Michigan State Spartans Football Schedule: Dates, matchups, roster, and 3 things to know

Michigan State had a disappointing season in 2022 after the team was hit hard by injuries. According to numerous assessments, the previous season was regarded as a letdown, characterized by disappointing losses which eventually resulted in a 5-7 record.

Failing to reach a bowl game last year halted the positive momentum that the Spartans had built following their highly successful 2021 season. The team won 11 games in what was Mel Tucker's second season with the Spartans, reaching the Peach Bowl where they defeated Pitt.

The program now faces a season where they have to turn the tides. After a disappointing 2022 season that resulted in a fifth-place finish in the Big Ten East, Mel Tucker and the Michigan State Spartans find themselves facing numerous questions that need to be addressed.

Michigan State Schedule

September 1 - vs Central Michigan

September 9 - vs Richmond

September 16 - vs Washington

September 23 - vs Maryland

September 30 - at Iowa

October 14 - at Rutgers

October 21 - vs Michigan

October 28 - at Minnesota

November 4 - vs Nebraska

November 12 - at Ohio State

November 18 - at Indiana

November 25 - vs Penn State

The Michigan State Spartans will be playing a non-conference game at home against Washington in Week 3 of the 2023 season. Michigan State lost on the road to Washington last season and will look to avenge the result in the upcoming season.

Mel Tucker's team will also have to play hardcore rivals, Michigan Wolverines, at home in Week 7. They also have a date on the road with Ohio State in the tenth week while also hosting Penn State in the final week of the 2023 college football season.

3 Things to know

#1. Toughest schedule in College Football

Michigan State is out to seek redemption in the upcoming season. However, Mel Tucker's team definitely faces a tough test. The Spartans are slated to face the second toughest schedule in the nation, based on the winning percentages of its opponents from the previous season. Without a doubt, they have the toughest schedule in the Big 10, which signifies a big task ahead for the program.

#2. Ugly incidents in the last Michigan matchup

The rivalry between Michigan State and Michigan is fast becoming the dirtiest in college football. The rivalry between the two universities is increasingly being recognized as one of the most intense and potentially volatile in collegiate athletics.

However, this development is widely regarded as unfavorable for both the state and the universities involved. The last meeting between the two in October 2022 was marred by numerous post-game incidents. All eyes will definitely be on the game this season.

#3. Defining season for Mel Tucker

This upcoming season will certainly be a crucial one for Mel Tucker at Michigan State. The former defensive back joined the program from Colorado in 2020 and has ridden on the success recorded in the 2021 season which made him the highest-paid coach in college football then.

A highly disappointing 2022 season has somehow changed the atmosphere around his reign. What is most important for Tucker is to bring something out of this season despite the odds.