September 5, 2026
Michigan State rallies past Toledo 30-20 in Fitzgerald era opener
Pat Fitzgerald won his first game as Michigan State's head coach Friday, as the Spartans overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to beat Toledo behind strong performances from Cam Edwards, Rodney Bullard, and kicker Liam Boyd.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Pat Fitzgerald opened his Michigan State tenure with a 30-20 comeback victory over Toledo on Friday night at Spartan Stadium, rallying the Spartans from a brief fourth-quarter deficit to secure the win in his debut as head coach.
Michigan State's offense moved the ball with relative ease and controlled time of possession, scoring on seven of its 10 possessions. However, the Spartans repeatedly stalled inside Toledo territory, settling for field goals on five drives that could have produced touchdowns. Senior transfer kicker Liam Boyd made the most of those opportunities, converting five of six field goal attempts — from distances of 32, 42, 48, 35, and 51 yards — with his only miss coming on a 54-yard attempt in the third quarter.
Defensively, Michigan State performed well in stretches but committed costly assignment errors that kept Toledo within striking distance. A first-half coverage lapse by Chuck Brantley led to Toledo's only touchdown of the opening half. Early in the fourth quarter, a gap assignment error by Kenny Soares allowed Toledo running back to break free for a 71-yard touchdown run that gave the Rockets a brief lead before Michigan State answered.
Bullard and Boyd headline skill-position standouts
Wide receiver Rodney Bullard was Michigan State's most productive pass-catcher on Friday, hauling in seven receptions on 11 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a two-point conversion immediately following his score. Senior Chrishon McCray contributed 103 all-purpose yards, finishing with eight catches for 69 yards, while first-year transfer Frederick Moore added three receptions. Running back Cam Edwards drew early praise for his debut performance, emerging as a focal point for the new coaching staff.
The victory was an imperfect but ultimately encouraging start for Fitzgerald, whose Spartans showed resilience in overcoming both their own mistakes and a Toledo team that refused to fold until late. The Rockets' brief fourth-quarter lead underscored how close the margin remained despite Michigan State's statistical advantages, and Fitzgerald's staff will have areas to address before next week's game.
