It’s not a formal game, but score will be kept in an offensive vs defense showdown.
Michigan State Football will be taking to Spartan Stadium for some actual football this weekend. The Spring game had devolved into a glorified practice with some drills under former Coach Mel Tucker. After the team’s practice on Tuesday, new head coach Jonathan Smith promised this experience will have a more game-like atmosphere.
“It’ll be a little bit offense and defense. But the clocks going to run, trying to create a game-like atmosphere for most of it. … We’re gonna try to get about four quarters in of 10 minutes running clock and go offense versus defense. We’re gonna let the defense start with a lead, point-wise, and then play.”
Game Time: Saturday, April 20th at 2pm (US East Coast Time)
Watch the game: Streaming Live on BTN-Plus at 2:00pm and on tape delay on BTN at 4:00pm
The game, dubbed a “Showcase” by Smith, will be open to the public in-person.
After the gates open, fans will be greeted by Coach Smith and some Spartan players offering autographs on free posters. The posters will be distributed for free to all attendees.
The Spartans will be taking the field with the Spring transfer portal already open. The first departure of the Spring became official the day the portal opened with reserve offensive tackle Braden Miller leaving the team. Two players not listed on the Spring practice roster, freshman running back Jaelon Barbarin and Sophomore linebacker Ma’a Gaoteote, also officially entered the portal .
The spring transfer period should see at least a few more departures through the portal (there have been 22 since Mel Tucker’s firing as head coach), it should also give opportunities for the Spartans to add key pieces as they head into Summer practices and the Fall games.
For now, fans will most likely be focused on the performance of transfer Aidan Chiles at quarterback during the Showcase and any signs that the new look offense will be a drastic improvement over the last few years.
Seeing some actual competitive football scenarios will also be a nice change for fans watching in-person and at home.
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