EAST LANSING — Football season is finally here. As Michigan State goes through its final preparations for game one, the Spartans are set to host the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium for its annual “Stripe the Stadium” game on Friday evening.
The Spartans are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2022 season, which ended with a 5-7 record and not reaching a bowl game for the third time in 16 seasons.
“No one can put more pressure on me than I put on myself,” said Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker.
Tucker has yet to announce who will be starting under center at quarterback for the season-opener, and likely will not reveal a starter until game time. With Payton Thorne transferring to Auburn, redshirt junior Noah Kim or redshirt freshman Katin Houser is in line for the starting job.
Kim appeared in four games in 2022 while serving as Thorne’s backup. He completed 14 of 19 throws for 174 yards and three touchdowns.
“We’ll see who runs out there first on Friday night and we’ll go from there,” Tucker said at his Monday press conference.
This is the second straight season where the Spartans will open up against a Mid-American Conference opponent. MSU kicked off 2022 against Western Michigan, defeating the Broncos 35-13.
Central Michigan comes off of a 4-8 campaign in 2022, while losing star running back Lew Nichols III to the NFL. However, the Chippewas do return a bulk of their starting defense, including consensus preseason All-Mid-American conference picks Jacques Bristol and Robi Stuart.
On the defensive side, Michigan State adds impactful talent through recruiting and the NCAA transfer portal. Coach Tucker bulked up his defensive line with the additions of Tunmise Adeleye, Dre Butler, and Jalen Sami. In recruiting, MSU lands four stars Bai Jobe, Andrew Depeape, Jordan Hall, and Jalen Thompson, who should all see game action Friday night.
Michigan State kicks off its 2023 season against Central Michigan at 7 p.m. You can listen to the broadcast on 88.9FM, with Zac Slowik and Matt Merrifield on the call.
