Spartan Confidential Podcast

On episode 100 of MLive's Spartan Confidential podcast, reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State's win against Rutgers and tough loss at Indiana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss what Malik Hall's latest foot injury means for Michigan State's season before reacting to a pair of tough losses at Illinois and at home against Purdue on MLK Day. Also, the latest football news including Elijah Collins' transfer destination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State basketball's big wins against Michigan and Wisconsin before looking ahead to a rare Friday-Monday 2-step against Illinois and Purdue. Also, Kevin Warren leaves the Big Ten for the Chicago Bears and the latest football news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In advance of the men's basketball game between the Spartans and the Wolverines, Kyle Austin and Andrew Kahn recap the teams' seasons so far and discuss the key matchups for Saturday's game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State basketball's impressive win against Nebraska before previewing a rivalry showdown with Hunter Dickinson and Michigan. Also, the latest football news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel breakdown Michigan State football's 2023 recruiting class, which currently sits Top 25 in the nation, before recapping the basketball team's win against Oakland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State basketball’s disappointing losses against Notre Dame and Northwestern before discussing the latest roster movement on the football team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel look ahead to Michigan State football's long offseason after another disappointing loss, this time to Penn State, before recapping the basketball team's 2-1 weekend at the Phil Knight Invitational in Portland. Also, the latest fallout from last month's tunnel incidents at Michigan Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State basketball's close loss to Gonzaga on the USS Abraham Lincoln and its thrilling win in 2 OT against Kentucky in the Champions Classic before discussing the football team's much-needed victory against Rutgers at Spartan Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s gutsy win at Illinois before previewing a home clash with Rutgers. Also, Michigan State hoops wins its opener against Northern Arizona. Can the Spartans hang with mighty Gonzaga? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin preview Michigan State's 2022-23 basketball season. The guys go through every player on the roster, taking a closer look at each guys role and season outlook before looking at the season as a whole. Topics include a brutal schedule and a wide open Big Ten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss the latest news surrounding the troubling incidents that occurred in the Big House tunnel after Michigan's win against rival Michigan State. What we saw, who is to blame, and how will this impact the rest of the Spartans season? Also, a recap of Michigan State basketball's closer-than-expected exhibition win against Grand Valley State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Wenzel is joined by U-M beat writers Aaron McMann and Andrew Kahn to talk MSU vs. Michigan, what the game means for both programs, strengths and weaknesses, predictions and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State football’s fourth-straight loss, this time to Ohio State, before previewing another big home game against Wisconsin and discussing their takeaways from Big Ten basketball media days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s latest loss at Maryland before previewing a home clash with the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes. Is there any hope for a historic upset? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s second-straight blowout loss, this time at home to Minnesota, before previewing the Spartans trip east to face an improved Maryland squad. Also, early season basketball storylines as practice begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s disappointing loss at Washington before previewing the Spartans’ matchup vs. Minnesota at Spartan Stadium. Also, your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap the good and bad of Michigan State's 52-0 win against Akron before previewing their tough West Coast trip to Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s season opening win against Western Michigan and look ahead to Saturday’s game against Akron. Topics include major injuries, Jacoby Windmon’s epic debut and young playmakers. Also, your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel return from an extended summer break to discuss Michigan State’s outlook for the 2022 football season and preview the Spartans season opener against Western Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss the goings on at Michigan State football’s fall camp, including preseason storylines and players to watch before the Sept. 2 opener against Western Michigan. They also touch on Michigan State basketball’s recruiting run, with three commits in the last two weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel look back at the best Michigan State football games since 1985 via a draft format. Each host picks five games. Why were they great? And what stands out looking back at them? The guys also discuss Tom Izzo’s hire of ex-Spartan Thomas Kelley and a massive month of recruiting for Mel Tucker and Co. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss a variety of off-the-field changes that could have a significant impact on Michigan State. Topics include changes to Big Ten division and schedule, lifted scholarship caps and balancing the transfer portal vs. high school recruiting. The guys also discuss Tom Izzo’s bold, against-the-grain decision to favor roster continuity over transfer portal fever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin are joined by former MLive Michigan State beat reporter Diamond Leung to discuss the tragic death of former Spartan star Adreian Payne. Topics include his development on and off the court, memorable moments and his genuine and moving bond with Lacey Holsworth during the 2013-14 season. Also, Michigan State gets a surprise commitment and Max Christie’s looming NBA decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss the pros and cons of the landing spots for Michigan State’s four selections at the 2022 NFL Draft. The guys also react to Julius Marble’s transfer to Texas A&M, Joey Hauser’s return and Jaxon Kohler’s potential to make an immediate impact in East Lansing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss their takeaways and observations from Michigan State’s open spring practice at Spartan Stadium. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel react to news that longtime basketball assistant Dwayne Stephens is leaving Michigan State to be the head coach at Western Michigan. How will losing him impact the program? And who will Tom Izzo hire to replace him? Also, the latest news from spring football practice See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Matt Wenzel share observations from the early part of Michigan State’s spring football practices including limited depth on the offensive line, fierce positions battles at running back and cornerback, Brandon Jordan’s impact on the field and in recruiting and Mel Tucker’s NFL-style operation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s weekend in the NCAA tournament, including a hard-fought win against Davidson and near victory against Coach K and Duke. Also, big picture takeaways about the season, AJ Hoggard, the freshmen and Tom Izzo’s future, as well as updates from spring football practice and MSU’s Pro Day. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel break down Michigan State’s NCAA Tournament draw, including its reunion with Foster Loyer at Davidson and the potential of ending Coach K’s legendary career at Duke. Plus, spring football kicks off this week in East Lansing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Austin and Andrew Kahn preview the Big Ten Tournament, with a focus on Michigan and Michigan State. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin discuss Michigan State’s lifeless performances against Michigan and Ohio State before analyzing the Spartans standing for the NCAA tournament. Also, a look at the state of recruiting and how the Spartans can improve in the future. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin recap Michigan State losses to Illinois at the Breslin Center and at Iowa on Luka Garza night after which Tom Izzo hinted at lineup changes. But what changes? The guys also discuss how many wins the Spartans need to clinch a spot in March Madness and Izzo’s spirited take on postgame handshake lines. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin react to Michigan State’s shocking loss to Big Ten basement dweller Penn State. Topics include lack of leadership, struggling seniors and AJ Hoggard’s development. Also, the pros and cons of a softer Izzo and his unprecedented decision to keep players from talking to the media after the loss. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel react to Michigan State’s ugly losses at Rutgers and home vs. Wisconsin. Is it time to panic? And what can Tom Izzo do to get more consistent play from his talented-but-flawed roster? Also, Michigan State football has a top 5 recruiting class. For now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss the good and bad of Michigan State’s buzzer-beating win at Maryland, as well as the Spartans dominant win against rival Michigan. Also, football news, including the transfer portal, 2023 recruiting and takeaways from interviews with early enrollees, Dillon Tatum, Katin Houser, Germie Bernard and Alex VanSumeran See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel react to Michigan State’s one-point loss at Illinois before discussing the ceilings of Malik Hall and Marcus Bingham Jr. Also, offseason football questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Michigan State’s ugly home loss to Northwestern before pondering how the Spartans can regain their early-season mojo ahead of road games against Wisconsin and Illinois. Also, tons of football news including transfers, new coaches and spring football. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Joey Hauser’s buzzer-beater against Minnesota before having a big picture discussion around one question: How good are the Spartans? Also, football news including Jayden Reed’s return, Germie Bernard’s surprise arrival, coaching hires and a quick look at the 2022 schedule. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Austin and Andrew Kahn preview Saturday's Michigan State vs. Michigan men's basketball game. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss why Michigan State’s come-from-behind win in the Peach Bowl is the perfect cap to a remarkable season before discussing Jayden Reed’s looming NFL decision. The guys then turn their attention to basketball, where Tom Izzo’s bunch are 12-2 and ranked in the Top 10 in the country ahead of a showdown against Michigan in Ann Arbor. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel preview this week’s Peach Bowl between Michigan State and Pittsburgh from multiple angles. Topics include off-the-field storylines such as COVID-19 and opt outs, as well as on-the-field matchups. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap an eventful early signing day at Michigan State including last-minute flips, 4-star prospects from Michigan, new transfer additions and the drama around 5-star offensive lineman Kiyaunta Goodwin. Also, Michigan State hoops starts 2-0 in the Big Ten thanks in large part to the growth of point guard Tyson Walker. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel give initial thoughts on Michigan State football’s Peach Bowl matchup with Pittsburgh before discussing why they believe Kenneth Walker III should have received an invite to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Kyle and Brandon also recap the basketball team’s wins over Louisville and Toledo before looking ahead to the start of Big Ten play. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap a wild week of Michigan State athletics including Mel Tucker’s new contract and Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, a snow globe game vs. Penn State at Spartan Stadium and the basketball team’s mostly successful run at the Battle 4 Atlantis. Also, a look ahead to a Big Ten/ACC Challenge clash with Louisville and transfer news. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s blowout loss to Ohio State before discussing Mel Tucker's reported 10-year deal to stay in East Lansing. Also, a preview of the Spartans’ season finale against Penn State and how it could impact the postseason and a primer for the Battle 4 Atlantis featuring a matchup with Drew Valentine and Loyola-Chicago. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special crossover episode, MLive’s Matt Wenzel is joined by Cleveland.com reporters Doug Lesmerises, Nathan Baird and Stephen Means to preview this weekend’s Michigan State-Ohio State showdown in Columbus. Also, MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin discuss takeaways from Spartan basketball’s win at Butler, as well as early-season storylines. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s first loss of the season at Purdue before previewing the Spartans’ home game against Maryland. Kyle and Brandon also discuss the basketball team’s season outlook with a focus on a season-opening clash with Kansas at Madison Square Garden. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s thrilling come-from-behind over rival Michigan at Spartan Stadium and preview the Spartans trip to play a dangerous Purdue team. Also, takeaways from the new-look basketball team’s debut exhibition win vs. Ferris State. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since 1964, Michigan and Michigan State will play as undefeated, Top 10 teams. It's going to be brutal. Let's go. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices