INSIDER: For the coaching staff, Michigan State’s next step is turning trust into depth

Michigan State’s opening win answered the most basic question facing a new coaching staff and a dramatically reconstructed roster.

When Toledo turned an early 13-point deficit into a 20-19 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Spartans did not unravel. Alessio Milivojevic remained composed, the offense reclaimed control, and Michigan State scored the final 11 points of a 30-20 victory.

That ability to respond was encouraging. It was also only part of what MSU learned about itself Friday night.

The Spartans left the opener believing they were prepared, organized, and capable of handling adversity. They also came away with a lengthy list of corrections involving drive-finishing, pass protection, defensive discipline, special teams, and the distribution of playing time.

Michigan State is 1-0, but its identity remains under construction.

The opening possession offered a glimpse of what the offense could become. The Spartans traveled 63 yards in 13 plays, consumed more than seven minutes, and finished the drive with Cam Edwards’ 2-yard touchdown run.

Michigan State continued moving the ball throughout the first half, scoring on each of its five possessions. The problem was that the final four ended with field-goal attempts.

Holding penalties and sacks repeatedly put the offense behind schedule, turning promising drives into difficult situations. One of those sacks was traced by the coaching staff to an overly complicated protection call. Michigan State had a running back available to help, but the structure created confusion and allowed pressure to reach Milivojevic. The coaching staff took responsibility for asking the protection to do too much.

Other mistakes were more straightforward.