ANALYSIS: MSU proved it could compete at Notre Dame - Fitzgerald wanted proof it could win
MSU showed toughness and belief in their first road test, but their loss also exposed the mistakes separating a competitive team from a winning one
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Michigan State left Notre Dame Stadium having demonstrated that it belonged in the game. Pat Fitzgerald left angry that the Spartans had not done what was necessary to win it.
There were encouraging stretches in Michigan State's 27-10 loss to Notre Dame. The Spartans remained within seven points at halftime, repeatedly responded on defense, and were still trying to create opportunities deep into the fourth quarter. They did not appear intimidated by the setting, the opponent, or their first road trip together.
But Fitzgerald did not come to South Bend looking for evidence that his program could make a respectable showing against a talented team. He came looking for a victory, and his postgame assessment was considerably more demanding than the final margin alone might suggest.
