Spartan Speak

In the two weeks following Michigan State basketball's loss to Auburn in the Elite Eight, the Spartans have already seen a shift in the team. Jase Richardson declared for the NBA draft, Tre Holloman transferred to NC State and Kaleb Glenn has transferred in from Florida Atlantic. On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dig into all things Spartan basketball - including what Tom Izzo and his staff can do in the transfer portal. Plus, spring football, hockey and gymnastics.

On this week's podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari preview the Michigan State basketball team's Sweet 16 game against Chris Beard and Ole Miss.

On this week's podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari look at the state of the Michigan State men's basketball team and the Spartans' NCAA tournament draw. Plus, a look at the MSU women's basketball team's early NCAA tournament draw.

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari spend more than an hour talking about Michigan State basketball on this week's Spartan Speak podcast. Discussion topics: Exactly how good is MSU "The Shove" - Skirmish at the end of the Michigan game All-Big Ten teams Big Ten tournament preview

The Michigan State basketball team has responded in a big way over the past few days, defeating Illinois on the road Saturday and earning a top-15 home win over Purdue on Tuesday night. Up next? No. 12 Michigan. On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss MSU's win over Purdue as the Spartans regain their football. Then, they preview Friday's showdown with the Wolverines, the biggest game between the two rivals since MSU swept U-M in three contests in 2018-19.

Michigan State men's basketball has lost 3 of 4 games after starting the season 18-2. The Spartans are more than capable of turning things around, but they must do so against a brutal schedule. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the latest with Spartan basketball and how they must rebound Saturday night against Illinois.

The Michigan State men's basketball team is rolling. After a big win over Illinois on Sunday, the team was ranked No. 8 in this week's USA TODAY coaches poll. On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari talk about the Spartans' win over the Illini, the Big Ten title prospects for this MSU team and look ahead to Saturday's game against Rutgers in New York. Plus, a preview of MSU hockey ahead of its series against Minnesota and MSU football's transfer portal haul.

Graham Couch and Chris Solari discuss the latest with Michigan State's men's basketball team as the Spartans prepare to re-enter Big Ten play. Plus, MSU football recruiting, hockey and women's hoops.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the Michigan State men's basketball team's game vs. Kansas and preview Saturday's football game vs. Illinois. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari dig into this weekend's Michigan State-Michigan football game and the current dynamics between the two schools. 

The boys are back from Northern Michigan after the men's basketball team made the visit up north last weekend and delivered another episode of Spartan Speak!  But before that, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari begin the podcast discussing Michigan State's football game with Iowa on Saturday. Then, they move on to the Spartans' game at Northern Michigan and Tom Izzo's homecoming visit to his alma mater. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari chat about Michigan State's frustrating game against Ohio State and what can be learned from the performance against the Buckeyes. Then the guys look ahead to the brutal matchup with Oregon on a short week and whether or not the Spartans can get their signature moment. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari have a spirited discussion on the Michigan State football program, coming off Saturday's loss to Boston College and heading into this weekend's upcoming game vs. Ohio State.  Plus, the state of MSU basketball heading into Tom Izzo's 30th season and how MSU hockey is back among the best.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dive into last week's football game at Maryland and how it changed the possibilities for Michigan State's football season. Then they look ahead to what the Spartans can get out of their matchup with Prairie View A&M. 

The Michigan State football team got off to a rousing start in the Jonathan Smith era, beating Florida Atlantic last Friday. It was also the first game for highly-touted QB Aidan Chiles.  Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari share their thoughts on the Spartans' win and look ahead to Saturday's Big Ten conference game against Maryland.  They end the podcast with a discussion on the MSU basketball team's overseas trip to Spain.   

Apologies for being away so long (the last podcast was on April 22), but the Spartan Speak podcast is back with a vengeance! With the Moneyball Pro-Am kicking into high gear, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss MSU's basketball roster, newcomers and returners, and changing dynamics after Tuesday's Moneyball Pro-Am. Then they talked about the upcoming Big Ten football media days.

The Michigan State football team held its spring game on Saturday. And most of the eyes were on new Spartan QB Aidan Chiles, who didn't disappoint by delivering a couple of 'wow' plays.  On the latest "Spartan Speak" podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari react to MSU football's spring game – what we learned QB through defense and what it all means. 

With the Michigan State hockey and basketball seasons over, it's now time for an end-of-season recap for both teams on this week's Spartan Speak podcast.  We start with hockey. Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and LSJ hockey writer Nate Bott dive into the team and program – their performance at the NCAA regionals, the season that was and where the program is headed. Then Graham and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dig in on MSU's basketball program and what's ahead. And, lastly, some MSU spring football talk.

The Michigan State men's basketball team's regular season ended with a loss to Indiana on Sunday, leaving the Spartans with an 18-13 overall record and 10-10 in the conference, making them the 8-seed for this week's Big Ten tournament.  On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dive into this MSU team entering the postseason – whether it has got a run in them and our predictions for the Spartans at the Big Ten tournament.

Things were looking up for the Michigan State men's basketball team after a three-game winning streak, but that came to a screeching halt Tuesday night in a 78-71 home loss to Iowa.  On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dove into the Spartans' loss to the Hawkeyes, what went wrong, the center position, and where this team goes from here. Then Graham is joined by Nathaniel Bott for a discussion on MSU hockey as the Spartans near a Big Ten title.

It didn't quite have the importance of years past, but the Michigan State basketball team handled its business in the second half in beating Michigan on Tuesday. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dive into the Spartans' win on this Spartan Speak, along with the state of the program heading into February.  Plus, a look at Spartan hockey playing for a Big Ten championship as the postseason nears and MSU football, which announced a date for its spring game.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dive in on MSU basketball – what's going well, what isn't, the possibility the Spartans could go on a run over the next few weeks and Steven Izzo's shot heard around Spartan land. Plus, a little football talk at the end. 

On a holiday edition of the Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the latest with the Michigan State basketball team, which is surging after winning three straight games against #6 Baylor, Oakland and Stony Brook. Then, a conversation about MSU football coach Jonathan Smith's first signing day and the happenings around the football program.

The Michigan State men's basketball team continues to be plagued with questions after the Spartans' home loss to Wisconsin to open Big Ten play on Tuesday. On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari do a deep dive on the team – the level of concern, the problems and what can be fixed. Then, a conversation on MSU's quarterback situation, Aidan Chiles and beyond.

There's a new football coach at Michigan State, with the Spartans announcing the hire of Oregon State's Jonathan Smith. On this week's Spartan Speak, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss how it happened, what they think of Smith and the fit and the challenges with the roster right now. Then, they talk MSU hoops – on the point guard situation with A.J. Hoggard and Xavier Booker's role on this team.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari dig into the Michigan State men's basketball's recent performance and preview a measuring stick game against a daunting and unbeaten Arizona team on Thanksgiving Day. Then, they discuss MSU football's showing at Indiana — Maliq Carr, Katin Houser, etc. — before breaking down the Spartans' finale against Penn State at Ford Field and talking about the coaching search, Harlon Barnett's performance, and the drama that could be just ahead.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari react to the Michigan State men's basketball team's loss to James Madison - why it happened, which concerns are real and which aren't - and then preview MSU's football game at Ohio State.

On this week's Spartan Speak, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari begin by discussing Michigan State football's QB situation and Saturday's game against Nebraska.  Then, they get to the seedier side of things and dig into the insanity at Michigan with Connor Stalions and increasing evidence of cheating, before talking MSU hoops after the Tennessee scrimmage and heading into Monday's opener.

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari analyze Michigan State basketball's exhibition win over Hillsdale, including what stood out from MSU's freshman and several other players. Then they dig into the Michigan football sign-stealing scandal and what it might mean for the Spartans' rivals, before previewing and predicting MSU's football game at Minnesota.

It's Michigan Week, people! But this year has a different feel, as the Wolverines are playing like they're on top of the world, while Michigan State has lost its head coach and the quality of play has been severely lacking this year.  But with this rivalry comes weird results. And on this week's Spartan Speak, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari preview Saturday's game, whether the Spartans have a chance and what it would take to pull an upset. Plus, a little coaching search talk and then the impact of Jaxon Kohler's injury on MSU's basketball team.

The Spartan Speak podcast returns after a two-week layoff! Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free beat writer Chris Solari have plenty to cover as the Michigan State football team is coming off a bye week in preparation for Saturday's game against Rutgers. This week's topics include the ongoing coaching search to replace Mel Tucker, the appeal of and the problem with Urban Meyer, the school's NIL collective in turmoil with the disbandment of SD4L, and a preview and prediction for the Rutgers game.

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. 

Quite frankly, we've been gone way too long. Almost three months, in fact. But that changes today as Michigan State football's fall camp begins Thursday. Fall is near, and that means that Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari emerged from hiding and will return on a near-weekly basis.  This week, Graham and Chris thoroughly discuss each MSU position group: Who emerges as the starting QB, Noah Kim or Katin Houser (or Sam Leavitt?) Still trying to fill Kenneth Walker's shoes at running back Questions abound with the WRs And much, much more

Michigan State football news was hot and heavy on Sunday, as the Spartan football lost three starters to the transfer portal: First, it was two-year starting QB Payton Thorne; then, expected No. 1 receiver Keon Coleman left; and last, CB Charles Brantley announced he was leaving.  Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari react to the news and discuss the state of MSU's program following the departures.  They end the podcast discussing Jayden Reed, Bryce Baringer and Ameer Speed being selected in the NFL draft. 

Michigan State held its spring football game on Saturday. Although it was mostly a glorified practice, there was plenty for Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari to see.  They discuss the QB competition between Payton Thorne, Noah Kim and Katin Houser and other highlights from Spartan Stadium.  They also delve into basketball, with Tyson Walker and Malik Hall announcing their return for next season. And finally, they discuss what matters more: Moneyball or spring football.

The boys are back from NYC following Michigan State's NCAA tournament loss to Kansas State in the Sweet 16. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari reflect on the Spartans' loss and whether it was a missed opportunity, and then project what next year's roster will look like. In the final part of the podcast, they discuss spring football, Keon Coleman, the upcoming QB battle and more. 

The Lansing State Journal's Graham Couch and the Detroit Free Press' Chris Solari and Shawn Windsor break down Michigan State's Sweet 16 overtime defeat to Kansas State, in what was an instant classic. 

There's a reason the "January, February, Izzo" saying exists, and the Michigan State basketball team is advancing to its 15th Sweet 16 under Tom Izzo, upsetting 2-seed Marquette 69-60 on Sunday.  Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari break down the MSU win piece-by-piece, preview the Kansas State game and discuss the Big Ten's performance in the NCAA tournament.

It was a busy past two days in Michigan State athletics, and we're here to cover it all for you: The Spartans are set to play USC in the NCAA Tournament, spring football practice begins, and women's basketball coach Suzy Merchant is stepping down after 16 seasons.  Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch is joined by beat writer Brian Calloway at the beginning of the podcast to discuss Merchant's departure. Then, Graham and Detroit Free Press MSU beat writer Chris Solari break down the Spartans' tournament opener against USC (and potential second-round game against Marquette) and discuss MSU's quarterback situation.

On this week's Spartan Speak, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari preview this week's Big Ten tournament, discussing which schools need wins the most and predict who will win the tournament.  Then, moving on to football, they discuss the decommitment of 4-star WR Nick Marsh, discuss recruiting on the whole before moving on to Brandon Jordan's decision to leave the MSU coaching staff for a job with the Seattle Seahawks. 

On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari get caught up on the Michigan State basketball's last two games against Iowa and Nebraska, look ahead to this weekend's senior day contest against Ohio State, how the Spartans can still get the double bye in the Big Ten tournament, and what seed they could receive in the NCAA tournament. 

It has been a difficult week, to put it lightly, following the shooting at Michigan State on Feb. 13 that left three students dead and five wounded. In the background of that horrific event, Saturday's Michigan State-Michigan basketball game was played in Ann Arbor which saw both communities come together in this moment.  Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the game in the context of everything surrounding it. They also look ahead to the Indiana game and potential schedule changes.

On this week's podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the Spartans' win over Maryland on Tuesday, the struggles of Malik Hall and the three-man center rotation of Mady Sissoko, Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, and Sunday's game against Ohio State.

In the midst of a condensed schedule, the podcast returns following Michigan State's loss at Indiana on Sunday. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss the Spartans' 82-69 loss to the Hoosiers, including: MSU's inability to contain Trayce Jackson-Davis Mady Sissoko and Pierre Brooks' struggles The handling of AJ Hoggard's foul situation Plus, a discussion on the rotation, or lack thereof, and how some of next year's freshmen might fit in. 

After a month off, Spartan Speak returns! Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat writer Chris Solari have plenty to discuss with the MSU men's basketball season in full swing.  They discuss Keon Coleman's decision to play basketball this year, Malik Hall's return after missing games due to a foot injury, and deep dive on MSU football's recruiting class and transfer portal signees. 

After traveling to State College and Portland, respectively, Chris and Graham are back for the latest episode of Spartan Speak.  They discuss the Michigan State football team's loss to Penn State, likely a season-ender with a 5-7 record, the basketball team's performance at the PK85 tournament in Portland against Alabama, Oregon and Portland, and the latest news from the tunnel fight at the end of the MSU-Michigan game back in late October.