Sports News Report
Sport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Michigan State defeats Toledo 30-20 in Pat Fitzgerald coaching debut

9 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 9:09 AM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Michigan State defeats Toledo 30-20 in Pat Fitzgerald coaching debut
Summary

Michigan State opened its 2026 season with a 30-20 victory over Toledo at Spartan Stadium on Friday night. The game marked the debut of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who implemented a run-heavy offensive scheme and a defensive performance that limited the Rockets early. Running back Cam Edwards, a transfer from Connecticut, rushed for 98 yards on 27 carries to help lead the Spartan offense. Although Toledo took a brief lead in the fourth quarter following a 71-yard touchdown run by Connor Walendzak, Michigan State regained the lead on a fourth-down touchdown pass from Alessio Milivojević to Rodney Bullard Jr. The Spartans move to 1-0 on the season and extend their streak of Friday-night season opening victories to 12. Michigan State continues its non-conference schedule next week when the team hosts Eastern Michigan on September 12.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •Michigan State beat Toledo 30-20 in the season opener on Friday.
  • •Alessio Milivojević completed 26 of 34 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown.
  • •Transfer running back Cam Edwards recorded 98 rushing yards on 27 carries.
  • •The Spartans host Eastern Michigan at Spartan Stadium on September 12.
Latest Updates
  • 9:09 AMYahoo Sports — MSU's retooled special teams might be the game-changer Spartans need
  • 12:40 PMYahoo Sports — Michigan State Survives Scare in Pat Fitzgerald’s Debut
  • 3:44 AMYahoo Sports — Michigan State Holds On Against Toledo in Thrilling Season Opener
  • 3:34 AMYahoo Sports — Pat Fitzgerald wins Michigan State debut in a 30-20 win over Toledo
  • 3:26 AMYahoo Sports — Michigan State football opens Pat Fitzgerald era with rally vs Toledo
What they're saying
"

Alessio Milivojevic converted a fourth down with a 5-yard, go-ahead touchdown pass to Rodney Bullard early in the fourth quarter and Michigan State went on to beat Toledo 30-20 on Friday night in Pat Fitzgerald's debut as coach of the Spartans. Michigan State sealed the victory with an 11-play drive capped by Liam Boyd's 51-yard field goal late in the game. It was Fitzgerald's first win since leading Northwestern to a victory over Nebraska on Aug. 27, 2022.

"

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…

"

Liam Boyd's five field goals proved critical for Michigan State football to deliver a 30-20 win over Toledo in Pat Fitzgerald's debut on Friday night.

Related Teams & Leagues
San Francisco 49ersFootball

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days