Michigan
Michigan State football winners/losers: Stock soars for QB Aidan Chiles, WR Nick Marsh
Michigan State football: Video analysis of MSU’s 27-24 win at Maryland
Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari break down the Spartans’ 27-24 win Saturday at Maryland.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Here are the Michigan State football players who helped or hurt their stock in the Spartans’ 27-24 win Saturday at Maryland.
Winners
■ WR Nick Marsh – The freshman’s fourth-quarter performance made MSU’s offense look like an entirely different beast for defenses to handle. Marsh ran through and away from defenders for a 57-yard catch to start the final period, then delivered a 77-yard, game-tying touchdown on the exact same route as the first. But he wasn’t finished, adding two more chain-moving catches in the final minute to set up the game-winning field goal, finishing with four of his eight grabs and 151 of his 194 yards receiving in the fourth. Marsh got separation all day on short and intermediate routes as well, but the downfield element he added to the passing game was most beneficial for …
■ QB Aidan Chiles – After languishing through a lackluster MSU debut against Florida Atlantic, Chiles (like the offense) looked like an entirely different beast. His connection with Marsh was clear, as the sophomore delivered a perfect strike as he absorbed a huge hit on the first long throw in the fourth quarter. On the second, with pressure again closing, Chiles launched a missile 51 yards through the air to hit Marsh in-stride over the top of two defenders. Chiles’ second TD, a 34-yard deep post pass to Jaron Glover, showed more pocket presence. Even though he threw three interceptions and now has five on the season, Chiles’ 363-yard, 24-for-39 day is exactly the type of performance the Spartans hope to get more frequently.
■ Brian Lindgren – So much of what Chiles did came off the rhythm MSU’s new offensive coordinator established in the first half, something Lindgren had mentioned in the week between games as an area he needed to do a better job on. The play-calling early was very intentional, starting with a swing pass to Montorie Foster Jr. on the first play and then throws to Glover and Marsh on the next two plays as part of an eight-play, 84-yard drive on the Spartans’ first possession. Foster’s 9-yard touchdown on the slant finished that one, and Lindgren gave Chiles plenty of chances to use all three of his top receivers and tight end Jack Velling in a variety of routes both underneath and down the field.
Losers
■ Offensive line – Coming off a first game in which they gave up a ton of pressures off the edge, the Spartans entered the Maryland game without starting right guard Kristian “Big Dooley” Phillips, who is expected to be out the rest of the season. That injury caused a ripple effect on the interior of the line, which struggled to prevent backfield penetration in the run game from every angle all afternoon. Coach Jonathan Smith said it is imperative that MSU must run the ball better moving forward after finishing with 130 yards on 30 attempts.
■ Secondary – The injuries continue to mount in the defensive backfield. Already without Dillon Tatum and Khalil Majeed entering Saturday, the Spartans watched both cornerbacks Chance Rucker and Ed Woods leave the game with injuries. One of their replacements, LSU transfer Jeremiah Hughes, also suffered an apparent upper-body injury midway through the fourth quarter but returned to the field. Prairie View A&M visiting next week gives defensive coordinator Joe Rossi an opportunity to give younger defensive backs playing time, because MSU will need the depth when it heads to Boston College and then hosts Ohio State in the following two weeks.
■ WR/KR Aziah Johnson – With Alante Brown out after suffering an upper-body injury that likely will keep him out until at least November, MSU moved Johnson into the kickoff return role. However, the redshirt freshman twice ignored his teammates’ urging to accept a fair catch and took kickoffs out of the end zone, each return going 16 yards and pinning the Spartans’ offense 9 yards back from where they would have started had Johnson taken the touchback. Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams replaced Johnson after the second one as the deep back, with Nate Carter sliding into Lynch-Adams’ spot as the upback. Johnson did play nine snaps on offense at receiver, and he could see more time if Glover’s injury is significant.
Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hello, is it an awesome event you’re looking for? Well, you can see some great options not in a pair of eyes or a smile, but in this weekend planner.
Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of May 15:
Acrisure Amphitheater Grand Opening
It’s been a long time coming, but finally, the Acrisure Amphitheater is set to welcome in its first guests with not one, but two shows this weekend.
It kicks off Friday with a grand opening performance by Lionel Richie. And then on Saturday, catch several local artists as part of the Community Celebration.
Click here to grab tickets while you still can.
Heritage Hill Tour of Homes
Saturday marks the start of the 58th annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes, where guests can explore some of the historic homes in the historic neighborhood.
One of those homes includes the Voigt House, which was built in 1895 and has not been open to the public in 17 years.
For more information, click here.
Puppies on the Patio at Harmony Brewing
What’s better than a cold one after a stressful week? How about sharing a cold one with your best friend?
You and your dog can enjoy a frosty beverage this Saturday at Harmony Brewing Company with a Puppy Pool Party. There will be kiddie pools, activities for dogs and humans and plenty of aforementioned beer.
Click here to learn more.
WestFest
Spring is in the air and you can tell not by the pollen closing in on us, but by the fact that WestFest is happening for another year.
For more than three decades now, the carnival has served as a way for those living on the West Side of Grand Rapids to come together and celebrate the changing of the season. The funds raised by the event will also go towards servicing families of Sacred Heart Parish & Academy.
Details can be found here.
Creston Neighborhood Pancake Breakfast
On Saturday, the Creston Neighborhood in Grand Rapids is inviting the community to partake in its free pancake breakfast and resource fair.
The event will provide plenty of resources from local organizations, a chance for folks to meet their neighbors and also enjoy some delicious pancakes for free.
More information can be found here.
Butterfly Release in Paw Paw
A special memorial butterfly release will be held Saturday in the village of Paw Paw to help those deal with their grief and loss.
Attendees are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. That is when the memorial service will begin, followed by the butterfly release.
For details, click here.
The Kite Festival at Grand Haven
One of the most visually stunning events returns to Grand Haven State Park Saturday and Sunday with the Kite Festival.
It’s your chance to check out dozens upon dozens of kites soaring through the sky. The best part is that it’s completely free to attend.
You can get more information by clicking here.
Kalamazoo Toy Show
On Saturday, head on out to the Kalamazoo County Expo Center for this year’s Kalamazoo Toy Show.
Kids 12 and under get in free to check out some incredibly preserved antique toys like cap guns, action figures, Pez dispensers and more.
Details can be found by clicking here.
Prom with a Purpose
The signature event of the Momentum Center in Grand Haven is Prom with a Purpose and it’s back this weekend.
The event gives folks a chance at reliving the glory days with a night of dancing, eating and fun. The event helps raise funds for the Momentum Center’s initiatives.
Click here to learn more.
Michigan
Michigan DNR confirms black bear roaming Downriver communities in furthest southeast sighting ever
FLAT ROCK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A black bear has been confirmed roaming the Carleton, Rockwood, and Flat Rock area — the furthest southeast the Michigan DNR has ever recorded a bear sighting in the state.
Watch Jeffrey Lindblom’s video report:
Two black bear sightings confirmed in southern counties
Residents near Woodruff Road first spotted the animal on a trail camera, with many initially mistaking it for a large cat. The Michigan DNR has since confirmed two black bear sightings in the area since Sunday, along with tracks to match.
Dale Hicks, a Rockwood resident, was among the first to spot the animal.
“I looked, and I said there’s a big cat by the double gate,” Hicks said.
WXYZ-TV
Neighbor Carolann Foerch said she was surprised to learn the animal had passed through her property.
“It was here and apparently walking through our back yard. He says, there’s a bear out there!” Foerch said.
WXYZ-TV
Foerch, who is originally from northern Michigan, said she welcomed the unusual visitor.
“I love the bear, you betcha,” Foerch said.
Fellow resident Corry Stanley summed up the reaction many neighbors shared.
“Guess it was a real bear,” Stanley said.
WXYZ-TV
Jan Saintamour, another Rockwood resident, called the sighting “kind of cool. Kind of odd.”
WXYZ-TV
What the DNR says
Cody Norton, a bear specialist with the Michigan DNR, said the sighting is unprecedented for the region.
“This is the furthest southeast we’ve seen,” Norton said.
WXYZ-TV
Norton described southeastern Michigan as far more developed than other parts of the state, making the bear’s appearance in the area without any reported sightings along its path especially unusual.
The DNR reports approximately 12,000 bears living across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Norton said the lower peninsula bear population has grown significantly in recent years.
“Our bear population in the lower peninsula has grown about 60-percent,” Norton said.
As bear numbers have risen, the animals have begun moving into areas further west and south. Norton said younger male bears in particular tend to wander in search of territory not already claimed by dominant males.
“They are able to survive and make a living in habitats we previously thought wouldn’t be suitable for bears,” Norton said.
Norton said bears would have historically inhabited this area before development pushed them out, and that as populations continue to grow, sightings in unexpected places like southeastern Michigan are likely to increase.
“Their world revolves around food,” Norton said.
What to do if you see the bear
The DNR says residents do not need to be overly concerned.
“I don’t think anyone should be too worried about this individual bear roaming around in this area,” Norton said.
Norton said there has not been a bear-related human fatality in Michigan since 1930. He added that residents do not need to worry about walking pets or letting animals outside.
However, there are steps residents can take to avoid unintentionally attracting the bear to their property:
- Secure garbage cans
- Manage bird feeders
- Do not leave pet food outside
If you do encounter the bear, the DNR advises against running. Instead, make yourself appear large, make noise, and slowly back away to a safe location.
As of now, the bear does not appear to be bothering anyone or displaying aggressive behavior. The DNR says it will continue to leave the bear alone unless it begins acting aggressively or causing property damage.
Hicks, for his part, said he plans to keep an eye out.
“I’m going to look at it and take pictures of it,” Hicks said.
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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
NOVI — Surprise! Sakura Novi is getting yet another Michigan premiere store with the opening of TESO Life at 42688 Grand River Avenue on May 15.
The 12,000 square-foot store offers thousands of Asian-themed beauty products, collectibles, snacks, beverages and more.
“Hopefully people will like us,” said store manager Jackal Saw. “I’m excited about the whole new culture here and I see a lot of excited customers. I have faith in Michigan.”TESO Life was founded in 2017 and while the company offers mainly Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Taiwanese products that cater to a “global consumer,” it is U.S. based, with headquarters in New York City and stores sprouting up across the east and west coasts, as well as in Texas, Florida and Chicago.Novi is the 27th location for TESO Life, which has a loyal following among Asian populations, but which has fun finds for anyone with an interest in Asian culture, food and fun collectibles.
Among the most popular items are “blind boxes,” in which there are mystery collector items that Saw describes as similar to Popmart, but with different brands, including Care Bears, Lucky Emma, Maltese, Smiski and more.A wide variety of do-it-yourself kits from Rolife line shelves, offering creative challenges.
Snack aisles abound with sweet treats, including freezers full of ice cream specialties seen on TikTok and plenty of refrigerated beverages.
TESO Life in Novi has about 30 employees waiting to greet you and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
On opening weekend from May 15-17, spend any amount and get a free pin. Guests spending $50 or more will also get a free snack and those spending more than $100 will receive a free gift bag.
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com
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