This Week In Spartan Athletics – August 27

Here’s a look at the week ahead (Aug 27-September 2) for Michigan State Athletics:

Football

First-year head coach Jonathan Smith leads the Spartans out of the tunnel on Friday night as Michigan State hosts Florida Atlantic at 7 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. Aidan Chiles (quarterback), Nate Carter (running back), Tanner Miller (offensive lineman), Jordan Turner (linebacker) and Maverick Hansen (defensive lineman) will serve as captains for the 128^th season of Michigan State football. Fans are asked to “Stripe the Stadium” with the odd numbered and student sections wearing white, and the even numbered sections wearing green.

 

Women’s Soccer

Michigan State is up to its highest-ranking ever in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 at No. 4 in the national poll. The Spartans continue their six-game homestand with a pair of contests this week at DeMartin Stadium. On Thursday, MSU hosts Ole Miss at 7 p.m. Sunday, the Spartans welcome No. 15 Xavier to DeMartin Stadium for a 1 p.m. contest as MSU celebrates the accomplishments of the back-to-back Big Ten Champions, including fan photos with championship trophies and limited-edition team posters.

 

Men’s Soccer

Michigan State plays two home games over the holiday weekend. On Friday, MSU hosts Villanova at noon. On Labor Day, the Spartans host No. 19 Oregon State at 1 p.m. It’s Youth & Family Day and all youth soccer teams are encouraged to wear their team uniforms and arrive early for some fun and games.

 

Volleyball

The 2024 season begins away from home for Michigan State volleyball, as the Spartans travel to Colorado for a trio of contests. MSU opens Friday night at Northern Colorado. Saturday, the Spartans play at Colorado State. Sunday’s contest features the Spartans against No. 11 Florida.

Cross Country

The men’s and women’s cross country teams open the 2024 season at the Jeff Drenth Memorial in Shepherd, Michigan, hosted by Central Michigan. The USTFCCCA Regional Rankings were released on Monday and the Spartan women are ranked second in the Great Lakes Region, while the men are ranked fifth. In the national rankings, the women stand at No. 18, while the men are just outside the Top 30. Seniors Makenna Veen and Andrew Nolan were named to the Big Ten Athletes to Watch list.

 

Field Hockey

Following a pair of…