HC Jonathan Smith likes the way QB Alessio Milivojevic is trending; ‘He’s pushing (Chiles)’

Spartans Show Promise in Scrimmage: Defense Strong, Offense Finds Its Feet

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith saw both strengths and areas for improvement during Saturday’s scrimmage. While he acknowledged the defense held a strong edge for much of the day, there were encouraging signs on offense, particularly in the running game.

“I think we took some steps in the run game, to be honest with you,” Smith said. “There were some quality carries out of the backfield, offensive line doing some stuff. Especially in the middle part of the scrimmage, so that was good to see.”

Running Backs Step Up
With Nathan Carter and Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams graduating and pursuing NFL opportunities, Michigan State is looking for its next generation of running backs. The five candidates have a combined 14 career carries at the FBS level, but showed potential in Saturday’s scrimmage. Elijah Tau-Tolliver, a transfer from FCS Sacramento State, leads the group in experience. However, sources indicate second-year players Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis registered some of the most impactful runs of the day.

“We had some efficiency on first down,” Smith said. “I’m not saying it was overly explosive… but we had some quality 5, 6-yard runs, blocked cleanly, getting the ball to the second level, forcing the secondary to make the tackle, not just the D-line and linebackers.
“I think the two backs being in their second year, Makhi, Brandon, they’ve grown, and they had some solid carries.”

Milivojevic Makes Strides

Second-string quarterback Alessio Milivojevic has impressed coaches throughout the offseason and continued that trend during the first two weeks of fall camp.

“I think Alessio has,” Smith said when asked which players have taken a step forward. “He knows this offense. He’s playing with anticipation, being smart with the ball. Being a second-year guy, he stands out.”
Milivojevic capped off his performance with a touchdown pass in the scrimmage.

Smith indicated that Milivojevic’s development is pushing starting quarterback Aidan Chiles.

“Yeah, well, hopefully it is,” Smith said. “He’s pushing him, and he’s seeing the play… Those two work so great together, and let’s face it, you need more than one quarterback.”

Offensive Line Depth Grows

Michigan State coaches were optimistic about eight players potentially forming the offensive line rotation after spring practice. That number appears to have expanded during fall camp.

“Close to 10 guys, to be honest with you,” Smith said. “Multiple ones are playing, not just the same spot… So that’s still up in the air.”

SpartanMag projects the starting five as LT Stanton Ramil, LG Gavin Broscious, C Matt Gulbin, RG Kristian Phillips, RT Conner Moore. Ashton Lepo started at right tackle last year and is expected to remain in the playing group, while Luka Vincic is competing with Phillips for the right guard spot. Caleb Carter, a Western Carolina transfer, is emerging as a potential second-string left guard, and redshirt-freshman Rustin Young could see time at left tackle.