Jonathan Smith satisfied with Michigan State's effort to start Illinois game

By halftime at Illinois on Saturday, Michigan State was already in a pretty big hole. But head coach Jonathan Smith doesn’t think it was for a lack of effort.

And speaking to reporters days after a 21-9 halftime deficit turning into a 38-16 loss, he expressed confidence in his team’s energy and effort. The issue, Smith said, lies in the finer points of execution.

“I didn’t feel like there was a lack there, energy-wise,” Smith said. “It just comes down, again, these execution — give Illinois some credit. But I didn’t think our energy, want-to — I look at, there are a couple reps defensively, they’re throwing a quick screen out there, we’ve got a bunch of bodies running to the ball. The energy, effort was there.”

And that energy evidently surge out of halftime, as Michigan State scored a touchdown to cut the margin to five early in the third quarter. But from there, the Spartans were shutout, and now at 4-6, will need to match the effort with some execution in the final two games to get bowl eligible.

Smith discussed the development of sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles

Aidan Chiles followed Smith from Oregon State to East Lansing, and had plenty of flashes of talent marshaling the Spartans’ offense — with plenty of youthful inexperience shining through, as well.

The Spartans have lost six of their last seven, but Smith is of the opinion that Chiles is on the right path for Michigan State. Smith particularly has been pleased with Chiles’ development as a runner and increasing comfort working in structure as a passer.

“Some of it, yeah,” Smith said, regarding whether Chiles is hitting the benchmarks Michigan State set for him at the beginning of the season. “I think he’s played you know, better. I look at — the way he’s carrying the ball. He’s decisive in the run-game. Competitive. Did a good job taking care of the ball, didn’t turn it over last week. I think there’s a lot that he’s continued to progress in.

“Some of this was hectic, in the pocket on him, and he’s standing in there. I think about that fourth down play, first drive of the second half, we’re at midfield and going for it, because of Aidan’s ability. Continue to get some depth, where the protection allowed the crosser to get there. Just a really good rep that shows, I think, some of his poise and confidence has come along.”

On the season, Chiles has passed for 2,106 yards, ten touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Those numbers won’t blow anyone away, but he’s also rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns, as well. He certainly has the ability to be a solid dual-threat type of quarterback with some more experience.

A bowl game and some extra practice would go a long way towards developing Aidan Chiles’ abilities. That’s what Michigan State will be shooting for over the final weeks of the season, and they’ll finish out Smith’s first regular season with the program against Purdue and Rutgers.