Jonathan Smith Weekly Press Conference Coverage
9/15/2025 3:36:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head football coach Jonathan Smith held a press conference Monday inside the Spartan Stadium North End Zone Media Center to recap the win over Youngstown State and preview the upcoming game against No. 25 USC.
Michigan State (3-0) plays at No. 25 USC (3-0, 1-0 Big Ten) on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. The game will be televised nationally on FOX.
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith
Opening statement…
Okay, kind of like each week, recapping a couple of thoughts (on the last game). Offensively, 10 possessions, I think we scored seven times on those 10. I did think watching the tape, (Sophomore QB) Aidan (Chiles) did a solid job of completing passes – eyes up, smart with the ball, another good game running it, but in general with the run game, we got to be better on first and second down. Credit to the opponent schematically, a couple of those, but we got to break a couple of tackles, one of them the safety had some misidentification that took place too many times and we're just not getting the type of movement we want to get, and so we got to improve on that.
Defensively, did a nice job stopping the run – these guys (Youngstown State) were leading the country in running the ball, especially with the quarterback of his capabilities of running. I did like that part, except for the one long one, a 66-yard play. First of all, we're misaligned – unique formation, give them some credit. We're misaligned. We don't have anyone in the B-gaps. We're not aligned correctly in the secondary. We got an opportunity to at least get him down. It's going to be a 30-yard play, we can't do that. So we have to get better there. It was good to have (Senior DB) Nikai Martinez back, getting a taste of it. He played maybe half of it, so it was great to see him out there. We do want to continue to improve though – fourth-down, third-down on that side.
Special teams continues to be positive, obviously a huge return from (Senior WR) Omari (Kelly), to take the blocking on the thing, the decision making on the punt return unit was critical. Redshirt Freshman K) Martin (Connington), he had a solid game. (Redshirt Junior P Ryan) Eckley only goes out there one time, and that's usually a good thing.
Injury wise, a couple of tough ones. (Redshirt Junior OL) Luka Vincic will be a long term injury, probably won't see him the rest of the year, which is tough. (Sixth Year WR) Alante (Brown) actually was a pre-game injury, and that's going to be a longer term injury as well. So he won't be around for a minute. Both (Sophomore WR) Nick Marsh and (Sophomore RB) Makhi Frazier – we'll kind of see what it looks like at the end of the week, but those two are not anywhere near the other two in regards to the amount of time.
3-0 is where we wanted to be at. It's been great being at Spartan Stadium for three straight weeks – the crowd, fans, definitely helped us get to this point. But the seasons on and you transition, we got to go on the road for the first time and we got a big time opponent. I got a lot of respect for the program over there, very historic and you can talk about all three phases. But for this group, they challenge you in a lot of ways. Offensively, I mean, it's well noted statistically, where they're at, how many points they're scoring, the quarterback can make all the throws, (Head Coach) coach (Lincoln) Riley – in regards to his scheme, can make it tough. The quarterback is throwing it to a couple good players that challenge you vertically in space, tough to tackle, they can run the ball, the backs, they are carrying the thing downhill in space. So that is a potent offense that presents challenges. I do think defensively these guys are salty, get in the backfield a lot. It starts with their front seven, and that's just not seven guys. They do a nice job, especially at D-Line rotating. You're getting multiple groups in there, It's not just seven guys for the entire game. They got some depth and they created some real havoc of tackling in the backfield, sacks, so they present challenges kind of that way. So we know it is a great test, long trip, night game, all those things that come with it, with a really good opponent, and I know our guys will need a great week of preparation to get ready for them.
On how playing at Oregon in 2024 can help prepare the team playing out West…
Yeah, we definitely learned from year one. Last year's trip was quite different just because it was a short week, training to play on Friday night. That's different than what we're doing here Saturday. Not just from our own experience – I try to talk around the league to see teams that have traveled multiple time zones and what they did, kind of what they experienced. So we're going to go out there Thursday, and this has been planned well before knowing the kickoff time and things. But go out on Thursday to adjust for a day, time zone wise. The routine of what we do on Friday and Saturday is going to be pretty similar to what we do. We're just going to start a little bit later, then let them sleep in on those nights and see where it goes.
On being cautious about injuries…
It kind of starts with how much in your practice and go, and so, we talk about as a staff each week leading into it, and so I don't know if there's one size fits all in regards to the entire team on how much you go out and work. I think it was that a lot of times the position coach – maybe counting his reps, that particular player's got some bumps and bruises, and he may be more of a limited fashion, understanding that the team still needs some work. And we do, we get a lot of work with – call them twos and threes throughout the week, it's not just all the starters getting all the work. But we got our eyes on that. Sure, we're heading toward a bye, and you got to put some preparations and thought into what that week looks like. But also understanding this will be our fourth straight game, we went five straight weeks of camp, and so you're always adjusting what you think is best in your preparation.
On the team building aspect of a long road trip…
I guess one thing that is unique because of the trip, we are headed on Thursday, go over there. I think a lot of this roster maybe hadn't seen the Pacific Ocean. Wherever we are staying, we're flying into LAX, we're going to take – call it a half hour and be able to kind of see the Pacific Ocean. I do think with a long flight to spend a little time moving around, we're going to take that opportunity on Thursday. I wouldn't call it totally a team-building event, but that's one thing we're doing that is different or unique.
On preparing for this game knowing guys will be out with injuries…
I think this year, depth wise, I do feel like we've progressed, I'll call it. Learning experiences from every game of last year, just like learning experiences from the first three here. This is a challenging road environment trip and a really good team where depth's going to continue to matter. And that's not just to us, If you look at this Big Ten Conference, every game. I don't know if anyone's sitting here after three games feeling awesome – they got some mid-season, healthy bumps and bruises. You got to have some depth and I think we're in a better place than a year ago.
On defensive priorities to stop USC's offense…
Their ability to be explosive, and so trying to limit those explosives is a big piece. I think tackling is going to be huge. They get the ball in space, they're good athletes, getting them all to the ground. That's not down to just one-on-one tackling, we got to play with great effort, get guys on the ground and not turn it into deep, explosive plays when they throw underneath or hand the thing off, limiting those explosives. Then changing your looks on the quarterback. They do have a potent run-game as well, but changing those looks of what he's seeing on the back-end coverages.
On what this game means to the program, traveling out to L.A. and playing in the Coliseum for the first time since 1978…
I think it definitely starts conference play. This is a new day-in-age of the Big Ten – second year of (West Coast teams in Big Ten), so some of these traditions are starting that hadn't taken place. I think it creates excitement. It's unique, I think it energizes fan bases on both sides. That place is a historic spot. Memorial Coliseum, it's been around a while, the Olympics, Jackie Robinson, the Dodgers have played there. I mean, it's a cool venue that all adds to the excitement of the game.
On managing emotions of returning to his hometown this weekend, as well as some of the players…
Aidan (Chiles) in particular, but I think we got a few guys that will be experiencing that, but Aidan (Chiles) in particular will have a lot of family and friends at the game, which is part of cool thing in college football (note: Chiles' hometown is Long Beach). I'm excited about it. I mean, I made a trip in January watching our basketball team play the two LA schools, and we had a couple events with Spartans on the West Coast, Spartans in Southern California. I'm excited to see the contingent of green and white in the crowd.
On how much a guy needs to practice in order to play and what that type of trust looks like…
100 percent. Some of that's just kind of what they've proven before, knowing the guy. Often times, it's a veteran, he's gotten a lot of reps. Does he need a full week of practice? Those kinds of things. And so, it's really, each individual basis on deciding that. And so, yeah, I'm good if Nick Marsh takes a whole limited week, but if he's cleared to go and play, you'll probably see him out there.
On third-down situations on defense…
We looked at it, kind of call it third and medium. We've got to play tighter coverage, whether that comes from a lack of recognition of the down and distance, or a confidence level. We did talk about that, contesting more on those downs to where we're making plays on the ball. Often times, in that distance, the ball's coming out quick and all of those things. We want to contest more in tighter coverage.
On if the offensive line rotation will change entering conference play…
I don't think it will be exactly the same. It begins to be lessened. I still see us rotating, but we'll kind of see where it goes at the end of the week. With Luka (Vincic) being out, so you may not see as much rotating at guard, but at the tackle spot you just might see some. But I think you'll recognize it a little bit less, is my anticipation.
On redshirt freshman offensive lineman Rustin Young getting more game experience…
It was good to get him out there. He's got that skill set and athleticism. I think there was a little bit of a learning curve with him…but I think that guy's got a bright future. Redshirt freshman, and he continues to work. I thought he did some solid things on Saturday. We'll see what this coming Saturday kind of looks like on that rotation side, but was pleased with Rustin (Young) and getting him in.
On redshirt freshman edge rusher, Anelu Lafaele…
We think he's one of our better ones at rushing the passer, so we love to get him out there, he plays with great effort. He's contributing to special teams; he's part of that rotation in that position. I think we have four guys getting 10 plus snaps. And so, when he's in the game, I think he makes an impact. We like where he continues to trend.
On how the weekly routine may change with the late kickoff time…
The routine of it, the Thursday, Friday, not totally Thursday because we're going to practice again in the morning here, Friday, we'll bump it back a little bit. It is a larger question. You think about it, the trend, we play more and more of these night games, into consideration. I still think the value, when are we going to get the best work done, and I still believe it's in the morning. We're not terribly early in the morning, so we're allowing for some sleep. I think we get the best work out of them. We wake them up, they still have opportunity to get to class. I mean, this is a whole programmatic thought for the entire season, the body of work, those kind of things. I don't even think we're allowed, we'd have to petition, to be able to practice at our kickoff time (11 p.m. ET), they don't allow you to practice anything past 10 p.m.
On the biggest concern of traveling to the West Coast…
Going West, obviously, the wake up, and then staying up late. I do think, you know, adjusting, these guys are night owls, right? I mean, so we're going to be up late and going. We'll let them sleep in for a couple of days and let it rip. They're going to be excited to play. It's going to be an awesome atmosphere. So, we did talk about just a couple of nights to get a little bit of adjustment Thursday, Friday before the Saturday kick and let's go let it rip.
On if traveling to the West Coast and the preparation for the time difference is overrated…
I don't know this for certain, I am looking at scores, for East Coast teams kicking off at 7:30 Pacific, the win-loss record of that, I don't know if it's outstanding. I'm sure it's vice versa too, coming the other way from West Coast going to the East.
On his message to the team heading into this week, being MSU has not won a regular season matchup west of Boulder since 1957…
Well, you have to play. Again, we're going to give them some history. I don't know how deep we will go into it, but again, it comes down to us in those 60 minutes. I think you do present some of the challenges that we want to prepare for, like this time change and the hydration of it and the sleep pattern, and that we would put together a plan. Our dietitians have presented to the team yesterday and some proactive things we can do. So, we are taking some steps that way. Give them a little bit history and reasons why these stuff is important. I still go back to we're going to kick it off at 8 Pacific and let it rip.
On if the approach to coaching has changed given the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, in particular, college football…
I think the job is, just like college football, it's ever evolving, and the landscape continues to change in those things. Still comes down to, I don't know if it adds some urgency, I think about me, and our staff, I mean, we're overly competitive, and try to compete and win all the time. I don't know if that's really changed our thinking in any way.
Michigan State (3-0) plays at No. 25 USC (3-0, 1-0 Big Ten) on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. The game will be televised nationally on FOX.
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith
Opening statement…
Okay, kind of like each week, recapping a couple of thoughts (on the last game). Offensively, 10 possessions, I think we scored seven times on those 10. I did think watching the tape, (Sophomore QB) Aidan (Chiles) did a solid job of completing passes – eyes up, smart with the ball, another good game running it, but in general with the run game, we got to be better on first and second down. Credit to the opponent schematically, a couple of those, but we got to break a couple of tackles, one of them the safety had some misidentification that took place too many times and we're just not getting the type of movement we want to get, and so we got to improve on that.
Defensively, did a nice job stopping the run – these guys (Youngstown State) were leading the country in running the ball, especially with the quarterback of his capabilities of running. I did like that part, except for the one long one, a 66-yard play. First of all, we're misaligned – unique formation, give them some credit. We're misaligned. We don't have anyone in the B-gaps. We're not aligned correctly in the secondary. We got an opportunity to at least get him down. It's going to be a 30-yard play, we can't do that. So we have to get better there. It was good to have (Senior DB) Nikai Martinez back, getting a taste of it. He played maybe half of it, so it was great to see him out there. We do want to continue to improve though – fourth-down, third-down on that side.
Special teams continues to be positive, obviously a huge return from (Senior WR) Omari (Kelly), to take the blocking on the thing, the decision making on the punt return unit was critical. Redshirt Freshman K) Martin (Connington), he had a solid game. (Redshirt Junior P Ryan) Eckley only goes out there one time, and that's usually a good thing.
Injury wise, a couple of tough ones. (Redshirt Junior OL) Luka Vincic will be a long term injury, probably won't see him the rest of the year, which is tough. (Sixth Year WR) Alante (Brown) actually was a pre-game injury, and that's going to be a longer term injury as well. So he won't be around for a minute. Both (Sophomore WR) Nick Marsh and (Sophomore RB) Makhi Frazier – we'll kind of see what it looks like at the end of the week, but those two are not anywhere near the other two in regards to the amount of time.
3-0 is where we wanted to be at. It's been great being at Spartan Stadium for three straight weeks – the crowd, fans, definitely helped us get to this point. But the seasons on and you transition, we got to go on the road for the first time and we got a big time opponent. I got a lot of respect for the program over there, very historic and you can talk about all three phases. But for this group, they challenge you in a lot of ways. Offensively, I mean, it's well noted statistically, where they're at, how many points they're scoring, the quarterback can make all the throws, (Head Coach) coach (Lincoln) Riley – in regards to his scheme, can make it tough. The quarterback is throwing it to a couple good players that challenge you vertically in space, tough to tackle, they can run the ball, the backs, they are carrying the thing downhill in space. So that is a potent offense that presents challenges. I do think defensively these guys are salty, get in the backfield a lot. It starts with their front seven, and that's just not seven guys. They do a nice job, especially at D-Line rotating. You're getting multiple groups in there, It's not just seven guys for the entire game. They got some depth and they created some real havoc of tackling in the backfield, sacks, so they present challenges kind of that way. So we know it is a great test, long trip, night game, all those things that come with it, with a really good opponent, and I know our guys will need a great week of preparation to get ready for them.
On how playing at Oregon in 2024 can help prepare the team playing out West…
Yeah, we definitely learned from year one. Last year's trip was quite different just because it was a short week, training to play on Friday night. That's different than what we're doing here Saturday. Not just from our own experience – I try to talk around the league to see teams that have traveled multiple time zones and what they did, kind of what they experienced. So we're going to go out there Thursday, and this has been planned well before knowing the kickoff time and things. But go out on Thursday to adjust for a day, time zone wise. The routine of what we do on Friday and Saturday is going to be pretty similar to what we do. We're just going to start a little bit later, then let them sleep in on those nights and see where it goes.
On being cautious about injuries…
It kind of starts with how much in your practice and go, and so, we talk about as a staff each week leading into it, and so I don't know if there's one size fits all in regards to the entire team on how much you go out and work. I think it was that a lot of times the position coach – maybe counting his reps, that particular player's got some bumps and bruises, and he may be more of a limited fashion, understanding that the team still needs some work. And we do, we get a lot of work with – call them twos and threes throughout the week, it's not just all the starters getting all the work. But we got our eyes on that. Sure, we're heading toward a bye, and you got to put some preparations and thought into what that week looks like. But also understanding this will be our fourth straight game, we went five straight weeks of camp, and so you're always adjusting what you think is best in your preparation.
On the team building aspect of a long road trip…
I guess one thing that is unique because of the trip, we are headed on Thursday, go over there. I think a lot of this roster maybe hadn't seen the Pacific Ocean. Wherever we are staying, we're flying into LAX, we're going to take – call it a half hour and be able to kind of see the Pacific Ocean. I do think with a long flight to spend a little time moving around, we're going to take that opportunity on Thursday. I wouldn't call it totally a team-building event, but that's one thing we're doing that is different or unique.
On preparing for this game knowing guys will be out with injuries…
I think this year, depth wise, I do feel like we've progressed, I'll call it. Learning experiences from every game of last year, just like learning experiences from the first three here. This is a challenging road environment trip and a really good team where depth's going to continue to matter. And that's not just to us, If you look at this Big Ten Conference, every game. I don't know if anyone's sitting here after three games feeling awesome – they got some mid-season, healthy bumps and bruises. You got to have some depth and I think we're in a better place than a year ago.
On defensive priorities to stop USC's offense…
Their ability to be explosive, and so trying to limit those explosives is a big piece. I think tackling is going to be huge. They get the ball in space, they're good athletes, getting them all to the ground. That's not down to just one-on-one tackling, we got to play with great effort, get guys on the ground and not turn it into deep, explosive plays when they throw underneath or hand the thing off, limiting those explosives. Then changing your looks on the quarterback. They do have a potent run-game as well, but changing those looks of what he's seeing on the back-end coverages.
On what this game means to the program, traveling out to L.A. and playing in the Coliseum for the first time since 1978…
I think it definitely starts conference play. This is a new day-in-age of the Big Ten – second year of (West Coast teams in Big Ten), so some of these traditions are starting that hadn't taken place. I think it creates excitement. It's unique, I think it energizes fan bases on both sides. That place is a historic spot. Memorial Coliseum, it's been around a while, the Olympics, Jackie Robinson, the Dodgers have played there. I mean, it's a cool venue that all adds to the excitement of the game.
On managing emotions of returning to his hometown this weekend, as well as some of the players…
Aidan (Chiles) in particular, but I think we got a few guys that will be experiencing that, but Aidan (Chiles) in particular will have a lot of family and friends at the game, which is part of cool thing in college football (note: Chiles' hometown is Long Beach). I'm excited about it. I mean, I made a trip in January watching our basketball team play the two LA schools, and we had a couple events with Spartans on the West Coast, Spartans in Southern California. I'm excited to see the contingent of green and white in the crowd.
On how much a guy needs to practice in order to play and what that type of trust looks like…
100 percent. Some of that's just kind of what they've proven before, knowing the guy. Often times, it's a veteran, he's gotten a lot of reps. Does he need a full week of practice? Those kinds of things. And so, it's really, each individual basis on deciding that. And so, yeah, I'm good if Nick Marsh takes a whole limited week, but if he's cleared to go and play, you'll probably see him out there.
On third-down situations on defense…
We looked at it, kind of call it third and medium. We've got to play tighter coverage, whether that comes from a lack of recognition of the down and distance, or a confidence level. We did talk about that, contesting more on those downs to where we're making plays on the ball. Often times, in that distance, the ball's coming out quick and all of those things. We want to contest more in tighter coverage.
On if the offensive line rotation will change entering conference play…
I don't think it will be exactly the same. It begins to be lessened. I still see us rotating, but we'll kind of see where it goes at the end of the week. With Luka (Vincic) being out, so you may not see as much rotating at guard, but at the tackle spot you just might see some. But I think you'll recognize it a little bit less, is my anticipation.
On redshirt freshman offensive lineman Rustin Young getting more game experience…
It was good to get him out there. He's got that skill set and athleticism. I think there was a little bit of a learning curve with him…but I think that guy's got a bright future. Redshirt freshman, and he continues to work. I thought he did some solid things on Saturday. We'll see what this coming Saturday kind of looks like on that rotation side, but was pleased with Rustin (Young) and getting him in.
On redshirt freshman edge rusher, Anelu Lafaele…
We think he's one of our better ones at rushing the passer, so we love to get him out there, he plays with great effort. He's contributing to special teams; he's part of that rotation in that position. I think we have four guys getting 10 plus snaps. And so, when he's in the game, I think he makes an impact. We like where he continues to trend.
On how the weekly routine may change with the late kickoff time…
The routine of it, the Thursday, Friday, not totally Thursday because we're going to practice again in the morning here, Friday, we'll bump it back a little bit. It is a larger question. You think about it, the trend, we play more and more of these night games, into consideration. I still think the value, when are we going to get the best work done, and I still believe it's in the morning. We're not terribly early in the morning, so we're allowing for some sleep. I think we get the best work out of them. We wake them up, they still have opportunity to get to class. I mean, this is a whole programmatic thought for the entire season, the body of work, those kind of things. I don't even think we're allowed, we'd have to petition, to be able to practice at our kickoff time (11 p.m. ET), they don't allow you to practice anything past 10 p.m.
On the biggest concern of traveling to the West Coast…
Going West, obviously, the wake up, and then staying up late. I do think, you know, adjusting, these guys are night owls, right? I mean, so we're going to be up late and going. We'll let them sleep in for a couple of days and let it rip. They're going to be excited to play. It's going to be an awesome atmosphere. So, we did talk about just a couple of nights to get a little bit of adjustment Thursday, Friday before the Saturday kick and let's go let it rip.
On if traveling to the West Coast and the preparation for the time difference is overrated…
I don't know this for certain, I am looking at scores, for East Coast teams kicking off at 7:30 Pacific, the win-loss record of that, I don't know if it's outstanding. I'm sure it's vice versa too, coming the other way from West Coast going to the East.
On his message to the team heading into this week, being MSU has not won a regular season matchup west of Boulder since 1957…
Well, you have to play. Again, we're going to give them some history. I don't know how deep we will go into it, but again, it comes down to us in those 60 minutes. I think you do present some of the challenges that we want to prepare for, like this time change and the hydration of it and the sleep pattern, and that we would put together a plan. Our dietitians have presented to the team yesterday and some proactive things we can do. So, we are taking some steps that way. Give them a little bit history and reasons why these stuff is important. I still go back to we're going to kick it off at 8 Pacific and let it rip.
On if the approach to coaching has changed given the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, in particular, college football…
I think the job is, just like college football, it's ever evolving, and the landscape continues to change in those things. Still comes down to, I don't know if it adds some urgency, I think about me, and our staff, I mean, we're overly competitive, and try to compete and win all the time. I don't know if that's really changed our thinking in any way.
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
EDGE
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
OL
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