Is it a good bet that Michigan State will reach its projected win total?

As Michigan State and coach Jonathan Smith prepare for their first season together, there are many reasons for optimism and skepticism.

Coach Smith entered what was arguably one of the most difficult situations in East Lansing for any new coach in college football this season. Michigan State also has one of the most demanding schedules of any team in the Big Ten and the entire country. For these and many other reasons, there was little hope for Michigan State to have a successful first season under Smith.

However, Smith secured one of the better transfer portal classes in the country this offseason, giving Michigan State a real chance this season. Justin Thind of 247Sports believes Michigan State will exceed expectations and accomplish more than the four games they are expected to win this upcoming season.

“Last season, MSU went 4-8 with poor coaching, a lack of support and less talent than this season at every position except starting DT and backup OT, in my opinion,” Thind said. “That came after close wins in games against Rutgers and Iowa. You could also argue – despite the final scores – that the games against Minnesota and Maryland would have been won if not for a few mistakes. The point is, this team was competitive in all but three games (two of them against national title game participants and the other against OSU). So you’re telling me they’ll win four games again in 2024? I’ll take the over.”