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Five Takeaways from Michigan State’s spring ‘game’ on Saturday

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Five Takeaways from Michigan State’s spring ‘game’ on Saturday


On Saturday, Michigan State welcomed followers inside Spartan Stadium for the primary time since their 30-27 win over Penn State within the common season finale again on Nov. 27.

Regardless of a 41-degree day, there have been an estimated 15,000 followers available to soak up the Spartans’ ultimate observe of spring soccer. In lieu of the annual Inexperienced-White spring recreation, head coach Mel Tucker and his workers selected to make the most of an “open observe” format, as a result of Michigan State’s lack of depth at O-line at this group of the 12 months.

Right here had been my largest takeaways from what I noticed on Saturday…

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1.) Noah Kim leads the backup QB race for now

 We received to see 5 quarterbacks make throws throughout place drills, 7-on-7 drills and scrimmage classes vs. a dwell protection. Payton Thorne is the clear starter proper now, and based mostly on what I noticed, Noah Kim seems to be main the pack for the backup spot.

Kim impressed me along with his arm energy and accuracy, significantly on his deep throws. He had one of many ‘spotlight performs’ of the day on offense, dropping a 45-to-50 yard dime throughout 7-on-7 drills to a tightly coated Jayden Reed, who made a one-handed seize and fell into the top zone.

Kim additionally has the benefit of getting been in MSU’s system longer than fellow backup choices Hamp Fay and Katin Houser, and maybe that is why Kim was capable of match Thorne’s consolation degree throughout observe — he was relaxed and beneath management all through the day.

There is a lengthy method to go between now and September, and Mel Tucker himself mentioned that nothing has been determined about who will again up Thorne, however Kim appears to be within the lead for now.

2. Darius Snow is a ‘dude’ on protection

Michigan State is experimenting with the 6-foot-1, 220-pound junior, but it surely’s clear that Darius Snow must be on the sphere usually for the Spartans. After taking part in security all through the season final 12 months, Snow has been working with the linebackers rather a lot this spring, and lined up at each positions as we speak throughout observe.

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Snow was concerned on each of the ‘spotlight performs’ made by the protection on Saturday. The primary was throughout 7-on-7 drills, when Snow dropped into protection, learn the quarterback’s eyes and exploded to the flat to ship an enormous hit on a accomplished move to tight finish Jackson Morse. His hit jarred the ball free, and linebacker Jacoby Windmon scooped up the fumble and returned it for a landing, a lot to the delight of the Spartan Stadium crowd.

The second play got here throughout the scrimmage session. The primary group offense confronted a 4th-and-15 whereas attempting to get in discipline aim vary. Thorne threw over the center to Reed proper on the first down marker, however Snow delivered an enormous hit on Reed to interrupt up what would have been a accomplished move.

Michigan State’s teaching workers has talked all spring about getting the most effective gamers on the sphere, and getting extra velocity on the sphere — Snow checks each of these packing containers for the Spartans.

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3. MSU’s O-line wants wholesome our bodies and enchancment

We knew the state of affairs at offensive line was lower than very best, and we received a entrance row view of that on Saturday. Michigan State had solely eight wholesome our bodies throughout O-line drills, and two of these guys are transformed defensive lineman.

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Through the scrimmage session, the primary group offensive line went like this: LT – Brandon Baldwin, LG – Kevin Wigenton, C – Nick Samac, RG – Dallas Fincher, RT – Spencer Brown. In the meantime, Evan Brunning and Jacob LaFave are the transformed D-lineman who labored with the O-line as we speak, and redshirt freshman Ethan Boyd was concerned too.

The offensive line struggled in move safety all through the scrimmage session, permitting many quarterback pressures and some “sacks” by the protection — quarterbacks couldn’t be hit on Saturday, however three or 4 performs had been blown lifeless as a result of stress.

Michigan State has guys like Jarrett Horst, Matt Carrick, J.D. Duplain and others anticipated to return from damage this summer season, and the Spartans can be including 4 true freshman O-lineman to the roster quickly. That can assist, but it surely’s clear that O-line coach Chris Kapilovic has loads of work to do so as to add depth behind the Spartans’ first unit this fall.

4. Ben VanSumeren’s state of affairs stays unclear

Nearly one month in the past, on the eve of spring observe getting underway, linebacker Ben VanSumeren entered the switch portal after only one season with the Spartans — having transferred in from rival Michigan.

VanSumeren was listed on the spring observe roster nonetheless, and Tucker introduced that the fifth-year senior would take part with the Spartans all through spring ball.

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On Saturday, VanSumeren did not simply take part in drills — he was one of many two linebackers on the sphere with the primary group protection, alongside redshirt sophomore Cal Haladay. For what it is price, VanSumeren seemed good as we speak — he had a pleasant move breakup and recorded a sack throughout the scrimmage session, and his presence was positively felt.

So, is VanSumeren going to tug a Connor Heyward and take away his title from the portal to remain in East Lansing? As of now we’re undecided, however we noticed fellow linebacker Ma’a Gaoteote just do that earlier this 12 months. Including to the thriller is the truth that VanSumeren’s youthful brother, Alex, was the Spartans’ highest-ranked prospect within the 2022 recruiting class. It is going to be fascinating to see how this example performs out.

5. Jalen Berger appears good, MSU rotates operating backs

It is onerous to precisely gauge the place Michigan State’s operating backs are at proper now, as a result of state of affairs at offensive line. With that in thoughts, no one actually ‘popped’ within the backfield as we speak.

Wisconsin switch Jalen Berger was the primary man on the sphere with the primary group offense throughout the scrimmage session, and he could be my wager to be the “beginning” operating again this fall, however that is based mostly extra on his two years of expertise with the Badgers than the rest. It took a while for Berger to get totally wholesome this spring, but it surely appeared like he began to come back into his personal a bit over the past week or so. Berger seemed good as we speak on his restricted carries as effectively.

We additionally noticed a good quantity of Elijah Collins as effectively – who may be the No. 2 man proper now. He seemed good on a pair receptions out within the flat, turning upfield for some yardage. Michigan State blended in different guys as effectively – Harold Joiner fills out each little bit of his 6-foot-4, 215-pound body, and he’ll be a load for anybody to convey down.

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We heard a bunch about Davion Primm this spring, however he was largely quiet throughout as we speak’s open observe on the handful of carries that he received – so we’ll proceed to attend and see on him for now. Jordon Simmons received some carries in short-yardage conditions as effectively.



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Michigan’s mission vs. Hilltoppers: Finish 2024 without a bad loss

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Michigan’s mission vs. Hilltoppers: Finish 2024 without a bad loss


Michigan closes out the nonconference portion of its schedule with a chance to do something it hasn’t done the past few years: Avoid a bad loss to end the year.

Michigan hosts Western Kentucky on Sunday (8 p.m. ET, BTN). The Wolverines are 9-3 overall, with each defeat coming by one possession against a high-major opponent. They’ve had no problems in the other games.

That wasn’t the case in recent seasons. Michigan lost to McNeese State in its final game of 2023 and to Central Michigan in the last game of 2022. Michigan fell to a middling UCF team, albeit on the road, to close out 2021.

Three times over the last two seasons, the Wolverines essentially paid an opponent to come to Crisler Center and beat them (McNeese, Central Michigan, and Long Beach State). The Hilltoppers will collect $85,000 for their appearance on Sunday. Michigan will try to make sure that’s all they leave with.

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Michigan last played on Sunday, using hot shooting to demolish Purdue Fort Wayne 89-58. Michigan shot 63 percent from the field and made 10 3s. For the fourth time this season, at least five Wolverines reached double figures. Tre Donaldson led the way with 16 points.

Michigan coach Dusty May said he is “relatively happy” with his team’s record to date, despite the tough losses. Teams that are playing their best in December typically aren’t still playing in late March. May is seeking — and seeing — steady improvement.

The Wolverines fell out of the AP Top-25 this week but entered Saturday at No. 24 in the NET and No. 22 in the kenpom rankings. When they resume Big Ten play next week in Los Angeles, they’ll do so as the betting favorite to win the league.

That won’t change so long as they don’t overlook Western Kentucky, which will make the trip from Bowling Green. The Hilltoppers (119 in the NET, 110 at kenpom) are also 9-3, though they have just one top-100 win (Lipscomb at home). They play a fast, isolation-heavy offense. As a 15 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament, they led Marquette by seven at halftime before losing. It earned Steve Lutz, who’d been there just one season, the job at Oklahoma State (replacing Mike Boynton Jr., now a Michigan assistant). Hank Plona, Lutz’s top assistant and a former junior college head coach, took over. Western Kentucky was picked second in the Conference USA preseason poll.

Don McHenry, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard, is averaging 18.5 points per game. He’s scored at least 28, while making four 3s, in each of the past three games. The most recent performance was last Saturday, so both teams may have to shake off some holiday rust.

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That’s been an issue for Michigan in recent years, a pre-New Year’s sign of the struggles to come. This squad, in May’s first year on the job, looks different. Before the Wolverines enter the big, bad Big Ten for good, they’ll look to handle business and end 2024 strong.

  • BETTING: Check out our guide to the best Michigan sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.



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Are restaurants open on New Year’s Day in Michigan? Where to find a meal on the holiday

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Are restaurants open on New Year’s Day in Michigan? Where to find a meal on the holiday


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The new year is nearly upon us, and if you’re looking for dining options to ring in 2025, Michigan will offer plenty of choices.

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Most restaurant chains will remain open for the New Year’s holiday, including some 24/7 dining options.

Here’s what to know.

When is New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. New Year’s Day is Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

Will Applebee’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, but Applebee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

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Will Biggby be open on New Year’s?

Some Biggby locations will be open on New Year’s. Check online for your nearest Michigan Biggby.

Will Big Boy be open on New Year’s?

Some Big Boy locations will be open for New Year’s. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Bob Evans be open on New Year’s?

Bob Evans restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.

Will Buffalo Wild Wings be open on New Year’s?

Many Buffalo Wild Wings will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Hours will vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan Buffalo Wild Wings.

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Will Burger King be open on New Year’s?

Burger King’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.

Will Carrabba’s be open on New Year’s?

Carrabba’s locations’ New Year’s hours may vary. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Chick-fil-A be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Chick-fil-A locations will be open on New Year’s, according to the company. Hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan location.

Will Chili’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Chili’s restaurants are open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for your nearest Michigan Chili’s.

Will Cracker Barrel be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Cracker Barrel locations are open on New Year’s. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan location.

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Will Denny’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Denny’s restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 24/7.

Will Domino’s be open on New Year’s?

Domino’s Pizza locations’ hours may vary on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Check online for your nearest Michigan Domino’s.

Will Dunkin’ be open on New Year’s?

Dunkin’ outlets’ hours may vary by location on New Year’s, so check the Dunkin’ store locator or the Dunkin’ Rewards app for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Hungry Howie’s be open on New Year’s?

Hungry Howie’s restaurants New Year’s hours may vary by location. Visit the Hungry Howie’s website to check with your nearest Michigan location.

Will IHOP be open on New Year’s?

IHOP hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.

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Will Jet’s be open on New Year’s?

Jet’s Pizza’s hours may vary by location. Check the Jet’s website for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Jimmy John’s be open on New Year’s?

Jimmy John’s hours may vary by location. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Leo’s Coney Island be open on New Year’s?

Leo’s Coney Island’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.

Will Little Caesars be open on New Year’s?

Most Little Caesars locations will be open for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan Little Caesars for specific hours.

Will McDonald’s be open on New Year’s?

Most McDonald’s sites will be open on New Year’s, the hours may vary by location, the company said. You can check the store locator for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

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Will Olga’s Kitchen be open on New Year’s?

Olga’s Kitchen restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Olive Garden be open on New Year’s?

Olive Garden’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for hours.

Will Panda Express be open on New Year’s?

Panda Express’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Panera be open on New Year’s?

Panera Bread’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan cafe.

Will Papa Johns be open on New Year’s?

Papa Johns Pizza’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Papa Johns.

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Will Pizza Hut be open on New Year’s?

Most Pizza Hut locations will be open for regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. You can check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Pizza Hut.

Will QDOBA be open on New Year’s?

QDOBA restaurants will be open for normal store hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for specific hours.

Will Red Lobster be open on New Year’s?

Red Lobster restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Red Robin be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Red Robin burger restaurants will be open on New Year’s. You can visit the Red Robin website to check hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Starbucks be open on New Year’s?

Starbucks Coffee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check the Starbucks store locator or Starbucks app to check hours for your nearest Michigan location.

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Will Subway be open on New Year’s?

Subway restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Taco Bell be open on New Year’s?

Taco Bell locations are open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Texas Roadhouse be open on New Year’s?

Texas Roadhouse locations will be open on New Year’s, the company said. Locations will be open for normal hours or expanded hours, varying by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Tim Hortons be open on New Year’s?

Tim Hortons locations’ New Year’s hours will vary by location, the company said. Check online for your nearest Michigan Tim Hortons.

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Will Wendy’s be open on New Year’s?

Many Wendy’s locations will be open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Wendy’s.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.



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Mega Millions numbers for Friday, Dec. 27, 2024

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Mega Millions numbers for Friday, Dec. 27, 2024


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Mega Millions winning numbers are in for the Friday, Dec. 27 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $1.15 billion ($516.1 million cash option).

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The winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions drawing are: 3, 7, 37, 49 and 55. The Mega Ball is 6. The Megaplier is 3x.

Check back to see if anyone won the Mega Millions jackpot.

The next Mega Millions drawing is Tuesday, Dec. 31. Drawings are held at 11 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. The jackpot will be at least $800 million ($401.8 million cash option).

How late can you buy a Mega Millions ticket?

In Michigan, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 10:45 p.m. on the night of the draw.

Mega Millions costs $2 to play.

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What’s the Megaplier?

The Megaplier feature increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four or five times. It costs an extra $1 per play. The Megaplier is drawn on Tuesday and Friday before the Mega Millions drawing. The pool includes 15 balls. Five are marked with 2X, six with 3X, three with 4X and one with 5X.

What are the Mega Millions prizes?

  • Match 5 White Balls + Mega Ball: Jackpot
  • Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
  • Match 4 White Balls + Mega Ball: $10,000
  • Match 4 White Balls: $500
  • Match 3 White Balls + Mega Ball: $200
  • Match 3 White Balls: $10
  • Match 2 White Balls + Mega Ball: $10
  • Match 1 White Ball + Mega Ball: $4
  • Match Mega Ball: $2

What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?

The odds of matching the five white balls and Mega Ball to win the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.

How do I find the Mega Millions winning numbers?

You can watch Mega Millions drawing on YouTube. The winning numbers are also posted to the Mega Millions website and on the Michigan Lottery website.

What happens if I win the jackpot?

A jackpot winner has the option of taking an annuity or cash payment.

The annuity is paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, according to the Mega Millions website. Each payment is 5% bigger than the previous one.

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“This helps protect winners’ lifestyle and purchasing power in periods of inflation,” according to the Mega Millions website.

The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool.

If two or more people win the jackpot in the same drawing, the money is shared equally among all winning tickets.

Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), Twitter/X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress).





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