EAST LANSING — Jonathan Smith had a surprise rivalry week guest for fans at his weekly radio show.

Tom Izzo.

Michigan State football’s somewhat embattled coach – mired in a four-game losing streak and off to an 8-11 start to his tenure with the Spartans – got a voice of support and pep talk from the legendary basketball coach on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

“I did it in an era that was normal. This era is not normal to try to rebuild the program,” Izzo said during the show at OneNorth Kitchen & Bar near campus. “Everybody thinks because of the portal it’s easier. I told Jonathan this morning, until you get your culture right, it doesn’t matter who you bring in. It’s hard. …

“We all go through it, it’s part of the process. And I swear it – I don’t know about you, Jonathan – but every day

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