What Fans Should Look Forward to Ahead of MSU's Opener

On this latest edition of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast, our Aidan Champion highlights what Spartan fans should be eager to see at Michigan State football's first game on Aug. 29.
Sparty
Sparty | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans on SI

Michigan State's home opener against Western Michigan is almost exactly one week out.

It's been a long wait, but it's nearly here, and the best time of the year is about to kick off -- literally. For Michigan State fans, there's a lot to look forward to, not just on the field but with the updates on the gameday experience.

Our Aidan Champion identifies the key things fans should be eager about on this latest episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast.

You can watch below:

Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith addressed the media on Monday. Below is a partial transcript:

Jonathan Smith

Opening Statement:

Smith: "Good work this morning. We're pleased with what we got done today, and now, we're going to transition really into game prep, so training camp kind of concluding. Pleased with it. I thought we, obviously, got a lot of hard work in and getting closer to game time. Still want to take advantage of the next less than two weeks here of practices and all of that. But pleased with where we're at."

Q: Where are you at with health?

Smith: "Feeling like we're in a solid space there (with health). Again, I'll let you know if anything is season(-ending). We've definitely got some bumps, bruises going through camp that way. (Jack) Velling today, getting some reps in team period. He looked ready to continue to go. Did some more there.

"Nikai (Martinez), potentially, Game 1, might be out. We'll see where that goes. But we're feeling pretty healthy."

Q: How many positions got clarity from the scrimmage, and how many are still competitions?

Smith: "There's still some competition, and in a good way. I mean, we just feel like we've got some depth and we've got a position group or two that we got more than -- whatever it is -- two starters, wanting to get guys in. I think the running back room, I felt the run game was better on Saturday. So, we were pleased with that.

"Brandon (Tullis) had some good carries. Really all of them -- Makhi (Frazier) ran it really well, caught the ball in the backfield well. So, we were pleased with that room. That would be a particular one where you can see multiple guys back there."

Michigan State football student section
Michigan State football student section | Starr Portice, Michigan State on SI

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