Photo Gallery: Michigan State - Florida Atlantic (8/30/24)
East Lansing (Mich.) – Michigan State began the 2024 season with a 16-10 win over Florida Atlantic on August 30. In the first game under Jonathan Smith, observers were able to see several newcomers suit up in their Spartan debuts.
QB Aidan Chiles
As usual, all eyes were on the quarterback in the season opener. Chiles began his Michigan State career with a win, but took accountability postgame for what he called a poor performance offensively.
Chiles completed 10 of 24 passes for 114 yards. He threw two interceptions, rushing for one touchdown as well.
Spartan defense standing tall
The Michigan State defense stood tall for most of the evening, logging seven sacks in the new Joe Rossi scheme. Rush end Khris Bogle (#2) had one and a half sacks, as linebacker Jordan Hall, linebacker Jordan Turner, defensive tackle D’Quan Douse, cornerback Ed Woods, defensive lineman Anthony Jones, defensive tackle Alex VanSumeran, and lineman Ken Talley also logged sacks of their own.
Linebacker Darius Snow and wide receiver Alante Brown
Michigan State veterans Darius Snow and Alante Brown celebrate on special teams after a 33-yard kick return from Brown. Snow tallied three tackles on the evening.
Defensive tackle Alex VanSumeran
Michigan State defensive tackle Alex VanSumeran returned to the field after missing the 2023 season due to injury. It is unclear whether or not sixth year senior Maverick Hansen was knicked up, but VanSumeran got the starting nod against Florida Atlantic. Teammates and coaches raved about the redshirt sophomore during sprung and fall camp.
Wide receiver Nick Marsh
Freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh made his Spartan debut. Marsh caught a pass from Chiles early in the contest for 15-yards. He exited the game with an injury and did not return. It is unclear the extent of the injury.
Tight end Michael Masunas
Tight end Michael Masunas has been talked about as a breakout candidate after what was a strong fall and spring camp for the redshirt sophomore. Masunas caught two passes against Florida Atlantic for 29 yards.
Defensive back Angelo Grose
Michigan State fifth year senior Angelo Grose garnered a large share of snaps on the evening, posting 12 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.
Safety Nikai Martinez
The former Central Florida transfer had a strong evening in his Spartan debut, logging an interception along with six tackles. Martinez played multiple positions, filling in for Malik Spencer after the first half targeting call.
Running back Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams
Michigan State running back Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams made his presence felt in his Spartan debut as well. Coming from Massachusetts, Lynch-Adams has just one year of college eligibility remaining. He ran for over 1,000 yards in 2023. The running back had 101 yards and a touchdown in nine attempts on Friday evening.
