Michigan State beat Toledo 30-20 in Pat Fitzgerald's debut, but the fact that they needed a late transfer to save the opener and barely avoided losing to a MAC team tells you everything about the ceiling of this rebuild.
30-DAY STORM HISTORY
30-DAY WINDOWNeed Mich State merch for the group chat trial?
Shop Fanatics through Fanbase Weather. We may earn a commission, but the forecast remains completely hostile to everyone.
LAST 10 DAYS
SITUATION REPORT
East Lansing got its win but nobody's popping champagne yet. Beating Toledo is table stakes, not a victory lap—and the fact that MSU had to scrape together a fourth-quarter comeback against a team that should be a layup is exactly the kind of gut-check that defines the Mel Tucker wreckage. Fitzgerald's got work to do.
🔥 Michigan State beat Toledo 30-20 in Pat Fitzgerald's debut, but the fact that they needed a late transfer to save the opener and barely avoided losing to a MAC team tells you everything about the ceiling of this rebuild.
SALT MINES
RECENT FAN POSTS
“Love me some Jordan Hall. True Spartan. Can we even do a 3-4? D line looking dicey - maybe LB's can get some pass rushing chops.”
↳ Michigan State Spartans 2026 Position Preview Group Series: Linebackers | The Only Colors
“The linebackers look much stronger than the defensive line. With 2.5 sacks Hall has more than any of the 20 defensive linemen who were power 5 players. We need him to stay healthy as he will be the anchor of the defense.”
↳ Michigan State Spartans 2026 Position Preview Group Series: Linebackers | The Only Colors
“Seems like Hall and Crawford each have the ability to get to the QB, so I’m on board with the idea of finding them opportunities to blitz more. The DL room is deeper this year, but not top heavy with talent, so they’ll take any help they can get to pressure opposing QBs. Also, Jack Lansing III is a guy who was destined to be a Spartan.”
↳ Michigan State Spartans 2026 Position Preview Group Series: Linebackers | The Only Colors
“any chance to have a little chart with listed measurables :). I know that's asking alot but i'm curious is these guys are like 6'2" 220 or like 6'5" 275. I'm pretty worried about this group and thats due to BVS (USC) and Thompson (ASU) getting picked up. That is a lot of lost production. Hopefully Simmons takes the leap everyone is expecting.”
↳ 2026 Michigan State Football Position Group Preview Series: Defensive Line | The Only Colors
“I don’t get it either. Fitzgerald is walking into a tougher situation than Smith had with less talent because of Smith’s poor recruiting and mediocre transfer portal acquisitions. On top of that Fitzgerald crashed and burned at the end of his northwestern run.”
↳ Michigan State Spartan fan survey | The Only Colors
“Looking forward to the TOC detailed analysis of our team. It would be helpful to add some information about the position coaching staff, their experience and their approach. While Fitz sets the tone and is the face of the team, the success of the players and plays will be determined by the position coaches and coordinators. Thanks and keep up the good work!”
↳ 2026 Michigan State Football Position Group Preview Series: Defensive Line | The Only Colors