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    • Michigan State Football vs. Florida Atlantic: Season Opener Predictions
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    Michigan State Football vs. Florida Atlantic: Season Opener Predictions

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    Free Press sportscasters share their predictions for Michigan State’s football game against Florida Atlantic on Friday (7 p.m., Big Ten Network):

    Carlos Monarrez

    The Jonathan Smith and Aidan Chiles era starts off easy enough against an Owls team that finished 4-8 last year. Chiles and his athleticism should spark the offense. The Spartans’ questionable defense could benefit from redshirt junior transfer quarterback Cam Fancher, who had 11 interceptions at Marshall last year and is making his debut in Tom Herman’s offense. The choice: MSU 28, Florida Atlantic Ocean 17.

    Regent Sabin

    There are so many unknowns heading into Jonathan Smith’s debut at Michigan State. Will the running game gain momentum after posting the worst per-game rushing average in school history last year? Can the offense fly under the leadership of Chiles, the touted second-year quarterback transfer from Oregon State? Is the defense, to quote new coordinator Joe Rossi, “ready for prime time?” We’ll find out some answers as the Spartans gradually overwhelm Tom Herman’s retooled Owls in an encouraging introduction to a new era of MSU football. The choice: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic Ocean 14.

    REINER SABIN: Michigan State football is intriguing again because of all the unknowns

    Jeff Seidel

    What do we really know about the Spartans? In the age of the transfer portal, nothing. But I’m confident Smith can coach, so that’s what I’m basing this on. Now, a hunch: Aidan Chiles is going to have a monster game. I have a feeling Smith will make that happen. At the end of this game, some people are going to be thinking: Maybe MSU is better than we thought. The choice: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic Ocean 14.

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    Chris Zonneveld

    Chiles and Smith have promised the Spartans will score some points, and the offense navigates early swings to move the ball consistently on the ground and through the air. The defense looks aggressive and generates turnovers on the fly as it adjusts from the first game, and MSU lets out a big exhale as the page turns on a long 2023 offseason — just in time for Big Ten play that begins next Saturday when it visits Maryland. The choice: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic Ocean 17.

    NOT LOOKING AHEAD: Coaching change should not affect MSU’s continuity in attack

    Shawn Windsor

    The Spartans have a new coach. You may have heard. They also added 60-plus new players, including a starting quarterback, which is probably a good thing considering the state of quarterback play a season ago. Chiles’ play will determine whether MSU wins a few games or wins enough to contend for a bowl spot. Even with the growing pains, MSU has enough to beat Florida Atlantic. The choice: MSU 26, Florida Atlantic 16.

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