All articles tagged with #michigan state
Sherman Lewis, a Michigan State All-American who later became a longtime NFL assistant and offensive coordinator for the 49ers, Packers, Vikings, Lions, and Washington, has died at 83. A three-time Big Ten track champion and 1963 Heisman finalist, Lewis started his pro career in the CFL and AFL before a lengthy coaching career that included 13 years at Michigan State and a prominent stretch as Green Bay’s offensive coordinator under Mike Holmgren.
After the NCAA voted to expand the tournament to 76 teams, Tom Izzo criticized the move as fixing what isn’t broken and warned it could lead to an even larger field, potentially diluting quality and hurting smaller programs; Michigan State fans may feel little impact, but the broader change could alter how March Madness is viewed going forward.
With the SEC moving to a nine‑game conference schedule, Alabama drops its 2028–29 series with Oklahoma State but will keep its 2027–28 two‑game set with Ohio State; Oklahoma State replaces Alabama with Michigan State for 2028–29 and 2029–30, hosting MSU in 2028 and visiting in 2029. Alabama’s 2028 nonconference slate now includes Georgia State, UT Martin and Ohio State (Notre Dame remains on the 2029–30 schedule), while OSU’s nonconference lineup through 2029 remains anchored by Oregon, Arkansas, Michigan State and Nebraska. The changes reflect Power 4 nonconference requirements from the Big 12/SEC/ACC, with the Big Ten not mandating a Power 4 nonconference opponent.
Michigan State has named Mike Flowers the new head coach of its men’s tennis program, elevating him from assistant after Harry Jadun stepped down to pursue opportunities outside collegiate coaching. Flowers, a Spartan alumnus and former ITA Midwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year, helped guide the Spartans to a historic 2025-26 season with 10 straight Big Ten wins, a 12-1 conference record, a share of the regular-season title and the Big Ten Tournament championship, along with three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Jadun departs after four years at the helm, praising the program’s growth, while Flowers expressed gratitude for the opportunity and commitment to continuing the momentum.
The NCAA is considering a five-season, five-year eligibility clock that would begin after a player's 19th birthday or high school graduation, but it won’t apply to this past year's four-year seniors; MSU’s big-man plans are still in flux for next season, even as Anton Bonke joins the roster amid the looming rule change.
Michigan State used its spring showcase at Spartan Stadium to reveal Alessio Milivojevic as the starting quarterback in Pat Fitzgerald’s new era, with Cam Fancher and Kayd Coffman close behind on the depth chart. The scrimmage highlighted a strong defensive showing and offensive rough patches, including interceptions by NiJhay Burt and Aveon Grose and no TDs in the first half, save for a 67-yard rushing TD by Kenneth Williams. Several players sat out, and the game isn’t televised, with gates opening at 10:30 a.m. and free parking in multiple lots.
Michigan State freshman Porter Martone, a 2025 top-10 pick, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers after MSU’s season ended, officially joining the organization and becoming eligible to play in NHL games this week. He finished with 25 goals and 50 points in 35 games and is expected to slot into a top-nine role once cleared, with a likely debut as early as Tuesday against the Capitals and a spot possibly solidified for Thursday’s critical game against Detroit.
After Michigan State's 67-63 Sweet 16 loss to UConn, Tom Izzo said retirement is not on his radar and he plans to chase a second NCAA title, leveraging returning players, a top-recruiting class, and portal moves to reload for next season.
UConn built a 19-point first-half lead and withstood a late Michigan State rally to win 67-63 in the Sweet 16; Tarris Reed Jr. scored 20 and, with Alex Karaban, sealed the win with clutch free throws in the final seconds as the Huskies advance to the Elite Eight to face Duke.
UConn survived a furious Michigan State rally to edge the Spartans 67-63 in the Sweet 16, advancing to the Elite Eight. UConn’s frontcourt of Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban led the effort with 37 points, while MSU fought back from a 19-point deficit but couldn’t close the final gap, as a late possession failed to produce the go-ahead shot and the Spartans’ season ended.
No. 7 Connecticut and No. 3 Michigan State meet in the NCAA East Regional semifinal in Washington, D.C., with UConn a 2-point favorite. The piece covers MSU’s defensive identity and rebounding edge, UConn’s dynamic offense, injury notes for Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart, coaching matchups, and historical context, concluding with a projected 74-70 UConn win in a tight, high-impact game.
Crawford is highlighted for Louisville as they stay in pursuit, but Michigan State maintains control for a 77-69 win in an NCAA matchup.
In Buffalo, Michigan State defeated Louisville 77-69 in the NCAA Tournament second round to advance to the Sweet 16 for the 17th time under Tom Izzo. Coen Carr led MSU with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Jeremy Fears Jr. handed out a program-record 16 assists. Trey Fort added 12 points as MSU built a lead and held on, with MSU set to face the winner of UConn vs UCLA in the East Region semifinals.
In the NCAA Tournament second round, Michigan State edged Louisville 77-69 to reach the Sweet 16 behind a school-record 16 assists from Jeremy Fears Jr. and 21 points from Coen Carr, while Louisville’s season ends amid Mikel Brown Jr.’s injury absence and offseason roster overhaul talk. Earlier, Michigan cruised past Saint Louis 95-72 to advance, and St. John’s routed Northern Iowa 79-53. The feed also includes Duke–TCU previews and Duke guard Patrick Ngongba II’s injury status, highlighting ongoing roster questions for Louisville and other teams ahead of the weekend.
Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. is listed as out for the NCAA Tournament second-round game against Michigan State due to a lingering lower-back injury, having missed the last five games. Louisville earned a first-round win over South Florida to advance, and an updated availability report will be released two hours before tip-off (2:45 p.m. EST).