Michigan State 2023 Season Preview
Exiting the 2021 season, the sky was the limit for this program. An 11–2 season with a Peach Bowl victory and newly signed head coach had Sparty carrying high hopes into last season. What came of it? A 5–7 season including a 4-game skid in the middle of the season. With change coming in 2023, can Mel Tucker roller coaster this team back on the right track?
A cup of Starbucks Pike Place roast in what we have today to talk about the Michigan State Spartans.
The Mel Tucker contract is a story in and of itself. Regardless, Michigan State is locked in with Tucker for the time being. His contract with Sparty runs through January 2032 at $9.5 million per year. Currently, that sits tied in the top-5 highest contracts in college football. Expectations for fans are high and rightfully so with that kind of contract being tossed your way.
Sadly, I’m not sure if Michigan State should expect better results in 2023. Long time Spartan Payton Thorne (QB) hit the transfer portal for Auburn and leaves a void that will likely be replaced by a far less experienced QB. In addition, Sparty lost wide receivers Gemie Bernard (Washington) and Keon Coleman (Florida State), as well as linebacker Itayvion Brown (TBD). Keon Coleman was the top receiver for MSU in 2022 and Bernard showed flashes of skill that we’ll get to see more as he develops at Washington.
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While Michigan State lost some key players and around 19 overall to the transfer portal, they a currently pinned to bring in 17 players from the portal. Most notably, defensive lineman Tunmise Adeleye comes in from Texas A&M as a former 4-star recurit that ranked 12th nationally at his position. Adeleye will be a helpful addition to attack inside and prevent the defense from allowing the absurd amount of yards they gave up in 2022.
At quarterback, Noah Kim is expected to get the starting job. Noah has been at Michigan State for the entirety of his collegiate career. While that is valuable, Kim has minimal experience outside of garbage time on the field. Kim will also need to manage the loss of key targets including Keon Coleman. Incoming Nebraska transfer Alante Brown has a chance to become a reasonable weapon for Kim as they both work to settle into the Spartans offense.
Last season was far from ideal for Michigan State. They gave up nearly 28 points per game which is not ideal considering their divisional opponents were below 20. In addition, they allowed opponent offenses to earn 416 yards per game which was second to last in the Big Ten only to Indiana. For Michigan State to even have a chance to improve on last season, their defense has to improve dramatically. While many fans wanted defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton out, they instead get to hope for improvement and less injuries in 2023.
Michigan State’s schedule stinks. Their 3rd game of the season is against a tough Washington team at home which will lead them straight into conference play where they will travel to Iowa and Ohio State. Fortunately, they host Michigan and Penn State. I know it likely won’t make much of a difference but let’s cut them some slack ok? Again, toughest division in college football.
For this season, I see Michigan State’s record ending up at 6–6 with losses to Washington, Maryland, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio State. Player recruiting and retention are critical for Mel Tucker to get his fit stabilized beneath him if he wants to get and stay at or near the top of this division. You’ll have to be patient, Sparty.
