Austin C. Smith

Writer for hire / Co-Manager at The Only Colors / Freelancer at FloSports / Writer at Riding The Pine

Chicago, IL, USA

Former journalism student-turned-salesperson-turned-columnist/blog manager that will write you words for money and/or pizza

Portfolio

Favorite Pieces

The Only Colors
09/14/2016
MAKE PLAYS - An Ode to Mike Valenti's 2006 MSU-Notre Dame Rant

A decade after a generation defining loss we pay tribute to the masterpiece it inspired This Saturday, Michigan State and Notre Dame will renew a rivalry that dates back to 1897. The series has included the "Game of the Century" and "Little Giants" but no game has given a gift like the one that took place a decade ago.

2017

Game Previews

Game Recaps

Podcasts

Updates / Miscellaneous

2016

Game Previews

Game Recaps

Updates / Miscellaneous

Podcasts

2016 Position Previews

The Only Colors
04/22/2016
MSU Football: Green and White Game Running Back Preview

Three MSU backs ran for over 500 yards in 2015 but which one will emerge as top dog in 2016? The Green and White game offers LJ Scott, Madre London and Gerald Holmes a first chance to state their cases.

Detroit Jock City

Detroit Jock City
04/26/2016
NFL Mock Draft 2016: Trades Reshape the Top of the Draft

Happy Draft Week! That magical time of year is finally upon us. Three glorious days filled with nothing but hope springing eternal. We've already had a crazy draft season with both of the top two picks switching hands and rumors of potentially more to come.

Detroit Jock City
04/11/2016
NFL Mock Draft 2016: Defense Dominates First Round

Since our last First Round Mock plenty of moves have been made. Some teams have solved their biggest roster issues, a few have muddled already murky situations and even some others have done almost nothing at all. The offseason, as always, has been chock full of surprises, the most recent being the retirement of New York Jets Offensive Tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

Detroit Jock City
03/29/2016
NFL Mock Draft 2016: Forecasting the First Round

As always, free agency has changed the NFL landscape. Some teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars have given big money to bolster some of the weaker spots on their roster while others like the Denver Broncos have lost multiple key players to teams in need.

Detroit Jock City
02/13/2016
Michigan State Basketball: Bryn Forbes is the Key to Spartans' Success

Ask anyone who has seen the Michigan State Spartans play basketball this year what stands out about the Spartans and they will all give you the same answer: Denzel Valentine. To which anyone reading this will respond, "Duh". The Wooden Award candidate is the team MVP by a long shot.

2015

Game Previews

The Only Colors
12/04/2015
Big Ten Championship Game Preview: Iowa

The Spartans head to Indianapolis for the third time in five years with a Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff sport on the line. Can they end Iowa's undefeated season?

The Only Colors
08/20/2015
The Dantonio Generation in the NFL

Eight Spartans played in last Saturday's Texans-49ers preseason game, showcasing just how far the MSU program has come under Mark Dantonio.

Opponent Q&A's - My Answers

On the Banks
10/08/2015
Rutgers v. Michigan State: Q&A with The Only Colors

Michigan State and Rutgers will play each other for the seventh time in their series history this Saturday, but only the second as Big Ten East divisional foes. The all-time series is tied 3-3, with Michigan State evening things up with a 45-3 win last season.

The Only Colors
09/14/2016
MAKE PLAYS - An Ode to Mike Valenti's 2006 MSU-Notre Dame Rant

A decade after a generation defining loss we pay tribute to the masterpiece it inspired This Saturday, Michigan State and Notre Dame will renew a rivalry that dates back to 1897. The series has included the "Game of the Century" and "Little Giants" but no game has given a gift like the one that took place a decade ago.

Opponent Q&A's - My Questions