Michigan State opens 1st season under coach Jonathan Smith against Florida Atlantic
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State, Friday, 7 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Michigan State by 14.
Series record: Michigan State 3-0.
What's at stake?
The game marks the debut of Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith who was hired in November following six seasons at Oregon State. The Spartans hired Smith to rebuild a program that crumbled under Mel Tucker, who was fired last September for off-field issues. Florida Atlantic is entering its second year under head coach Tom Herman. Last season the Owls finished with a 4-8 record in their first year playing in the American Athletic Conference. The only time Florida Atlantic has beaten a Power 4 school was at home in 2007 against Minnesota.
Key matchup
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles will be making his first career start against Florida Atlantic's veteran defense. The Owls return eight starters on a defense that held its own last season in the AAC, ranking sixth in points allowed and eighth in yards allowed. Chiles transferred to Michigan State from Oregon State where he played behind DJ Uiagalelei. He still played 100 snaps at quarterback in meaningful situations for the Beavers and completed 68.6% (24-for-35) of his passes with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Players to watch
Florida Atlantic: Cam Fancher, a transfer from Marshall, will start at quarterback for the Owls. He started 10 games last season for the Thundering Herd, completing 66% of his passes (202-of-308) for 2,162 yards, 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Michigan State: Nathan Carter was the Spartans' top rusher last season and ranked eighth in the Big Ten with a career-high 798 yards. He also had a career-high 22 receptions for 103 yards. Carter has rushed for 1,781 yards on 375 carries in his 28-game collegiate career which includes 16 games at UConn and 12 at Michigan State.
Facts and figures
Michigan State has won 23 consecutive home openers against nonconference opponents, dating to 1998. … Florida Atlantic is 1-10 against the Big Ten all-time and 0-10 on the road, dropping nine consecutive matchups ever since a home victory vs. Minnesota in 2007. … Florida Atlantic has 41 new players on its roster and Michigan State has 61. … Since 2009, the Spartans have outscored their opponents in season-openers 526-240. ... Along with Chiles, Smith brought center Tanner Miller and tight end Jack Velling, all who are expected to be key contributors.