The Michigan State Spartans opened the Pat Fitzgerald era with plenty of excitement — and plenty of drama.
Michigan State built a lead against Toledo on Friday night, only to watch the Rockets fight their way back into the game. What looked like it could become a comfortable season-opening victory turned into a tense finish as Toledo continued to make big plays.
In the end, Michigan State managed to hold on, escaping with a hard-fought victory at Spartan Stadium.
Spartans Jump Out Early
Michigan State came out ready to make a statement in Fitzgerald’s first game as head coach.
The Spartans established the run early, with Cam Edwards providing a major spark. Edwards finished with 23 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, giving Michigan State a physical presence in the backfield.
Michigan State also found success through the air, with Rodney Bullard Jr. making several important plays. Bullard finished with seven catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.
For stretches, it looked like Michigan State was firmly in control.
Toledo Refuses to Go Away
The Rockets, however, wouldn’t let the Spartans pull away.
Toledo’s offense started finding explosive plays, including a 71-yard touchdown run from Connor Walendzak that helped put Michigan State under serious pressure.
Quarterback John Alan Richter also connected with Adjatay Dabbs for a 60-yard touchdown, giving Toledo another huge momentum swing.
Dabbs finished with four receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be one of the biggest problems for the Michigan State defense.
Suddenly, what had looked like a potential comfortable victory became a fight to survive.
Michigan State Finds a Way
The Spartans ultimately did what they needed to do late.
Michigan State controlled the ball for 38:29 compared with Toledo’s 16:04 and finished with 381 total yards. The Spartans also avoided a turnover, which proved especially important in a game that became increasingly tight.
It wasn’t a perfect performance, but Michigan State made enough plays when it mattered most.
For a program beginning a new era under Fitzgerald, getting the win was the most important thing.
A Win to Build On
Michigan State entered the night looking to start the Fitzgerald era on the right foot.
It wasn’t easy.
Toledo showed plenty of fight and exposed some areas Michigan State will need to clean up moving forward. But the Spartans responded to the pressure and found a way to finish the job.
Michigan State didn’t make it easy on itself, but the Spartans survived Toledo. In a season filled with questions and expectations, a hard fought opening-night victory gives Pat Fitzgerald and Michigan State something important to build on.
Michigan State Holds On Against Toledo in Thrilling Season Opener
The Michigan State Spartans opened the Pat Fitzgerald era with plenty of excitement — and plenty of drama.
Michigan State built a lead against Toledo on Friday night, only to watch the Rockets fight their way back into the game. What looked like it could become a comfortable season-opening victory turned into a tense finish as Toledo continued to make big plays.
In the end, Michigan State managed to hold on, escaping with a hard-fought victory at Spartan Stadium.
Spartans Jump Out Early
Michigan State came out ready to make a statement in Fitzgerald’s first game as head coach.
The Spartans established the run early, with Cam Edwards providing a major spark. Edwards finished with 23 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, giving Michigan State a physical presence in the backfield.
Michigan State also found success through the air, with Rodney Bullard Jr. making several important plays. Bullard finished with seven catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.
For stretches, it looked like Michigan State was firmly in control.
Toledo Refuses to Go Away
The Rockets, however, wouldn’t let the Spartans pull away.
Toledo’s offense started finding explosive plays, including a 71-yard touchdown run from Connor Walendzak that helped put Michigan State under serious pressure.
Quarterback John Alan Richter also connected with Adjatay Dabbs for a 60-yard touchdown, giving Toledo another huge momentum swing.
Dabbs finished with four receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be one of the biggest problems for the Michigan State defense.
Suddenly, what had looked like a potential comfortable victory became a fight to survive.
Michigan State Finds a Way
The Spartans ultimately did what they needed to do late.
Michigan State controlled the ball for 38:29 compared with Toledo’s 16:04 and finished with 381 total yards. The Spartans also avoided a turnover, which proved especially important in a game that became increasingly tight.
It wasn’t a perfect performance, but Michigan State made enough plays when it mattered most.
For a program beginning a new era under Fitzgerald, getting the win was the most important thing.
A Win to Build On
Michigan State entered the night looking to start the Fitzgerald era on the right foot.
It wasn’t easy.
Toledo showed plenty of fight and exposed some areas Michigan State will need to clean up moving forward. But the Spartans responded to the pressure and found a way to finish the job.
Michigan State didn’t make it easy on itself, but the Spartans survived Toledo. In a season filled with questions and expectations, a hard fought opening-night victory gives Pat Fitzgerald and Michigan State something important to build on.
