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Mel Tucker's mission at Michigan State football: Build on Mark Dantonio's success

Antjuan Simmons barely could contain his excitement. The thought of Michigan State football finally taking the Spartan Stadium field again — after one of most uncertain offseasons in the sport's history — created as much enthusiasm for the MSU linebacker as the thought of finally getting to play for his new head coach:

Mel Tucker.

“He’s been everything we want in a coach,” Simmons said, “and plus some.”

The Tucker Era begins Saturday as the Spartans host Rutgers to kick off an eight-game conference-only schedule. It has been a daunting eight and a half months since Tucker was hired, filled with navigating the complexities of COVID-19 and having no spring practice.