Pre-Snap Read: Michigan State vs. Prairie View A&M

EAST LANSING, Mich. - After an encouraging victory at Maryland last week, Michigan State coaches and players have been asked about the challenge of following that up with a game on Saturday against a seemingly over-matched FCS opponent in Prairie View A&M. Jonathan Smith, assistant coaches and the players are saying all the right things. Their mantra this week has been: respect everyone, fear no one.  Another part of their season-long mantra is to improve every week, regardless of the opponent. Those axioms and program principles are being put to work this week. I don’t expect Michigan State to be stoked to this gils for this game, but I expect the Spartans to maintain a workmanlike, competitive approach. Many positions are in a constant state of internal competition. That will help with focus. Meanwhile, there are plenty of players, like Aidan Chiles, who are new to the playing group and/or new to the team who are motivated to build on their recent accomplishments.  There are position groups such as the offensive line that need to sharpen up their communication and identifications, regardless of who they are playing.  And there are second-stringers in the defensive backfield, and possibly at wide receiver, who need to see the field and get established in the playing group, in order to create some reliable depth. (More inside)