Smith Praises Defense, Eyes Growth in Final Two Games

EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith didn’t shy away from the reality of a tough season during his Monday press conference, but his message was clear: keep fighting. Reflecting on the Penn State game, Smith praised his defense for keeping the team competitive despite a costly coverage bust. “Some critical stops, third and fourth down, kept us in the game for a long time,” he said. Offensively, the challenge was protecting freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who showed grit under pressure. “We’ve got to continue to find ways to keep him upright, we’ve got to protect him better too,” Smith added. 

Special teams provided a bright spot, with junior punter Ryan Eckley earning high praise for his consistency and leadership. “He’s talented, but what makes him so consistent is his approach, his maturity, he can change field position in a hurry,” Smith said. 

November 17, 2025 ~Anthony and Ryan breakdown Michigan State’s latest loss against Penn State.

(CONTINUED) Looking ahead, Smith acknowledged the challenge of facing Iowa’s top-10 defense, calling it “complete” and “well-coached.” He also highlighted senior quarterback Mark Gronowski’s experience as a difference-maker for the Hawkeyes. Despite the uphill battle, Smith remains optimistic: “A lot of times the best things in life come after hard. And I’m still optimistic on that end.” That optimism, he explained, comes from watching his players and staff continue to work through adversity. 

With two games left, Smith’s focus is on growth and preparation, not excuses. “We know we’ve got two more and we know we’ve got practice on Tuesday to continue to push to get all of those things better each and every day,” he said. For a program navigating injuries, roster development, and the realities of NIL, Smith’s steady tone sends a message: the fight isn’t over, and the foundation for the future is being laid one practice at a time.