No. 20 Michigan State opens its 2019 season Friday with a non-conference contest against visiting Tulsa.
The Spartans are coming off a 7-6 campaign that ended with a 7-6 loss to Oregon in the Redbox Bowl, while the Golden Hurricane struggled to a 3-9 record in 2018.
Recommended Videos
READ MORE: Michigan State football 2019: This schedule is a nightmare
- WHEN: 7:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing
- TV: Fox Sports 1
Michigan State had the nation's top run defense in 2018, allowing just 77.9 yards per game, but the offense dragged the team down. The Spartans ranked 125th in the country in scoring offense (18.7 points), though much of that could be blamed on injuries that plagued most of the skill-position players.
Coach Mark Dantonio is hoping for a much better offense this season, with senior quarterback Brian Lewerke (184-of-339, 2,040 yards, 8 TDs) healthy and returning under center. Tulsa coach Philip Montgomery has yet to name a starter at quarterback, with sophomore Seth Boomer (1,378 yards, 9 TDs) and Baylor transfer Zach Smith the leading candidates to take the job.
Follow live game updates: