The Michigan State football team kicks off its season Friday night against Western Michigan, as the Spartans begin Year 2 under Jonathan Smith. 

Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari preview MSU's opener against the Broncos - what they think might happen, what's important for the Spartans to accomplish, and things they're curious to see unfold. Plus, they'll make predictions for the game.

The Michigan State football season is near, which means it's time for the Spartan Speak podcast to break down the position groups. 

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari take a spin through each position, getting into strengths and concerns as the Spartans head into their Week 1 game vs. Western Michigan. 

On the latest episode of the Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dig into the MSU football storylines at fall camp, including what they think they know about this team, without having seen them play. Plus, a spin through the football schedule and a look at MSU's men's basketball team coming out of the summer.

In the two weeks following Michigan State basketball's loss to Auburn in the Elite Eight, the Spartans have already seen a shift in the team. Jase Richardson declared for the NBA draft, Tre Holloman transferred to NC State and Kaleb Glenn has transferred in from Florida Atlantic. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dig into all things Spartan basketball - including what Tom Izzo and his staff can do in the transfer portal. 

Plus, spring football, hockey and gymnastics.

On this week's podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari preview the Michigan State basketball team's Sweet 16 game against Chris Beard and Ole Miss. 

On this week's podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari look at the state of the Michigan State men's basketball team and the Spartans' NCAA tournament draw.

Plus, a look at the MSU women's basketball team's early NCAA tournament draw.

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari spend more than an hour talking about Michigan State basketball on this week's Spartan Speak podcast. 

Discussion topics:

• Exactly how good is MSU
• "The Shove" - Skirmish at the end of the Michigan game
• All-Big Ten teams
• Big Ten tournament preview

The Michigan State basketball team has responded in a big way over the past few days, defeating Illinois on the road Saturday and earning a top-15 home win over Purdue on Tuesday night. 

Up next? No. 12 Michigan. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss MSU's win over Purdue as the Spartans regain their football. Then, they preview Friday's showdown with the Wolverines, the biggest game between the two rivals since MSU swept U-M in three contests in 2018-19. 

Michigan State men's basketball has lost 3 of 4 games after starting the season 18-2. The Spartans are more than capable of turning things around, but they must do so against a brutal schedule. 

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the latest with Spartan basketball and how they must rebound Saturday night against Illinois. 

The Michigan State men's basketball team is rolling. After a big win over Illinois on Sunday, the team was ranked No. 8 in this week's USA TODAY coaches poll. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari talk about the Spartans' win over the Illini, the Big Ten title prospects for this MSU team and look ahead to Saturday's game against Rutgers in New York. Plus, a preview of MSU hockey ahead of its series against Minnesota and MSU football's transfer portal haul.