Michigan State Spartans

Pat Fitzgerald's first season in East Lansing has produced a 2-5 record and an 0-4 mark in Big Ten play, with both wins coming at home against Group of Five opponents (Toledo and Eastern Michigan). The Spartans have been competitive in spurts, pushing Illinois to overtime and nearly upsetting Northwestern, but they have been outscored 89-26 in their three Power Four losses before the Illinois game. The preseason expectation of a rebuilding year has played out: the team is still searching for an identity on both sides of the ball.

Cam Edwards emerged as a workhorse early, rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns against Eastern Michigan and leading the Big Ten in rushing before a leg injury in Week 4 against Nebraska sidelined him. The run game piled up 258 yards against EMU, the most since 2022, but Edwards' absence has forced the offense to lean on quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who has been efficient at times (216 yards and two touchdowns against Northwestern) but also prone to turnovers and sacks. The offensive line, rebuilt with portal additions Ben Murawski and Trent Fraley, has struggled against Power Four fronts, allowing six sacks to Nebraska and contributing to a three-game stretch where the Spartans scored 10, 13, and 3 points. The return of Edwards would be a significant boost, but his status remains uncertain.

After failing to record a sack in three consecutive games, Michigan State's defense erupted for five sacks and 10 tackles for loss against Northwestern, albeit in a losing effort. The unit has been hampered by injuries, missing its top three inside linebackers and top three cornerbacks against the Wildcats. The takeaway drought that plagued the team last season (nine forced turnovers, sixth-lowest in the FBS) has continued, and the thin defensive line has struggled to generate consistent pressure. Opponents have moved the ball at will through the air and on the ground, and the Spartans have yet to force a turnover in critical moments. The return of healthy defensive backs and linebackers will be key to any improvement.

Michigan State has lost two straight games by a combined four points, and special teams miscues have been a major factor. Against Northwestern, Liam Boyd's 33-yard field goal attempt was blocked with the game tied, setting up the Wildcats' game-winning drive. Against Illinois, a controversial offside penalty on an onside kick recovery negated a potential game-changing play. The Spartans also failed a two-point conversion in overtime that would have beaten the Illini. These fine margins have kept Michigan State from flipping its record, and cleaning up situational execution will be critical for Fitzgerald's staff going forward.

With five games remaining, Michigan State needs to win out to finish above .500, a tall order given a road trip to UCLA and remaining Big Ten matchups. The Spartans have shown they can compete with middle-tier conference teams (Illinois, Northwestern), but they have yet to put together a complete game against a Power Four opponent. The return of injured players, particularly Cam Edwards, and improved discipline in close games are the biggest swing factors. A bowl game is unlikely, but the development of young players and the establishment of Fitzgerald's culture will be the true measure of this season's success.