Yet again, Michigan State football is in need of a fresh start. That's why MSU ate a potential buyout of more than $30 million to fire Jonathan Smith and hire Pat Fitzgerald . The Spartans have had four straight losing seasons, something the program hasn't experienced since the early '80s. April 18, 2026; East Lansing, Mich.; Michigan State Spartans head coach Pat Fitzgerald patrols the field during his team's "Spring Showcase" at Spartan Stadium. | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans on SI This season probably isn't the year to hope for 10-3 or 11-2. Hoping Fitzgerald pulls off a Cignetti-like revival of Michigan State football will only lead to disappointment. Alas, the amount of time coaches get to turn the ship around is shorter than ever. Smith was the shortest-serving coach at MSU since leather helmets became extinct. These three things will help determine whether Fitzgerald's first season in East Lansing was a success.…