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

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith says the Spartan defense had the upper hand for most of the day during Saturday’s scrimmage, but there were some bright spots on the offensive side of the ball as well. 

“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.

“I think we’re progressing there. Still a lot to work on though.”

The ground game is one of the biggest question marks for the Spartans heading into the 2025 season. Nathan Carter and Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams have graduated, and are getting free agent tryouts in the NFL. Michigan State’s five running back candidates have a combined 14 career carries at the FBS level. Elijah Tau-Tolliver, a transfer from FCS Sacramento State, is the most experienced of the group, but second-year players Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis registered the most impactful body shots on Saturday, according to sources. 

“We had some efficiency on first down,” Smith said. “I’m not saying it was overly explosive. We didn’t have a bunch of 30, 40-yard runs, but we had some quality 5, 6, 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.”

ALLESSIO MILIVOIJEVIC CONTINUES TO PROGRESS

Second-string quarterback Alessio Milivojevic received compliments internally throughout the off-season, and it has only been amplified during the first two weeks of fall camp.

When asked on Tuesday which player or players have taken a step, Smith had a quick answer.

“I think Alessio has,” Smith said. “I mean, he knows this offense. He’s playing with anticipation, being smart with the ball. Being a second-year guy, he stands out.”

Milivojevic had a touchdown pass in the scrimmage.

Smith was asked if Milivojevic’s development is starting to push first-stringer 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. And we’re feeling pretty good where Alessio is trending.”

Chiles seems to be trending nicely, too.

“Really the top two quarterbacks, I thought, did some good things,” Smith said. “First time we kind of did two-minute drill. That wasn’t the best to start the scrimmage. But as those guys settled in, had a couple scoring drives they put together. Alessio had a touchdown throw. So that was good to see.”

OFFENSIVE LINE PLAYING GROUP EXPANDING?

Michigan State coaches indicated coming out of spring practice that they felt good about eight players showing the ability to be a part of the playing group in the fall. That group seems to have grown by a player or two during the first half of fall camp. 

“Close to 10 guys, to be honest with you,” Smith said. “Multiple ones are playing, not just the same spot, whether right guard and all of that. And somewhat we feel good that we’ve still got 10 guys that are continuing to compete to be the top five.

“So that’s still up in the air. Back to this idea of separation this week. Guys continue to battle.”

SpartanMag is projecting the starting five as LT Stanton Ramil, LG Gavin Broscious, C Matt Gulbin, RG Kristian Phillips, RT Conner Moore. 

Ashton Lepo started at RT in 2024, but needs to continue to improve. He will be in the playing group. Luka Vincic is competing with Phillips at right guard, but Vincic can easily slide to left guard. Vincic repped at times at center on Monday. 

Sophomore Rakeem Johnson was an emergency spot starter at left tackle last year and is regarded at the center of the future for the Spartans. 

Those eight appeared to separate themselves during the spring. Now, Western Carolina transfer Caleb Carter is starting to earn some trust at second-string left guard. It remains to be seen whether redshirt-freshman Rustin Young can gain trust at left tackle. He is likely the 10th man on the list, with guard Andrew Dennis and offensive tackle Charlton Luniewski seeming to be on the verge of turning the corner, too.