Lansing Sun

Here's a look at the week ahead (Aug 27-September 2) for Michigan State Athletics:

Football

First-year head coach Jonathan Smith leads the Spartans out of the tunnel on Friday night as Michigan State hosts Florida Atlantic at 7 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. Aidan Chiles (quarterback), Nate Carter (running back), Tanner Miller (offensive lineman), Jordan Turner (linebacker), and Maverick Hansen (defensive lineman) will serve as captains for the 128th season of Michigan State football. Fans are asked to "Stripe the Stadium" with odd-numbered and student sections wearing white, and even-numbered sections wearing green.

Women's Soccer

Michigan State is up to its highest ranking ever in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 at No. 4 in the national poll. The Spartans continue their six-game homestand with a pair of contests this week at DeMartin Stadium. On Thursday, MSU hosts Ole Miss at 7 p.m. Sunday, the Spartans welcome No. 15 Xavier to DeMartin Stadium for a 1 p.m. contest as MSU celebrates the accomplishments of the back-to-back Big Ten Champions, including fan photos with championship trophies and limited-edition team posters.

Men's Soccer

Michigan State plays two home games over the holiday weekend. On Friday, MSU hosts Villanova at noon. On Labor Day, the Spartans host No. 19 Oregon State at 1 p.m. It's Youth & Family Day and all youth soccer teams are encouraged to wear their team uniforms and arrive early for some fun and games.

Volleyball

The 2024 season begins away from home for Michigan State volleyball, as the Spartans travel to Colorado for a trio of contests. MSU opens Friday night at Northern Colorado. Saturday, the Spartans play at Colorado State. Sunday's contest features the Spartans against No. 11 Florida.

Cross Country

The men's and women's cross country teams open the 2024 season at the Jeff Drenth Memorial in Shepherd, Michigan, hosted by Central Michigan. The USTFCCCA Regional Rankings were released on Monday and the Spartan women are ranked second in the Great Lakes Region, while men are ranked fifth. In national rankings, women stand at No.18 while men are just outside Top30 Seniors Makenna Veen Andrew Nolan were named Big Ten Athletes Watch list

Field Hockey

Following a pair of exhibition tune-ups last week, Spartans open their campaign with two-game swing California MSU plays UC Davis Friday afternoon before traveling about miles Berkeley Sunday contest California