Spartan Speak

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dig into the Michigan State men's basketball's recent performance and preview a measuring stick game against a daunting and unbeaten Arizona team on Thanksgiving Day. Then, they discuss MSU football's showing at Indiana — Maliq Carr, Katin Houser, etc. — before breaking down the Spartans' finale against Penn State at Ford Field and talking about the coaching search, Harlon Barnett's performance, and the drama that could be just ahead.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari react to the Michigan State men's basketball team's loss to James Madison - why it happened, which concerns are real and which aren't - and then preview MSU's football game at Ohio State.

On this week's Spartan Speak, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari begin by discussing Michigan State football's QB situation and Saturday's game against Nebraska. Then, they get to the seedier side of things and dig into the insanity at Michigan with Connor Stalions and increasing evidence of cheating, before talking MSU hoops after the Tennessee scrimmage and heading into Monday's opener.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari analyze Michigan State basketball's exhibition win over Hillsdale, including what stood out from MSU's freshman and several other players. Then they dig into the Michigan football sign-stealing scandal and what it might mean for the Spartans' rivals, before previewing and predicting MSU's football game at Minnesota.

It's Michigan Week, people! But this year has a different feel, as the Wolverines are playing like they're on top of the world, while Michigan State has lost its head coach and the quality of play has been severely lacking this year. But with this rivalry comes weird results. And on this week's Spartan Speak, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari preview Saturday's game, whether the Spartans have a chance and what it would take to pull an upset. Plus, a little coaching search talk and then the impact of Jaxon Kohler's injury on MSU's basketball team.

The Spartan Speak podcast returns after a two-week layoff! Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free beat writer Chris Solari have plenty to cover as the Michigan State football team is coming off a bye week in preparation for Saturday's game against Rutgers. This week's topics include the ongoing coaching search to replace Mel Tucker, the appeal of and the problem with Urban Meyer, the school's NIL collective in turmoil with the disbandment of SD4L, and a preview and prediction for the Rutgers game.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the State of the Spartans football program, in the wake of Mel Tucker's sexual harassment lawsuit and this week's announcement that Michigan State intends to fire Tucker with cause. Graham and Chris discuss where things stand with the program now, including fan support, coaching search, players potentially leaving due to transfer, QB situation and even a discussion that fans might already be on to basketball season in mid-September.

The news surrounding Mel Tucker's suspension due to a sexual harassment complaint is ever-evolving, but for Friday's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist and Detroit Free Press beat write Chris Solari keep everything completely on the field. Episode topics include previewing Saturday's showdown with Washington and QB Michael Penix, who has owned the Spartans; the debut of interim head coach Harlon Barnett and whether or not he can make the job his permanently; and the return of Mark Dantonio to the sideline.

The Michigan State football team beat Richmond on Saturday to improve to 2-0, but that's on the backburner now as an investigative story from USA TODAY's Kenny Jacoby that coach Mel Tucker was being investigated in a Title IX sexual harassment case was published early Sunday morning. And shortly after the publication of that story, Tucker was suspended by the school without pay amid the investigation with perhaps a final resolution coming in the week of Oct. 5, when there's a formal hearing. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari deliver their reaction to the news and the fallout of the suspension on this week's Spartan Speak podcast. They delve into the school's decision to suspend him, what it means to the program, thoughts on Teresa Woodruff and Alan Haller's Sunday press conference that left more questions than answers, how it impacts the players and their initial thoughts on Harlon Barnett stepping in as the interim head coach.

The Michigan State football team kicked off its 2023 season last week with a win over Central Michigan, with one half (the second) much better than the other. With FCS squad Richmond coming to Spartan Stadium this weekend, MSU will have a chance to improve on some of the potential they showed in the second half last Friday. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari evaluate the Spartans' individual performances and preview Saturday's game vs. Richmond. They also discuss Keon Coleman's big night for Florida State vs. LSU and make predictions for MSU-Richmond.

It's been a bit of a different preseason for Michigan State football. There hasn't officially been any indication as to who the Spartans' starting quarterback will be, and in a press conference this week, coach Mel Tucker didn't specifically mention a single player on the roster by name. Is it a weird coincidence or a planned strategy for Week 1 preparation? Lucky for you, the listener, there's no stopping Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari from talking to their heart's content as they go over all the key storylines heading into Friday's season opener against Central Michigan. Plus, a little basketball talk at the end.

We're only a mere eight days away from Michigan State football's season-opening game against Central Michigan. And since the last podcast, some developments have occurred. On this week's episode, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari take a look at the Spartans' depth chart and break the roster down position by position. Who will be MSU's starting quarterback? Can certain defensive players look good against Big Ten competition? What about the kicking game? They'll break it all down for you here.

Quite frankly, we've been gone way too long. Almost three months, in fact. But that changes today as Michigan State football's fall camp begins Thursday. Fall is near, and that means that Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari emerged from hiding and will return on a near-weekly basis. This week, Graham and Chris thoroughly discuss each MSU position group: Who emerges as the starting QB, Noah Kim or Katin Houser (or Sam Leavitt?) Still trying to fill Kenneth Walker's shoes at running back Questions abound with the WRs And much, much more

Michigan State football news was hot and heavy on Sunday, as the Spartan football lost three starters to the transfer portal: First, it was two-year starting QB Payton Thorne; then, expected No. 1 receiver Keon Coleman left; and last, CB Charles Brantley announced he was leaving. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari react to the news and discuss the state of MSU's program following the departures. They end the podcast discussing Jayden Reed, Bryce Baringer and Ameer Speed being selected in the NFL draft.

Michigan State held its spring football game on Saturday. Although it was mostly a glorified practice, there was plenty for Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari to see. They discuss the QB competition between Payton Thorne, Noah Kim and Katin Houser and other highlights from Spartan Stadium. They also delve into basketball, with Tyson Walker and Malik Hall announcing their return for next season. And finally, they discuss what matters more: Moneyball or spring football.

The boys are back from NYC following Michigan State's NCAA tournament loss to Kansas State in the Sweet 16. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari reflect on the Spartans' loss and whether it was a missed opportunity, and then project what next year's roster will look like. In the final part of the podcast, they discuss spring football, Keon Coleman, the upcoming QB battle and more.

The Lansing State Journal's Graham Couch and the Detroit Free Press' Chris Solari and Shawn Windsor break down Michigan State's Sweet 16 overtime defeat to Kansas State, in what was an instant classic.

There's a reason the "January, February, Izzo" saying exists, and the Michigan State basketball team is advancing to its 15th Sweet 16 under Tom Izzo, upsetting 2-seed Marquette 69-60 on Sunday. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari break down the MSU win piece-by-piece, preview the Kansas State game and discuss the Big Ten's performance in the NCAA tournament.

It was a busy past two days in Michigan State athletics, and we're here to cover it all for you: The Spartans are set to play USC in the NCAA Tournament, spring football practice begins, and women's basketball coach Suzy Merchant is stepping down after 16 seasons. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch is joined by beat writer Brian Calloway at the beginning of the podcast to discuss Merchant's departure. Then, Graham and Detroit Free Press MSU beat writer Chris Solari break down the Spartans' tournament opener against USC (and potential second-round game against Marquette) and discuss MSU's quarterback situation.

On this week's Spartan Speak, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari preview this week's Big Ten tournament, discussing which schools need wins the most and predict who will win the tournament. Then, moving on to football, they discuss the decommitment of 4-star WR Nick Marsh, discuss recruiting on the whole before moving on to Brandon Jordan's decision to leave the MSU coaching staff for a job with the Seattle Seahawks.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari get caught up on the Michigan State basketball's last two games against Iowa and Nebraska, look ahead to this weekend's senior day contest against Ohio State, how the Spartans can still get the double bye in the Big Ten tournament, and what seed they could receive in the NCAA tournament.

It has been a difficult week, to put it lightly, following the shooting at Michigan State on Feb. 13 that left three students dead and five wounded. In the background of that horrific event, Saturday's Michigan State-Michigan basketball game was played in Ann Arbor which saw both communities come together in this moment. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the game in the context of everything surrounding it. They also look ahead to the Indiana game and potential schedule changes.

On this week's podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the Spartans' win over Maryland on Tuesday, the struggles of Malik Hall and the three-man center rotation of Mady Sissoko, Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, and Sunday's game against Ohio State.

In the midst of a condensed schedule, the podcast returns following Michigan State's loss at Indiana on Sunday. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the Spartans' 82-69 loss to the Hoosiers, including: MSU's inability to contain Trayce Jackson-Davis Mady Sissoko and Pierre Brooks' struggles The handling of AJ Hoggard's foul situation Plus, a discussion on the rotation, or lack thereof, and how some of next year's freshmen might fit in.

After a month off, Spartan Speak returns! Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari have plenty to discuss with the MSU men's basketball season in full swing. They discuss Keon Coleman's decision to play basketball this year, Malik Hall's return after missing games due to a foot injury, and deep dive on MSU football's recruiting class and transfer portal signees.

After traveling to State College and Portland, respectively, Chris and Graham are back for the latest episode of Spartan Speak. They discuss the Michigan State football team's loss to Penn State, likely a season-ender with a 5-7 record, the basketball team's performance at the PK85 tournament in Portland against Alabama, Oregon and Portland, and the latest news from the tunnel fight at the end of the MSU-Michigan game back in late October.

Things are looking up for the Michigan State basketball team after the Spartans beat Kentucky in double overtime, thanks in large part to Malik Hall's dunks at the end of regulation and the first overtime. But the biggest revelation has been the emergence of third-year player Mady Sissoko, who's becoming a force in the paint. Graham and Chris also preview Friday night's basketball game against Villanova, before moving on to the Spartan football team. It is one game away from bowl eligibility after last week's win over Rutgers and they can get it with a win Saturday over Indiana.

Wednesday was National Signing Day for college basketball, and all four of Michigan State's commits - Xavier Booker, Jeremy Fears, Coen Carr and Gehrig Normand - sent in their letters of intent, meaning coach Tom Izzo has secured the nation's No. 3 recruiting class for 2023, according to 247Sports. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the Spartans' excellent haul and discuss Monday's season-opening win over Northern Arizona. They also discuss MSU football's home game Saturday against Rutgers and the latest in the MSU-Michigan tunnel skirmish from two weeks ago.

There was a game played Saturday night, but nobody's talking about that. Instead, the post-game altercations that occurred in the Michigan Stadium tunnel after the game have taken center stage. Eight Spartans have been suspended - and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch are here to discuss it all. Plus, we preview Saturday's game vs. Illinois and the men's basketball team's exhibition opener against Grand Valley.

There's no mistaking it. The Michigan Wolverines are flying high with a 7-0 record and a No. 4 national ranking. Michigan State is 3-4 and recently ended a four-game losing streak with an overtime win over Wisconsin. But this in-state rivalry has produced some great games over the year, especially the last 14 years, with the Spartans owning a 10-4 advantage in that stretch, including a number of wins where they were the Vegas underdog. Can MSU pull it off again and derail the Wolverines' dreams of a national title? Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch, Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and host Phil Friend preview Saturday's game.

With the Spartans on a bye week, Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch brought out their red pens this week to grade the Michigan State football team offense, defense, special teams and coaching. Along with host Phil Friend, they also discuss Saturday's win over Wisconsin with a sprinkling of comments on MSU's game against Michigan on Oct. 29.

The Michigan State football team's losing streak reached four after getting blown out by Ohio State on Saturday. The Spartans' issues continue to pile up, as Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch, Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and host Phil Friend discuss the issues with the defense, offensive line and recruiting, along with QB Payton Thorne's comments earlier this week.

There isn't much to grab on to the last three games if you're a Michigan State fan, as the Spartans prepare to host No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday afternoon. Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and host Phil Friend preview Saturday's game - trying to find spots where the Spartans can feel optimistic, discuss Jayden Reed's season, make game predictions and also talk a little hoops at the end.

The Michigan State football team is at a crossroads once again after getting thumped at home by Minnesota. Now, all of the sudden, Saturday's opponent, Maryland - which is coming off a near-upset of Michigan - is an 8.5-point favorite. How did MSU get to that point? Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch try to answer talk, discussing Mel Tucker's tendencies in recruiting and the transfer portal, before breaking down Saturday's Maryland game and making predictions.

After an offseason of heightened expectations, the Michigan State football team couldn't get through the nonconference slate unscathed after losing at Washington last weekend. Now, the Spartans face a veteran Minnesota team that has the potential to completely upend MSU's season. Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch dissect the state of the Spartans: the offensive line, defensive secondary, running game, pass game, coaching and more.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch discuss the performance of Michigan State QB Payton Thorne, who has had a bit of a rollercoaster performance in the Spartans' first two games this season. Then, they preview Saturday night's Washington game and answer listener questions.

We've got an actual, live college football game to reach to on this week's Spartan Speak! Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch discuss Michigan State's win over Western Michigan that proved a bit costly, as two key defenders went down with injuries. Plus, we talk about Jacoby Windmon, the offensive line, the wideouts, Mel Tucker calling out (maybe) MSU's nutritional team, and we preview Saturday's game vs. Akron.

Michigan State football's season opener is Friday night against Western Michigan. Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch get you caught up on what to expect in the game, discuss the newest details in Tom Izzo's contract extension and then we do over/unders and predictions for the 2022 college football season.

Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch catch you up on the latest news in Michigan State sports. This week's topics: Football and basketball recruiting 6 MSU football observations (Keon Coleman and special teams among the topics) Listener questions

The Spartan Speak podcast has returned from its annual sabbatical, and just in time, as the Michigan State football team is well into preseason practice and the season opener against Western Michigan is right around the corner. The Detroit Free Press's Chris Solari and the Lansing State Journal's Ryan Black take you through the latest in Spartan news. Topics: Tom Izzo contract extension MSU basketball recruiting lands Coen Carr, Xavier Booker, Gehrig Normand 6 MSU football preseason tidbits MSU football recruiting Listener questions - including 6 hot takes

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari are two of the few people in the world who have already seen the new Magic Johnson documentary, "They Call Me Magic," which airs on Apple+ this weekend.  We spend the first 14 minutes talking about that before discussing Julius Marble's decision to enter the transfer portal and Joey Hauser opting to return for one more season.  We then shift to football, with RB Donovan Eaglin and CB Antoine Booth entering the portal, and then a discussion on the spring game. 

It's a listener question episode of Spartan Speak this week! Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari answer your questions ahead of the Michigan State football team's spring game on Saturday. 

The latest Michigan State news is basketball heavy, as longtime assistant basketball coach Dwayne Stephens is leaving the program to become the head coach last Western Michigan. And last week, freshman Max Christie declared for the NBA draft. Will he change his mind and return to campus? Plus, spring football talk. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sportswriters Graham Couch and Phil Friend discuss the Spartans' second-round loss to Duke in the NCAA tournament, while also looking ahead to next season's squad.  They also talk about Foster Loyer and MSU's win over Davidson, the Big Ten's disappointing performance and more. 

After a decent run in the Big Ten tournament that saw the Michigan State basketball team beat Maryland and Wisconsin before losing a competitive game to Purdue in the semifinals, the Spartans drew a 7-seed in the NCAA tournament, and oh, boy, there are storylines galore.  MSU drew 10-seed Davidson in the first round, and its leading scorer is former Spartan Foster Loyer. And if MSU wins that game, longtime nemesis Duke likely awaits in the second round in Mike Krzyzewski's final season with the Blue Devils.  Then, Chris, Graham and Phil make their Final Four and national title predictions before ending the podcast with a little football talk. 

If you're from Greater Lansing or a Michigan State alum, the new HBO show "Winning Time" has something for everybody. The series debuted on Sunday night and Graham, Chris and Phil give three thumbs up as we open the podcast with a discussion about the show.  We then move on to previewing the Big Ten tournament, debating which teams are in the bubble, discussing the seven-seed Spartans' opener against 10-seed Maryland, predicting who will win the tourney, and then predicting who wins the MSU game.

Things are trending downward for the Michigan State basketball team, which lost at home to Illinois on Saturday and was throttled on the road Tuesday by Iowa. The schedule doesn't get any easier as the Spartans play Purdue, Michigan and Ohio State - two of them ranked in the top 25 - in the next seven days.  Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal sportswriters Graham Couch and Phil Friend try to get to the bottom of the tailspin, while also gauging where MSU stands with an NCAA tournament bid. Plus, predictions for the Purdue and Michigan games. 

Tuesday was, perhaps, an inopportune time for the Michigan State basketball team to blow a 14-point lead against Penn State - a team below them in the Big Ten Conference standings.  The Spartans' loss to the Nittany Lions opened up a whole new set of questions for Tom Izzo's squad, including a look back at the Spartans' recruiting effort in recent years. We then look ahead to Saturday's game against Illinois and Tuesday against Iowa. 

The Michigan State men's basketball team has hit its annual Big Ten swoon, as the 17th-ranked Spartans have lost their last two games, getting blown out Saturday at Rutgers then falling at home Tuesday to Wisconsin.  Graham Couch, Chris Solari and Phil Friend sort through the carnage of those two games, select what changes could (and should) be made to the lineup and preview upcoming games against Indiana and Penn State.  They round out the show with the latest football news, including the commitment of 3-star QB Bo Edmundson and Marco Coleman's hire as the defensive line coach. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, host Phil Friend, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari break down the Spartans' last two games, beating Michigan on Saturday and Maryland on Tuesday. Then we preview Saturday's game against Rutgers before talking about signing day, two four-star commits and incoming transfer running back Jarek Broussard.