How will this new-look Spartan offense look?
Michigan State brings in quarterback Aidan Chiles and former Oregon State offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren. Chiles was one of the most highly regarded young quarterbacks in the portal this offseason, and he’ll have some weapons to work with this season. If wide receivers Montorie Foster Jr. and freshman Nick Marsh can be consistent, reliable targets in the passing game, Michigan State’s offense will be enough to get them a win on Friday.
Can the Owls gel quickly?
Florida Atlantic is a team that brings in some new faces. The Owls bring in six offensive transfers while maintaining most of their offensive line from last season. Quarterback Cam Fancher will have new weapons at his disposal, including E.J. Horton, Marlyn Johnson, and Milan Tucker. So, it will be crucial for everyone to be on the same page as FAU enters a tough road environment in East Lansing.
Will this be a high-scoring game like Chiles predicted?
Last week, when Aidan Chiles was asked about the season opener, he advised sports betting folks to “take the over.” With a lot of new players on both teams, it will be tough for both coaches to devise a game plan to stop both offenses. The Over/Under, according to BetMGM, is 45.5, so we’ll see if bettors take the new Spartan quarterback’s advice.
Who will win the turnover battle?
If there’s one thing Jonathan Smith’s team was good at last year, it was being smart with the ball. Oregon State ranked 23rd in the country last year with a turnover margin of 19. Cam Fancher struggled with turning the ball over last year, as he threw 11 interceptions. It will be interesting to see how new Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi plans for this new-look Owls team and if Smith’s team can continue the trend of winning the turnover battle.