Mel Tucker
FILE - In this Dec. 5, 2020, file photo, Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne (10) throws a pass against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State still has uncertainty at quarterback, and coach Mel Tucker is in no rush to clarify it. Anthony Russo, a transfer from Temple, joins the mix this offseason, and Thorne is back after playing four games as a redshirt freshman. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
MSU's competition between Russo, Thorne just getting started

By Noah Trister Apr. 24, 2021 02:35 AM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2020, file photo, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh paces the sideline during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game against Alabama in Orlando, Fla. Michigan has decided to stick with Harbaugh. He has finalized a new, five-year deal with a base salary of $4 million per year. He can make as much as $8 million with incentives, according to a person familiar with the contract who spoke to The Associated Press. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
'Work to be done": Harbaugh has new, 5-year deal at Michigan

By Larry Lage Jan. 08, 2021 04:51 PM EST

Colorado coach Karl Dorrell watches during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against San Diego State on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Early risers: No. 21 Colorado, Utah clash moved to morning

By Pat Graham Dec. 10, 2020 01:15 PM EST

Ohio State interim head coach Larry Johnson looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
No. 3 Ohio State has no problem with Spartans in 52-12 win

By Noah Trister Dec. 05, 2020 04:01 PM EST

Ohio State running back Master Teague, right, cuts up field as Indiana defensive lineman Jonathan King tries to make the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Indiana 42-35. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Johnson set to coach No. 3 Ohio State against Michigan State

By The Associated Press Dec. 03, 2020 04:47 PM EST

Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi throws a pass against Northwestern during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 29-20. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Spartans tough in underdog role and here comes No. 3 Ohio St

By Noah Trister Dec. 01, 2020 05:38 PM EST

Michigan State players celebrate after scoring a touchdown on a fumbled Northwestern lateral as time expires during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan St holds off No. 11 Northwestern for a 29-20 win

By Larry Lage Nov. 28, 2020 08:38 PM EST

Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Penix, Fryfogle, No. 10 Indiana blank Michigan State 24-0

By Noah Trister Nov. 14, 2020 03:28 PM EST

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) looks for a receiver during the first quarter against Penn State in an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
AP Top 25 Takeaways: Clemson gives scary glimpse into future

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 31, 2020 09:35 PM EDT

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, with a mask, is hugged by an assistant after his team defeated Michigan State in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Opening weekend surprises creates different look for Big Ten

By Michael Marot Oct. 29, 2020 03:51 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, file photo, Colorado quarterback Sam Noyer (15) throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash. Senior Sam Noyer packed up his stuff and left campus. The Colorado Buffaloes quarterback turned safety wanted to be a QB again and was exploring options through the graduate transfer portal. Then, a call from the new coaching staff. Now, he's back and in the mix to be the starting quarterback for the Buffaloes. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
At home: Sam Noyer returns to Colorado with chance at QB job

By Pat Graham Oct. 14, 2020 06:35 PM EDT

Mel Tucker, Michigan State's new football coach, speaks during a news conference Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Expectations tempered for Michigan St in Tucker's 1st season

By Noah Trister Oct. 14, 2020 04:37 PM EDT

FILE - In this March 6, 2020, file photo, Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoán Moncada runs to first base with a hit in the first inning of the team's spring training baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz. Moncada rejoined the White Sox after missing the start of their summer camp because he contracted the coronavirus. Moncada revealed on a video conference call with reporters Thursday, July 16, that he tested positive for COVID-19. He said he didn't experience any major symptoms but it was a difficult time for him and a little scary. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
The Latest: Meadows tests positive, Moncada back from virus

By The Associated Press Jul. 16, 2020 10:11 AM EDT

FILE - In a June 17, 2020, file photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addresses the state during a speech in Lansing, Mich. Whitmer on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, extended Michigan's coronavirus emergency declaration through Aug. 11, citing an uptick in new cases over the past three weeks. The move, which was expected, allows the Democratic governor to keep in place various orders designed to curb COVID-19, including certain business closures, limits on gatherings, a mask requirement and longer unemployment benefits. (Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, File)
Michigan has most virus cases in 2 months; Izzo backs masks

By David Eggert Jul. 15, 2020 04:25 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 18, 2019, file photo, Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin discusses the team's signing class during a press conference at the Manning Center in Oxford, Miss. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The ensuring national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for next season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something from the ground up. (Bruce Newman/The Oxford Eagle via AP, File)/
Pandemic puts first-year football coaches in deeper bind

By John Marshall Apr. 10, 2020 01:11 PM EDT