{
  "id": 3697490,
  "title": "Michigan State vs Toledo Prediction: Pat Fitzgerald's Big Ten Return",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/michigan-state-vs-toledo-prediction-pat-fitzgeralds-big-ten-return",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T07:39:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/michigan-state-vs-toledo-prediction-073947423.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michigan State will face Toledo in an upcoming Big Ten matchup on September 4th at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. This marks the second time these two teams have met, with the first occurring in 1925. In their previous encounter, Michigan State triumphed by a score of 58-0. Michigan State has claimed victory in 16 of their last 17 season openers, with the lone exception being the shortened 2020 season.\n\nToledo's coaching staff, under the leadership of head coach Mike Jacobs, is highly regarded and is expected to devise an efficient and effective game plan. The running backs, led by CJ Miller, and the starting five on the line are particularly impressive. Although Toledo's defense may still be in the rebuilding phase, following former head coach Jason Candle's departure to UConn, it will be capable of pressuring the opposing team's backfield.\n\nOn the other hand, Michigan State's offense may require some time to adjust to its new head coach, Pat Fitzgerald. Nevertheless, Fitzgerald is prepared to make a strong early statement at his new school, citing his excitement about having a home field advantage. The team's defense is anticipated to be formidable from the beginning, with linebacker Jordan Hall as a key contributor. The addition of transfers to the roster has further strengthened the squad.\n\nBoth teams are expected to play tough, defensive-oriented football, with few high-scoring opportunities expected. However, Fitzgerald's offense is projected to have an edge over Toledo's defense, potentially securing a narrow victory for Michigan State. The betting line currently stands at Michigan State -10.5, with an over/under of 49.5 points. With a consensus rating of 2.5 out of 5 and a must-see rating of 3.5 out of 5, the game promises to be an intense and competitive encounter.",
  "summary": "Two new coaching eras begin as Pat Fitzgerald's Michigan State team welcomes Mike Jacobs and a dangerous Toledo squad. Here's the CFN preview and prediction.",
  "key_points": [
    "Michigan State vs Toledo game on September 4th at Spartan Stadium",
    "Michigan State favored at -10.5, over/under 49.5 points",
    "Pat Fitzgerald returning as Michigan State's head coach"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}