How did Michigan State football’s upcoming opponents do in Week 1?

Eleven opponents remain on the 2025 Michigan State football schedule, and here’s how they all fared in Week 1.

Last Friday, Michigan State football took care of business. The Spartans flexed their defensive muscles, beating the Western Michigan Broncos 23-6.

Looking around the NCAA, all 11 of the remaining teams on the Spartan schedule played.

How did they do, and what are a few takeaways?

Boston College 66, Fordham 10

The Eagles dominated their FCS opponent in Week 1, showcasing a powerful air attack with Dylan Lonergan passing for 268 yards and four touchdowns. With the Rams being a two-win program in 2024, this was not entirely surprising. However, the Eagles’ offense failed to pick up 100 yards rushing in nearly 40 attempts. That is something to monitor with the Eagles in town this week.

Youngstown State 24, Mercyhurst 15

The Penguins won despite being out-gained 374-301. Mercyhurst was held to 63 rushing yards on 24 attempts, but made up for it by gashing Youngstown State with 311 passing yards in their opener. Another stat to monitor, outside of a weakness against the pass, is that the Penguins had 78 yards in penalties for their season debut.

USC 73, Missouri State 13

The Trojans dominated Missouri State in their FBS debut. The Bears could only hold USC to seven third downs all game, while the offense scored 10 times. The offense could not be stopped. Defensively, the Trojans gave up both fourth-down conversions. That is about the only “bad” film from week one for USC.

Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17

The Cornhuskers survived the Bearcats. Cincinnati snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with a pass in field goal range being intercepted. Offensively, Dylan Raiola took strides towards imitating Patrick Mahomes on the field instead of in dress code and accessories. Emmett Johnson rushed for over 100 yards on 25 carries.

That said, defensively speaking, the Bearcats put up 200 rushing yards on Nebraska’s defense.

UCLA 10, Utah 43

The first Michigan State football opponent to lose this week was the Bruins. The Nico Iamaleava era got off to a whimper, with the Tennessee transfer recording under 200 passing yards and an interception. Utah was only stopped on two third downs the entire game, and converted a fourth down after one of those stops.

The Utes put up nearly 300 rushing yards on the Bruins, as well. Unlike their crosstown rival, there is little to find positive about the Bruins from this weekend.

Indiana 27, Old Dominion 14

The Hoosiers opened their “SEC schedule” against the Monarchs this weekend. The debut of new quarterback Fernando Mendoza was not flawless, with the QB1 finishing with under 200 yards and multiple should-be interceptions. Indiana still took care of business and had explosive plays, but this is not the Curt Cignetti juggernaut of 2024.

Michigan 34, New Mexico 17

The Wolverines opened the Bryce Underwood era in style on Saturday, with the Belleville native passing for 251 yards and his first career touchdown. While Underwood showed good zip and poise in his first-ever collegiate action, the Wolverines defense struggled to replace their high-end talent. The Lobos gained more first downs than Michigan, and this was a game later than most pundits anticipated.

Personally, I am high on the Lobos under Jason Eck so I am not reading too much into any perceived Michigan struggle.

Minnesota 23, Buffalo 10

The Gophers opened their season against the Bulls with a win, but this was a three-point game in the fourth quarter. Buffalo could not prevail, but this is not a lowly MAC school. They returned nine starters on defense, and it showed. Similarly, the Gophers retained eight of their 2024 starters. The defense looked great, holding the Bulls to 151 yards.

Gophers’ quarterback Drake Lindsey is one to watch in the upcoming weeks when the Spartans do not play. Remember, a few Spartan transfer portal targets, such as Javon Tracy, wear the burgundy and gold.

Penn State 46, Nevada 11

The Nittany Lions cruised to victory over the Wolf Pack. Drew Allar was efficient, but the Penn State run game was suspect against Nevada. Superstar halfback tandem Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton were held to 16 carries for 62 yards.

That said, the question becomes what the Nittany Lions put on film. It was a five-touchdown win, after all.

Iowa 34, Albany 7

The Hawkeyes opened their season with a 27-point win over Albany. They racked up over 300 yards rushing, but quarterback Mark Gronowski, their one-year hopeful star, recorded 44 yards passing. Maybe it was just basic film, but the Hawkeyes do not have the threat of Kaleb Johnson any more.

Maryland 39, Florida Atlantic 7

The Terrapins hosted Michigan State’s 2024 season opening opponent, and their win was much more convincing, to say the least. Maryland forced six interceptions while debuting Malik Washington for over 250 yards and three touchdowns. That said, the Terrapins opened their day with three straight punts, as they kicked the ball away seven times in their victory.

Granted, when a team wins the turnover battle 6-to-0, they can kick the ball all they want.

Overall, Michigan State’s opponents went 10-1 over Labor Day weekend. A few teams have some major question marks, such as Boston College’s run game and Iowa’s pass game. However, for Jonathan Smith and Michigan State football, it is one game at a time. Boston College is on the clock.