Jonathan Smith delivers his message to Michigan State fans debating if they should support football program

In the second year now for coach Jonathan Smith, the Michigan State Spartans have hit some trying times. The program has dropped three straight contests, including a humbling 38-13 loss to a UCLA team with an interim coach.

Smith knows it isn’t good enough right now, but he’s encouraging fans to stick with the program. He knows they’re capable of more.

“Well I think you tell them that Saturday’s not good enough and we’re very aware of it from the program side, that there are things to fix,” Smith said, when asked what his message to long-time supporters would be. “Then again, we’re going to continue to work to get it better.”

Michigan State got off to a hot start, winning three straight to open the season. But only one came against a power conference foe.

Since then there have been losses on the road at USC and Nebraska — both relatively competitive — and then the humbler against UCLA. The goal is to stick together and fight through adversity.

“I think being proud of the place and the atmosphere,” Smith said. “And we are working to get this thing to a better spot, that’s where our mindset is.”

Michigan State to take on Indiana

If Smith needs an example of a program that has turned things around quickly within the span of two years, he needs look no further than this week’s opponent. Indiana is a College Football Playoff contender now as Curt Cignetti has engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the sport.

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is firing on all cylinders. Smith raved about what he’s seen from Indiana as Michigan State prepares for Saturday’s road trip.

“Yeah, he’s playing at a really high level,” Smith said of Mendoza. “Quick release, good decision-maker, willing to run the ball. I think on offense they’ve got both schemes of it, you can run it, they can throw it, physical up front, good receiver play and that helps Mendoza. And he’s a competitive kid.”

Michigan State will have its hands full on the other side, too. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday on Peacock.

“You flip it on the other side and these guys are good on defense now,” Smith said. “It starts up front. Physical linebackers, can tackle, they play within the scheme. So they’re a challenge on both sides.”