Toledo 0. Alessio Milivojevic throws a nice ball to Rodney Bullard who drops it in the end zone. The Spartans settle for a field goal, which is drilled

Despite dominating statistically, Michigan State had to rally from a one-point deficit in the fourth quarter last week. The Spartans squandered opportunities to put the Rockets away early by settling for six field goal attempts – five of them made by new kicker Liam Boyd – and one blocked.

Bill Connelly of ESPN has posted his weekly SP+ predictions for every FBS game this week, and it currently is projecting the Spartans to win with relative ease this week against Eastern Michigan. The algorithm has Michigan State winning by the final score of 35-16, suggesting the Spartans will cover the current betting spread of 17.5 points.

Columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts on the Spartans' performance in a 30-20 win against Toledo on Friday night with three quick takes.

Check out our predictions for this week's matchup between Michigan State and Eastern Michigan

The Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-1) are headed to Spartan Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2026 where they will play the Michigan State Spartans (1-0). Michigan State opens this matchup as 17.5-point favorites. The over/under is 49.5.

EAST LANSING – After winter workouts, spring practice, summer training and fall camp, Michigan State finally put a new product on the field. Coach Pat Fitzgerald kicked off his tenure leading the Spartans with a 30-20 win against Toledo on Friday night.

Watch highlights from the Spartans' season-opening victory against Toledo on Friday