Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

Sports

ICE HOCKEY

Munnsters’ rise reflects Adam Nightingale’s MSU hockey revival

The rise of the Munnsters (MSU hockey's student section) mirrors the program’s own revival. Nightingale’s return to his alma mater has lifted MSU hockey back into national contention and given students something to rally around. The chants, the lines, the road trips — they’re all proof of how much this team, and its coach, have changed what hockey feels like in East Lansing.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey set to face Penn State in conference opener

No. 1 MSU hockey will face No. 3 Penn State on Nov. 7 and 8 at home to kick off Big Ten play. This matchup is full of thrills, as last season MSU did not perform as well as it had hoped against Penn State. The Spartans will face a team with a similar style of hockey as well as former CHL teammates and the projected No. 1 2026 NHL Draft pick.

FOOTBALL

MSU seniors endure four years of football frustration

When the class of 2026 arrived on campus four years ago, they expected a good football team. Instead, what they got was defeat. Four grim years of it. Losing records and no bowl game experiences and no victories over rival Michigan. For some seniors, it's frustrating. For others, it's unbelievable.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU's suffocating defense leads to dominating season opener victory

Michigan State women’s basketball opened its season with a record-setting performance, smothering Mercyhurst 125-39 behind a relentless full-court defense that forced 36 turnovers and produced 62 points off takeaways. Head coach Robyn Fralick’s squad showcased its trademark intensity from start to finish, highlighted by standout performances from freshman guard Amy Terrain and veterans Theryn Hallock and Grace VanSlooten. With the win, MSU not only set a program scoring record but also sent a clear message — this year’s team plans to defend and dominate.

FOOTBALL

Alessio Milivojevic shines in first start, MSU falls to Minnesota 23-20

Redshirt freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic delivered a breakout performance in his first career start, throwing for 301 yards and a touchdown to help Michigan State push Minnesota to overtime. Despite explosive second-half plays and a revived offense, the Spartans fell 23-20 on the road, extending their losing streak to six games as they enter a crucial bye week before facing Penn State.

FOOTBALL

Alessio Milivojevic’s play raises questions about QB battle

Despite seeing the field only in late-game situations, redshirt freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic has quietly made the most of his limited snaps. With four straight scoring drives to close games, his steady production is starting to turn heads — and spark conversation about whether Michigan State could soon have a quarterback battle on its hands.

FOOTBALL

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi brings intensity to MSU sidelines

With Michigan State football on a five game losing streak, it's searching for changes and answers. In the Spartans 31-20 loss to Michigan, it may have found a change that will lead to answers: defensive coordinator Joe Rossi moving from the coaches booth to the sideline. Against Minnesota this Saturday, Rossi will remain on the MSU sidelines to ignite intensity and know-how in his Spartan defense.