How Michigan State's Offense Has Changed Over Time

MSU has had some dynamic offenses, but this year, MSU's offense has made some changes.

Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images | Kylie Graham-Imagn Images

Through the Dantonio era of Michigan State University football, their offense was a powerhouse. Not only was their offense, but so was their defense.

Sep 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; The Big 10 logo on a sideline yardage marker during warmups prior to the game between Buffalo Bulls and Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Many offenses thrive on their defense, and MSU was no exception. MSU's defense was one of the best in the entire NCAA. Some of the best run defense and pass defense they've ever had. Having a good defense is so crucial to an offense. The more possessions an offense has, the more opportunities it has to score.

MSU's offense objectively wasn't better than their defense till around 2020, and that's when the Spartans started relying on outscoring opponents instead of slugging it out if possible. In 2021, this became particularly evident when MSU played some of the best ball they had ever played for most of the season.

Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III runs by Maryland Terrapins linebacker Ahmad McCullough during the first half Nov. 13, 2021 at Spartan Stadium. Msu Mary | Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan State really ran the ball well and made a living off the run game. Some of MSU's best players in recent memory are running backs. One of the most successful and recent backs in memory is Kenneth Walker.

Walker is currently the running back for Seattle and was a Heisman candidate in 2021. In 2021, Walker helped MSU come back against the University of Michigan to win their annual rivalry game. That game solidified Walker's dominant status as an MSU running back and assured his critics of just how good he is.

Michigan State running back Nathan Carter runs against Maryland defensive back Dante Trader Jr. during the second half of MSU's 31-9 loss on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in East Lansing. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Following last year, when Nathan Carter joined the NFL, MSU was left with a new offensive scheme. In 2024, Carter helped Chiles when the pass game wasn't there, or chemistry wasn't clicking between Chiles and the receivers.

However, this year, MSU's run game has been compromised. Obviously, the main reason is that Carter is gone, but throughout this season, MSU's run game hasn't been nearly as dominant as it has been in previous years.

Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images | Kylie Graham-Imagn Images

This year, a lot more responsibility has fallen onto Aidan Chiles and the pass game to move the ball. Thus far in the season, the results have been varied, with Chiles' maturity improving, but also an increased workload, which means more mistakes during the game for Chiles and the offense.

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