Michigan State football vs. Florida Atlantic: Predictions for opener

Free Press sports writers share their predictions for the Michigan State football game against Florida Atlantic on Friday (7 p.m., Big Ten Network):

Carlos Monarrez

The Jonathan Smith and Aidan Chiles era starts easily enough against an Owls team that finished 4-8 last year. Chiles and his athletic ability should spark the offense. The Spartans’ questionable defense could take advantage of redshirt junior transfer quarterback Cam Fancher, who had 11 interceptions at Marshall last year and is making his debut in Tom Herman’s offense. The pick: MSU 28, Florida Atlantic 17.

Rainer Sabin

There are so many unknowns heading into Jonathan Smith’s debut at Michigan State. Will the running game gain traction after posting the worst season per-game rushing average in school history last year? Can the offense take flight under the command of Chiles, the ballyhooed sophomore quarterback transfer from Oregon State? Is the defense, to quote new coordinator Joe Rossi, “ready for prime time?” We’ll find out some answers as the Spartans gradually overwhelm Tom Herman’s retooled Owls during an encouraging introduction to a new era of MSU football. The pick: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic 14.

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Jeff Seidel

What do we really know about the Spartans? In the age of the transfer portal, not a dang thing. But I am convinced Smith can coach, so that’s what I’m basing this on. Now, a hunch: Aidan Chiles is gonna have a monster game. I have a feeling Smith will make sure of it. By the end of this game, some will think: Maybe MSU is better than we thought they’d be.The pick: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic 14.

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Chris Solari

Chiles and Smith have promised the Spartans will score some points, and the offense navigates early fluctuation to move the ball consistently on the ground and through the air. The defense looks aggressive and generates turnovers while playing through the first-game adjustment, and MSU lets out a big exhale as the page turns from a long 2023 and offseason — just in time for Big Ten play to start on the road at Maryland next Saturday. The pick: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic 17.

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Shawn Windsor

The Spartans have a new coach. Maybe you’ve heard. They also added 60-some new players, including a starting quarterback, which is probably a good thing considering the state of quarterback play a season ago. Chiles’ play will determine whether MSU wins a few games or wins enough to push for a bowl spot. Even with growing pains, MSU has enough to beat Florida Atlantic. The pick: MSU 26, Florida Atlantic 16.

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