A rejuvenated fan base filled Spartan Stadium Friday night, searching for a new beginning to Michigan State football. Fireworks lit up the sky, the fight song blared, and first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald led the Spartans to a 30-20 win.
Fitzgerald opened the first half by executing his game plan exactly as he said he would: by pounding the rock and dominating the trenches. The Big Ten smashmouth approach returned to East Lansing, and graduate running back Cam Edwards emerged as a clear offensive focal point from the first drive.
“First I want to thank the Spartan nation, especially our students,” Fitzgerald said. “We're in the building early, warming up, and I don't know how many rows were filled up, but it's more than I've ever experienced before. So, on a selfish standpoint, I appreciate that more than they'll ever know.”
MSU's formula for success was its ability to control the football by nearly tripling Toledo’s time of possession. Sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic completed 26 of his 34 attempts for 247 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Edwards carried the ball 27 times for 98 yards and a score.
MSU challenged Toledo’s light defensive front with a run heavy script. Edwards carried the ball eight out of 13 plays, driving through the rushing lanes and dancing around defenders with ease. He capped off the drive by dragging a would-be tackler into the end zone for a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
The Spartans went back to the well on the second drive, methodically rushing the ball into the Rockets’ territory before settling for a field goal to take a 10-point lead.
Despite the offense firing on all cylinders, it was defensive coordinator Joe Rossi’s defense that deserved the most praise. MSU forced a Toledo punt on the first two drives before deploying a disguise coverage to confuse Rocket quarterback John Alan Richter. MSU graduate edge rusher Kenny Soares Jr. dropped back into coverage, tipped the ball up, lurking Richter for an interception and the first takeaway for this Spartan defense.
The interception set the Spartans up for another field goal opportunity, extending their lead to 13-0.
Toledo’s offense couldn’t move the ball for most of the game until Richter unleashed a bomb down the sideline. Wideout Adjatay Dabbs created separation with a double move, completely burning the MSU defense for a 60-yard touchdown.
