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Fitzgerald's Spartans Face Crucial Wisconsin Test
18 Aug
Summary
- Michigan State aims to end a four-year bowl game drought under new coach Pat Fitzgerald.
- The Spartans face Wisconsin on October 3, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium.
- Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell is on the hot seat with a losing record entering the game.
Michigan State football is gearing up for the 2026 season under the new leadership of head coach Pat Fitzgerald. The team is striving to overcome a four-year bowl game drought and return to winning ways. A significant early-season test will be their Big Ten matchup against Wisconsin on October 3, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium.
Adding intrigue to this contest is the presence of Wisconsin's head coach, Luke Fickell. Fickell was a leading candidate for the Michigan State position in 2020 but ultimately stayed at Cincinnati, leading them to significant success, including a College Football Playoff appearance. Since taking over at Wisconsin in 2022, Fickell has struggled, amassing a 17-21 record and entering the 2026 season on the hot seat.
Predictions suggest Michigan State will enter this game with a 3-1 record, including a 1-0 mark in the Big Ten, following a potential victory over Nebraska. Conversely, Wisconsin is projected to be 2-2. The game is anticipated to be a close, hard-fought battle, with the Badgers ultimately prevailing 26-20 at home, potentially preserving Fickell's job heading into their bye week.
