Michigan State football adds 2 Friday night games to 2024 schedule

Michigan State had a short tradition of moving the first game of the year and play under the lights the Friday of Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, this tradition won’t continue in 2024.

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The first change is during Michigan State’s trip to Eugene to take on the Oregon Ducks in the first conference game between the two in the new Big Ten. Slated to kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 4, Jonathan Smith and his staff will look to edge out Dan Lanning during only their second conference road game of the new era.

The second twist comes during MSU’s home matchup against Purdue. This will be the Spartans’ second late-November Friday game in the past two seasons. Last year’s matchup against Penn State was played the day after Thanksgiving at Ford Field.  This game is set to be played at Spartan Stadium for now but given how cold it can be at night in late November in Michigan, I’m wondering if this could be a set up to have the game moved to Ford Field which could leave the fanbase divided for the second year in a row.

Both games are a part of FOX Sports’ inaugural College Football Friday schedule.

Games usually aren’t played on Friday nights due to high school football scheduling, but the changes this year give Michigan State and the new staff a chance to compete on a national stage at a time with fewer matchups fighting for viewership.

I can understand the views of both sides – Fridays at night later in the year tend to be much colder in Big Ten country (minus Los Angeles) but on the other hand, this gives Smith and the Michigan State football program a unique opportunity for exposure on a national level. I can see a scenario where a West Coast recruit actually has a chance to watch Michigan State play. As opposed to noon eastern games being broadcast bright and early on the West Coast.

Either way, let’s fast forward through summer and start college football already.