The Spartans defense has faced more injuries, but gains more trust in Fitzgerald

Michigan State’s resilience against Illinois was encouraging, both in the moment and as the Spartans enter the second half of the season.

Every player on the field and sideline appeared fully invested Saturday, a commitment Kenny Soares Jr. and Eli Coenen reiterated after the game. Despite mistakes, lengthy officiating reviews, and a failed two-point conversion that would have won the game, the Spartans never lost faith in coach Pat Fitzgerald.

“I trust our head coach. That’s all I have to say,” Coenen said.

“We didn’t come here to tie with somebody. We came here to win,” Soares said. “That’s what we play this game for, to win. So whatever the head coach, Coach Fitz, does, I’ve got his back tenfold, 10 toes down every single time.”

Fitzgerald’s emotion and energy were a breath of fresh air for Spartan fans, but they were familiar to Soares. Fitzgerald’s passion for the game helped drive Soares’ transfer to East Lansing.

“I’ve known Coach Fitz for a very long time, and the fire that you see from him is the reason why I’m back with him, 100 percent,” Soares said. “I wouldn’t want my head coach to be any other way because he’s in the game as much as we’re in the game. We may be on the field, but he’s the one calling the shots, and we’ve got to be in there together. So, him having that fire, it’s a true sign of a real leader and a real head coach.”

Michigan State’s players stood firmly behind Pat Fitzgerald after a difficult overtime loss, but their response went beyond words. Subscribe to Spartans Illustrated to learn how a pivotal takeaway, mounting injuries, and contributions from young defenders revealed the standard the Spartans hope will define the second half of the season.