We have reached the very last day of the offseason and will be watching live Michigan State Spartans -- the real deal -- tomorrow night.
Above, the quarterback who will be leading MSU against the Furman Paladins makes an appearance on the Big Ten Network to talk about the upcoming season.
Tyler O'Connor says "Coach D" told him he was the starter in a low-key, brief meeting where was told simply that he would be the starter and to get ready for Friday. The first person O'Connor told afterward? His mom, of course.
Unfortunately, the news had leaked to the media beforehand and she'd actually texted him congratulations before he could call.
"It wasn't the most formal or best way she could find out, but that's okay," O'Connor said.
He also speaks to why he was patient enough to wait his turn for the starting job rather than transfer out. Simply put, O'Connor said there were too many great things going on at Michigan State for him to leave. He roomed with Connor Cook for four years, and the two spoke before the interview.
"We talk almost every day," he said. "It's such a close group."
O'Connor will have upwards of 20 family members present when the Spartans take on Furman, if he can get enough tickets to the game.
He describes the Michigan State offense as prototypical, but that doesn't mean he won't extend plays with his legs or run outside the pocket.
"I'm going to do what's asked here at Michigan State. We are a prototype offense. We drop back, sit in the pocket, but at the same time, I'm going to make plays just as Connor did last year," he said. "I'm not afraid to put my head down."
The next question is *SPOILER ALERT* how many people know Tyler isn't his real first name. He said it's "spreading" among teammates that his first name is Michael, and professors find out when they check out his syllabus. Other than that, not many people know.
The interview wraps up with a question about why O'Connor has lost twice in pool on the BTN show Green & White Days.
"I don't know," he admits. "Coach D is a great pool player, you can't take anything from that."
But losing to his roommate? That's inexcusable.
"I had the home court advantage... I knew the slopes in the house table and everything. Unfortunately, he just made more than I did at the end of the day."
Luckily, O'Connor won't be playing Furman on the pool table.