Pat Fitzgerald threw out the first pitch at Thursday’s game between the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins.
He also threw away the excuses.
Fitzgerald told Detroit SportsNet’s Jason Benetti and Dan Petry that his Spartans will not shy away from lofty goals in his first season leading Michigan State.“I expect (fans) to see the toughest Michigan State football team that we’ve ever had,” Fitzgerald said. “I expect us to be competitive and win a Big Ten championship, and we’re not gonna back away from those two expectations.”
Fitzgerald, 51, took over a Michigan State program in December that has muddled through four losing seasons and two coaching changes since 2022. “We’re excited about the talent we have, and I’m really excited about us continuing to come together here,” Fitzgerald said.The former Northwestern coach of 17 years said that being back in college football — he spent three years in the high school ranks after Northwestern fired him amid a hazing scandal in 2023, for which he settled a multi-million dollar wrongful termination lawsuit out of court — has energized him.
“Seven a.m. workouts this morning, just getting back with the guys,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s every aspect of it. It’s never been better. Our guys in East Lansing are terrific.”Fitzgerald has a group of guys with 30 transfers and 21 freshmen on the roster. Fitzgerald and his staff have been building relationships over the last six months.“They were ribbing me. Don’t bounce it, don’t hit the screen, don’t get on SportsCenter,” Fitzgerald said, laughing. “It’s been a quick couple of months, but before you know it we’re gonna be in football season.”About that pitch … “It was a ball,” said Fitzgerald, who threw left-handed due to shoulder surgery. “I pride myself on throwing strikes and it was a ball. Not good.”High expectations, for himself and his program.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pat Fitzgerald targets Big Ten title for Michigan State football
