EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State football program hosted the Spring Showcase, presented by Michigan Achievement Scholarship, on Saturday afternoon at Spartan Stadium.
Following 45 minutes of practice, the team held an offense vs. defense scrimmage, featuring a running 10-minute clock for four quarters. Utilizing a modified scoring system, the offense defeated the defense, 31-24, to close out the 15th and final spring practice for the Spartans.
Prior to the practice, the team signed autographs in the concourse of Spartan Stadium and first-year head coach Jonathan Smith took pictures with fans. Aidan Chiles smiles while signing autographs on Saturday prior to the Spring Showcase.
"Well, that was fun," said Smith following the Spring Showcase. "I want to start by thanking the fans for coming out. It was a great day. Starting in the morning with the Izzo Legacy Race, there was a lot of buzz around campus. Meeting some of the fans before the showcase, then it looked like football out there (in the scrimmage). Those guys have been working. We appreciate everyone coming out and enjoyed it."
The modified scoring system put the defense up 14-0 to begin the scrimmage, but the offense started out strong as Nate Carter ran for a 48-yard touchdown on the second play of the first series.
Jalen Berger tacked on another rushing touchdown in the second quarter on a 2-yard score. Right before halftime, Carter scored his second TD of the day by hauling in a contested catch in the corner of the end zone.
On the first play of the third quarter, the offense struck again as Nick Marsh scored on a 75-yard touchdown from Tommy Schuster.
With the offense leading 28-24 in the fourth quarter, Montorie Foster Jr. caught a pass that set up a first-and-goal, but the defense forced a field goal that made it 31-24 in favor of the offense.
The offense sealed the 31-24 victory on a rushing first down by Brandon Tullis on the final series of the fourth quarter.
Michigan State opens the 2024 season against Florida Atlantic on Aug. 31 in Spartan Stadium.
