EAST LANSING ~ MSU Football will play undefeated Nebraska on Saturday in its first Big Ten matchup of the season. First-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald told Spartan fans to “make it as hostile of a Big Ten environment that it can be because it’s a really good team we’re playing this weekend.”
Fitzgerald joined 760 WJR’s ‘JR Morning on Wednesday to discuss Nebraska’s biggest threat, starting quarterback Anthony Colandrea. He noted Colandrea’s production and experience, noting the Nebraska starter was the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year last season before transferring. “They don’t give out player of the year awards–those are earned,” Fitzgerald said.
PODCAST:
Sept. 23, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick, Jamie Edmonds, and Steve Courtney talk with Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald about the upcoming game against Nebraska.
(CONTINUED) Colandrea enters week four ranked second nationally in points per game, averaging 24 PPG and driving a Nebraska offense that has been difficult to slow. The Cornhuskers have also shown defensive strength, allowing just 118 passing yards per game, meaning added pressure for MSU starting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic.
Completed drives and a grounded defense are keys for Spartans success against Nebraska. Milivojevic and wide receiver Rodney Bullard Jr. have connected for nine passes this season, and running back Cam Edwards has scored three rushing touchdowns in three games, a player Fitzgerald described as “a champion in his role.” On defense, two‑time captain Jordan Hall returned from injury to post 13 tackles against Notre Dame, anchoring a unit that will need consistency on Saturday.
Fitzgerald said the players came ready to work this week with the added chip of their first loss. The coach has not softened his expectations since the season started, stressing a “next man up” mentality for competition among players. The Big Ten test comes Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30pm when the Spartans face Nebraska in East Lansing. Catch 760 WJR coverage starting at 2:00pm.
