Predictions: Michigan State football vs. Toledo

Angelique Chengelis, Connor Earegood, John Niyo, and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Friday's Michigan State-Toledo game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing (8 p.m., FS1/760) .

▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: Michigan State and Toledo have new head coaches this year, Pat Fitzgerald at MSU and Mike Jacobs with the Rockets , and this is an important first game for both coaches who want to set the tone for the season. Fitzgerald, without coaching a game, already feels like the right fit at MSU and that will be evident with this season opener as the Spartans play with a toughness that mirrors their head coach. Toledo had a top-rated defense last year, but much has changed and MSU sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who has continued to make strides since last season when he played in nine games, should come out of the gate well. Pick: Michigan State, 24-10

▶ Connor Earegood : Pat Fitzgerald joked Monday that he'd rather open against his old Loyola Academy high school team than a Toledo team that is usually a MAC contender — then a big win over Cathedral gave Loyola a national ranking. Irish wit aside, there will probably be some emotion for Fitzgerald's return to the collegiate sidelines, and for the debuts of some key players in green and white. There's upset potential for a Toledo group built from pieces coach Mike Jacobs took from his old Mercer squad, including FCS defensive player of the year Andrew Zock. But Michigan State has plenty of talent, and plenty of coaching, to get the job done. Expect running back Cam Edwards to make a strong introduction. The bold prediction: don't be surprised if this defense gets a couple takeaways. Pick: Michigan State, 27-10

▶ John Niyo: Toledo's a perennial winner in the MAC, but the Rockets are at a different stage to start this season. And while everyone here is focused on the start of a new era at Michigan State, the change has been even more dramatic for the Spartans ' Week 1 opponent. Toledo may have just one returning starter on either side of the ball, not including the FCS transfers that followed Mike Jacobs from Mercer. Expect Michigan State's refurbished offensive line to assert itself in this one and give Pat Fitzgerald some early momentum on the field. Pick: Michigan State, 31-17

▶ Bob Wojnowski: We know Pat Fitzgerald will have his first MSU team emotionally ready under the lights. Beyond that, lots of unknowns. We don't know how quickly he's able to shore up the offensive and defensive lines, because that's where it begins for the Spartans. Transfer back Cam Edwards has generated considerable buzz, and returning quarterback Alessio Milivojevic shows promise. But MSU doesn't have an abundance of skill players, which will make this game a grind. Toledo also has a new coach, Mike Jacobs, who brought key players from his successful stint at Mercer. The Rockets are MAC contenders and always dangerous, but have an inexperienced quarterback in John Alan Richter and not enough firepower to pull the upset. Pick: Michigan State, 27-16