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Michigan State’s Undefeated Big Ten Record Will be Tested Yet Again

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Michigan State’s Undefeated Big Ten Record Will be Tested Yet Again


Michigan State has been playing well this season, with its standout performances earning them an undefeated record in the Big Ten.

The Spartans have been firing on all cylinders, showing their trademark grit and defensive discipline while also stepping up offensively. Their balance between a suffocating defense and efficient scoring makes them a formidable opponent for anyone in the conference. However, despite MSU’s impressive form, it is about to face a tough challenge in Rutgers, a team with a potent offense that can easily throw a wrench into any team’s plans.

Rutgers although playing inconsistent has quietly become one of the most underrated teams in the Big Ten, with a balanced offensive attack that can put up points in bunches. It has playmakers capable of scoring from all over the floor, whether it’s through well-executed sets, fast breaks or individual brilliance. What makes Rutgers particularly dangerous is its versatility — different players can step up on any given night, and its offensive schemes are difficult to contain for 40 minutes. Its ability to hit shots from beyond the arc, coupled with strong inside play, means it can put pressure on opponents in a variety of ways.

For, MSU, staying undefeated in the Big Ten is the goal, but facing a team like Rutgers is never easy. The Spartans’ defense, while among the best in the conference, will be put to the test against a team that can score quickly and from multiple areas of the court. MSU’s ability to shut down Rutgers’ offensive flow will be crucial to maintaining its unblemished conference record. It will need to control the tempo and prevent the Scarlet Knights from getting into a rhythm, particularly in transition, where Rutgers thrives.

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On the other side of the ball, MSU will also have to continue to execute its offense at a high level. The Spartans have been solid offensively, but against a high-powered offense like Rutgers, they’ll need to be efficient and take smart shots. The key for MSU will be finding ways to balance its defensive identity with consistent offensive production, especially since a game against Rutgers could easily turn into a high-scoring affair.

In the end, this matchup between MSU and Rutgers is going to be a test of both teams’ strengths. MSU has been dominant in the Big Ten so far, but Rutgers is a team that can be dangerous if allowed to dictate the game. How the Spartans handle this challenge could define their ability to stay undefeated in conference play.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.



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Final Michigan Football bowl projections before Selection Sunday

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Final Michigan Football bowl projections before Selection Sunday


Michigan’s College Football Playoff hopes and dreams were dashed last Saturday, but a high-profile non-CFP bowl game awaits.

We’ve been rounding up various bowl projection lists over the past few weeks, which have been shockingly consistent. The Wolverines already seem destined for one place and one place only — the Citrus Bowl. This was all but confirmed on Saturday afternoon, as On3’s Brett McMurphy reported that Michigan was locked into being the Big Ten’s representative for the Citrus Bowl.

Here are the latest projections following the madness that was Conference Championship Weekend.

Folks, we have ourselves a consensus.

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As a reminder, the Citrus Bowl has the first choice of Big Ten and SEC schools to not make the CFP. While Michigan will likely be ranked near USC and the Trojans beat the Wolverines head-to-head, USC is still bound to grandfathered Pac-12 tie-ins for the 2025 season (likely the Alamo Bowl). The Citrus Bowl will likely be choosing between Michigan and Iowa to be their Big Ten representative.

As for the SEC, Texas has been the trendy pick for quite some time. The 9-3 Longhorns missed out on the CFP due to their loss to lowly 4-8 Florida. However, they proved their resilience in a 27-17 win over then-No. 3 Texas A&M. Arch Manning and company would certainly be a test for a young Michigan team looking to go into the offseason with some momentum.

Should Michigan indeed go to the Citrus Bowl, other possible opponents include the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Tennessee Volunteers. However, Texas seems very likely to be the choice at this point.

The Citrus Bowl is set to take place at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 in Orlando, Florida.



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Man and woman killed, 3 injured in West Michigan shooting, police say

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Man and woman killed, 3 injured in West Michigan shooting, police say



Police in Muskegon, Michigan, are investigating after a man and woman were killed, and three other people were injured in a shooting on Saturday.

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According to officials, the incident happened on the 600 block of Jackson Avenue. Responding officers found “multiple individuals” who had been shot, police said. 

A 25-year-old man died at the scene, according to police, and a 22-year-old woman was taken to the hospital where she later died. 

Two other 25-year-old men were taken to the hospital in critical condition, officials said. A 4-year-old with minor injuries was also transported there.  

Investigators said the shooting doesn’t appear to be random, though it hasn’t yet been disclosed whether an arrest has been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Muskegon Police Department at 231-724-6750 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463.

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Muskegon is around 197 miles northwest of Detroit.



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MSU to keep Joe Rossi as defensive coordinator on Pat Fitzgerald’s first staff

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MSU to keep Joe Rossi as defensive coordinator on Pat Fitzgerald’s first staff


East Lansing — A couple of familiar faces are staying on with Pat Fitzgerald’s first football staff.

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and safeties coach James Adams will remain on Michigan State’s staff next season, first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel and confirmed by an MSU spokesperson.

Rossi, 46, joined Jonathan Smith’s inaugural staff in December 2023 after six seasons as defensive coordinator for Minnesota. Rossi originally signed a three-year contract worth $4.8 million in base salary. The Detroit News reported Friday that MSU athletic director J Batt added an extra year worth $1.7 million to Rossi’s contract two days before this season’s opener against Western Michigan, one of four wins in a 4-8 (1-8 Big Ten) season.

A 5-19 record over two seasons resulted in Jonathan Smith’s firing Sunday, and Fitzgerald took over Monday. Rossi’s current contract carries a buyout that would exceed $3.5 million if Michigan State had replaced him as defensive coordinator.

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At the end of the 2025 season, Rossi’s defense allowed 29.9 points per game, which ranked 103rd out of 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams and 15th out of 18 Big Ten teams. An average of 378.7 yards allowed per game ranked 73rd in the FBS and 14th in the Big Ten.

Adams joined Smith’s staff in January after leaving Wake Forest, where he was an associate head coach and safeties coach. He began his career at Wake Forest as a graduate assistant in 2009 before making stops at Wofford, Charlotte, Western Michigan, Navy and Purdue. His contract, signed through Jan. 31, 2027, would have carried a buyout of $285,416.67.

Fitzgerald agreed to terms on a minimum five-year, $30 million contract that could automatically extend to eight years, $54 million if he wins seven games in his first three seasons. Fitzgerald previously coached at Northwestern from 2006 to 2022, a Big Ten West opponent of Rossi’s old Minnesota teams. Fitzgerald also coached against Adams in 2021, when the latter was at Purdue.

Of 11 assistant football coaches under contract with Michigan State, five are on contracts that expire Jan. 31. If Michigan State were to turn over the remaining staff beyond Rossi and Adams, it would cost the university $2,524,000.

That is on top of the estimated $33.5 million owed Smith, which Batt told The News on Thursday will be paid by athletic department funds.

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All those contracts, including Smith’s and Rossi’s, are subject to a mitigation clause in which the salary paid by the coach’s next job offsets the buyout amount owed by Michigan State.

cearegood@detroitnews.com

@ConnorEaregood



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