Fitzgerald’s Defense Brings Paul Bunyan Back To East Lansing

Michigan State's defense was the star of the show against Michigan on Saturday night, as they held the Wolverines to just six points and brought the Big Ten trophy back to East Lansing for the first time since 2021. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who had struggled with a 0-5 record in conference play, received his first Big Ten win after entering the game 0-5.

The Spartans' defense, under the guidance of defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, had been a major issue throughout the season, but they stepped up on Saturday to lock down Michigan and keep them under 10 points. Michigan State's offense struggled to find the end zone, so the kicking game came in clutch, with Liam Boyd going 5 for 5 on field goals and kicking a 49-yard field goal to seal the victory.

Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic also had a solid day, completing 21 of 32 passes for 188 yards and avoiding interceptions, his fourth straight game without one. While this win gives Fitzgerald and the Spartans some confidence heading into the final stretch of the season, it also raises questions about how they will perform against tougher opponents like Washington and Rutgers.