A Somber Senior Day in East Lansing
I was talking to someone earlier today, who asked me, “Why would anyone want to go to this game and actually watch it”? I laughed—and said something unoriginal about how people buy those tickets and that they probably couldn’t sell them. Fast-forward a few hours, and I was asking the same question myself. This game was never really a contest.
Senior Day is supposed to feel celebratory — a final walk, a final roar, a final moment to soak in the green-and-white glow of Spartan Stadium. Instead, Saturday felt like a kick in the groin. The November 15th matchup with Penn State wasn’t just a defeat; it was the latest entry in a season that has tested the patience, pride, and resilience of everyone connected to Michigan State football.
The Spartans lost 28–10 to the Nittany Lions, marking their seventh straight defeat and officially extending the program’s bowl drought to four consecutive seasons. In the final moments of the game, color commentator Gary Danielson noted that this was now the fourth straight year with a losing record. He added that it was a sad situation for a school with a proud football tradition like Michigan State. They now stand at 3–7 overall, 0–7 in the Big Ten, and there’s a feeling that this program is lost, with no compass or map to guide them.
Add in the NCAA sanctions that dropped in the middle of the week — a three-year probation and the vacation of all 14 wins from the past three seasons — and the day became less about football and more about a program grappling with consequences far larger than the scoreboard.
A Flash of Hope — Gone in a Blink
For one play — one beautiful, explosive play — it looked like Senior Day might script a surprise.
On the very first offensive snap, redshirt senior Elijah Tau-Tolliver took a handoff, found daylight, and bolted 57 yards untouched to the end zone. Spartan Stadium erupted. For a moment, it felt like the stars might align for a struggling team searching desperately for something to hang their helmets on.
Tau-Tolliver was everything you want from a senior on his final home stage — tough, electric, determined. He finished with 79 rushing yards and 73 receiving, the unquestioned heart of the offense.
But that spark faded fast. The opening-drive touchdown would be the last time Michigan State led, and the day quickly reverted to the same themes that have defined 2025.
Offensive Struggles, a Beaten QB, and Familiar Frustration
With Aidan Chiles sidelined in a walking boot, redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic made the start — and spent much of the afternoon dodging blue jerseys. He completed 17 of 27 for 128 yards, but nothing came easy.
Penn State’s front pinned its ears back and feasted, sacking Milivojevic four times and blowing up any chance for consistency. The Spartans have now allowed an alarming 35 sacks on the season — a number that reflects both protection breakdowns and an offense still searching for anything resembling stability.
It was tough, physical Big Ten football, and Michigan State simply couldn’t match the execution.
The Shadow That Hung Over Everything
It was impossible to ignore the cloud hanging above East Lansing.
The NCAA ruling earlier in the week — punishing violations from the Mel Tucker era — didn’t just alter the record books. It publicly spotlighted a stretch of mismanagement and controversy that the current players had no hand in creating.
Worse? It reignited the national mockery.
During a “Big Noon Kickoff” appearance, Barstool’s Dave Portnoy ripped the program for a “lack of integrity,” punctuating his rant with the infamous “Little Brother” jab. Fans already carrying frustration felt the sting of public embarrassment layered on top of institutional consequences.
The statement from MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and AD J. Batt tried to turn the page:
“Today’s announcement brings closure to an NCAA investigation resulting from violations committed by a previous staff… With this matter behind us, we are able to move forward, focusing on the present and future of Spartan football.”
A necessary message — but Saturday made clear the rebuilding will take time.
Looking Ahead: One More Road, One More Test
There’s no time to sulk. Michigan State heads to Iowa next Saturday for their final road game of the year — a date with a Hawkeyes defense known for turning mistakes into misery and a Kinnick Stadium atmosphere that swallows shaky offenses whole.
With only pride left to play for, the Spartans must find something internal to carry them into the final two weeks. No trophies, no bowl talk, no false illusions.
Just a chance to show resolve. A chance to fight for each other.
A chance to begin the slow climb out of the rubble. I, for one, might be asking myself, “Why would any Spartan fan want to turn on the TV and sit through this game?” Nothing to do with ticket prices— even free, it’s a touch watch.
Do you plan on sticking with your Spartans, even in the wake of everything that’s happened this season? Do you plan on tuning in for the final two games?
Drop a comment below or Join the conversation in Spartans Sound Off — where Green & White fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
