Whether fans agree with it or not, college coaches don’t get three, four, or even five years to rebuild their programs. In the name image and likeness era of college football, rebuilds need to be done swiftly, or else the seat becomes very hot. Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith is no exception.
Now let’s be clear, obviously every game is important, especially in a season as short as 12 games, but there are ones I find extra important for various reasons.
In a make-or-break season for Smith, let’s take a look at the three most important games on the schedule that he must win.
3. Boston College
In order to do what needs to be done this season, I think no fan would disagree that the Spartans need to be undefeated in non-conference play. Obviously that starts with beating Western Michigan, but the marquee non-conference game is under the lights in Week 2 against Boston College.
Last year, the Spartans lost the heartbreaker on a cold, rainy night in the suburbs of Boston. In the second edition of this home-and-home series, the Spartans will look to knock off the Eagles.
The Spartans were careless with the ball in the loss last year to Boston College, a common theme during 2024, especially in September.
Getting revenge on Boston College will be extraordinary and should seal the deal on Michigan State achieving an undefeated non-conference record. That’s, of course, assuming there are no hiccups versus Western Michigan and Youngstown State.
An undefeated non-conference slate would be a step in the right direction, as the Spartans have failed to do so since 2021.
2. Michigan
The Spartans have had a rough go against the Wolverines over the past three years. Last year in Ann Arbor, in Jonathan Smith’s first taste of the rivalry, he lost a close battle. The game even featured some extra-curricular activities after the game was over, a common theme in this rivalry.
With the Wolverines headed to Spartan Stadium this year, winning the rivalry game at home would be a massive boost to the fanbase's morale.
Michigan will likely be bringing out freshman signal-caller Bryce Underwood, and Spartan fans will need to make his job as difficult as possible.
Michigan State saw firsthand last year what the challenges are of a young quarterback. In Underwood’s first rivalry game, the Spartans will need to disrupt him. If they can, Michigan State will have a good shot at bringing Paul Bunyan back to East Lansing.
1. Maryland
The final game of the season will be the Maryland Terrapins coming to Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend.
You might be asking yourself why I think this is the most important game. The answer is simple: a bowl berth. Over the last two years, Michigan State has had a final game of the year that determined whether it would participate in a bowl game or not. If the game against Maryland is the deciding factor for a bowl, it could determine whether Jonathan Smith has a job next season.
A bowl berth is a must for Michigan State, but if the game is not for a bowl and it’s for winning nine games compared to eight, or eight compared to seven, the more wins would do wonders in recruiting.
Last year versus Maryland was also the game where Aiden Chiles and Nick Marsh got put on the radar of college football fans across America. After the stellar performance last year, Maryland, no doubt, will be looking for revenge.