Three takeaways from Michigan State's massive win over Michigan

Michigan State football earned a massive win on Saturday evening, earning a win over their archrival, Michigan, 15-6. After a lackluster season, the Spartans bowed up in the biggest game of the year, and they earned a win over their rival to propel Pat Fitzgerald's first season in East Lansing. In t

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What is the story about?

Michigan State football earned a massive win on Saturday evening, earning a win over their archrival, Michigan, 15-6.

After a lackluster season, the Spartans bowed up in the biggest game of the year, and they earned a win over their rival to propel Pat Fitzgerald's first season in East Lansing.

In the win, Michigan State outgained Michigan 298-to-192, and won the turnover battle 4-to-0. The differnences in both proved to be the difference in Michigan State earning a program win over Michigan.

Take a look at our three takeaways from the win from the Spartans on Saturday night:

1. Alessio Milivojevic was a gamer

Nov 7, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) calls a play during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

After dealing with a hand injury, Michigan State starting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic gutted it out to play in this rivalry game, and he excelled. Despite a strong Michigan defense,

Milivojevic stayed poised and continued to make the right read play after play to lead the MSU offense.

After a season of uncertainty, Milivojevic finished 21-of-32 for 188 yards and led the MSU offense to enough points to earn a massive rivalry win.

2. Pat Fitzgerald needed this

Nov 7, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Pat Fitzgerald looks on during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

This year has been disaster for Fitzgerald, who was 2-6 and 0-5 in the Big Ten heading into this game. If there was ever a time to get his first Big Ten win, Fitzgerald needed this win against Michigan.

Not only did Fitzgerald generate a ton of momentum for his program, he gave his team a chance to compete for the rest of the season with a massive momentum boosting win.

3. Joe Rossi

Nov 7, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tommy Carr (14) runs the ball as Michigan State Spartans linebacker Dion Crawford (18) attempts a tackle during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Michigan State defensive coordinator had a lot of questions surrounding his job security, and in the biggest game of the season, he had his unit ready in a massive way. With countless injuries, and major impact players missing, Rossi had a gameplan that was exactly what the Spartans needed.

MSU's defense turned out their best performance of the year, forcing four turnovers and only allowing 198 yards of offense. If anything comes out of this game, Rossi has showed his worth to Michigan State.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Three takeaways from Michigan State's massive win over Michigan