Jonathan Smith’s seat didn’t cool off much on Saturday afternoon in Bloomington despite the rainstorm rolling through the game between Michigan State and Indiana.
The Spartans fell apart after a quick start, losing 38-13 to No. 3 Indiana, dropping their fourth straight game. That sets up a tough stretch to finish the season with three wins in the final five games required to make the program’s first bowl game since 2021.
Michigan State looked like it belonged through the first 1.5 quarters, even holding two separate three-point leads before Indiana went ahead 14-10, never looking back.
Was this the last game Smith has coached at Michigan State?
Honestly, it feels like he earned himself an extra week, at least, with the 38-13 loss because the offense actually looked competent and Aidan Chiles played one of his best games of the season against an elite defense in Indiana. He had over 300 all-purpose yards and a touchdown in the loss, completing 27-of-33 passes. He didn’t have a single turnover and made every throw look routine.
That was the only bright spot from the loss, other than the receivers looking solid, too.
The offensive line struggled, the run game was non-existent, and defense was optional. The Hoosiers moved the ball down the field with ease.
But, no, I don’t think this was Smith’s last game as Michigan State’s head coach, and if he can lead the Spartans to a win over Michigan next weekend, he could even earn himself another season.
A win over Michigan would do wonders for his future in East Lansing.