College football is back in East Lansing, Michigan, as the Michigan State Spartans host the Toledo Rockets at Spartan Stadium in Friday night’s Week 1 matchup.
It’s the beginning of the Pat Fitzgerald era at Michigan State after he spent 17 seasons as Northwestern’s head coach from 2006 to 2022, accumulating a 110-101 record while bringing an old-school mentality and plenty of experience coaching in the Big Ten. He’ll look to turn the Spartans around after back-to-back losing seasons under former head coach Jonathan Smith, and he’ll do so with a new-look Michigan State roster led by redshirt sophomore Alessio Milivojevic in his first full season as the starting quarterback. Milivojevic threw for 1,267 yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games with the Spartans last year and will hope to be the answer in new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan’s offense.
Toledo is also entering the season with a new head coach, as Mike Jacobs takes over for Jason Candle, who is now at UConn. Candle led Toledo to an 81-44 record during his tenure, never finishing with a losing record. In fact, Toledo has gone 16 consecutive seasons without a losing record since finishing below .500 in 2009, putting some pressure and expectations on Jacobs. The Rockets’ roster will also look different compared to last year and will feature an unproven quarterback in John Alan Richter. Toledo does, however, have 2025 FCS Defensive Player of the Year Andrew Zock, who recorded 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles at Mercer before following Jacobs to Toledo as a transfer.
Our Toledo vs. Michigan State predictions take a closer look at a Week 1 matchup featuring new head coaches and plenty of uncertainty on both sides.
Toledo vs. Michigan State Odds
Michigan State is listed as the home favorite at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for its Week 1 matchup against Toledo:
Toledo vs. Michigan State Predictions
Head over to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook and check out the football betting markets for Friday night’s Toledo vs. Michigan State game to make wagers like the pick below:
Michigan State vs. Toledo Best Bet: Under 48.5 (-115)
Both teams feature new head coaches, new systems, new-look rosters, and unproven quarterbacks, meaning there could be an adjustment period, especially with it being only Week 1. Because of that, it may not be the crispest football game as everyone involved tries to find a rhythm and determine what works while also building chemistry on the field and sidelines.
For what it’s worth, Michigan State’s Week 1 game against Western Michigan last season totaled 29 points, while Toledo’s Week 1 matchup against Kentucky totaled 40 points, further showing that teams don’t always play their best football to open a new season.
- Michigan State vs. Toledo Total Pick for Sept. 4: Under 48.5 (-115)
Toledo vs. Michigan State Game Info
- š Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
- š Date: Friday, Sept. 4
- ā° Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
- šŗš» TV/Streaming: FS1
Referenced odds are subject to change.
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