing a lot at them and they have done a nice job of taking that and taking the next step the next time they come back out."

The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spring Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.

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