SHEEHAN: MSU showed reasons for optimism – and familiar concerns – in win over Toledo

Michigan State beat Toledo, 30-20, in Pat Fitzgerald’s debut. The Spartans are 1-0, they covered the spread if you got it at 9.5, and there were plenty of things to like Friday night at Spartan Stadium.

Did it change my mind about this team or move me off my preseason prediction of a 5-7 season?

No, not yet.

That does not mean we have to be Debbie Downer after a win. Michigan State watched a 13-point lead become a one-point deficit early in the fourth quarter and responded with the game’s final 11 points. It was not always sunshine and rainbows, and it got a little hairy, but a win is a win.

Let’s start with something I was dead wrong about.

SHEEHAN: MSU showed reasons for optimism – and familiar concerns – in win over Toledo

Milivojevic, Bullard, and Boyd provided plenty of encouragement, but questions about the running game and pass rush remain

SHEEHAN: MSU showed reasons for optimism – and familiar concerns – in win over Toledo

Milivojevic, Bullard, and Boyd provided plenty of encouragement, but questions about the running game and pass rush remain