A win to wrap up nonconference play etched Jonathan Smith in Michigan State history as the only coach to start 3-0 his first two seasons.
The modest accomplishment was overshadowed by the performance on the field that afternoon because the Spartans struggled closing out a 41-24 win against Youngstown State, an FCS program.
“I think we’ve got more to us,” Smith said at the time. “I’m starting with myself, this staff and our preparation.”
Less than two months later, the cracks shown that day are now fully exposed. Michigan State (3-6, 0-6 Big Ten) has dropped six straight games and Smith may not survive the rest of the season, let alone make it to year three on the job.
The timeline to win now is at an all-time high with in-season firings becoming more common. Smith hasn’t done himself any favors by posting an 8-13 record overall, including just 3-12 in Big Ten play. The Spartans have dropped seven straight conference games and eight in a row on the road.
“Not good enough,” Smith said when asked to evaluate his performance through 21 games. “You look at the win-loss record, we’re trying to win more than we lose and we’re not doing it.”
As Smith answered the question following last week’s 23-20 overtime loss at Minnesota, new Michigan State athletic director J Batt was observing from the back of the room as usual. What he’s thinking is at the heart of the shadow hanging over the program, which is Smith’s job status.
With each passing week, the odds of Michigan State announcing an in-season “change of leadership” seem to get smaller. Batt remains silent but he’s also in a bit of a no-win position, even if he knows where this is heading. A “vote of confidence” without anything substantial behind it is basically meaningless.
