Michigan State defeats Toledo 30-20 in season-opening football game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 7:51 AM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026

Michigan State secured a 30-20 victory against Toledo in their season-opening contest. The Spartans relied on five field goals from kicker Liam Boyd to seal the outcome, including career-best makes from 48 and 51 yards. Offensively, quarterback Alessio Milivojevic directed an effort that produced 26 first downs and sustained possession for 43 minutes. Despite the win, the team conceded two long scoring plays, including a 60-yard pass and a 71-yard run, which briefly allowed Toledo to take a 20-19 lead in the second half. Coaching staff shifts included defensive coordinator Joe Rossi implementing alternating backfield blitzes and head coach Pat Fitzgerald opting to pursue a fourth-down conversion in the fourth quarter. The Spartans look to address defensive lapses while building on their offensive rhythm following this opening-week performance.
- •Liam Boyd converted five field goals in the victory.
- •Michigan State recorded 26 first downs and 43 minutes of possession time.
- •Kenny Soares recorded an interception for the Spartans defense.
- •Toledo scored via a 60-yard pass and a 71-yard run.
- 7:51 AMYahoo Sports — Michigan State football grades for the Spartans' performance against Toledo
"Columnist Graham Couch grades the Spartans performance against Toledo — offense, defense, special teams, coaching and the bottom line.
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