Purdue Opponent Preview: Michigan State

Purdue enters Year Two of the Ryan Walters era looking for growth following a 4-8 debut campaign. The Boilermakers will again face one of the nation’s most demanding schedules, a daunting proposition as they hope to return to postseason play.

Throughout the summer, GoldandBlack.com will preview each of Purdue’s 2024 opponents. Today, we take a look at the Michigan State Spartans with the help of Kenny Jordan from SpartanMag.

The overview

Despite sharing a conference, recent history between the Boilermakers and Spartans remains sparse. Things looked quite different for both programs the last time the two met. Jeff Brohm’s Purdue team knocked off third-ranked, undefeated Michigan State, led by Mel Tucker. That win snapped an eight-game losing streak for Purdue in this series. Now, Walters and Jonathan Smith will square off. Smith coached against Purdue in 2021 when his Oregon State team fell 30-21 in Ross-Ade to open the season.

Name to know: offense

Junior TE Jack Velling. Oregon State transfer that followed Smith as well as offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and tight ends coach Brian Wozniak to Michigan State this past offseason. Velling is in his third year now in their system and is coming off a season in which he had eight touchdowns and 29 receptions at Oregon State. Big, strong, physical guy that takes a lot of pride in run blocking at the tight end position, as well. No. 8 ranked returning tight end per PFF as well as the No. 2 ranked junior on the list.

Name to know: defense

Junior S Malik Spencer. Returning player that started eight games last year (seven at safety, one at nickelback). One of the highest ceilings on the roster and is hoping for a breakout junior season. Was second on the team last season in PBU’s (6) and third in tackles (72).

Biggest question:

What kind of progress will we see from the offensive line?

The OL was fairly light in the portal, adding only three players, Tanner Miller (Oregon State) and Luke Newman (Holy Cross) AJ Dennis (Illinois). Dennis was an early-enrollee at Illinois so is still a freshman and not expected to contribute right away after transferring following spring ball at Illinois. They had several departures, as well, including Geno VanDemark (Alabama) and Kevin Wigenton (Illinois). They did return both Ashton Lepo and Brandon Baldwin who are projected to be the starting tackles with Miller at center and Newman at right guard. Left guard is still a question, as well, with depth at the tackle positions primarily coming from unproven players or freshmen.

Key newcomer

Outside of some of the guys I’ve listed such as Velling, Miller and Newman, I’d say freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh. Marsh was the highest rated recruit in the Spartans 2024 class and had several options throughout the process from the likes of Auburn, Colorado, Kansas and Penn State among others. Marsh early-enrolled at MSU in January and had a great spring as well as “spring showcase” when he was technically supposed to still be in high school. He has a college-ready body and should compete for the third receiver position. Coaches and players have raved about him since spring. Still 17 years old and won’t turn 18 until October, as well.

Early outlook on Purdue vs. Michigan State

Where will each program sit in late November when this game takes place? The Spartans lack depth, but there are quality players at the top of the depth chart. The healthier team will likely enter as the favorite in what feels like a toss-up game. A key to watch? Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles. A highly touted recruit, he followed Smith from Corvallis to East Lansing. If he shines in his second season of college football, the Spartans could improve their record vastly from last season’s catastrophe.

2024 expectations

Expectation I think first is to just be more competitive. Last season, Sparty had losses of 49-0, 42-0, 41-7 and 38-3. All to top 10 teams including the national champs as well as national runner-ups but still inexcusable. The offense was historically bad for Michigan State standards and one of the worst in the Big Ten and country. Will have the west coast look from Smith and a mostly new coaching staff outside of wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins who are familiar with the new additions to the Big Ten, as well. I would say most Spartan fans would be happy just to get to six wins and bowl eligibility after falling short the last two seasons. My personal expectation is seven wins, as well, whether that’s met in the regular season or in a bowl game.

2024 Purdue schedule

Date	Opponent
Aug. 31	Indiana State, Noon ET, BTN
Sept. 7	OFF
Sept. 14	Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Sept. 21	at Oregon State, 8:30 p.m. ET, CW
Sept. 28	Nebraska
Oct. 5	at Wisconsin
Oct. 12	at Illinois
Oct. 18	Oregon, 8 p.m. ET, FOX (Friday)
Oct. 26	OFF
Nov. 2	Northwestern
Nov. 9	at Ohio State
Nov. 16	Penn State
Nov. 22	at Michigan State, 8 p.m. ET, FOX (Friday)
Nov. 30	at Indiana

Previous previews: Indiana State | Notre Dame | Oregon State | Nebraska | Wisconsin | Illinois | Oregon | Northwestern | Ohio State | Penn State