Michigan State started fast but finished slow in season-opening win over Western Michigan
It was a tale of two halves (I know, same old, same old), but Michigan State opened the 2025 season with a three-possession victory on Friday night.
The Spartans jumped out to a big lead and then coasted in the second half for a 23-6 victory over Western Michigan on Friday. Michigan State failed to find the endzone in the second half, but a great start to the game and stout defensive effort was enough for the Spartans to beat the Broncos with ease.
Michigan State got off to a strong start with back-to-back touchdowns on their first two drives of the game, including an impressive score from star wide receiver Nick Marsh. Michigan State would add one more touchdown before the end of the opening frame on a Makhi Frazier run from nine yards out to lead 21-0 at the break.
The scoring unfortunately came to an end, at least from the offense, in the first half with the Spartans only adding a safety in the second half. Luckily for Michigan State, the Spartans defense held strong throughout, with the lone touchdown in the second half coming on a late fourth quarterback pick-six by the Broncos.
Michigan State starting quarterback Aidan Chiles finished the game with 155 passing yards and one touchdown pass on nearly 74% completion percentage. The Spartans were led on the ground by Frazier with 103 yards and one touchdown. New Spartan wide receiver Omari Kelly led the way in receiving with 75 yards on seven receptions in his Michigan State debut.
The second half effort from the Spartans was disappointing for fans and I’m sure the coaching staff. But overall, the Spartans looked impressive and one could argue they essentially “sat on the ball” during the second half since they felt comfortable with the victory in hand. There certainly are some areas for improvement out of this opener, but it’s a much better starter than last year’s nail-biter against Florida Atlantic in Jonathan Smith’s debut.
Michigan State will return to the field with another home non-conference game next week against Boston College. Kickoff from Spartan Stadium on Saturday, September 6 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised nationally on NBC.
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