The Michigan State Spartans kicked off their season with a solid 30-20 victory over the Toledo Rockets, showcasing a mix of impressive plays and areas needing improvement. Columnist Graham Couch provided a detailed grading of the Spartans' performance, evaluating the team on a scale of 1 to 10 across various aspects of the game.
Starting with the offense, Couch assigned a grade of 5. The Spartans opened strong, executing two lengthy scoring drives that established a 10-0 lead. Running back Cam Edwards demonstrated his potential, while the offensive line showed moments of effective run blocking. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic displayed efficiency and arm talent, contributing to the team’s offensive efforts. However, the third quarter proved to be a struggle for the Spartans, as they encountered several setbacks, particularly in the red zone, which forced them to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. Despite these challenges, the Spartans managed to record 26 first downs and maintain possession for over 43 minutes, indicating a strong offensive presence overall.
On the defensive side, the Spartans also received a grade of 5. While Toledo managed to score on two long plays—a 60-yard pass and a 71-yard run—these were the exceptions rather than the rule. When excluding these two touchdowns, the Spartans' defense held Toledo to just 10 first downs and successfully limited their third and fourth down conversions to only 1 out of 9 attempts. The defense recorded two sacks and six tackles for loss, with standout performances from players like Kenny Soares, who made a pivotal interception. Late in the game, the defense also made crucial stops, including a tackle for loss by Devin Vaught that thwarted a Toledo drive.
Special teams were a highlight for Michigan State, earning a remarkable grade of 9. Kicker Liam Boyd, a fifth-year senior transfer, was instrumental in the victory, successfully converting field goals from distances of 32, 42, 48, 35, and a career-high 51 yards, with the final kick sealing the game. Punter Rhys Dakin also made an impact with a 44-yard punt that pinned Toledo deep in their territory. Additionally, the return game was effective, with Chrishon McCray contributing significantly on punt returns and Kenneth Williams providing a strong kickoff return that set up another scoring opportunity.
The coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, received a grade of 7. Sheridan's play-calling was generally well-received, particularly during a critical two-minute drive before halftime. Rossi's defensive strategies, including blitz packages, paid off with a first-half sack. However, there were moments of concern, such as the drop-off in performance after halftime and some questionable play calls. Overall, the coaching staff's decisions, including a bold fourth-down attempt, demonstrated a commitment to aggressive play.
In summary, while the Spartans' season opener against Toledo revealed areas for growth, it also showcased potential and promise. With only two significant defensive lapses, the performance was reminiscent of their last strong opener in 2021. As the season progresses, the Spartans will need to address their weaknesses while building on the strengths displayed in this victory.
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