Three Takeaways From Michigan State Football’s Win Over Toledo

On Friday night, Michigan State football opened the Pat Fitzgerald era with a victory, pulling away late to beat Toledo 30-20. The Spartans had multiple occasions to pull away, particularly in the first half, but ultimately needed a rally to win.

In the end, the Spartans accomplished their goal of going 1-0, but it was not the most comforting of victories. What are three things that can be taken away from the season opener for Michigan State football?

Michigan State Football has a Kicker

Most years, this column in the season opener is reserved for the punter, so consider this progress for MSU Football. The Spartans and LeVar Woods proved why he was the hire. Instead of retaining Martin Connington, the Spartans and Woods acquired Charlotte transfer Liam Boyd in the portal.

Boyd had a solid year with Charlotte, but only had hit from a long of 42 during his tenure with the 49ers. On Friday night, Boyd hit or tied that mark three separate times, drilling five of his six field goals, hitting both extra points, and sending most of his kickoffs to automatic touchbacks.

Alessio Milivojevic Looks Legit, but had Growing Pains

Milivojevic was highly efficient on Friday night, going 26-of-34 for 247 yards and a touchdown while dishing the ball to 7 pass catchers. That included a fourth-and-one strike to Rod Bullard Jr. for 5 yards and a touchdown, then a two-point conversion with Bullard going top shelf over former Spartan Armorion Smith.

The signal caller had a strong season opening debut, fitting the ball in multiple tight windows and showing good connection with Chrishon McCray, Rod Bullard Jr., and Jayden Savoury. In the two-minute drill, Milivojevic stood tall despite being hit three times in back-to-back-to-back plays, with all three throws being completed passes.

However, his positive day also comes with drawbacks. Against stiffer competition, the Illinois native likely had a multi-interception day, with a pass in the danger zone three times that could be called turnover-worthy. He also held onto the ball too long at points, taking unnecessary hits.

Milivojevic took accountability post-game, discussing how he has a ton to watch and learn after his season opening performance.

Offensive Line Still Looks Suspect

The final takeaway is the most disappointing, as Michigan State football invested significant capital on the transfer portal and the offensive line, acquiring Ben Murawski, Trent Fraley, Nick Sharpe, and Robert Wright Jr. during the portal cycle.

During the game, the Toledo defensive line was pushing back despite an average weight disadvantage north of 40 pounds. The Spartans could not handle the Rocket pass rush at points, and they also saw the top three Spartan backs combine for 40 carries but fail to garner 150 yards rushing.

While the Rockets had the game plan to stack the box, it is hard to think many teams will shy from that in the future when Milivojevic’s receivers failed to generate much separation during their routes. Additionally, Murawski, Conner Moore, and Nick Sharpe all showed signs of discomfort, while Wright Jr. showed signs of dehydration, vomiting during the two-point conversion play.

Quick Hitters

• The Spartans saw their streak of safeties in a season opener end at 2 games in a row, with both the 2024 and 2025 games having a safety occur.
• In addition to Wright vomiting on a two point conversion, the Spartans also trended viral when Cam Edwards was tackled by his pants, with the defender pulling them nearly completely off the running back.
• Former Spartan great and current Green Bay Packer WR Jayden Reed was among those in attendance on Friday, alongside Mark Dantonio and Tom Izzo, to name a few.
• The first true freshman to play in the Pat Fitzgerald era was Jonathan Granby on kickoff coverage to open the game.