Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith talks to a referee regarding a call during the first half against Western Michigan at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, August 29, 2025. Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Via Imagn Images
Michigan State opened year two of the Jonathan Smith era with a 23–6 win over Western Michigan on Friday night in front of more than 71,000 fans at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans built a 21-0 first-half cushion, leaned on their running backs, and watched their defense dominate for four quarters.
It wasn’t flawless — especially on the offensive side after halftime — but it was decisive. Here are three extended takeaways from the season opener:
1) Aidan Chiles steady, but the run game stole the show
Junior QB Aidan Chiles delivered a workmanlike performance, finishing 17-of-23 for 155 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He added a 26-yard scramble that set up a Makhi Frazier touchdown late in the first half. Chiles’ command of the offense was most apparent early, directing back-to-back 10-play touchdown drives and mixing touch throws with quick reads.
But the real offensive spark came from the backfield. Sophomore Makhi Frazier, in his first career start, carried 14 times for 103 yards and his first career touchdown. He showed burst and vision between the tackles, becoming the Spartans’ first 100-yard rusher in a season opener since Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams last year. Fellow sophomore Brandon Tullis added 52 yards on seven carries and scored Michigan State’s first touchdown of the season.
By halftime, MSU had racked up 181 rushing yards and all three of its touchdowns on the ground. That run-first identity is exactly what Jonathan Smith wants — physicality at the line of scrimmage, wearing down defenses, and protecting his quarterback. The second half offered reminders that protection still needs work, as Western Michigan generated four sacks, but the foundation is there: Chiles is steady, and Frazier looks like a featured back going forward.
2) Defense looked like the real deal
The Spartans’ defense turned in one of its most dominant openers in recent memory. Western Michigan finished with just 29 rushing yards on 24 attempts and failed to score an offensive point. Michigan State’s front seven dictated the game from the opening series, forcing a turnover on downs, stringing together four straight punts, and creating consistent chaos in the backfield.
Linebacker Jordan Hall lived up to his preseason buzz, recording eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. His sideline-to-sideline range and physicality set the tone. Veteran transfer Wayne Matthews III chipped in six stops and his first career interception just before halftime, halting Western Michigan’s best scoring chance of the half. Meanwhile, Alex VanSumeren and Jalen Thompson combined for a safety in the third quarter after punter Ryan Eckley pinned the Broncos at their own 1-yard line.
In total, the Spartans posted 12 tackles for loss and four sacks, marking the fourth straight year they’ve opened a season with double-digit TFLs. The Broncos never got comfortable, and every possession felt like a battle just to reach midfield.
The only blemish? A late interception thrown by backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic that Western Michigan safety Tate Hallock returned 32 yards for a touchdown — the only points the Spartans allowed all night.
3) Western Michigan found flashes of encouragement
On the scoreboard, it was another lopsided result in the series — Michigan State has now won 14 straight against the Broncos. But head coach Lance Taylor saw some positives to build on.
Wide receiver Tailique Williams was the offensive standout, finishing with six catches for 74 yards. He was the go-to target for both quarterbacks, and his early deep catches gave Western Michigan its best moments on offense.
Defensively, the Broncos regrouped after halftime. They held Michigan State scoreless in the second half, generated consistent pressure on Chiles, and produced two turnovers, including Hallock’s pick-six against his former team. The Broncos also rotated quarterbacks, with redshirt sophomore Broc Lowry showing flashes on a 42-yard strike and some composed drives despite ultimately being shut out.
While the mistakes — penalties, protection breakdowns, and missed opportunities — proved too costly, Western Michigan fought for 60 minutes and showed the kind of grit Taylor will try to build on heading into next week.
What’s Next
Michigan State moves to 1-0 and now turns its attention to a primetime matchup with Boston College at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6 (7:30 p.m., NBC).
Western Michigan drops to 0-1 and heads back to Kalamazoo to host North Texas, with a daunting trip to face #12 Illinois looming after that.
For Michigan State, the takeaway is clear: the ground game and defense can carry this team, but improved pass protection and second-half execution will be vital as the schedule toughens. For Western Michigan, the positives were real — but so were the growing pains.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
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