This was a night where new Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles, who followed Smith from Oregon State, was expected to be the star of the show. However, it was really the Spartans' gritty defense that showed up and saved the game on this particular August evening. 

"I do think week one is kind of just 'overreaction Saturday,'" Smith said postgame. "You know, the first impression, right? This is the first time that the team's out there. Well, then you begin to label, 'oh, they're good on this side and not good on this side.' Let’s just work Sunday, get ready for the next week, and that’s what we’re going to do."

An offensive downer 

The growing pains for this new MSU team, especially on offense, were evident against FAU. It committed four turnovers, three in the red zone, and four personal foul penalties that could've been five following the controversial, game-changing overturning of a late MSU targeting call. 

The struggles occurred from the get-go for the Spartans, as Chiles' first throw in a green and white uniform ended up in the hands of FAU defensive back Kahzir Brown on a tip-drill interception.

The pick would be the first of two for Chiles, as he would throw another late in the third quarter, this time on a telegraphed pass outside the numbers at the goal line. 

Chiles finished 10-for-24 for 114 yards with the two interceptions. While he showed flashes of the talent that's clearly there, he looked uncomfortable at times, unable to shoulder the load of an offense lacking playmakers. It'll take time and repetitions for the 18-year-old quarterback to become acclimated and adjusted to playing this kind of role at the Big Ten level. 

Chiles made up for some of his passing mistakes on the ground, showing his dual-threat ability with six rushes for 28 yards and a touchdown. 

"I think he saw the field decent out there," Smith said. "He could have been accurate a little bit on a couple easier throws, but I do think he competed out there. Again, the first game, there's gonna be a bunch of learning out there."

It wasn’t just Chiles who struggled. The below-average FAU defensive front gave the Spartans fits at the line of scrimmage. MSU's offensive lineman had trouble opening up gaps, protecting the quarterback and getting down field on screens. Overall, they allowed one sack and five tackles for loss, one of which came on a crucial fourth and short, deep in FAU territory. 

A major positive for MSU's offense Friday was transfer running back Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams, who posted a steady nine rushes for 101 yards and a touchdown. In the second quarter, he broke away from the Owl defense, running 63 yards to the house. Between him and junior running back Nate Carter, MSU finished the night with 37 carries for 179 yards and two touchdowns.   

If the Spartans want to trend in the right direction, Chiles' accuracy, the running game and the offensive line need to be more consistent. The talent is there, it's just a matter of development and execution. 

MSU defense: the unlikely hero

It’s safe to say MSU defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and his Spartan defense saved the MSU community from a Week Zero upset and sour start to a new era. 

With the offense struggling to get going early on, it was the MSU defense that stepped up and created early-game momentum, as sixth year defensive tackle D'Quan Douse sacked FAU quarterback Cam Fancher in the end zone for a safety. This gave the Spartans the first points of the game. 

Spartan sixth year defensive end Khris Bogle saw it fit for the first points of the season to be scored on defense.

"I would say we take a lot of pride in scoring on defense," Bogle said. "I mean, especially because of Smith, he's just a great coach to play for."

Also in the first half, the Spartan secondary picked off Fancher twice, once by fifth year safety Angelo Grose and once by junior defensive back Nikai Martinez.

The MSU defense was successful in pressuring Fancher, sacking him seven times. Bogle led the way in sacks with 1.5 and tackles for loss with 2.5.

Fancher finished 12-for-25 through the air with 116 yards, a touchdown and two picks. 

Like Chiles, Fancher has dual-threat ability, creating a slippery challenge for the Spartans to contain. Fancher often extended plays, escaping the pocket and looking for the open man downfield or scrambling. He ended with 67 yards rushing on 25 carries. 

One of the reasons Smith saw his defense so successful was largely due to rotations, along with depth.

"Most guys kept on coming in," Smith said. "I do think it helped us that our rotation, first quarter, second quarter, third quarter allowed us to finish really well in the fourth."

The Spartans can now rest easy as the first game of the year is penciled in as a W. Next week, they travel to Maryland where they’ll face off against the Terrapins in their first Big Ten matchup of the year, looking to begin the season 2-0.