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EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State had enough competition from Power Five college football teams also hoping to hire Jonathan Smith that it added a seventh year to his contract, helping a shaken program land the former Oregon State coach. Athletic director Alan Haller says Smith will make $7.25 million in his first season. The Spartans had a lot at stake to get it right. They're coming off a 4-8 season stunted by a scandal that led to Mel Tucker being fired and entering a year with the Big Ten expanding to add four teams. Smith says "I am definitely excited and up for the challenge."
