"Michigan State football vs. Central Michigan: Time, TV schedule, and channel to watch today"

Michigan State's 2023 college football season will start at home on a Friday night against Central Michigan, kicking off the 100th season at Spartan Stadium.

Michigan State's 2023 college football season is set to begin with a highly anticipated Friday night game against in-state rival Central Michigan. This game holds particular significance as it marks the 100th season of football at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Head coach Mel Tucker, now in his fourth year, faces a challenging task after a disappointing 5-7 season last year. The Spartans started the 2022 season with high hopes, being ranked No. 14 in the nation, but ultimately fell short.

Despite their previous struggles, Michigan State has an impressive record in Friday season openers, boasting a perfect 10-0 record since starting the tradition in 2011. Eight of these victories have come at home, adding to the excitement surrounding this upcoming game.

In recent years, the Spartans have dominated their matchups against Central Michigan, winning their past four encounters. However, it's worth noting that the Chippewas have proven to be a formidable opponent in the past. In 2009, they pulled off a stunning upset against Michigan State, securing a 29-27 victory. Additionally, they have claimed victory twice at Spartan Stadium in the 1990s. This history adds an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming game.

One of the biggest questions leading up to the game is who will start at quarterback for the Spartans. The candidates for the position are redshirt junior Noah Kim and redshirt freshman Katin Houser. Kim served as the backup to Payton Thorne, who has since transferred to Auburn, last season. He saw limited playing time, completing 14 of 19 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns in four games. Houser, on the other hand, only appeared in one game, taking six snaps. Coach Tucker has remained tight-lipped about his decision, but it's expected that both quarterbacks will have an opportunity to showcase their skills on Friday.

Central Michigan's offense will undergo significant changes this season, particularly with the departure of standout running back Lew Nichols III, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. Redshirt freshman Bert Emanuel Jr. will take over at quarterback after an impressive 2022 campaign. Although he only played in four games to preserve his redshirt, Emanuel Jr. showcased his talent by rushing for 496 yards on 96 carries and scoring seven touchdowns. He also threw eight passes, completing four of them. While the Chippewas struggled offensively last season, ranking below average in yards and points per game, they have a solid defense led by cornerback Donte Kent and defensive tackles Jacques Bristol and Robi Stuart.

The game will be televised on Fox Sports 1, with Tim Brando providing play-by-play commentary and former NFL running back Spencer Tillman serving as the analyst. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., creating an electric atmosphere under the lights of Spartan Stadium.

As the Spartans and Chippewas prepare to kick off their 2023 season, there is a sense of anticipation and uncertainty surrounding both teams. Michigan State is eager to bounce back from last year's disappointing season, while Central Michigan aims to make a statement against their in-state rival. The outcome of this game will set the tone for the rest of the season, making it a must-watch for football fans. Stay tuned for live updates on X (formerly Twitter) to stay informed about all the action as it unfolds.

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