Skip to main content
Michigan State

V-Cast: Is momentum growing for a coaching change at Michigan State?

On3 imageby: Paul Konyndyk3 hours agoPKonyndyk
VCast-PreMinnesota

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State is desperate for a win coming off a loss to its in-state rival last weekend. The Spartans travel to Minnesota looking to snap a five-game losing streak in Big Ten play. They will be facing a Golden Gopher team looking to bounce back from an embarrassing beatdown at the hands of Iowa.

With pressure mounting on Jonathan Smith and his coaching staff to turn things around and show real progress in their second season at Michigan State, a great deal is riding on the outcome of this game. A poor showing by the Spartans in this game could potentially result in a coaching change.

After interviews on Tuesday, SpartanMag staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in from the George and Sally Perles Plaza with a V-Cast discussing where things stand with the Michigan State football program as the month of November draws near.

V-CAST TOPICS

Tough times: Michigan State center Matt Gulbin was matter of fact when he indicated that it is difficult keep everyone in the program motivated and working toward a solution during a five-game losing streak. As a captain, Gulbin is doing his best to make that happen amidst a season that has not gone anything like he expected as first-year transfer at Michigan State. Gulbin does not, however, regret his decision to transfer from Wake Forest, and he continues to be proud of the opportunity to be a Spartan. Wide receiver Omari Kelly continues to remain all-in with the Spartans. The first-year transfer said on Tuesday that he is playing for his Dawgs.

Hot seat: With every loss, momentum grows for a coaching change at Michigan State. A coaching change in year two would have once been unthinkable, but that is no longer the case in the transfer portal era. Smith had one of the most impressive resumes among first-year coaches at the Power 4 level when he took over the Spartan program two years ago, but his low-key demeanor and reticence to show emotion has alienated him from Michigan State fans and program donors. Smith hasn’t lost his coaching job yet, but real progress needs to be made during the final month of the regular season. A loss at Minnesota this weekend could result in a coaching change in a year where there will likely be a record number of job openings at Power 4 programs.

What does real progress look like? Michigan State simply needs to win football games. Players came into the season with high expectations and dreams of being a potential Big Ten contender as unrealistic as the goals may seem in hindsight. With their program in a tailspin, leaders on this team insist that buy-in is still high, and that players have their sights set on getting the six wins needed for bowl eligibility. That goal may seem unrealistic at this point in the season, but the Spartans are hopeful that a win on Saturday will give them momentum for a November turnaround.

You may also like