It may have been messy, but Michigan State began the Pat Fitzgerald era with a victory, beating Toledo Friday night 30-20 at Spartan Stadium. Outside a pair of explosive plays, the MSU defense really dictated the matchup.

Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic found Rodney Bullard Jr. for 5-yard TD, followed by two-point conversion to retake the lead vs Toledo.

Michigan State football kicks off its season Friday vs Toledo in Week 1 of college football. Follow live updates from the MSU game and highlights.

MSU also allowed a pair of pretty long touchdowns during the game. The first was a 60-yard bomb to Toledo receiver Adjatay Dabbs, who fooled Spartan corner Charles Brantley badly on a double move without any safety help. The second was a 71-yard run from Connor Walendzak, which gave the Rockets a lead during the fourth quarter.

A full offseason as QB1 changes everything. Alessio Milivojevic says the Spartans are done practicing against themselves and are ready for Friday night's opener against Toledo.

A GoPro helmet cam is helping Alessio Milivojevic learn to be a starting quarterback in OC Nick Sheridan's new offense.

Final: Michigan State 30, Toledo 20 The Spartans get tested in their first game of the 2026 season under Pat Fitzgerald, but they come away with the win thanks to a solid finish. Cam Edwards rushes for 98 yards and a touchdown in his MSU debut while Alessio Milivojevic completes 76% of his passes for 247 yards and one touchdown.

These four takes on MSU's season opener seem improbable, but in reality, the Spartans' stars could truly pull off something special.

In a gross scene that unfolded during the fourth quarter Friday night, Michigan State offensive lineman Robert Wright Jr. vomited mid-snap as the Spartans attempted a two-point conversion. As quarterback Alessio Milivojevic dropped back,