EAST LANSING – What was a smooth debut in season two under coach Jonathan Smith got a little choppy late.

Michigan State built a 21-0 lead in the first half before holding on for a 23-6 victory against Western Michigan on Friday night.

The Spartans reached the end zone on three of their first four possessions to build a three-score lead at halftime before the offense stalled in the second half.

Michigan State added a third-quarter safety before Western Michigan’s Tate Hallock – a former Spartan – picked off backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic and returned it 32 yards for the Broncos’ lone touchdown with 2:51 left in the fourth.

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles completed 17 of 23 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown as the Spartans leaned heavily on the run game and a pair of

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