3 most important Michigan State football games in 2024

The offseason is finally winding down and Michigan State football fans are gearing up for what should be an exciting first season under Jonathan Smith despite tempered expectations.

The Spartans are coming off a second straight losing season in which they saw Mel Tucker get fired for inappropriate conduct off the field. He was replaced by Harlon Barnett and Michigan State limped to a 4-8 record and blew a couple of wins along the way (Iowa, Rutgers come to mind).

Smith takes over after a successful turnaround of Oregon State and he's hoping to have even better luck in East Lansing with more resources and a stronger alumni base.

If he's going to have success long term, he needs to meet expectations in year one. These three games will be important if he wants to make a bowl game.

3. at Maryland (Sept. 7)

Is this a crazy pick given the fact that there are far more difficult games on the schedule? No, because this is all about important games and not the toughest games. I'm picking games that will have a legitimate impact and could sway the momentum of the regular season.

No one is expecting Michigan State to beat Ohio State or Oregon, so worrying about swing games like this one at Maryland in Week 2 will be critical.

Like I said, this could be a swing game. If Michigan State beats the Terrapins, they likely start the season 3-0 with some momentum heading into Boston College in Week 4. A win there could have Michigan State 4-0 before facing Ohio State.

If the Spartans lose at Maryland in Week 2, there's a chance they could be 2-2 going into the Ohio State game and then it'll be an uphill battle to try and reach a bowl game.

This Maryland game is going to set the tone for 2024.