Lansing Sun

Michigan State will face Maryland on Saturday, September 7, at 3:40 p.m. ET in College Park, marking the start of its 72nd season of Big Ten play. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network with Jason Ross Jr., Anthony Herron, and Kylen Mills calling the action.

The Spartans opened their season with a 16-10 victory over Florida Atlantic under new head coach Jonathan Smith. Maryland also started strong with a decisive 50-7 win against UConn.

This upcoming game will be the 15th meeting between Michigan State and Maryland, with MSU leading the series 10-4. However, Maryland has won the last two encounters.

In their season opener, Michigan State's defense recorded seven sacks and ten tackles for loss while limiting Florida Atlantic to 248 total yards. Head Coach Jonathan Smith brings experience from his tenure at Oregon State, where he led the team to multiple bowl appearances and a top ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings in recent years.

Six assistants from Smith's Oregon State staff have joined him at Michigan State, alongside other key coaching hires including Joe Rossi as defensive coordinator and Chad Wilt as co-special teams coordinator.

For Michigan State, Kay'ron Lynch-Adams leads in rushing with nine carries for 101 yards and one touchdown. Aidan Chiles managed 114 passing yards but threw two interceptions in his first start as quarterback. Angelo Grose stood out defensively with twelve tackles and an interception.

Maryland's Billy Edwards Jr. completed 20-of-27 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns against UConn. Tai Felton was his primary target with seven receptions for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Glendon Miller led with six tackles and an interception.

Maryland amassed a total of 629 offensive yards against UConn while holding their opponents to just five third-down conversions out of sixteen attempts. Coach Michael Locksley is now in his sixth year at Maryland with a record of 30-33.

Michigan State’s defense was particularly effective against Florida Atlantic, forcing multiple turnovers and recording significant stops on third downs. Offensively, Lynch-Adams' performance highlighted the running game while Chiles contributed both passing and rushing touchdowns despite some setbacks.

The special teams unit also made crucial plays including a safety set up by Ryan Eckley's punt that pinned FAU at their own one-yard line.

Saturday’s matchup promises to be a test for both teams as they seek to establish momentum early in their conference schedules.