Spartan Speak Lansing State Journal

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.