Michigan State football vs. Florida Atlantic: 5 determining factors and a prediction

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch breaks down Michigan State’s football opener vs. Florida Atlantic, 7 p.m. Friday. TV: Big Ten Network. Betting line: MSU 14

1. Aidan Chiles

There are a lot of factors that’ll determine this MSU football season beyond Aidan Chiles. But if the Spartans are going punch up this fall, it’ll likely mean their sophomore quarterback is a difference-maker. Chiles is an immense athlete talent who, by every account, has grown in terms of understanding of Brian Lindgren’s offense and how to read defenses. Chiles’ decision-making and passing accuracy will determine whether he’s able to maximize his athletic gifts this season. We’ll get a sense of where he is in his development and what sort of playmaker he is in this opening game against Florida Atlantic. Chiles has a world of potential as a dual-threat QB. But he won’t be 19 years old until after the Spartans’ second game and this is his first start and first time in such a prominent role. There’s a lot on his shoulders.

Nathan Carter returns as MSU’s starting running back.

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2. Who stands out among MSU’s offensive playmakers

Tight end Jack Velling, the transfer from Oregon State, figures to be a big part of things. Same for returning running back Nathan Carter. If receiver Montorie Foster is healthy, same for him, too. The question is, who, if anyone, really pops? Who becomes a consistent threat? Or a big-play threat? Is freshman receiver Nick Marsh ready for that? Is this Antonio Gates Jr.’s time? Is Carter, healthier than a year ago, paired with transfer Kay’ron Lynch-Adams in the backfield, the sort of tandem gives MSU a forceful ground game? We’ll start to see what’s what on Friday. Right now, it’s mostly questions. It…

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Author : Lansing State Journal

Publish date : 2024-08-28 10:28:28

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