MINNEAPOLIS — Michigan State is turning to redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic at quarterback for its game against Minnesota on Saturday. The move benches junior Aidan Chiles as the Spartans seek to end a five-game losing streak and a seven-game road skid.
Head coach Jonathan Smith announced on his pregame radio show that Milivojevic would get his first career start after splitting practice repetitions with Chiles during the week. Smith said he hopes the change can “create a spark” for an offense that has averaged just 15.3 points over the past three games, including last week’s 31-20 loss to Michigan.
The decision marks the first time in 20 games under Smith, spanning two seasons, that Chiles has not been the starter. A transfer from Oregon State who followed Smith to East Lansing, Chiles has seen his performance decline in conference play. After completing 71.6% of his passes for 656 yards and six touchdowns in three non-conference games, his completion rate has dropped to 57.4% with just one touchdown and two interceptions in the four games since the Big Ten opener.
In contrast, Milivojevic has been efficient in relief. Replacing Chiles in each of the past four games, he has completed 27 of 36 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He has led scoring drives in each of those four appearances.
MSU’s offensive struggles are not limited to the quarterback position, as its offensive line has allowed 15 sacks in Big Ten play.
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