The 2024 season was a rather forgettable one for Jonathan Smith and Michigan State football.
The now-second-year head coach went 5-7 in his first season with the Spartans, losing the season finale to Rutgers at home with a bowl game on the line by about 100 points. OK, maybe it wasn't that much, but it sure felt like it seeing as most of us turned the game off before the fourth quarter when it was out of reach and bowl hopes were crushed.
Michigan State now heads into the 2025 season with elevated expectations because of a lighter schedule and a more experienced Smith as well as Aidan Chiles.
Speaking of a lighter schedule, here are three "creampuffs" who could provide Michigan State extra bye weeks in 2025 (yes, I realize it's crazy to call anyone a "creampuff" after the three seasons the Spartans just had, but just go with it).
1. Youngstown State (Sept. 13)
Youngstown State was one of the worst teams in the MVFC last season, going just 3-5 in conference play and 4-8 overall, losing to the only FCS team it played all season, Pittsburgh, 73-17. Yeah, the Penguins were just not very good and this will be a nice bye week to follow up a rematch with Boston College. This feels like the perfect bye week.
2. Western Michigan (Aug. 30)
Western Michigan made a bowl game last season which is more than Michigan State can say, but I see the Spartans handling business here and winning comfortably to begin the season at Spartan Stadium. While this won't be quite a "bye" and I don't think Western Michigan is a creampuff, but compared to the rest of the schedule, it is.
3. UCLA (Oct. 11)
Calling a Big Ten team a "creampuff" is a wild move but if there is anyone on Michigan State's conference schedule that can qualify as one, it's UCLA. The Bruins were one of the worst teams in the conference last season and while they did add Nico Iamaleava, I just think this is going to be the one Big Ten game that the Spartans should win easily. Nico will still be trying to assimilate to Big Ten play and his new team at this point and his lack of weapons will be obvious. Michigan State gets a nice pre-Indiana bye week.