Michigan State football is gearing up for its season‑opening showdown on Thursday, turning up the intensity with full‑contact drills that emphasize both sides of the ball.
Emphasis on Contact
New offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, a former Michigan quarterback who previously served at Alabama, is overseeing the contact sessions, insisting that a physical front line is essential for any chance at competing in the Big Ten.
The drills, which include helmet‑to‑helmet collisions, are designed to sharpen the offensive line and reinforce the defensive front that has been a weak spot for the program in recent years.
The move comes as the Spartans navigate their third coaching change since 2020, following the dismissal of Jonathan Smith and the arrival of Pat Fitzgerald, who has been praised for instilling a stronger sense of discipline and team unity.
Longtime strength coach Ken Mannie has publicly noted the marked improvement in effort and cohesion among the players, describing the current atmosphere as a growing “brotherhood” that could translate into wins.
A Legacy of Struggles
Despite the optimism, the team’s defensive track record remains a concern; over the past two seasons Michigan State has surrendered 73 sacks, including 37 in the most recent year, placing them 12th nationally in pass protection.
Offensive production has also lagged, with the Spartans ranking 107th in rushing and 97th in total offense, averaging just 24.6 points per game.
Sheridan’s background adds an intriguing storyline; his father, Bill Sheridan, once coached at Michigan State under Nick Saban in the late 1990s, linking the new coordinator to the program’s historic lineage.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Fitzgerald and his staff are targeting not only a Big Ten title but also a run at the national championship, a goal that has eluded the program for decades.