Alessio Milivojevic’s Football IQ Shows Why Spartans Believed

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Another fantastic outing from Alessio Milivojevic came and went in Week 2.

It may not have been his best statistical performance overall, but Milivojevic once again showed why Michigan State believed in him as its starting quarterback. More than anything, he played smart, high-IQ football and never put the Spartans in danger with the football.

That has been one of the best parts of Milivojevic’s game since he took over the reins last season.

Since then, Milivojevic has thrown 13 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions, with all three interceptions coming last season. Through two games this year, he has already accounted for three touchdowns while throwing zero interceptions and completing 70.4% of his passes.

That completion percentage ranks sixth in the Big Ten, while his clean start to the season has put him among the conference quarterbacks who have attempted at least 24 passes without throwing an interception.

Against Eastern Michigan, Milivojevic finished 12-of-20 passing for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

While those numbers may not jump off the page, the context surrounding them is important.

Eastern Michigan presented a tougher challenge than the final score may indicate, and the Eagles kept Michigan State within striking distance through the first half. At the same time, the Spartans had a running game that was simply too good to ignore.

Cam Edwards exploded for 152 yards on 21 carries, giving Michigan State an offensive weapon that allowed Milivojevic to stay patient rather than feeling the need to force the ball downfield.

That patience was on full display.

Milivojevic continued to work through his reads, take what the defense gave him and avoid putting the football in dangerous situations. Even when Eastern Michigan created some pressure, the redshirt sophomore remained poised and allowed the game to come to him.

Then, as Michigan State began to pull away in the second half, Milivojevic’s precise passing combined with Edwards’ breakout performance helped the Spartans turn a seven-point halftime lead into a comfortable victory.

Milivojevic was removed during an early third-quarter drive, giving backup quarterback Cam Fancher an opportunity to provide a spark while the game was still relatively close. Fancher later returned in the fourth quarter after Michigan State had built a 28-point lead.

There is little reason to believe Pat Fitzgerald is considering a quarterback carousel or simply riding the hot hand.

Instead, Fancher’s appearances appeared to be more about giving the offense a different look and getting the backup some valuable reps. Milivojevic remains Michigan State’s starting quarterback, and for good reason.

Now, his biggest test of the young season awaits.

Michigan State will head to South Bend to take on the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night, facing a team that brings a high-powered passing attack into the matchup.

For the Spartans to have a chance, Milivojevic cannot get caught trying to turn the game into a touchdown-for-touchdown Big 12-style shootout.

He needs to do exactly what he has done all season.

Move the football with smart, precise passes. Take what the defense gives him. Keep the chains moving.

And most importantly, don't give Notre Dame any free gifts.

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