Michigan State kicked off their season with a wild 30-20 win over Toledo, but man, it felt like they almost fumbled it away. Coach Fitzgerald’s debut saw his team surge ahead, then surrender the lead in the third quarter before finally taking control late. They pulled it off, though.
Early Fireworks and Toledo’s Big Play Response
The Spartans came out flying, shutting down Toledo’s first drive with a three-and-out. Their opening drive: 13 plays, eight runs by Cam Edwards, capped by his direct run from the Wildcat for a 7-0 lead. Milivojevic just missed Rodney Bullard Jr for a second score. Liam Boyd then drilled two field goals for a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter. But Toledo’s John Alan Richter launched a 60-yard bomb to Adjatay Dibbs for a touchdown after Charles Brantley bit on the double-move, making it 13-7.
The Lead Slips Away in a Frustrating Third
Even with a 13-7 lead, two more Liam Boyd field goals made it 19-7 at halftime. Milivojevic looked sharp, 14/17 with four different guys for three catches each. Edwards had 72 rushing yards and a touchdown. But the red zone offense struggled, and the pass defense got carved up. Richter found Dabbs for another touchdown, and after Boyd’s fifth field goal attempt got blocked, it was 19-14. Then, a questionable 4th-and-1 call, a direct snap to Edwards in the Wildcat, failed. Toledo capitalized, Connor Walendzak ripping off a 71-yard run for a shocking 20-19 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Milivojevic Delivers the Gritty Comeback
That’s when the second-half offense finally showed up. Milivojevic found Bullard in the corner of the end zone on a five-yard pass on 4th-and-goal. Bullard snagged the two-point conversion, putting Michigan State back on top, 27-20. Toledo’s field goal attempt with eight minutes left was yanked way left. Boyd then hit his fifth field goal of the night with less than two minutes left, stretching the lead to 10. The defense held Toledo on their final drive, sealing a 30-20 win for Coach Fitzgerald in his first game. Milivojevic, Edwards, Bullard Jr, and Boyd were key. But that passing defense and giving up big plays? That’s gotta tighten up.
A win is a win for MSU, starting 1-0 under Coach Fitzgerald. Still, there’s a lot to clean up, especially defensively. Giving up those big plays and struggling in the red zone won’t cut it. They need to iron that out fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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