Why MSU Has No Choice but to Look Forward

Moving forward into the rest of the college football season, MSU needs to keep its head up and focus on the games remaining.

Michigan State's head coach Jonathan Smith leaves the field after the Spartans loss to Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Losing a rivalry game never feels good. Especially if it is considered one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports. Michigan versus Michigan State is one of the most important sporting events in Michigan history, probably second to "The Game" between the University of Michigan and Ohio State University.

With the loss to UofM, Jonathan Smith's job comes under scrutiny and heavy criticism. Michigan State, over the last two years, has felt Michigan doesn't competitively outmatch it, yet it still lost. This is obviously demoralizing for a school to lose two close games to a rival.

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) runs against Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) and defensive back Mason Curtis (25) during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Coming into this game, it felt like a make-or-break for MSU," The radio show on 97.1 said after the game, "Can we say Joe Rossi was the actual coach for Michigan State Saturday night?"

This quote touched a lot of what fans feel after the game. All the doubts about Smith's coaching could be verified by watching this game. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi looked more like the head coach than Jonathan Smith.

The season starts with three out-of-conference wins at home. This was a good sign for MSU as they hoped Smith would improve upon what the team did last year, and it seemed like it. MSU went 3-0 compared to 2-1 to start the season.

Even beating Boston College in the revenge game. Aidan Chiles was showing improvement along with the rest of the team. But as soon as conference play began, MSU went 0-5.

Michigan State's defensive coordinator Joe Rossi watches during warmups before the football game against Western Michigan on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Downfall

The first loss was a competitive bout against USC. MSU lost, but they at least looked like they could compete. The last four losses paint a different story for MSU football. The offense looked confused and never on the same page, and the defense looked like they hadn't made improvements from last year.

If your MSU, the one positive was how enthusiastic the defense played, and it really helped them contain Michigan for a while.

Looking forward, MSU can't relapse in this game and keep trying to fix their weaknesses while winning some conference games. Although it's looking rough for MSU as of now, coach Smith and many fans still believe they can redeem themselves, and all it takes is a couple of conference wins.

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