Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu
248.370.2533
STUDENTS GATHER around the campfire at OU Student Congress’s Beats and Eats event on September 3.
PHOTO BY COURTNEY BLACKETT
The show must go on: OUSC hosts annual ‘Beats and Eats’ for 2024
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
Despite its power-related hiccups, OUSC’s Beats and Eats event was a major success. Masses of students lined up for pizza and donuts — supplied by The Little Donut Factory and the Oakland University Student Congress office.
Advertised as an event featuring fraternity and sorority organizations, s’mores, a food truck, tiedye tee shirts and music by WXOU — the campus radio station, OUSC Beats and Eats 2024 was an opportunity for freshman and first-year at OU students to meet, dance and have a good time.
Beats and Eats was not without its shortcomings, as power for this event for WXOU to DJ and play music was not provided. It is unclear whether or not this was a misstep in communication with any party — OUSC, OSI or Facilities Management — in regards to acquiring a generator for WXOU.
Nevertheless, the show must go on and WXOU eventually got power from an unsuspecting volunteer they picked out from the crowd, student Danny Fortino.
Fortino got into his car and parked right behind the s’mores and DJ area, where the speakers and laptop needed to DJ were plugged into his car — it ended up running until Fortino ran out of gas, just enough time to where the event had slowed down.
“It feels pretty good honestly, I’m a DJ myself and I just feel very happy that I could help out and bring life to the party,” Fortino said.
Event Coordinator at WXOU, Andrew Deacon, reassured that despite the setbacks, the event drew many people to the DJ booth and the station as a whole.
“The event is called Beats and Eats, we provide the beats, OUSC provides the Eats — it’s pretty simple,” Deacon said. “Our job as DJs, as the radio station here, is to make people comfortable enough that they can dance like nobody’s watching… and I feel like we did that — when we had power [laughs].
This week has been super hectic and we made due with what we got.”
The newly elected Garcia-Brumer slate got to work as soon as the event hit 8 p.m. by serving up pizza, drinks and s’mores to plenty of hungry and excited students. Activities like corn hole and tiedye were also available for students to try out.
“Seeing these hundreds of people here that are being able to make these tie-dye shirts and get donuts and pizza and all of that makes me very happy, the pain of it was worth the outcome,” OUSC VP Brumer said.
Jimena Garcia, the president of OUSC, was recently elected by the student body on a platform that values diversity in the student body in order to foster wellness in the community, according to her meet-the-candidate profile on Instagram.
“It was great, it’s so heartwarming seeing so many people who care about student congress and care about the campus community at large, coming together and helping out,” OUSC President Garcia said.
Even though he was not paid for his effort, the “savior of OUSC Beats and Eats,” Danny Fortino was grateful to both WXOU, the Greek Life on campus and OUSC for putting on this event.
“I think it’s a good way of bringing the communities together and kind of helping out newer and returning students,” Fortino said.
You can get involved with student congress by emailing ousc@oakland.edu. You can also learn more about their events by visiting their Instagram page.
CMI welcomes students back with its annual BBQ
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
As one of the inaugural events of the semester, the Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) and the Association of Black Students (ABS) embellished Elliott Tower with the now traditional, CMI Welcome Back BBQ.
During the first day of the fall semester, Sept. 4, burgers, music and dance welcomed new and returning students to Oakland University.
“The CMI puts this on every year to bring out the community and help everyone meet each other and mingle a little bit,” Kayla Anderson, ABS vice president, said. “It’s something to let people know that there’s a community for anyone.”
With over 600 attendees, musical transitions between party classics and new summer hits made the food line — which almost went around the Oakland Center — enjoyable and entertaining.
“It’s a form of reunion, like a family reunion,” Omar Brown-El, CMI senior director, said. “Over the summer, many of our students haven’t seen each other and so they come back and this is the first ‘welcome back’ event to the university.”
In between bites or after dancing, some students shared their opinions on the event.
“It was fun, the food was good, the vibes was there,” Layal Roberts, a social work major, said.
“It’s a really good event, the food was nice and the weather was enjoyable,” Antonio Beltran, a computer science student, said. “The event being
at Elliott Tower was a good idea because it is at the heart of Oakland.”
Brown-El explained that many attendees are incoming freshmen who are part of the Oakland University Trustee Academic Success (OUTAS) and the Collectively Oakland Retains Everyone (CORE) programs. These are retention and leadership programs aimed at supporting students by pairing them with resources, advising, mentoring, workshops and counseling.
“When we say ‘come as a student, leave as family’
this is what we envision,” Brown-El said. “This is the beginning of that family experience, not only with the CMI but with the university at large.”
The event was a coordinated effort between the CMI and ABS, Anderson explained. ABS coordinated with other student organizations like the Intrigue hip-hop dance team to bring performers and DJs while the CMI oversaw catering and location reservations.
After the BBQ concluded at 8 p.m., a mixer was hosted at the Oakland Center’s Gold Rooms to help freshmen students get to know more people and other organizations on campus.
As part of Welcome Week, ABS planned to host various educational and fun events to help students — especially freshmen — acclimate to the new semester.
“We’re looking forward to more ABS events like the ABS Survival Guide,” Anderson said. “Incoming freshmen can come and get some advice from their upperclassmen, school leaders they see on campus. We’ll have a few panelists that will be giving their advice on how to matriculate through college.”
Brown-El offered some last thoughts for the campus community as the fall semester begins.
“Let’s be the best selves that we can be, as students, in our social spaces, let’s find community,” BrownEl said. “Let’s build each other up and be the best Oakland University that we can be.”
For information about upcoming events, visit ABS’s Instagram and the CMI website.
PHOTO BY COURTNEY BLACKETT
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Shark-themed games, food and movies at SPB’s Under the Sea Carnival
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
Hundreds of returning and new students turned parking lot 37 at Oakland University into an oceanthemed fair at the Under the Sea Carnival.
Over 1,200 attendees gathered on Sept. 6 at The Student Program Board’s (SPB) Annual Welcome Week Carnival. Food trucks, rides, fair games and live music consolidated one of the largest welcome events at OU in the face of inclement weather.
“I’ve been working on it all summer,” Ula Tuskenyte, SPB annual events director and vice president, said. “It was a big task to take on, but it also has been a lot of fun. I brought a mechanical shark on campus so that’s honestly my biggest highlight.”
Sharknado potatoes, a surfing photo opportunity and turtle-themed giveaways also complemented this year’s under the sea theme. ‘Chutes’ fair ride, a climbing wall and a pirate ship pendulum ride were among the fair attractions at the function.
“Out of all the attractions, my favorite one was the chutes,” biomedical engineering student Maria Nito said. “Not only were the attractions great but the food options, like the sharknado potatoes, were delicious.”
The Sigma Pi fraternity also hosted its annual pig roast at the event while WXOU provided the music.
After the event concluded at 9 p.m., Student Video Productions screened “Shark Tale” at the Habitat.
“The event was wonderful to me,” Ian Hughes, a broadcasting student, said. “It’s the most fun I’ve had on campus in a while, and it’s a great way to kick off the year for everybody — food was great, rides were awesome.”
Tuskenyte explained she faced difficulties due to the ambivalent chances of rain expected throughout the days prior.
“This past week we had a rain scare, so it felt like I was planning four carnivals,” Tuskenyte said. “I had to plan for a thunderstorm and rain, and then nothing
PHOTO BY CARLEE MORGAN
happened. We moved to a new location, and we made it work.”
Tuskenyte also mentioned that scheduling the carnival during Welcome Week works well for organizers and students alike.
“It’s the summer, [student organizations] don’t have much to do so they’re planning all these events to welcome everyone back right before we get into the nitty gritty of school work,” Tuskenyte said. “Welcome Week is also a big time for students, it’s a welcome home for returners, and then for freshmen, they get to really see what life on campus is like.”
While the taste of the upcoming fall weather caused last-minute changes, students expressed their excitement for the annual carnival.
“It’s quaint, it’s not the biggest event I’ve been to but it’s charming,” Jacob Chiappelli, a marketing student said. “It’s cool to see a lot of people, a lot of new students, a lot of new faces — I think it fosters a sense of community between new students.”
“It’s important to have this kind of thing just so people get familiar with the environment,” Hughes said. “To meet new people, strike up some new conversations, and find old friends.”
For information about upcoming events, visit SPB’s website or Instagram.
New South Foundation Hall grand opening
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
The new South Foundation Hall opened its doors on August 28 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, mobile furniture and a written tribute from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Directed by Kevin Corcoran, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, the opening ceremony commemorated the eight years of work that turned South Foundation Hall from the oldest to the newest building on campus.
“South Foundation Hall is more than a building,” Corcoran said. “It’s a statement, and it’s a symbol — just as it was 65 years ago when it first opened — of the power of collaboration to create a state-of-the-art learning environment.”
With 90,000 square feet of renovated space, new lounge areas on all three floors, 47 classrooms, a wellness room and gender-neutral bathrooms populate the expanded hallways that founded OU. The inside corridors are lined by blue, red and green seating fixtures that played with roof lighting and different fabric patterns.
“The truly tangible beauty of this facility will ultimately be the excellence of the students who emerge from it and shape our nation’s future leaders,” Joe Jones, chair of the Board of Trustees, said.
First approved by the Board of Trustees in 2016, the renovation project took two years to be passed in the state legislature. State Senator Michael Webber and Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel supported the efforts to
consolidate the project and were invited to speak at the event.
Costing a total of $44.2 million, the renovation was funded by a $30 million capital outlay from the state of Michigan and $14.2 million from OU reserves and bonds. By 2022, the construction management firm Frank Rewold & Sons began building the renovation planned by the architectural firm Stantec.
“This really isn’t about a building,” Greimel said. “What it’s really about is what this building will deliver in terms of enhanced instructional opportunities to students and making the faculty’s job easier in delivering that high quality of instruction.”
OU students who attended the event shared their thoughts on the new study spaces.
“The design is very refreshing and very bright, it energizes the building a lot,” Marion Brumer, a political science student, said. “Especially in the months of winter that we’re going to get, it’ll be nice to look at the snow and the leaves change.”
“This building satisfies what students look for in classrooms,” Alex Verzillo, a political science student, said. “They are spacious, they are very modern. I think South Foundation Hall satisfies all standards.”
Emily Mellits, deputy director of the Office of Community Engagement, attended the event representing Whitmer. Mellits delivered a written tribute from Whitmer’s office to commemorate the renovation project.
“Therefore, in recognition of this achievement and the positive impact it will have, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Oakland University,” Mellits said. “The reimagining of South Foundation
Hall is a testament to your commitment to excellence in education and a bright future for Michigan students.”
OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz concluded the ceremony with a final acclaim for the community and partnerships fostered by the renovation project.
“I see our partnership as a model, a model of what great collaboration can do,” Pescovitz said. “How we can continue to work together for the benefit of our students, of our faculty, of our staff, and how we can further develop an amazing talent pipeline.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN MACONOCHIE
Social @ the Circle: WXOU block party
Mallory Waligora Political Editor
On Thursday, Sept. 5, WXOU hosted one of its several welcome week events, Social @ the Circle. This event was a freshmen-oriented block party organized between Hamlin and Vandenberg Hall specifically for the on-campus students living in housing nearby.
The night was filled with games, snacks and a dance party to bring together students and create a welcoming environment. Snacks included cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones. Students could also join in on a game of cornhole, Spikeball or Jenga. No matter one’s preference, there was something to do for everyone.
“Everybody seems like they’re having a good time — it’s much needed at the beginning of the school year to get people out of their shells,”
sophomore Grant Kerry said.
Social @ the Circle was a perfect way for students to socialize and meet new people. As the school year begins, students look forward to forming new friendships and getting to know their classmates.
“The Welcome Week Block Party is a really good place for freshmen to get to know each other. There’s a lot of people dancing around. There’s games for everybody. It’s right on campus in between all the dining halls and residence dorms, so it’s a perfect place,” sophomore Kaeden Bryer said.
The event was brought together by Student Video Productions (SVP), The Oakland Post, Resident Life
Association (RLA), OU Housing and WXOU. All these student organizations were working together to put on the event — each showcasing their student organizations and contributing to the event.
“We got so much help from everybody on campus. The OSI lent us all the tables. RLA lent us the water jug, some games and a projector,”
Andrew Deacon, the Event Director at WXOU, shared. “OU is such a tightknit community that we can reach out. We work at other people’s events — they help out here. We’re all friends, and that’s something I love.”
Deacon has been instrumental in organizing WXOU’s welcome week events. His extensive planning included marketing for two demographic groups of OU students.
“Our Welcome Week strategy for this year is split up into two parts. We have our freshman Welcome Week event, Social at the Circle, right outside Hamlin Hall,” Deacon said. “Next week, we have our Y2K night, which is focused on our upperclassmen.”
Y2K night will be held on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at Elliot Tower. The event will have a live band and opportunities for even more student socializing and Welcome Week festivities. Additionally, WXOU has multiple opportunities for student involvement within the organization including DJing, event planning and live shows.
“We got Y2K night, it’s like an early 2000s party type of thing. We will have a live band there doing covers. It’s another event not to miss,” Logan Pizzurro,
General Manager of WXOU, shared.
Echoing the excitement around upcoming campus events, Deacon offered advice for freshmen, urging them to get involved on campus and
make the most of their first year.
“As a freshman, most things are marketed to you. You don’t want to be on campus two, or three years from
now, regretting not enjoying your freshman Welcome Week as much as you could have,” Deacon said. “My biggest advice is to go out there, do things, meet people, join clubs and get involved. There’s a lot to do, there’s a lot to see, there’s a lot of people to meet — that is what makes our campus so nice.”
Bryer shared this sentiment, cautioning students against selfisolation and reminding students that there’s more to college than just academics. It’s important to build friendships and enjoy the experience.
“I think too often students fall into the trap of arriving their first year and taking it too seriously, keeping to themselves and staying isolated. In reality, the college experience shouldn’t entail just academics but also friendship, discovering yourself and having fun,” Bryer shared.
Oakland’s Welcome Week runs Sept. 3 through Sept. 14, so there’s still time to get involved. Additionally, various events throughout the university will be held throughout the semester, so keep an eye on GrizzOrgs or the events calendar.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WXOU
PHOTO COURTESY OF WXOU Oakland Post Staff Working The Popcorn Stand
PHOTO COURTESY OF WXOU
PHOTO COURTESY OF WXOU
MySail to pass off the torch to new university portal this fall
NOAH FRANCIS Features Editor
MySail is Oakland University’s main online portal for students to access a variety of resources. From signing up for classes and checking schedules for the semester, to locating housing information and accessing applications such as Handshake, MySail has everything an OU student could need if you look hard enough.
To streamline the student experience further, Oakland University is launching a new and improved university portal for MySail to pass the torch off to. Todd Nucci, Director of Marketing and Digital/Web Services, explains the purpose of the new university portal.
“The purpose of this is to make it easier for students and staff to manage information related to their academic and professional lives,” Nucci said. “By bringing together a range of resources and tools in one central location, the university portal will help to streamline the administrative process, increase efficiency and improve the overall university experience.”
Nucci explains how the new portal aims to be more user-friendly and accessible for not just students, but faculty and alumni as well.
“Right now we don’t really have a spot for alumni to
come to engage, but now that we have the ability for the alumni to engage past the point of them graduating,” Nucci said. “Now we have that path within the university portal for them to come and continue with their university experience, get information for events, and contribute to the university. For faculty, it’ll just streamline their efforts through courses, their ability with grades and making sure they have one central repository for all that information.”
One big change that will help students navigate the portal more efficiently is the addition of a customizable dashboard.
“There’s a really engaging dashboard with a lot of
The Mad Laboratory at Oakland University
ANGELINA TOMA Campus Reporter
Dr. Gerard Madlambayan, professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, shares his research interests in cancer and stem cell biology at Oakland University.
After pursuing a chemical and biomedical engineering degree, Madlambayan continued working on bioreactors, product development and testing in the industry.
“What inspired me to do research was my experience in the industry and what developed my research interests in graduate school,” Madlambayan said. “My lab is now involved in understanding how tumor microenvironment affects cancer progression in responses to therapy.”
He explained that cancer cells take advantage of normal cells, process their growth and evade therapy. The lab now works to develop treatment strategies to stop this.
“One project we are focusing on is finding better ways to get rid of adherence leukemia cells so when we treat someone it doesn’t come back,” Madlambayan said. “We are also focusing on lung cancer to show how tumors regrow.”
Madlambayan explained his research defines the roles of the different stem cell populations in cancer progression and relapse, aiming to find a developed strategy to treat the diseases.
The collaborative effort within the lab requires graduate students to have their own individual thesis
or dissertation projects while the undergraduates assist them by developing their side projects.
“The graduate students take leadership on research projects by learning how to train students and oversee what they do as they are going to be future scientists,” Madlambayan said. “I prefer to take undergrads when they are entering their junior year as they have a good foundation of knowledge before coming into the lab.”
“I expect undergraduates to become independent in the lab but be able to develop hypotheses and analyze the experiments or data to present it to the rest of the team,” Madlambayan said. “Students should understand the entirety of their projects and why certain techniques work.”
The lab strives to pursue specific and individual projects to further publish abstracts and publications by consistent attendance of presenting work at conferences.
Madlambayan emphasized the importance of external funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support his studies and students at OU. Internal funding, such as the Provost Award, has also supported his students and many other students across campus in doing research within OU laboratories on campus.
“OU has given me the infrastructure to do my research but there are a lot of opportunities here for undergraduate students and internal funding,” Madlambayan said. “I come up with ideas and write the grants to get funding that will support students to do research in my lab.”
The lab works to further develop alternatives to
different widgets that are going to be useful for the student experience,” Nucci said. “They’ll be able to customize that to streamline for their success so different groups, things like that. Students will be able to move information right to the top, making sure that they’re getting that each and every time they log in.”
While the new university portal will not fully take over the MySail page just yet, some students have already experienced the new and improved page.
“A soft launch went out in May, and the portal is available right now, so you may have seen it already,” Nucci said. “Right now there is a landing page available on Oakland’s global navigation. If you go to the MySail link right now, that will take you to the landing page. On that landing page, we have links to both the old MySail and to the new portal, which, when we do cut over, we’ll just continue with the MySail legacy on that page.”
To accompany the new portal, an official mobile app is in production to streamline the mobile experience. The mobile app and the full switch to the new dashboard is set to release on October 8, 2024. Please check out oakland.pathify.com to view the new portal today.
treat leukemia and lung cancer and continues to pursue stem cell research.
“I’ve been involved in two clinical trials that have gone into patients and that’s something we’re working to do at OU as well,” Madlambayan said. “I will continue to focus on the role of mitochondria transfer in cancer.”
Madlambayan highlighted the importance of gaining research experience for future graduate school success by sharing numerous campus opportunities for student involvement.
For more information about joining Madlambayan’s laboratory, contact madlamba@oakland.edu.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
PHOTO COURTESY OF STANLEY TU
Chappell Roan ?
Doesn’t Owe You Anything
Story by Morgan Warneke
Design by Megan Judy and Zachary Oberdier
Photos courtesy of Richie Shazam and Interview Magazine
If you’ve been scrolling on any social media platform these last couple of weeks, chances are you’ve seen the chaos and controversy that popstar Chappell Roan’s two most recent TikToks have caused. In two videos with up to 16.5 million views, Chappell attempts to set boundaries with fans who have been following her while demanding pictures and hugs despite her obvious discomfort.
“I don’t care that abuse and harassment, stalking, whatever, is a normal thing to do to people who are famous or a little famous,” Chappell said. “It’s weird how people think that you know a person because you see them online and you listen to the art they make … I’m allowed to say no to creepy behavior, okay?”
This sparked backlash from fans and non-fans alike, who argue that asking your favorite artist for a hug or a picture doesn’t qualify as “creepy” behavior. There have also been numerous viral posts on X accusing Chappell of being overly sensitive or in the wrong profession.
However, others are arguing that Chappell should be able to go out in public without strangers feeling entitled to pictures, autographs and hugs. In response to her recent videos, she has also received support from other artists, such as Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Jewel.
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If you aren’t familiar with Chappell Roan, this past year she has been suddenly shot into mainstream stardom after 10 years in the industry. Her catchy hits “Good Luck, Babe!” and “HOT TO GO!” combined with her unique on-stage outfits have gained her millions of listeners and a dedicated fanbase.
Over the summer she had one of the biggest Lollapalooza sets in history — with up to 110,000 people in the audience. In just this past year Chappell has accumulated 38 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Her growth as an artist has been nothing short of sudden and hectic. Personally, I think that Chappell Roan doesn’t owe you anything. Celebrity culture has become parasocial and unsafe — just think of Princess Diana, Britney Spears and Christina Grimmie. Enjoying someone’s art doesn’t give you an allexclusive pass to their personal space and life. In an ever-growing technological world that is obsessed with social media, setting boundaries is important, and someone’s comfort zone shouldn’t become a worldwide debate.
While I agree that it isn’t inherently harmful to request a photo with someone that you’re a fan of, it’s important to respect their decision. After all, we all have good days and bad days, and nobody wants to be photographed on their morning coffee run.
What do you think about Chappell’s recent statements regarding boundaries with fans? Do celebrities owe their fans some kind of souvenir, or should we all learn how to appreciate our idols from a distance?
What is the class of 2028’s music taste?
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
Mostly graduating from their respective high schools in 2024, the incoming freshman class of 2028 have a lot to look forward to here at Oakland University: the welcome week events, starting up new and exciting classes, joining clubs that appeal to their own unique interests and most importantly — in my opinion at least — experiencing the extravagant and blossoming arts culture on campus.
From art galleries, to the Meadow Brook Theatre and Amphitheatre, to the School of Music, Theatre and Dance’s shows and much, much more, there’s a lot to be excited about if you are a first-year at OU that loves art.
What if you’re not an art student though? How would we know if our first-year student body is engaged with art as a whole? Even if it is not campus related, I asked a few freshmen what their favorite songs were currently and what their favorite music of all time is.
Some first-year students, like Cullen Black and Matthew Vigelius, have indie music atop their best of all time list.
“‘Helplessness Blues’ by Fleet Foxes easily. That is just a landmark album in my life — I think it is one of the best pieces of music ever created,” Black said. While Vigelius likes indie, he is really into one band in particular.
“I’m really into Wallows — favorite song by them is probably gonna be ‘Remember When’ or ‘Treacherous Doctor,’” Vigelius said. “I think [my
favorite] is the album, ‘Remember When,’ like the one that went with the song.”
Another student, who I interviewed at the OU Student Congress event Beats and Eats on Sep. 3, was a big fan of indie music, but also something that not a lot of people listen to.
“I just listen to Mitski a lot,” first-generation OU freshman, Losin Balderas-Rivera said. “I’m gonna be real — I’m not typical — I listen to video game soundtracks, I go back to ‘Fire Emblem’ soundtracks more than anything.”
Speaking of unique, Madison Kinser was the
only freshman I interviewed who gave metal music as their answer. Her favorite band of all time is Bad Omens, but her music obsession right now is “Divine Retribution” by Kim Dracula.
There even is some love for some mainstream artists with the group of first-years that I interviewed. Lex Howard and Cullen Black both are fans of mainstream rap.
“My favorite recent song would probably be ‘Everyday Hustle’ by Future and Metro Boomin featuring Rick Ross,” Black said.
Howard, who spoke to me at OUSC’s Beats and Eats in the middle of a lively crowd of freshman, said that they enjoy the country-rap artist Shaboozey.
When asked what their favorite song by them was, Howard’s reply was, “That’d have to be ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ by Shaboozey, me and my grandma love that song.”
Overall, from the small sample that I took, it seems as though the freshman class’s music taste is far more diverse than one would expect — ranging from video game OSTs, to hip-hop, indie, country and metal. To whichever first-year student at OU is reading this article: based on your guys’ music taste I think you guys will love it here.
Student bodies always come and go, but music lasts forever.
‘Alien: Romulus:’ A tribute to a classic
MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter
Influential movies create a lasting impact on culture — audiences can see this in the modern day with remakes and sequels. Such examples of this is “Alien,” which is considered a genre-defining film of its generation.
“Alien” first premiered in 1979 starring now scifi icon Sigourney Weaver in a career defining role. Directed by Ridley Scott, this film mixed genres of sci-fi with horror and created some of the most iconic scenes that are still used to this day.
A sequel movie was released seven years after the first, and five more films were released in addition. The most recent release is “Alien: Romulus,” which was released on August 16, 2024, and directed by Fede Álvarez.
The cast included Cailee Spaeny as Rain, Isabela Merced as Kay and David Jonsson as Andyand.
Recent years have brought new films to the series, but I think the 2024 film brings out a new way to pay homage to the original film while also presenting new well thought out ideas.
“I think once in a while, it’s good for directors to bring back the passion of the cinema they loved when they were teenagers and bring it to your new audience,” Álvarez said in an interview with The Wrap.
The film takes place on the planet of Romulus, where a mining company decides to escape after their hours are unfairly doubled. While doing this,
the group evidently run into trouble, encountering the iconic “Alien” series villain Xenomorphs.
The set up is similar to the original — tight spaces, isolation and anticipation draws the audience to feel connected to the characters. They’re terrified and yeah, we are too. Every turn can be a character’s last and the audience can feel that.
We are introduced to a new cast with younger actors than what we might be previously used to in the franchise, but that creates a new layer of uncertainty. The crew isn’t full of scientists who
know what they’re getting into, but rather an audience more teens and young adults can connect to today.
Friendships are strained and tested throughout the movie in a way that feels genuine.
A common theme within the franchise is greed and human interaction with forces we have yet to know about. This film is no different.
The plot begins because of Romulus’s mine and only spirals from there. Weyland-Yutani’s greed over their workers sets the dominos to begin crashing into each other.
While the film was released in theaters all across the nation and the world, it was originally going to be a Hulu original film.
“This is the budget for the Hulu movie, by the way. The budget never changed.” said Álvarez in an interview with Collider.
Despite the lower budget, the film did a great job with its effects — both practical and computer generated — which were used for the aliens.
The film wasn’t received as well as previous movies in the series, but I personally enjoyed what it added — especially some of the new characters introduced.
As a person who enjoys the franchise, it was definitely a fun and cool addition to the timeline, and while not necessary or groundbreaking it was definitely a captivating journey.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BANDCAMP ‘Helplessness Blues’ by Fleet Foxes
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB
The best TV shows out right now
MALLORY WALIGORA Political Editor
As someone who loves pop culture, Hollywood and streaming services, I spend an embarrassing amount of time watching television. I have spent countless hours exploring shows across various genres and searching for the best entertainment. Here’s a list of television recommendations that are both well-executed and enjoyable to binge.
This list draws from the 2023 Emmy Awards and the 2024 Emmy Nominations. This year’s nominations were announced on July 14. The winners of the nominations will be announced on September 15. At the top of the list for the most is “The Bear” with 23 nominations — making a record for the most nominations a comedy series has received on the award show.
Although award shows are commonly criticized for pushing a specific agenda or being swayed by Hollywood forces, they serve as a general guideline for what’s popular on streaming services right now.
Succession
Succession is one of the best shows of this century — that’s an opinion I will relentlessly defend. The fourseason series boasts hour-long quality episodes filled with amazing acting, writing and production design. Don’t even get me started on the theme song — imagine the Beastie Boys blended with Beethoven. Succession is hip, impactful, hilarious and entertaining. Logan Roy is a successful and filthy-rich CEO of a media company called Waystar Royco. However, he’s getting old and approaching retirement. His four
children are power-hungry and are fighting to be named the next CEO of the company. Follow the dysfunctional family, see the business deals made in the board room and watch relationships change. You’ll probably recognize Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun or Matthew Macfadyen.
Be warned: it’s a complex and rich script. Since the series is about a corporation, it is heavily business focused. If you aren’t into stocks or don’t plan on getting an MBA, maybe sit this one out. If this sounds up your alley, you can watch it on HBO Max.
Abbott Elementary
Imagine The Office sitcom meets an elementary school in Philadelphia. Quinta Brunson — you might recognize her from BuzzFeed — created a workplace comedy that centers around a group of teachers at an elementary school. Despite being underfunded and overwhelmed, these teachers make it their mission to educate the kids in their classrooms. The humor is tasteful and has a millennial flare to it.
This series is a perfect mindless and low-maintenance show to watch. The plot is more focused on individual episodes rather than entire seasons of character development, so it’s easy to pick up. Season four premiers October 9, catch it on ABC or Hulu.
The Crown
The Crown is a six-season show that spans the entire reign of Queen Elizabeth. You’ll see her coronation in the first season and follow her throughout her time spent in Buckingham Palace. The series focuses on Princess Diana and Charles in season four and finishes off with Princess Kate and William in the final season. You’ll see famous British figures such as Winston Churchill
‘Twisters:’ Two is better than one
MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter
A well known classic of its genre, “Twister,” tapped into audience desire for natural disaster movies. The film was the second highest grossing film of 1996 and the film received Oscar nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.
“Twister” was so well received and a crowd favorite that a ride in Universal Studios Florida was made in which riders could experience simulated effects of a tornado.
In June 2020, a reboot was announced which was changed to a standalone sequel in October 2022.
After years of waiting, “Twisters” was released on July 19, 2024 and was a box office success, becoming one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer.
“Twisters” is set in the modern day after a brief flashback that left Kate, played by Daisy EdgarJones, as a survivor of a tornado that wiped out her field team, barring Javi, played by Anthony Ramos. Years later, Kate — who now lives in New York — is brought back to Oklahoma by the insistence of Javi.
The film establishes a thorough plot and well thought out characters. We know why Kate decided to leave home, so the audience sympathizes with her.
Other characters introduced include Glen Powell as Tyler Owens, an internet personality with a camera and a modded truck that can withstand being in the center of a tornado, as well as Kate’s opposite.
While unlikeable at first, Powell’s true character starts emerging and his friendship with Kate begins. While the plot does seem outlandish at times, the film does a great job of filling in all of the gaps with in-world explanations.
The plot plays out well as the separate teams find out the tornado they are chasing is actually twin tornados and they must decide which of the two will die out first. A simple but intriguing situation.
On top of this, the film also does a great job of immersing the audience. The CGI used in the film was really well thought out, and director Lee Isaac Chung also used practical effects for other portions of the film’s set.
“The fact that the cameras are mounted on moving vehicles, and there’s real wind and noise and bumps , gives you another layer of tactile involvement for the viewer,” lead cinematographer Dan Mindel said in an interview with IndieWire.
This added a layer of amazement to the film — it felt like the original in its use of classic methods like practical effects to the modern day.
“You don’t even need to revisit the original, but
and Margaret Thatcher sprinkled throughout the series. If you’re a history buff or a fan of the royal family, this show is perfect for you. At times, the plot is heavy, so if you aren’t familiar with the deep history, some context from the internet is needed. The costumes and acting are great along with a powerful soundtrack. Besides that, the production is high-quality — it could be mistaken for a movie.
Prince Harry admitted to Stephen Colbert that he’s watched The Crown, although most of the royal family has not acknowledged the show. Chances are, someone you know is obsessed with the show. You’ll also be great at random trivia about British monarchs. Watch it on Netflix.
Daisy Jones & the Six
Taylor Jenkins Reid originally wrote the book “Daisy Jones & the Six,” but thanks to the help of Reese Witherspoon and Amazon, the book was also released as a ten-episode limited series. The series tells the story of a band in the 1970s loosely inspired by Fleetwood Mac. Think of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in the context of Rumours — the drama is palpable. Follow the band as they record in the studio, go on tour around the United States and hear from the musicians in a rockumentary-esque interview.
In addition to the acting, the series also adapts the lyrics in the book to real songs. You can check out the album “Aurora” on Spotify — they’re branded as an actual band on streaming platforms. You can check out the series on Amazon Prime — it’s easily bingeable. My friends have yapped my ear off about Only Murders in the Building, The Boys, and Ted Lasso. There’s only so much time, but they’re on my list.
you can if you want — there will be more easter eggs that way. But I think this movie stands on its own with new characters, new cast and new effects,” said Glen Powell in an interview with K Law.
Overall, I loved the film. It left me with a sense of nostalgia for the original and definitely cemented itself as a top film of 2024.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VARIETY
9/11’s ramifications on free speech and government surveillance
NICHOLAS KABLAK, Political Reporter
On Sept. 11, 2001, 23 years ago today, the United States witnessed the traumatizing events of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon being attacked by Islamic extremists who piloted civilian airliners as suicide bombers. With plumes of smoke, ashcovered survivors and nearly 3,000 dead Americans, the demand for action led the Bush administration and Congress to pass the USA Patriot Act of 2001.
The Patriot Act was a piece of legislation that greatly expanded federal law enforcement powers, specifically by adding new surveillance and search powers that were previously considered unconstitutional. Many of the provisions of the Patriot Act allowed surprise searches, electronic surveillance and data collection all without making the government show probable cause.
In years before 9/11, the concept of allowing law enforcement practically free access to personal records and free surveillance of who they deemed as potential terrorist threats would have been considered absurd. But this is exactly what the Patriot Act permits the United States government to do.
“The changes effective today will help counter a threat like no other our nation has ever faced … we have seen the enemy in the murder of thousands of innocent, unsuspecting people … they have no
conscience,” President Bush said.
With the size and scope of the 9/11 attacks, many felt that these provisions were necessary for the security of the United States. Criticisms of the Patriot Act were that it violated individuals’ right to privacy and speech — perhaps intentionally.
One reason for criticizing the Patriot Act was that it violated the Fourth Amendment by allowing warrantless searches and surveillance without probable cause. Adding to this was the worry that the Patriot Act authorized searches on individuals for exercising their First Amendment right of free speech.
“It was the use of Al-Qaeda and fear to manipulate our domestic politics,” Senator Russ Feingold, the lone “no” vote in the Senate against the Patriot Act, said in an interview with CNN.
Whatever the reason for the Patriot Act, it passed Congress with overwhelming support on Oct. 25, 2001. In 2015, President Obama signed the USA Freedom Act, which would replace the Patriot Act. This new act would stop the government’s ability to collect data in bulk but would keep many of the other provisions as the Patriot Act.
It is debatable whether or not the Patriot Act had the actual intended effect. In 2015, the Justice Department’s inspector general reported that various FBI agents could not point to one substantial case of terrorism that was thwarted using the new powers granted by the Patriot Act.
The landscape of government surveillance, free speech and security saw a radical change following the events of 9/11. The immense changes that the country has seen have led to numerous modernday debates concerning privacy, government power and security.
The current debate about the possible ban or sale of TikTok rings with many of the same themes as the Patriot Act. This debate in particular cites national security as a reason for the United States government to collect data, ban certain internet activity and project power into the marketplace.
“This sounds a whole like what we saw with the Patriot Act,” former Senator Tulsi Gabbard said in an interview with Fox.
9/11 and the Patriot Act opened the door to widespread government surveillance. Now that this door is open, it continues to lead to controversies today as evident in bills such as the one proposed to ban TikTok.
The 9/11 attacks were so disturbing to America that they led to, the now-famed, War on Terror. Politicians grappled with the options following such a horrific event, with the ramifications of these decisions changing government, public life and politics forever.
RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard endorse Donald Trump for president
NICHOLAS KABLAK Political Reporter
Two ex-Democrats, Robert Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard have decided to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States. Their reasonings are a blend of personal reasons and discovered overlaps in belief between themselves and Trump, and both endorsements could mean big changes to the possibility of a second Trump term.
Kennedy, who was previously running as an independent presidential candidate, recently dropped out of the race. His reasoning was that the Democratic party had fallen from its values that he once aligned with, and he felt that his presence on the ballot would only hurt Trump and help put Kamala Harris in office.
“It (the Democratic party) has become the party of war, censorship, corruption, Big Pharma, Big Tech, Big Ag and big money,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy stated that Trump had offered to create a unity party with him. Kennedy found this plausible considering that they overlap on issues such as ending foreign wars, ending disease epidemics, securing the border, guarding free speech, removing corporations from regulatory agencies and stopping U.S. intelligence agencies from influencing the American public.
Kennedy felt that he could make real changes, primarily about chronic disease in America if he was involved with a Trump presidency. He believes that joining Trump is preferable to staying in the race merely to lose and help Harris with whom he vehemently disagrees.
“If President Trump is elected and honors his word the vast burden of chronic disease that now demoralizes and bankrupts this country will disappear,” Kennedy said.
There is criticism of Kennedy’s decision, seeing it as purely self-serving. This partially comes from the fact that Kennedy tried to negotiate a similar deal with the Harris campaign, implying he may not feel so negatively about Harris and the Democratic party.
Gabbard has also endorsed Trump, citing overlapping beliefs on issues that have pushed her away from the Democratic party and towards the Republican camp. Primarily, Gabbard has praised Trump on matters of war and peace.
Gabbard, who served in the United States Army, had a large focus on anti-war policies during her time as a congresswoman and her run for president in 2020 in the Democratic party. Gabbard has now expressed how she feels that her anti-war stances are best reflected by Trump rather than Harris.
“We saw this in his (Trump) first presidency, when he not only didn’t start any new wars, he took action to de-escalate and prevent wars,” Gabbard said.
Both Gabbard and Kennedy have reportedly been invited to join Trump’s transition team, which means that they would be involved with picking the federal executive employees who would replace the current Biden team if Trump wins the election. Both Gabbard and Kennedy are anti-establishment in who they choose as allies, which could incorporate far less mainstream Republicans as Trump’s first presidency.
Although this alliance between two former Democratic Presidential nominees and Trump may make
sense in some areas, it could lead to possible internal conflict, as there are many rival opinions beyond the commonalities between them. This is evident in the fact both Kennedy and Gabbard supported Bernie Sanders for president in 2016.
“I was a ferocious critic of many of the policies during his (Trump) first administration and there are still issues and approaches upon which we continue to have very serious differences,” Kennedy said.
Despite the past conflict, the Trump campaign seems confident that they will retain solidarity despite this ever-growing umbrella of ideologies that are being incorporated.
“There are things that Robert Kennedy said that I disagree with and there are things that I said that he’ll disagree with, but I think that what his endorsement represents is that Donald J. Trump’s Republican party is a big tent party,” Senator JD Vance, Trump’s vice presidential nominee, said.
It is clear that the Trump campaign has been making an effort to appeal to a broader group of ideologies, this new coalition of ex-Democrats on his team is only one part of this strategy.
It is extremely unusual for multiple Democratic presidential nominees to support the Republican candidate for president. This is a reflection of the incredibly unique state of the 2024 presidential election and the many rapid changes in modern American politics.
Oakland volleyball shines in EMU Tournament Finale
SUMMER WEATHERS
Sports Reporter
The Golden Grizzlies dominated the Eastern Michigan Eagles, completing a 3-0 match sweep at the George Gervin GameAbove Center on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Set One
Led by head coach Krista Rice, the Grizzlies set the tone early with a powerful strike from Gentry Brown, expertly set up by setter Rachel Rossman. The duo activated the Grizzlies’ offense and kept the momentum in Oakland’s favor.
Although Eastern Michigan briefly closed the gap, forcing a prolonged tie at 14, Oakland’s Sydney Green ignited the team with a series of quick attacks and blocks. The Grizzlies were feeling it and continued to click on all cylinders.
A decisive kill from 6’3” senior Ainsley Guse ended the set with a 25-19 win for the Grizzlies. Oakland outperformed Eastern with 15 kills compared to their 10 and also led in a higher hitting percentage, .178 to .109.
Set Two
Oakland stayed in attack mode, dominating from start to finish in set two, which featured Guse getting in on even more of the action. The Grizzlies’ serves were also a bright spot, including two aces that posed a threat to the Eagles.
Senior Emily Wichmann showed an exceptional
ability to read the game with major digs throughout, and the Eagles just couldn’t get into a rhythm. Rossman orchestrated another setup, this time to Christina Bohm. Her attack sealed the set, 25-10 in favor of Oakland.
Set Three
This was a closely contested set, with the Eagles pushing hard to try to overcome the Grizzlies. Eastern came in and showed signs of renewed energy.
The Eagles’ Kaili Doctor was the key to their strong offensive start and was taking hits from the back row. The Golden Grizzlies struggled to contain the right side. Despite Oakland trailing 19-13, they fought back and ended up turning things around. They capitalized on the missed opportunities by the Eagles to level the score at 23 off a Brown kill.
An out-of-bounds Oakland play gave the Eagles the 24-23 lead. Eventually, though, Eastern Michigan faltered in their final plays, which opened the door for the Grizzlies to gain control again. A kill by Bohm, followed by a service ace credited to Libby Smith, completed the set. In a commanding performance, the Golden Grizzlies clinched the 3-0 match victory, finishing strong and capping off the EMU Tournament.
It was a collective effort, with Brown leading the way with an impressive ten kills. Wichmann delivered a standout performance with 14 big-time digs. Guse demonstrated her strength at the net with five key blocks. Additionally, Rossman and
Bohm earned well-deserved recognition on the AllTournament Team for their exceptional contribution and consistent play throughout the competition.
What’s Next?
The Golden Grizzlies are set to compete in the Michigan and Oakland Invitational, kicking off with a match against Sacramento State on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the OU Credit Union O’Rena. The excitement then continues on Saturday, Sept. 14, as Oakland takes on Saint Francis University. In both games, Oakland looks to showcase their skills on the blacktop.
Michigan’s WNBA dilemma: 3 teams that could be your new favorite
KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Editor
It’s not news that the WNBA has reached new levels of popularity during the league’s 28th season. However, there remains a problem for those in Michigan: There is no local team for fans to call their own. Well, at least not anymore, as Detroit once had a team, the Shock, who have since relocated to other cities.
But fret no longer, as these three teams, the Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings, have the star power and history any new fan looking to get into the WNBA would want.
Chicago Sky: The Closest Contender
Although it seems unimaginable for a Michigander to root for a sports team in Chicago, the Chicago Sky is the closest team, by distance, to Michigan.
In addition to being the closest team, the Sky has an exciting duo of rookies: forward Angel Reese and center Kamilla Cardoso, who are already perennial starters.
Despite being selected after Cardoso in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Reese has brought a lot of attention to the sport and set the record for the most consecutive double-doubles in WNBA history. Also, Reese shattered the record for rebounds in a WNBA season with eight games to spare in the regular season.
If there’s any room to forgive Chicago for the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA and the 2013 Western Conference Semifinals in the NHL, the Sky might be the team for you.
Indiana Fever: The Record-Breaking Talent
The Fever makes the list for similar reasons as the Sky: The Fever is the second-closest team to Michigan, depending on which part of Michigan you are from, and has one of the most polarizing rookies the WNBA has ever seen — Caitlin Clark.
Like Reese, Clark also had a season for the history books. The first-overall pick from the 2024 WNBA Draft has broken numerous records. Clark’s standouts include becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to record multiple tripledoubles and the first rookie to net 100 threepointers in a season.
Another key player the Fever have on the roster is Aliyah Boston. Like Clark, Boston was the first overall pick from her draft in 2023. Boston hit the ground running in her rookie season, winning Rookie of the Year and becoming a starter for the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game.
With rising stars in Clark and Boston leading the way, the Fever offers fans from Michigan a nearby team on the upswing in the WNBA.
Dallas Wings: The Legacy of the Detroit Shock
Considering that Detroit once fielded the Shock as a WNBA team, the Dallas Wings make an interesting case for being the team that fans from
Michigan root for.
Following the Shock squeaking by to make a playoff appearance in the 2009 WNBA season and their elimination in the WNBA Conference Finals, the team made the move to Tulsa, still keeping the Shock name.
One of the main reasons for the move was the Shocks’ low attendance during their time in Detroit, which is ironic as the Shock still hold the record for the first and second most-attended WNBA games ever.
After six years of dreadful basketball in Tulsa, during which the Shock had just one season above the .500 mark, owner Bill Cameron moved the team to Dallas in 2015, rebranding it as the Wings.
If you care about the history of the Detroit Shock, which includes four WNBA Finals appearances and three Finals wins, the Wings could be the team you root for, as the team brings all of the history of Detroit with them.
On another note, buying into the Sky or the Fever as your favorite WNBA team means investing in an emerging rivalry between Reese and Clark that parallels the transcendent rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
Let the games begin: Recapping Michigan and Michigan State’s week 2 games
Evan Blanchard Sports Reporter
My favorite time of the year is finally upon us. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, the days are growing shorter and football has finally started. Michigan’s two flagship universities had their first games over the Labor Day weekend: the University of Michigan (U-M) defeated Fresno State 30-10, while Michigan State University (MSU) beat Florida Atlantic 16-10.
Bigger challenges awaited these two programs on Saturday, September 7th. Michigan State traveled to Maryland for a road test against a Big Ten foe, while Michigan welcomed Texas to the Big House for a top ten matchup. Let’s see who came out on top.
Saturday, September 7th: #10 Michigan loses to #3 Texas 12-3 1
The Wolverines of Ann Arbor had an offseason similar to MSU for different reasons. Head coach Jim Harbaugh departed for the NFL after a national championship run, bringing defensive coordinator Jesse Minter with him to the Chargers. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore was elevated to head coach for the 2024 season.
Michigan also had an overhaul of their players, losing their entire offensive line to the NFL along with quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum. However, they returned stars Donovan Edwards at running back and Colston Loveland at tight end, along with future first-round picks Will Johnson and Mason Graham on defense. The biggest question mark remained at quarterback: could the Wolverines rely on backup quarterbacks Alex Orji and Davis Warren to step in and be reliable?
Despite a close win against Fresno State in week one, Michigan’s flaws were very apparent in the 19-point loss to Texas. The story of the first half revolved around the Wolverines’ inability to get out of their own way. After Texas missed a field goal on their very first drive, Michigan had a meager three-and-out, followed by a terrible 28-yard punt that gave the Longhorns excellent field position. Texas quickly capitalized with a touchdown pass from quarterback Quinn Ewers to tight end Gunnar Helm to go up 7-0.
U-M’s next drive was much smoother, marching all the way downfield led by a poised Warren, who completed four passes in the possession. Edwards contributed on the ground, but Michigan failed to convert a 3rd-and-three by rushing Orji for no gain. Michigan would settle for a field goal, making it 3-7.
of that, Michigan has no standout receivers in the wide receiver room, making its offense incredibly onedimensional. On a more positive note, the defense is still strong and should keep them in games against inferior competition.
Up next for the Wolverines is a home visit from Arkansas State on September 14th.
Saturday, September 7th: Michigan State defeats Maryland 27-24
Michigan State fans have been waiting for the new season with anticipation ever since the unceremonious firing of coach Mel Tucker. The team finished a dreadful 4-8, and it was clear that a regime change was needed.
The two teams exchanged some possessions before MSU manufactured a 56-yard drive for a Jonathan Kim field goal to take the lead into the half, 17-14.
On the Spartan’s first drive of the second half, MSU again got into Maryland territory, but Chiles threw an errant pass into the endzone that was picked off. The Terps would drive the length of the field for a 45-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 apiece.
After forcing another punt, Edwards again drove Maryland all the way down and finished the drive with a touchdown pass. Chiles responded in turn, throwing a 57-yard completion to wide receiver Nick Marsh; however, soon after, Chiles was hit in the pocket and threw yet another pick.
The next three drives for Texas all resulted in points, bearing two touchdowns and a field goal. The Longhorns made sure to take advantage of every Michigan miscue, including a tipped interception from Warren and a fumble by Loveland. Texas would score on each drive after these Wolverine turnovers. Michigan faced a huge halftime deficit, down 24-3.
Unfortunately for the home team, it was more of the same in the second half. The offense came out and floundered in a short, five-play drive, eventually punting and forcing their own five-play stop.
Michigan was able to get a field goal aided by a 24-yard completion to Loveland on 3rd-and-10, bringing it to 24-6. Texas answered swiftly with yet another touchdown; Longhorn Ryan Wingo ran for 55 yards to gain a huge chunk of the field.
After some back-and-forth defensive stops, Michigan finally found the endzone late in the 4th quarter with a Semaj Morgan touchdown. It was too little, too late, though, as the Wolverines fell short at home 31-12.
The biggest takeaway from this game is that Michigan’s offense is nowhere near as dominant, let alone capable, as the national championship team from a year ago. The Wolverines had only 80 rushing yards on the day to go along with 204 in the air. Going 3-12 on third downs doesn’t help, either, but when two of your drives end with Orji running the ball on 3rd-and-medium for no gain, what do you expect?
Having three turnovers also doesn’t do your offense any favors. On top
The Spartan faithful embraced new head coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State, trusting him to return MSU to its former glory. Smith helped turn Oregon State into a truly formidable program, overcoming the long shadow that the University of Oregon casts; perhaps he can have the same effect at Michigan State. With him came highly-ranked transfer quarterback Aiden Chiles. The 18-year-old was among the highestranked quarterbacks in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports. Could these two help return the Spartans to national contention?
My short answer after a week one win against FAU is to give it time. MSU stumbled to a narrow win, but a road trip to Maryland would be a great test for this new group.
The Terrapins came out of the gate strong, marching 75 yards down the field for a 15-yard touchdown courtesy of quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. Michigan State answered right after, going all the way downfield with a couple of completions from Chiles and a big 30-yard gain on the ground from running back Nate Carter. Chiles found wide receiver Montorie Foster in the endzone for six, making it a 7-7 game.
The Spartan defense forced a stop on Maryland’s next possession, but Chiles quickly gave the ball back with an interception. The Terps took advantage of the great field position as Edwards Jr. kept the ball himself for a 7-yard rushing touchdown.
With a full field ahead of them, Chiles and the offense got to work again. Running back Kay’Ron LynchAdams got to work, ripping off a significant 16-yard gain after wide receiver Jaron Glover made a catch for 20 yards of his own. A couple of plays later, Chiles was finally able to connect on a deep ball, linking up with Glover for a 36-yard touchdown, bringing it to a tie again at 14-14.
After some more back and forth, the Terps had a chance to go up two scores with a 41-yard field goal but missed it wide. On the very next play, Chiles connected deep with Marsh again for an electric 77-yard touchdown to tie the game up.
MSU forced a stop on Maryland’s next drive, then marched down the field for 65 yards in 13 plays for a game-winning field goal from Kim.
The Spartans could have won the game more easily if Chiles had cut down on his turnovers and connected on a few more passes, but the improvement from week one against FAU to week two was evident. This team is getting better, and they have a tune-up game against Prairie View A&M on September 14th before a challenging road game at Boston College on September 21st.
