Free Press sports activities writers share their predictions for the Michigan State soccer sport in opposition to Florida Atlantic on Friday (7 p.m., Huge Ten Community):

Carlos Monarrez

The Jonathan Smith and Aidan Chiles period begins simply sufficient in opposition to an Owls workforce that completed 4-8 final yr. Chiles and his athletic skill ought to spark the offense. The Spartans’ questionable protection might make the most of redshirt junior switch quarterback Cam Fancher, who had 11 interceptions at Marshall final yr and is making his debut in Tom Herman’s offense. The decide: MSU 28, Florida Atlantic 17.

Rainer Sabin

There are such a lot of unknowns heading into Jonathan Smith’s debut at Michigan State. Will the operating sport acquire traction after posting the worst season per-game dashing common in class historical past final yr? Can the offense take flight below the command of Chiles, the ballyhooed sophomore quarterback switch from Oregon State? Is the protection, to cite new coordinator Joe Rossi, “prepared for prime time?” We’ll discover out some solutions because the Spartans regularly overwhelm Tom Herman’s retooled Owls throughout an encouraging introduction to a brand new period of MSU soccer. The decide: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic 14.

RAINER SABIN:Michigan State soccer is intriguing as soon as once more due to all of the unknowns

Jeff Seidel

What do we actually know concerning the Spartans? Within the age of the switch portal, not a dang factor. However I’m satisfied Smith can coach, in order that’s what I’m basing this on. Now, a hunch: Aidan Chiles is gonna have a monster sport. I’ve a sense Smith will ensure that of it. By the tip of this sport, some will assume: Perhaps MSU is healthier than we thought they’d be.The decide: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic 14.

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Chris Solari

Chiles and Smith have promised the Spartans will rating some factors, and the offense navigates early fluctuation to maneuver the ball constantly on the bottom and thru the air. The protection seems aggressive and generates turnovers whereas taking part in by the first-game adjustment, and MSU lets out an enormous exhale because the web page turns from an extended 2023 and offseason — simply in time for Huge Ten play to begin on the street at Maryland subsequent Saturday. The decide: MSU 31, Florida Atlantic 17.

NOT LOOKING AHEAD:Teaching shift should not have an effect on MSU’s continuity on offense

Shawn Windsor

The Spartans have a brand new coach. Perhaps you’ve got heard. In addition they added 60-some new gamers, together with a beginning quarterback, which might be a very good factor contemplating the state of quarterback play a season in the past. Chiles’ play will decide whether or not MSU wins just a few video games or wins sufficient to push for a bowl spot. Even with rising pains, MSU has sufficient to beat Florida Atlantic. The decide: MSU 26, Florida Atlantic 16.

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