Things have not gone as planned for head coach Pat Fitzgerald and the Michigan State football program in 2026. The Spartans currently have a record of 2-6 overall and are winless in Big Ten play (0-5).
The team has lost six consecutive games. MSU will need to win the remaining four games on its schedule to automatically qualify for a bowl game this season.
Injuries to multiple starters on both sides of the ball have derailed MSU's season thus far, but the team continues to fight and play hard.
The Spartans have a much-needed bye week in Week 9. MSU will use the off-week to get its guys healthy and keep developing its players, while the staff will also hit the road to recruit.
In this column, Spartans Illustrated examines where Michigan State stands after eight games and shares intel from sources within the program regarding how players and staff members are feeling.
Results:
Sept. 4 vs. Toledo: 30-20 win
Sept. 12 vs. Eastern Michigan: 35-7 win
Sept. 19 at No. 3 Notre Dame: 27-10 loss
Sept. 26 vs. Nebraska: 31-13 loss
Oct. 3 at Wisconsin: 31-3 loss
Oct. 10 vs. Illinois: 38-37 loss (overtime)
Oct. 17 vs. No. 25 Northwestern: 24-21 loss
Oct. 24 at No. 9 UCLA: 28-10 loss
Remaining schedule:
Nov. 7 at Michigan
Nov. 14 vs. Washington
Nov. 21 vs. Oregon
Nov. 28 at Rutgers
Statistics (Big Ten rank):
Offense:
Points per game (cumulative): 19.88 (18th)
Total yards per game: 291.4 (18th)
Passing yards per game: 181.25 (13th)
Rushing yards per game: 110.1 (16th)
Sacks allowed: 24 (18th)
Third-down percentage: 37.9% (12th)
Fourth-down percentage: 57.9% (10th)
Defense:
Points per game allowed (cumulative): 25.75 (15th)
Total yards allowed per game: 355.1 (13th)
Passing yards per game: 201.375 (11th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 153.8 (15th)
Sacks: 12 (13th)
Third-down percentage: 41.3% (14th)
Fourth-down percentage: 46.2% (seventh)
Subscribe to continue reading. Behind the paywall:
-What sources are saying about the team’s morale and the future of the program
-Taking a closer look at Michigan State’s dire injury situation
-A quick review of MSU’s current 2027 recruiting class
