Transfers Velling, Miller Describe MSU's New Offense

Not much went right for Michigan State football when it had the ball last season, and frustration mounted against former Spartans offensive coordinator Jay Johnson. In 2023, Michigan State was the second-worst team in the Big Ten in total offense (289.3 yards per game) and scoring (15.4 points per game), and ranked last in running the football (89.5 rush yards per game).

Enter new Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith and offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, who are in the process of installing the system they bring from their previous stop at Oregon State. The Beavers were the fifth-highest scoring team (31.8 ppg) in the Pac-12 a year ago, while balancing the fourth-best rushing attack (167.1 ypg) and seventh-best passing attack (242.4 ypg) in the conference.

Smith and Lindgren brought several pieces of last year's offense with them in tight ends coach Brian Wozniak, offensive line coach Jim Michalczik, quarterback Aidan Chiles, tight end Jack Velling and center Tanner Miller. The new, offensive brain trust will want to bring a balanced attack to MSU, but make no mistake, it's clear what this coaching staff wants to hand their hat on.

"I love the system," Miller told reporters on Tuesday. "We're smash-mouth, we're going to run it, no doubt about it and I love the aggressive mindset that Coach Smith, Coach Lindgren and Coach M bring to the offense. We're going to aggressively chase after victory. We're not going to just let it happen. So, I love that part."

Velling reinforced Miller's description of Michigan State's new offense system — physical, with the ability to beat you through the air as well.

"It's kind of a grind offense," Velling told media members on Tuesday. "We're physical, we pound the ball down low and then, boom, we're over the top and getting explosive plays — whether that's on the ground or in the air. It's a fun offense to be a part of."

Smith and Lindgren's offensive system relies on the running game to wear opponents down, but they also love to use the tight ends. It's a position which Michigan State has not gotten enough consistent production from in recent years, but the tight ends will be a big part of the attack in 2024 and beyond.

Velling said the guys in his position room are already taking notice.

"I haven't heard about the old offense," Velling said. "But, so far they're loving it and they're making plays they're taking advantage of it, for sure."

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