Jonathan Smith has a shot at history on Saturday, Sept. 13, when Michigan State football hosts Youngstown State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
A win over the Penguins would give Smith his second straight 3-0 start — a mark no other MSU coach has matched in his first two seasons with the program. Yes, Youngstown State is an FCS-level squad, playing in the Missouri Valley Conference with the likes of Indiana State and North Dakota — but the Penguins are riding high with 80 points in their first two games this season (also against FCS-level teams).
Will Smith make Spartans history, or will MSU lose to an FCS team for the first time in 10 tries? Four Free Press sports writers chime in on their predictions for Week 3 of the 2025 season.
Chris Solari
Aidan Chiles and the offense continue to move the ball through the air and on the ground, and Joe Rossi’s defense neutralizes quarterback Beau Brungard’s running ability. The Spartans are able to get some younger players experience throughout the second half heading into Big Ten play next week at USC. The pick: MSU 48, Youngstown State 10.
Carlos Monarrez
After a barnburner double-overtime win last week, the Spartans get to catch their breath against a 2-0 FCS opponent that has scored 80 points in its two games combined – at home against Mercyhurst and Robert Morris. Aidan Chiles and Jordan Hall, the respective Big Ten offensive and defensive players of the week, should have big games again before they head to the bench to rest up for next week’s late-night tilt at USC. The pick: MSU 42, Youngstown State 14.
Jeff Seidel
The Spartans will reach 3-0 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2006-07. Hey, a win is a win in the race to get bowl-eligible. The most interesting part of this game will be watching how the Spartans defend quarterback Beau Brungard, who has rushed for more than 400 yards in two games. The pick: MSU 41, Youngstown State 10.
Shawn Windsor
This is probably too many points for Youngstown State, but until the Spartans show they can slow an offense, we’ll give the Penguins a couple tuddies. Meanwhile, Aidan Chiles –he’s coming and will come for more in Spartan Stadium. The pick: MSU 41, Youngstown State 20.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State football vs Youngstown State predictions for Week 3
