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Spartan Speak

Lansing State Journal

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Weekly discussion from the Lansing State Journal … Lansing, Michigan.

Spartan Speak

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The bar is raised for Michigan State basketball this season

Lansing State Journal sportswriters Graham Couch and Phil Friend, along with Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari, discuss Michigan State football's 30-27 win over Penn State on Saturday, what it means to win 10 games, look at which bowl game the Spartans will play in and Mel Tucker's 10-year, $95 million extension is now official. We spend most of the podcast talking about MSU basketball following its Wednesday night win over Louisville in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. We give flowers to Tyson Walker, AJ Hoggard, Malik Hall, Marcus Bingham Jr. and Jaden Akins, but have a lengthy discussion about Joey Hauser's continued struggles. We end the show with our College Football Playoff predictions.

Postgame: Michigan State holds off Penn State for 10-win season

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari break down Michigan State's 30-27 win over Penn State on Sunday.

Michigan State dunks on Loyola at Battle 4 Atlantis, plus a Penn State football preview

On this week's podcast, Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and the Lansing State Journal's Graham Couch and Phil Friend just watched the Michigan State basketball team beat Loyola Chicago on a last-minute alley-opp at the Battle 4 Atlantis opener. Then, we preview Saturday's regular-season finale in football, when the Spartans take on Penn State with a chance for win No. 10 and a New Year's Six bowl bid - followed by predictions.

Postgame: Nothing goes right for MSU in 56-7 loss to Ohio State

The Lansing State Journal's Graham Couch and the Detroit Free Press' Chris Solari and Shawn Windsor break down Michigan State's 56-7 loss to Ohio State on Saturday.

Mel Tucker contract extension, Game of the Season vs. Ohio State, hoops talk

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari have been busy this week, thanks in large part to the news that Chris broke regarding Mel Tucker's 10-year, $95 million contract extension. After that, they preview Saturday's top-10 showdown against Ohio State and then talk a little hoops at the end.

MSU takes care of business vs. Maryland; Ohio State awaits in top 10 showdown

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari break down Michigan State's 40-21 win over Maryland on Saturday, with a peek ahead to next weekend's game against No. 4 Ohio State.

Michigan State football needs to avoid downward spiral vs. Maryland

The Michigan State football team did not successfully avoid the trap game last weekend in losing to Purdue, 40-29, knocking the Spartans from No. 3 in the College Football Playoff to No. 7. The Lansing State Journal's Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press' Chris Solari discuss the fallout from the loss and where it puts the Spartans heading into Saturday's game vs. Maryland. Later, they discuss the basketball team's loss to Kansas in the Champions Classic and make their picks for MSU-Maryland game.

Postgame: No. 3 Michigan State loses to Purdue, 40-29

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press columnist Shawn Windsor break down Michigan State's 40-29 loss to Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette.

Michigan State is No. 3 in initial CFP rankings, now must avoid Purdue "trap game"

The initial College Football Playoff rankings were released Tuesday, and Michigan State is No. 3, behind Georgia and Alabama. That's what happens when you win an unbeaten, top-10 showdown like the Spartans did in beating Michigan on Saturday. Now comes the hard part, sustaining the success and not getting caught in a potential "trap game" vs. Purdue. Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and the Lansing State Journal's Graham Couch and Phil Friend discuss all that and more on this week's episode.

Postgame: Reaction to Michigan State's 'epic, improbable' win over Michigan

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari break down Michigan State's 37-33 win over Michigan on Saturday in East Lansing, as the Spartans won the battle of top-10, unbeaten teams.

Lunacy awaits as Michigan State, Michigan meet in unbeaten, top-10 showdown

It's a four-man podcast this week as a trio of Lansing State Journal writers - Graham Couch, Nate Atkins and Phil Friend - along with Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari prepare for the insanity of Saturday's game in East Lansing between seventh-ranked Michigan State and sixth-ranked Michigan.

Postgame: Michigan State holds off Indiana, 20-15, to stay unbeaten

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press sportswriters Chris Solari and Shawn Windsor discuss Michigan State's 20-15 win over Indiana on Saturday.

Kenneth Walker's Heisman Trophy push gains steam as Indiana awaits

This week, host Phil Friend is joined by Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports storyteller Nate Atkins as they discuss: A brief look ahead at Michigan Coaches' weird obsession with everything being a state secret What Indiana brings to the table Kenneth Walker's Heisman chances Evaluating Payton Thorne's season Predictions for Saturday's game

Postgame: Reaction to Michigan State's 31-13 win over Rutgers

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari discuss the Spartans' 31-13 win over Rutgers on Saturday to move to 6-0.

Michigan State football keeps chopping wood as Rutgers awaits

The Michigan State football is 5-0, ranked 11th in the coaches poll and has two legitimate Heisman Trophy candidates in Kenneth Walker and Jayden Reed. The Spartans are living a lush life these days. Awaiting the Spartans on Saturday is Rutgers, which beat MSU last year and forced seven turnovers in the process. Host Phil Friend is joined by Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and State Journal sports storyteller Nate Atkins as they discuss the Spartans' hot start, rising expectations (College Football Playoff?) and preview Saturday's game against Rutgers.

Postgame: Michigan State handles Western Kentucky, 48-31

Lansing State Journal sports reporters Graham Couch and Nate Atkins recap Michigan State's 48-31 win over Western Kentucky on Saturday night.

MSU gains momentum on recruiting trail, hopes for more offense vs. Western Kentucky

Host Phil Friend is joined by State Journal columnist Graham Couch and sports storyteller Nate Atkins as we discuss: Commitment of 4-star ATH Dillon Tatum MSU's offensive woes vs. Nebraska MSU's strong defensive performance vs. the Cornhuskers How the Spartans match up with Western Kentucky Reactions to first MSU basketball practice Predictions

Postgame: Michigan State beats Nebraska, 23-20, in OT

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari deliver their instant reaction to Michigan State football's 23-20 overtime win Saturday night in Spartan Stadium.

Michigan State wants to put Nebraska in the 'deep water' with Miami

Michigan State football is ranked 21st after beating No. 24 Miami last weekend, and the 3-0 Spartans aim to make it 4-0 with Nebraska coming to town Saturday night. Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch have plenty to say about both games in this week's podcast: How MSU beat Miami, including dietician Amber Rinestine Nebraska's offense vs. MSU's defense Payton Thorne and MSU offense's progress Connor Heyward's transition to tight end Nebraska's defense "The Woodshed" MSU basketball lands commitment from Jaxon Kohler Predictions for MSU-Nebraska

Time to find out if Michigan State football is for real

The Michigan State football team has looked pretty good in its first two games, defeating Northwestern and Youngstown State. But the Spartans have a tough test Saturday against Miami. Can they go on the road for a noon start and beat the Hurricanes and star QB D'Eriq King in the Florida heat? Or are there shades of last year's Iowa game, where the Hawkeyes routed MSU after an 0-2 start and the Spartans were coming off an impressive win over Michigan? Host Phil Friend is joined this week by fellow Lansing State Journal sportswriters Graham Couch and Nate Atkins.

Michigan State handles Youngstown State, 42-14: Postgame reaction

Michigan State led wire-to-wire in a dominant 42-14 victory over Youngstown State on Saturday. Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch break down the Spartans' win from Spartan Stadium.

There's a buzz around Michigan State football

The noise around Michigan State football is nothing but positive after the Spartans handled Northwestern in its season opener. Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch get into all that and more in Thursday's episode. This week's topics: An air of positivity for the Spartans Kenneth Walker MSU linebackers Quavaris Crouch, Cal Haladay MSU's offensive line Payton Thorne Youngstown State preview Transfer portal MSU football, men's basketball benefit from NIL deal Predictions

QB battle rages on, Northwestern analysis, MSU has its new AD

We're three days out from Michigan State football's home opener against Northwestern, and Mel Tucker still hasn't officially named the starting quarterback. But the QBs of the Spartan Speak podcast, Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch, are here to get you ready for MSU's season opener. This week's topics: MSU has its new AD: Alan Haller Anthony Russo or Payton Thorne at QB? Northwestern preview/analysis Predictions

Emoni Bates, Michigan State's AD search, QB/RB depth chart battle

For the first time since late April, Spartan Speak makes its return! Not only that, we'll be in your podcast feed weekly, if not twice a week during the football season. Host Phil Friend is joined by the Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of the podcast - Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch - as we get back into the swing of the college sports season. This week's topics: Emoni Bates commits to Memphis Michigan State's unexpected and untimely AD search continues Who will start at quarterback and running back for the Spartans?

Introducing: The Greater Lansing Food Championship Podcast

The Greater Lansing Food Championship, hosted by Lansing State Journal sportswriter Phil Friend, will be an annual food tournament determining the best of what Greater Lansing has to offer when it comes to food. In 2020, we did the best restaurant, won by Soup Spoon. In 2021, we’ll pick the best menu item to be found in Lansing’s restaurants via a 32-item knockout tournament. Phil will be joined by different State Journal staffers in each podcast to pick which food advances to the next round until there can only be one. The podcast is just part of the package, as we’ll have articles and videos, too, which can be found at lsj.com. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

What Max Christie, Jaden Akins, Pierre Brooks and Keon Coleman bring to MSU basketball

Lansing State Journal sportswriters Phil Friend and Nate Atkins break down Michigan State's 2021 recruiting class: the three scholarship players - Max Christie, Jaden Akins and Pierre Brooks - and walk-on Keon Coleman, who will be in East Lansing on a football scholarship.

MSU football roster makeover continues, spring game reaction, NFL draft

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari are in the football mood, as Michigan State has seen EIGHT players enter the transfer portal (and one player commit to MSU) since Saturday's spring game. Graham and Chris discuss the player exits and what it means for the program. Then, they delve into the spring game, the QB battle between Payton Thorne, Anthony Russo and the rest of the depth chart. We end with NFL draft talk, and where Shakur Brown, Naquan Jones and Antjuan Simmons might get drafted.

Foster Loyer, Thomas Kithier and MSU basketball's roster shuffle, plus spring game preview

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari have a lot to get off their chest in the month since our last recording. The MSU basketball team has seen six players depart since the loss to UCLA in the NCAA tournament, with Foster Loyer, Thomas Kithier, Rocket Watts and Jack Hoiberg departing via the transfer portal, Aaron Henry declaring for the NBA draft and Joshua Langford deciding to forego his final year of eligibility to retire from basketball. We then preview Saturday's spring football game, with what to watch for when it comes to the quarterbacks and depth chart as the Spartans will conduct more of a practice than a game.

What went wrong for Michigan State in NCAA Tournament loss to UCLA

Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch convene shortly after Michigan State's overtime loss to UCLA in the NCAA Tournament First Four game to discuss what went wrong for the Spartans inside Mackey Arena on Thursday night.

How Michigan State ended up in the First Four, UCLA preview, Final Four picks

Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch are both a little befuddled as to how Michigan State ended up in a First Four game instead of, say, Syracuse. But the Spartans are in the tournament and start their journey Thursday night. We'll talk about the selection committee's decision to put MSU in the play-in game, preview Thursday's game against UCLA, and make our predictions for both that game and the Final Four.

Michigan State basketball is in the Big Dance, Big Ten tourney preview

Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch have plenty to talk about after Michigan State's win over No. 2 Michigan in the regular-season finale. With the Spartans firmly in the NCAA tournament, we look ahead to the Big Ten tournament, previewing Thursday's game vs. Maryland while also predicting who will lift the trophy in Indianapolis. We also discuss what seed MSU should expect when the NCAA tournament starts next week.

What Michigan State basketball needs to do to make NCAA tournament

Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch react to Michigan State's decisive 69-50 loss to Michigan on Thursday night by figuring out what scenarios would land the Spartans in the NCAA tournament. They also discuss the Rocket Watts situation - he sat out most of the second half after not making a hustle play that sparked the Wolverines - and predict Sunday's rematch with Michigan.

Oh, how the turntables for Michigan State basketball's season and tourney hopes; Keon Coleman film review

Last week's Spartan Speak podcast was spent largely talking about Michigan State basketball's future, after it looked like the Spartans weren't going to make the NCAA tournament following a loss to Purdue. But in the last week, MSU has come to life with wins over Indiana and No. 4 Illinois and are back on the bubble. On this week's podcast, Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press and Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal discuss how the Spartans have turned their season around, preview the final five games of the season and whether or not they make the NCAA tournament. Then, LSJ sports storyteller Nate Atkins grinds the tape and offers his analysis of MSU 3-star football and basketball recruit Keon Coleman, plus discussion of incoming football transfers Ben VanSumeren and Chester Kimbrough.

MSU's unprecedented struggles continue; a peek ahead to next season

Detroit Free Press sportswriter Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch have a lot to get off their chest as the Michigan State men's basketball team sits 4-9 in the Big Ten after losses to Iowa and Purdue and seem very unlikely to play in the NCAA tournament for the first time in more than 20 seasons. Chris and Graham discuss the Spartans' problems, what's up with the rotations and how they can finish the season before looking to next season, including Enoch Boakye's decommitment, Emoni Bates, Max Christie, Jaden Akins, Pierre Brooks, "the brand" and what MSU's team might look like next season.

Rayshaun Benny, Keon Coleman and evaluating MSU's 2021 recruiting class and transfers

Lansing State Journal reporters Nate Atkins and Phil Friend react to Wednesday's recruiting news, with Rayshaun Benny flipping from Michigan State to Michigan and the Spartans getting a commitment and signature from Keon Coleman. Then, they discuss the five transfer players Mel Tucker has brought into the program - QB Anthony Russo, RBs Kenneth Walker and Harold Joyner, OL Jarrett Horst and DE Drew Jordan. That's followed by a discussion on the 2021 class as a whole, which under-the-radar players they like, position analysis and their favorite players.

COVID outbreak hits MSU basketball; Assessing Spartans' NCAA tournament resume

The Michigan State men's basketball team has been on a break - two weeks now - due to COVID-19 issues. And it'll be another week before the Spartans play again. But the podcast doesn't take a break, as Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chirs Solari talk about the layoff, what the Big Ten schedule might look like going forward, assess if the Spartans' resume is good enough for the NCAA tournament and then talk a little gambling to end the podcast, as legal online betting begins Friday in Michigan.

State of the Union - Michigan State basketball edition

With the MSU men's basketball team four days removed from a stunning loss to Purdue and two days out from a road game against No. 8 Iowa, now's the time to evaluate where exactly the program this season. Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch discuss what's gone well and what's gone poorly as MSU currently sits 8-4 overall, and 2-4 in the Big Ten. Can the Spartans make a run in the Big Ten? Will they even make the NCAA tournament? Plus, they talk about Alabama's national title win over Ohio State, and where exactly MSU and the rest of the nation fall in the pecking order of college football.

MSU basketball gets back to its winning way against Rutgers, Nebraska

The last time Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari recorded, MSU was 0-3 in the Big Ten. But things have changed - the Spartans upended Nebraska on Saturday and then topped No. 14 Rutgers on Tuesday. They break it all down, including discussions on Aaron Henry, AJ Hoggard, Rocket Watts and the post players, followed by a preview of Friday's Purdue game. Then we end the podcast discussing Tre'Von Morgan's decision to leave MSU football and enter the transfer portal.

Making sense of Michigan State's loss to Minnesota and how to fix the Spartans

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari are back in your ears after witnessing the Spartan basketball team's worst performance in quite some time in Monday's loss to Minnesota. They're here to break down what went wrong and potential solutions. Then, they switch to football and discuss the incoming transfer of Duke defensive end Drew Jordan and QB Rocky Lombardi's departure to Northern Illinois (40:40).

MSU football player arrivals/departures; Is something wrong with MSU basketball?; Anthony Russo, Ma'a Gaoteote film breakdown

The Michigan State football team saw an alarming amount of roster turnover the past four days, and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari are here to break it all down. This week's topics: MSU football player departures/arrivals, including starting QB Rocky Lombardi MSU decides not to play in bowl game Men's hoops gets upset by Northwestern on Sunday - an aberration or a sign of trouble? Wisconsin preview and prediction Film breakdown of transfer QB Anthony Russo and 4-star LB Ma'a Gaoteote with Nate Atkins Big Ten bowl picks

Anthony Russo, Hampton Fay, Ma'a Gaoteote and Signing Day 2020 highlights for Michigan State football

A lot has happened within the Michigan State football program since we last convened: players leaving the program, declaring for the draft and, of course, national signing day for college football. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari are here to break it all down. Topics: QB Anthony Russo transfers in from Temple 4-star Ma'a Gaoteote flips from USC to MSU Breakdown of 2021 class, including what happens with the commits who did not sign: Rayshaun Benny, Audric Estime and Geno VanDeMark Shakur Brown and Naquan Jones declare for NFL draft Chris Jackson no longer with the team Payton Thorne named starting QB Predictions for MSU football vs. Maryland and hoops vs. Northwestern Then, Phil Friend is joined by Nate Atkins for a deep dive on MSU's QB recruit in the 2021 class, Hampton Fay, including clips of Nate's interview with the Texan.

Michigan State-Virginia gets postponed, Mel Tucker must choose between Rocky Lombardi and Payton Thorne

On this week's podcast, host Phil Friend is joined by Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch, Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and LSJ sports storyteller Nate Atkins. This week's topics: MSU's basketball game with Virginia postponed (0:28) Big Ten adjusts 7-game rule to put Ohio State in championship game (12:45) Preview hoops game vs. Oakland on Sunday (28:28) Who starts at QB: Rocky Lombardi or Payton Thorne (32:40) Predictions for weekend games (42:08) Discussion with Nate Atkins on the three position groups MSU needs to shore up to compete with the Ohio States of the world (46:40) Nate and Phil make their Big Ten picks (1:10:28)

Michigan State basketball shows its insane depth in beating Duke, and MSU-Ohio State football is still on (for now)

The Michigan State basketball team showed that perhaps its No. 12 preseason ranking and fourth-place Big Ten prediction might be a little off after the Spartans rolled into Durham and beat No. 6 Duke on Tuesday night. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the fall out from that win (1:51), move on to MSU football's game Saturday against Ohio State, which is in some limbo due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Columbus (30:42) and make their predictions for each MSU game this weekend (47:04). Host Phil Friend is then joined by the LSJ's Nate Atkins to break down how MSU's run game was so successful against Northwestern and how to carry that over to Ohio State (53:39) and then make their B1G picks (1:13 36).

Recapping big wins for Michigan State football, basketball teams

Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch wrap up a big day for Michigan State, recapping the football team's 29-20 upset of No. 13 Northwestern and the 12th-ranked basketball team's 80-70 win over Notre Dame.

The Michigan State Basketball 2020 Preview Extravaganza; MSU Football Faces Big Challenge With Northwestern

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari gear up for a busy month of simultaneous Spartan football and basketball action, with Tom Izzo's squad starting its season Wednesday against Eastern Michigan. We give a position-by-position breakdown of the team, including discussion on Rocket Watts/Foster Loyer/Joshua Langford, the "5" position, Joey Hauser and Aaron Henry, along with this week's upcoming games against EMU and Notre Dame. Then, we move on to the football team, which faces a very tough task Saturday against No. 13 Northwestern, and no sign of who might start at quarterback for the Spartans. Then we make our picks for this week's contests.

Michigan State football gets another week to choose between Rocky Lombardi and Payton Thorne

We've got a power-packed podcast this week with Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sportswriters Graham Couch, Nate Atkins and Phil Friend. In the first part with Graham and Chris, discussion topics include: MSU football's game vs. Maryland is canceled due to COVID-19 outbreak for the Terrapins MSU basketball's nonconference and Big Ten slate, including a Christmas Day game against Wisconsin Xavier Tillman and Cassius Winston are selected in the NBA draft Rocky Lombardi or Payton Thorne at quarterback In the second part, Nate and Phil: Break down Thorne's performance against Indiana after coming on for Lombardi Target potential QBs in the transfer portal Make their Big Ten picks

We now know what Michigan State is following 24-0 loss to Indiana

Lansing State Journal sportswriter Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Graham Couch deliver the postmortem following the Spartans' 24-0 loss to Indiana on Saturday.

Film Room: How Iowa won the trenches, and how Michigan State fixes that problem against Indiana

Lansing State Journal sportswriters Nate Atkins and Phil Friend break down how Iowa won last week's game in the trenches vs. Michigan State. And then they move on to the upcoming Indiana game and how MSU's offense can attack IU, and how the Spartans can slow down the Hoosiers' high-flying offense. Indiana QB Michael Penix had his breakout game last year vs. MSU. Can the Spartans prevent a similar level of play this year? And they end with their Big Ten picks.

Tom Izzo has COVID-19, Mel Tucker's not happy, Recruiting talk, Indiana preview

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari avoided a tongue-lashing from Mel Tucker following the Spartans' loss to Iowa, so they're here to provide their insight on: Tom Izzo diagnosed with COVID-19 Basketball National Signing Day is Wednesday MSU football lands four commits between Sunday and Tuesday What the hell happened vs. Iowa Indiana preview and predictions

Postmortem from Michigan State's 49-7 loss to Iowa

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari break down the Spartans' 49-7 loss to Iowa in Iowa City on Saturday afternoon.

Film Room: How MSU will scheme vs. Iowa compared to the Michigan win

Lansing State Journal sports reporters Nate Atkins and Phil Friend offered a few ideas on how Michigan State could beat Michigan last week. We'll talk about that and whether we were right on those. We then move on to the upcoming Iowa game and analyze what Northwestern saw in running 60 times vs. the Hawkeyes, and what we can expect from Iowa's offense and quarterback Spencer Petras. We end with our Big Ten picks.

Michigan State makes statement in Michigan win, plus Iowa preview

More than 72 hours have passed since Michigan State's win over Michigan to claim the Paul Bunyan Trophy, but Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari still have plenty to say about the Spartans' stunning performance. After 50-plus minutes of that, we preview Saturday's game vs. Iowa and make predictions.

Film Room: Why Michigan's defense might cause Michigan State problems with Nate Atkins

The Lansing State Journal's Nate Atkins and Phil Friend head to the film room to dissect what they saw in Michigan State and Michigan's Week 1 contests. We start with a look at how disruptive the Wolverines' defense was vs. Minnesota, and the concerns MSU's offense should have in generating yards and points. But we do come up with a few solutions! Then we discuss how MSU's 4-2-5 defense looked vs. Rutgers and what it'll need to do to slow down's Michigan offense and QB Joe Milton, which put up plenty of yards and points vs. a Golden Gophers team that had big expectations this year. And then, it's on to the Big Ten picks.

Reviewing Rutgers and what MSU can do to beat Michigan, aka 'the school down the road'

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch, Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and LSJ sportswriter Phil Friend get you ready for Saturday's Michigan game, for better or worse. First, we discuss Mel Tucker's press conference and his comments referring to Michigan as 'the school up the road,' then take a look back at the Rutgers game, and then preview this weekend's game at Michigan, which looked very good in beating Minnesota last week.

Film Room: Michigan State-Rutgers preview with Nate Atkins

We'll be bringing you a second podcast each week throughout college football season where we break down what Michigan State and its future (and sometimes past) opponents are scheming on both sides of the ball. Lansing State Journal sports storyteller Nate Atkins and sports reporter Phil Friend will be your guides, and this week they take a look at: MSU offensive Jay Johnson's offense and what he ran at previous stops Rutgers' defense under new defensive coordinator Robb Smith (influenced by coach Greg Schiano MSU DC Scottie Hazelton's preferred defense What to expect from new Rutgers OC Sean Gleeson Big Ten game-by-game picks

The Michigan State Football 2020 Preview Extravaganza

There are no weeks off for the Spartan Speak squad going forward, as the Michigan State football team opens its season (finally!) on Saturday against Rutgers. This week, Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch preview the game, the season ahead and make some bold predictions. This week's topics: No starting QB named and Mel Tucker press conference reaction (3:27) Depth chart breakdown, position by position (18:39) MSU/Big Ten predictions and over-unders (48:08)

Big Ten football season pushes full-steam ahead and what it means for Michigan State

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari catch their breath after a whirlwind Wednesday that saw the Big Ten Conference reverse course and reinstate football for the fall 2020 season. Graham and Chris get you caught up on everything you need to know about the Big Ten's decision and what's coming in the next two months. And then, they answer your Twitter questions related to Michigan State football.

Donald Trump talks to Kevin Warren, and what it all means for Big Ten football

The Big Ten football season may not be happening this fall, but Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari are still playing a full fall schedule as they waste no time on the podcast analyzing all the latest college football and Big Ten news in a big picture sense (0:36) Other topics: Mel Tucker lands his first 4-star recruit in New Jersey OL Geno VanDeMark (40:08) MSU football's social media team leans heavily into the name/image/likeness possibilities (43:59) Twitter Questions (52:37)

Big Ten cancels fall sports, Jaden Akins commits to MSU basketball

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari have plenty to say about what happened in the Big Ten Conference this week, starting from Sunday's #WeWantToPlay campaign, to the coaches' push to save the fall season, to the league officially canceling fall sports on Tuesday and so much more. The pair also discuss Xavier Tillman's decision to head to the NBA, why Aaron Henry is staying at MSU, and how the Spartans landed another big-time recruit in Jaden Akins. And finally, we end the show with Twitter questions.

Michigan State lands Emoni Bates. What happens now?

Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch were just as stunned as everybody else when Emoni Bates - widely considered the best basketball prodigy since LeBron James - committed to Michigan State on Monday. Chris and Graham share their reactions to the news and also answer your Twitter questions.

Michigan State athletes return to campus, but should they; Plus, the futures of Max Christie, Xavier Tillman, Aaron Henry

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari discuss the latest in Spartan news. But before that, we address the George Floyd killing, the nationwide protests and the Black Lives Matter movement that's sweeping through the United States and the world (5:30). From there, they discuss the return of MSU athletes to campus, which is scheduled to take place Monday (18:55), whether or not the college football season will take place as scheduled (2), t4:00he announcement of Central Michigan to future football schedules (31:48), Xavier Tillman, Aaron Henry and the NBA draft (38:32) and 2021 recruiting target Max Christie (43:24).

Joshua Langford shoots for return to MSU basketball, voluntary workouts coming back for NCAA sports

With so much Michigan State-related breaking news this week, this was the time for Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari to reconvene for a new podcast episode. This week's topics: NCAA Division I Council votes to allow football, men's basketball and women's basketball to resume voluntary workouts on June 1. Joshua Langford has expressed to Tom Izzo his desire to return to the MSU basketball team after missing the last year and a half with an injury NBA draft talk Curtis Blackwell lawsuit NFL Draft/UFA roundup with MSU players Football recruiting update Cassius Winston and Pierre Brooks talk

MSU hoops aims to land Karim Mane and Pierre Brooks, Football recruits, NFL draft

It's been more than a month since we last convened, so Detroit Free Press sportswriter Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch have plenty to catch up on. This week's topics: Mel Tucker, MSU football land 6 commits: Tyson Watson, Derrick Harmon, Davion Primm, Ethan Boyd, Gabe Nealy and Antoine Booth NFL draft prospects of Kenny Willekes, Joe Bachie, Raequan Williams, Josiah Scott and Brian Lewerke MSU basketball's chances of landing basketball recruits Karim Mane and Pierre Brooks Twitter questions

Social distancing, hypothetical Final Four picks, MSU trivia

The Spartan Speak podcast practiced social distancing for this week's show, as Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari do their best to avoid coronavirus. This week's topics: Coronavirus, coronavirus, coronavirus: How it's affecting our lives, the world, the sports world and, later, Michigan State sports and NCAA spring athletes If There Was A 2020 NCAA Tournament: Using the bracket made by ESPN's Joe Lunardi, Phil joins the discussion and we all pick our hypothetical Final Four teams and national champion. Trivia Time! In what most closely resembles a Sporcle quiz, Phil tests out Graham and Chris's knowledge on two MSU basketball-related questions.

Coronavirus concerns, MSU wins share of Big Ten, plus conference tournament picks for each game

On this week's Spartan Speak, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari get ready for the college basketball postseason. Whether they'll be reporting from tournament locations or from home waits to be seen. This week's topics: MSU wins share of Big Ten title with win over Ohio State, plus Chris Holtmann's comments about Spartan players kissing midcourt during the game A spirited discussion on how the coronavirus is going to affect the Big Ten, NCAA tournaments and how fans can/will cope with teams potentially playing in front of empty stadiums A breakdown of the All-Big Ten picks, and Graham defends his decision not to put Cassius Winston on the second team in his USA TODAY picks Graham and Chris make their picks for every Big Ten tournament game, and select a champion

Showing an appreciation for Michigan State basketball's seniors

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari spent the past week at Maryland and Penn State, witnessing a pair of crucial wins for the Spartans basketball team. This week's topics: - The importance of the wins over Maryland and Penn State - How the Big Ten regular season and tournaments are shaping up - Picking the best moments from each of MSU's seniors: Cassius Winston, Kyle Ahrens, Joshua Langford and Conner George - Scottie Hazelton hired as MSU football's defensive coordinator - Prediction for Sunday's game vs. Ohio State

MSU's win over Iowa might change the course of the season

Michigan State's comeback win over No. 17 Iowa on Tuesday night wasn't a dream. That actually happened, and could be a turning point in the Spartans' season. That's just one of the items Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari discuss on this week's podcast. The full list of topics include: -MSU's win over Iowa - Saturday's game vs. Maryland - Predicting the final Big Ten standings - Projecting NCAA Tournament seeds for B1G teams - Mel Tucker's new assistant coaches - Mel Tucker's press conference - Predictions for Maryland game

Mel Tucker's coaching hires, MSU hoops loses to Maryland, Nebraska preview

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari try and catch their breath after a whirlwind two weeks that saw Mark Dantonio resign as the Spartans' football coach and the hiring of Mel Tucker. This week, Graham and Chris: - discuss the hiring of Ron Burton, Mike Tressel and Chris Kapilovic as assistant coaches, along with the reported hiring of Jay Johnson as offensive coordinator - Predict what will happen within the next month or so for the football program - Break down the basketball team's 67-60 loss to Maryland on Saturday - Preview and make predictions for Thursday's game at Nebraska

How Mel Tucker became Michigan State's new football coach

There are no waffling flakes when it comes to the Spartan Speak podcast with Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch. It's been a busy week in Spartan world, as MSU officially announced its new football coach with the hiring of Mel Tucker, in which news broke in the middle of the night Wednesday morning following the Illinois game. This week, Graham and Chris: - Discuss everything that's happened this week, from Wednesday morning to Thursday afternoon's release of the contract details - Break down the hoops team's Tuesday night win over Illinois and preview Saturday night's Maryland game.

Reaction to Mark Dantonio's retirement as Michigan State's football coach

Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari, along with Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and sportswriter Phil Friend, break away from the normal Spartan basketball coverage to tackle Tuesday's stunning news that football coach Mark Dantonio is retiring. Topics include: - Reaction to Dantonio's announcement on Twitter (Starting at 3:13) - His legacy - The press conference and the halftime speech - Potential replacements - How Dantonio's announcement affected the beginning of the second signing period - We also find some time to talk about men's basketball team's losses to Wisconsin and Penn State, and preview Saturday's game against Michigan (39:57).

Jalen Terry's comments, Tom Izzo contract, Indiana and Minnesota preview

Each week, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari react to the biggest news in Spartans sports. This week's hodgepodge of news includes: Cassius Winston breaks Mateen Cleaves' Big Ten assist record in MSU's win over Wisconsin (2:06) 4-star PG Jalen Terry, who decommited from MSU in the fall, comments on his reasons for doing so (9:28) Details on Tom Izzo's latest contract, which was signed before the Final Four last year (17:56) Rutgers makes the AP Top 25, plus one voter omits MSU from his poll (20:43) Preview of Indiana and Minnesota games (26:08) MSU football's strength of schedule for 2020 (29:19) Twitter Questions (32:52) Predictions for IU and Minnesota games (42:46)

What still lingers from MSU's loss to Purdue, Aaron Henry, Mark Dantonio bonus talk

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari, along with host Phil Friend, discuss the latest in Spartan news. This week's topics: - MSU basketball's loss to Purdue, Kyle Ahrens injury, what's wrong with Aaron Henry, Wisconsin preview (3:30) - MSU football: Mark Dantonio's $4.3 million retention bonus, staff chances, Cody White declares for the NFL draft, LaDarius Jefferson transfers to Western Michigan and George Perles' legacy (29:44) - Twitter questions (50:10) - Wisconsin predictions (55:45)

Michigan State basketball tops Michigan. Again.

The Spartan Speak podcast is back from the holiday break and ready to wreck some fools ... not unlike what the Michigan State men's basketball team did to Michigan on Sunday afternoon in an 86-69 win at Breslin Center for the fourth straight win over the Wolverines. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch, sports reporter Phil Friend and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari's discussion topics include: MSU's win over Michigan (2:37) A look at the Big Ten picture (20:54) Recapping our picks in the Big Ten bowl games (31:28) MSU football notes, including Josiah Scott, Ed Warinner, Wake Forest QB Jamie Newman and Mark Dantonio leaving his coaching staff intact for 2020 (35:31) Twitter questions (46:21) Predictions for Thursday's Minnesota game (56:13)

Pinstripe Bowl: Post-game reaction to Michigan State's win over Wake Forest

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and sportswriter Phil Friend pick out the highlights and newsworthy items from Michigan State's 27-21 victory over Wake Forest on Friday evening in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Topics include: - Brian Lewerke's performance - Wide receiver youth movement - Mark Dantonio's future - And more!

Pinstripe Bowl preview, Joshua Langford, Big Ten bowl picks

MERRY CHRISTMAS SPARTAN SPEAK FAM! Your eyes and ears are not deceiving you as we have delivered into your stocking a Christmas Day edition of the podcast! This week, Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and LSJ sportswriter Phil Friend get you ready for the Spartan football team's bowl game against Wake Forest in the Pinstripe Bowl. This week's topics: - Christmas icebreakers - MSU basketball announces that Joshua Langford will not return this season, and potentially ever - Pinstripe Bowl preview - Picking the winners of the Big Ten bowl game - Talking Michigan State hockey with the LSJ's Nate Bott

6 players that excite us from the 2020 recruiting class, Christmas gifts for MSU athletics

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch, sports reporter Phil Friend and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari are in the holiday spirit this week as Christmas nears. Even with the holiday break coming, there's no such thing as a break in sports reporting - or podcasts. This week's topics: - Has MSU basketball taken a step forward since losing to Duke? (6:52) - MSU football national signing day preview (21:15) - The 6 players from the 2020 class that excites us the most (28:39) - 6 Christmas gifts for MSU Athletics, courtesy of Chris and Graham (42:04) - Twitter questions (52:24) - Northwestern predictions (56:35)

Adjusting Michigan State basketball's expectations after Duke loss

On this week's podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch, sportswriter Phil Friend and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari put away their leis from Maui and try to dissect the latest difficult stretch in Spartan sports. This week's topics: - MSU basketball's loss to Duke, have we made expectations too high this season, what's wrong with Aaron Henry, Foster Loyer and Rocket Watts (3:06) - Big Ten hoops might be way better than initially advertised, with Maryland (3), Michigan (4) and Ohio State (6) all ranked in the top 10 in this week's USA TODAY coaches poll (31:23) - MSU-Maryland football post-game discussion (39:10) - What bowl game do you want MSU to play in (48:12) - Reviewing our preseason predictions (51:33) - Twitter Questions (58:21) - Predictions for which four teams will make the College Football Playoff (1:03:08)

Post-game reaction to Michigan State football's 19-16 win over Maryland

It's official - the Spartans are going bowling after beating Maryland, 19-16, to earn their sixth win of the season Saturday. The Lansing State Journal's Graham Couch and Phil Friend get out their bowling ball and gloves to break down Michigan State's victory.

Should Mark Dantonio be Michigan State's football coach in 2020

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch, Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and podcast producer Phil Friend are ready to say "Aloha" to Michigan and "Aloha" to Hawaii in advance of next week's Maui Invitational. But first, there's some Spartan football news to get to. This week's topics: - Mark Dantonio says he'll be MSU's football coach in 2020. Should he be? - Leftovers from MSU's loss to Michigan on Saturday - What happens Saturday vs. Rutgers - Cassius Winston's post-game speech to fans following Charleston Southern game - Maui Invitational preview - Rutgers predictions

Michigan 44, Michigan State 10: Post-game reaction

The Lansing State Journal's Graham Couch and Phil Friend deliver their instant reaction to Michigan State's 44-10 blowout loss to Michigan in Ann Arbor, with Graham calling in from Michigan Stadium.

It's Michigan football week

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch, Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and LSJ sportswriter Phil Friend are ready to see their Twitter mentions dissolve into a cesspool of hate with the Michigan State-Michigan football game on the schedule for Saturday. This week's topics: - Did Brian Lewerke suffer a concussion in Saturday's game vs. Illinois? (1:29) - MSU/U-M football talk (12:22) - MSU great Charles Rogers dies at 38 after lengthy illness (28:52) - Cassius Winston played with a heavy heart vs. Binghamton on Sunday, a day after his younger brother Zachary died (35:27) - Seton Hall preview (45:09) - Twitter questions (48:27) - Predictions for Michigan and Seton Hall game (50:04)

It gets worse: Michigan State football stunned by Illinois, 37-34

It's a trio of Lansing State Journal reporters as Phil Friend, Graham Couch and Nate Atkins pick through the rubble once again as Michigan State blew a 28-3 lead and lost to Illinois, 37-34.

Fallout from MSU hoops loss to Kentucky, Joe Bachie, Illinois preview

Lansing State Journal sports reporter Phil Friend, sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari gather in the Friend Zone to spend an hour talking Graham's foot injury he suffered in New York City. OK, that's only for like a minute. This week's topics include: - War Drill: MSU linebacker Joe Bachie is suspended by the Big Ten after testing positive for a banned substance; Michigan legislature introduces bill that would allow student-athletes to receive lucrative endorsement deals; and MSU football lands a 2020 QB (2:34) - The Spartan basketball team's loss to Kentucky. We run a four-point play with our main takeaways from the loss (15:22) - The football team is coming off a bye heading into Saturday's game, and Graham and Chris go four downs with what they're looking for in this game (26:32). - Twitter questions (38:54) - Predictions for the Illinois game (47:05)

The Michigan State basketball preview extravaganza

Lansing State Journal digital sports reporter -- and podcast producer -- Phil Friend wrestles host duties away this week (and perhaps permanently) as sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari fully enter the Friend Zone to talk the latest in Spartan sports. This week's breakdown: - WAR Drill. Topics include Draymond Green, Emoni Bates and name, image and licensing rights (2:39) - MSU basketball season preview, which includes 1) a breakdown of Tuesday's exhibition game vs. Albion; 2) a snake draft of MSU's basketball roster between the three of us; 3) season over-unders; and 4), previewing next week's Kentucky game (25:35) - A four-days-later breakdown of the Spartan football team's loss to Penn State, and, which has been a recurring theme in recent weeks, what went wrong and how can the team be fixed (55:47) - Twitter questions (1:13:57) - How well do we know our Spotify listeners? (1:21:20) - Kentucky predictions (1:25:56)

Picking through what's left of MSU football's carcass after blowout loss to Penn State

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch, sports storyteller Nate Atkins and podcast producer Phil Friend attempt to find out what meat is left on the bone after the Michigan State football team was dominated for a third consecutive game, this time by No. 6 Penn State, 28-7.

Joshua Langford injury, Joey Hauser saga, transfer portals, Penn State preview

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari were not as Spartan basketball's "secret" scrimmage vs. Gonzaga last weekend so they could record this week's podcast. We go heavy into the news that Joshua Langford will be out until at least January after re-injuring this, then talk Joey Hauser waiver saga and takeaways from what's been reported about the Gonzaga scrimmage. On the football side, we discuss what MSU can take away from Penn State's win over Michigan, Cam Chambers and Noah Davis entering the transfer portal, depth chart talk, Dantonio presser and finally, our predictions for Saturday.

What's next after Michigan State's blowout loss to Wisconsin

Lansing State Journal sports columnist and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Graham Couch didn't see any jumping around from Spartan players or fans after the football team was dealt a 38-0 road loss to Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon. Your fearless podcast hosts debate the fallout from that loss, with discussion on Mark Dantonio's future, what the program will look like in 2020 and Weston Bridges entering the transfer portal. From there, they move on to basketball, including 2020 G Jalen Terry's decision to decommit, Joey Hauser's future and other things of note from media day. That's followed by Twitter questions from the listeners.

Michigan State loses another RB and the State of the Spartans football team

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari haven't put their names in the transfer portal yet, so they're here to deliver their latest takes on Spartan sports. This week, Graham and Chris discuss: La'Darius Jefferson's decision to enter the transfer portal and leave MSU The State of the Michigan State Football Program How the Spartans can slow down Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor Matt Coghlin's kicking issues MSU basketball lands commitment from 4-star guard A.J. Hoggard Twitter questions

Ohio State is Michigan State's most important game of the season

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari are back from Big Ten Basketball Media Days. They've had little sleep and are stressed, but they'd never let down their loyal listeners. This week's topics include: - Previewing Saturday's big game against Ohio State - RB Connor Heyward entering the transfer portal - Cassius Winston's hamstring injury - Joshua Langford - Name, image and license rights in the Big Ten world - Twitter questions - MSU-Ohio State predictions

Post-game reaction to Michigan State's 40-31 victory over Indiana

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and podcast producer Phil Friend tackle Michigan State's 40-31 win over Indiana on Saturday night, including Brian Lewerke's performance, Darrell Stewart's huge day, a potentially suspect pass defense and IU QB Michael Penix.

Assessing Michigan State football's crowded running back situation

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari successfully avoided pink eye this week to bring the latest Spartan Speak podcast. This week's topics: Michigan State's crowded backfield (2:18) Joe Bachie's Herculean performance (15:45) Brandon Bouyer-Randle transfer portal speculation (19:58) Northwestern recap (22:18) Indiana preview (26:07) Mark Dantonio - Curtis Blackwell saga (31:50) Michigan State basketball talk, including Joshua Langford (37:52) Twitter questions (47:26) Predictions for MSU-Indiana (53:59)

Michigan State's coaching errors, Arizona State, Northwestern preview

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari have had a few days to process the Spartans' loss to Arizona State. This week, they'll discuss a few curious coaching decision by Mark Dantonio and his staff, including those last two drives, personnel decisions and more. They'll also chime in on OL Kevin Jarvis being out for six weeks, preview Saturday's Northwestern game and make some predictions.

Michigan State - Arizona State post-game reaction

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and podcast producer Phil Friend - along with a jump-in from Freep columnist Shawn Windsor - try to figure out where things went wrong Michigan State after the Spartans lost to Arizona State, 10-7, on Saturday night.

Where Mark Dantonio ranks all-time among Michigan State coaches

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari feel vindicated after last week's suggestions on how to fix the Spartans' offense came to fruition in a blowout win over Western Michigan. This week, the duo discuss: - MSU's offensive outburst and what it means going forward, with sidebars on Elijah Collins, Brad Salem and B1G/CFP odds - Mark Dantonio ties Duffy Daugherty's wins record - Graham and Chris rank the top 5 MSU football coaches all-time - Arizona State - Mady Sissoko commits to MSU basketball - Twitter questions

Michigan State has the nation's best offense?

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and podcast producer Phil Friend are just as amazed as you are after watching MSU's offense light up the night in a 51-17 win over Western Michigan. Let's try to make sense of what happened in the Upside Down.

Michigan State's offense is officially a concern

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari put on their headsets and try to make the most of the Spartans' performance against Tulsa. It was a relatively easy win, but Mark Dantonio's comments Tuesday on the offense's struggles were confirmation of what everyone saw. Graham and Chris tackle that (2:10), discuss the defense's dominating performance (25:09) and preview Saturday's game against Western Michigan (31:54).

The Michigan State football preview extravaganza

The preseason is officially over for Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari. IT'S GAME WEEK! This week's episode breakdown: - Reaction from Tuesday's press conference, Cole Chewins and depth chart talk (3:31) - What to make of MSU's "secret offense" (13:590 - Special teams talk (19:50) - Tulsa discussion (23:41) - "Rapid-fire" B1G, MSU and national CFB questions (27:41) - MSU over-unders (46:57) - Twitter questions (53:52)

Michigan State football names its captains

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari are going through their own preseason practice routines in this week's podcast. This episode's topics include: - MSU football names its captains (6:00) - MSU's assistant coaches contract lengths are trimmed (14:12) - Preseason polls are out (21:47) - MSU snags 3-star DL Jalen Hunt right before preseason practice starts (25:58) - War Drill (30:02) - Chris and Graham get quizzed about what cities listen to the podcast the most (39:22)

Michigan State football players as Led Zeppelin and Les Misérables songs

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari share the musical tastes and so much more in this week's podcast. This episode's topics include: - MSU football media day highlights (2:33) - Brian Lewerke's trip to military camp (23:49) - Gabe Brown's injury at Moneyball, plus a wrap-up of the competition (28:28) - Led Miserables: MSU football players as Led Zeppelin and Les - Miserables songs (42:26) - War Drill (57:56)

Emoni Bates, Moneyball, Big Ten football media days and more

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari are here to bring you the latest in the Spartans sports scene. This week, the duo discuss: - Big Ten football media days, which take place this week - Their thoughts after four nights of action at the Moneyball Pro-Am, featuring Michigan State players - The chances 2002 super recruit Emoni Bates plays at MSU after receiving a scholarship offer last week - Maui Invitational field - War Drill - Your Twitter questions

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