EAST LANSING, MI – Paul Bunyan rode shotgun on the trip home from Ann Arbor, secured beside Pat Fitzgerald with a seat belt.
That suggestion came courtesy of Mark Dantonio, whose advice helped Michigan State’s first-year coach navigate one of the more enjoyable responsibilities that comes with beating Michigan: bringing the trophy back to East Lansing.
Fitzgerald had been told early in his introduction to the rivalry that few experiences could match the bus ride home after a victory in Ann Arbor. By Monday, following Michigan State’s 15–6 win, he understood why.
He had also exchanged messages with Dantonio and spoken with him at greater length Sunday. Those conversations were among the most meaningful parts of a weekend that brought congratulations from across the Michigan State community.
The reception continued when the Spartans arrived home in the early morning hours. Students were waiting to welcome them, giving Fitzgerald another memory he will carry with him.
By the time his team returned to work Monday, however, the win had also given him something concrete to demand again.
Michigan State had produced its best week of preparation, Fitzgerald said, and followed it with a performance that showed what the Spartans could do. The coaches now had film to reference when holding players accountable for meeting that level.
After six consecutive losses, Michigan State had reclaimed Paul Bunyan and improved to 3–6. Fitzgerald wanted his players to understand why they won - and carry those habits into the final three games.
An offense built around the game Michigan State needed to win
Fitzgerald’s review of the offense centered on the decisions that helped Michigan State control the game.
He credited offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan with keeping the desired outcome - a win - ahead of the desire to produce bigger numbers. Michigan State had additional calls available, including opportunities it considered in the red zone, but Fitzgerald liked the way Sheridan adjusted to a game in which protecting possessions and taking available points became essential.
Liam Boyd supplied all 15 points, making field goals from 21, 37, 38, 24, and 49 yards. Alessio Milivojevic completed 21 of 32 passes for 188 yards and protected the football, while Brandon Tullis established career highs with 25 carries and 86 rushing yards.
Fitzgerald considered the offensive line’s execution its cleanest of the season. A group that had worked through new personnel, position changes, and injuries played with the cohesion the staff had been seeking.
Connor Moore graded at 91%, and Trent Fraley graded at 92%, earning particular praise.
That work helped sustain the 17-play possession that began at Michigan State’s 1-yard line in the third quarter. Fitzgerald viewed the drive as a major difference in the game, but his explanation of it began with an early completion...
