Spartan Speak

Lansing State Journal

Weekly discussion from the Lansing State Journal sports staff on Michigan State football/basketball and beyond.

  • 57 minutes 58 seconds
    MSU basketball heads to D.C. to take on UConn in the Sweet 16

    Graham and Chris preview Michigan State men's basketball game against Connecticut in the Sweet 16 in Washington, D.C., and, peeking behind the curtain, discuss the advantages the Spartans have this time of year, given how they handle their business during the season. Plus, MSU hockey begins NCAA tournament play, and what's next for MSU women's basketball.

    24 March 2026, 12:59 pm
  • 26 minutes 45 seconds
    Previewing MSU's NCAA tournament opener against North Dakota State

    Graham Couch and Chris Solari look at the Spartans' NCAA tournament opener Thursday against North Dakota State, as well as MSU's chances of making a deep run.

    19 March 2026, 1:22 pm
  • 42 minutes 48 seconds
    The state of MSU's basketball team as the postseason begins

    Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari take a look at the state of Michigan State's men's basketball team as the Spartans begin postseason play in the Big Ten tournament.

    12 March 2026, 1:46 pm
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    MSU basketball gets set for another swing at Michigan

    Graham Couch and Chris Solari discuss the Spartans' recent performances and look at the keys and what's at stake in Sunday's MSU-Michigan rematch in Ann Arbor. Plus, the MSU women's basketball team slips up and MSU hockey wins another banner.

    7 March 2026, 3:21 pm
  • 50 minutes 30 seconds
    Where is this MSU basketball team headed?

    Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press sportswriter Chris Solari discuss the MSU men's basketball team's place in the Big Ten, whether the race is over, and where the Spartans are headed. Plus, a couple big games for the MSU women's basketball team.

    11 February 2026, 3:31 pm
  • 54 minutes 59 seconds
    Michigan vs MSU preview with Hail Yes! and Spartan Speak

    In a Detroit Free Press and Lansing State Journal collaboration, the "Hail Yes!" and "Spartan Speak" podcasts join to preview Michigan vs. Michigan State. Freep's assistant sports editor Andrew Birkle, U-M sports reporter Tony Garcia, MSU sports writer Chris Solari and Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch answered listener questions live.

    30 January 2026, 3:17 pm
  • 58 minutes 11 seconds
    A deeper look at Michigan State's 15-2 basketball team

    Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press beat writer Chris Solari discuss Michigan State's 15-2 men's basketball team, what's gotten the Spartans to this place, which players have propelled them, which could do more and what the rest of the season looks like as they head out west to face Washington and Oregon. Plus, a look at MSU football's staff and work in the transfer portal.

    15 January 2026, 8:49 pm
  • 55 minutes 46 seconds
    Hello, Pat Fitzgerald. Goodbye, Jonathan Smith, as MSU football changes course

    The Michigan State football program has a new leader: former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari discuss the firing of Jonathan Smith and what they think of the hiring of Fitzgerald as the Spartans' football coach. Plus, MSU basketball is rolling, with a huge week ahead.

    1 December 2025, 8:20 pm
  • 14 minutes 20 seconds
    Postgame reaction to MSU football's loss to Iowa

    Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal and Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press discuss Michigan State football's loss to Iowa on Saturday. 

    23 November 2025, 6:13 am
  • 1 hour 17 minutes
    MSU hoops serves notice. MSU football served by the NCAA.

    Lansing State Journal sports columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari discuss Michigan State basketball's win over Kentucky in the Champions Classic and what it means for the Spartans' team and season. Then a conversation on MSU football, both heading into the Iowa game and the impact of the NCAA sanctions.

    20 November 2025, 1:40 pm
  • 1 hour 14 minutes
    MSU football is on probation. How and why it happened and what it means for the program

    On this week's Spartan Speak podcast, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press writer Chris Solari discuss the probation handed down to the Michigan State football program by the NCAA for violations under Mel Tucker. From every angle possible, including the Connor Stalions/CMU game and compared to what penalties Michigan received. 

    13 November 2025, 7:06 pm
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