Michigan State is breaking in a new football coach and quarterback this year.
The Spartans may benefit from how familiar the pivotal people in the program are with each other because they both were at Oregon State last season.
Jonathan Smith, who led the Beavers for six seasons, was hired in late November and quarterback Aidan Chiles joined him less than a month later.
Smith fully expects Chiles to start this fall.
“I’d describe it as an upset if he’s not,” he said.
Smith was also able to bring with him an AP All-Pac 12 offensive lineman, Tanner Miller, and AP all-conference tight end Jack Velling, who set an Oregon State single-season record for tight ends with eight touchdown receptions.
The trio of former Beavers have helped coaches teach terminology and plays to teammates at Michigan State.
“We’re coaches for a reason, but those three guys on the offensive side have been beneficial for each group,” Smith said.
The …