MSU football proves itself in first major test of Jonathan Smith era

In a crucial, early moment of a new era – on the road, against a respectable Big Ten opponent – Spartans found a way to get it done.

Down 24-17 in the fourth quarter and facing another Maryland threat to score, MSU was in a position to fall short Saturday. A strong effort, but inability to finish in the feeling-out process of a new coach and inexperienced quarterback.

But in the last five minutes, after Maryland missed a field goal, Spartans managed to tie the score with a 77-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles to freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh.

Chiles, 18, the transfer quarterback, to the 17-year-old wideout for the first true punch of the Spartans’ season, and thus, their new era. 

MSU’s sixth year kicker, Jonathan Kim, nailed a 37-yard field goal with one second left to seal it for the Spartans.

Just two games in, first-year MSU Head Coach Jonathan Smith and company can hang their hat on a gritty, resilient road win in the Big Ten. They weren’t favored entering College Park, but in their first major test, they proved to be up for it.

There was an undeniable synergy between Chiles and Marsh, who connected eight times for 194 yards.

In the second quarter, Chiles threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to junior wideout Jaron Glover. However, some of Chiles’ inexperience was still on display, as he totaled three interceptions and struggled to take care of the ball.

“We gotta clean up a lot on offense,” Smith said. “Aidan included. I think a couple of those interceptions are just his footwork.”

MSU also surrendered 100 yards in penalties, a recurring theme over its first two games. Also, MSU went 2-for-2 in the red zone this week after going 1-4 last week and gained 200 more total yards.

The Terrapins were letting it fly early, as Maryland receivers were getting behind Spartan defensive backs, but, in the end, MSU’s defense made the plays it needed to.

“They challenged our defense to just make them earn it,” Smith said “They kept on responding, even when they got down.”

Even against Maryland’s explosive offensive, accounting for a shaky start for MSU’s defense, the Spartans still managed to stand their ground with a sack from sixth year defensive lineman Khris Bogle and a loss of nine yards for the Terrapins.

Although there was no shortage of mistakes, the Spartans showed a lot of potential and remained relentless throughout the game.

MSU plays Prairie View A&M on Saturday, Sep.14 at Spartan Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Big Ten Network will air the game.

“The way they handled the road, being down, continuing to fight, go throughout the sixty minutes, I was pleased with,” Smith said.