Michigan State is gearing up for its season opener against Florida Atlantic this Friday, marking the beginning of the Jonathan Smith era. Key players, including running back Nate Carter and offensive lineman Tanner Miller, have been named team captains and are focused on leading the Spartans to a successful season. Carter emphasized the importance of balancing personal life and leadership responsibilities, while Miller expressed confidence in the offense's development. Florida Atlantic's head coach Tom Herman praised Michigan State's tradition and the challenging atmosphere of Spartan Stadium, acknowledging that his team is prepared for the tough match-up. Meanwhile, across the Big Ten, Northwestern's David Braun is also preparing for their opener against Miami (Ohio), expressing excitement about his team's growth during training camp. Both teams are looking forward to showcasing their developments in their respective season openers.