Michigan State football: 3 Takeaways following a heartbreaker to Minnesota

On Saturday, Michigan State football dropped a game to Minnesota, 23-20, in overtime. The Spartans got shown up by the referees at the end. However, the game should not have come down to that. It was a game-changing penalty that never should have happened. Confused? Me too. What are the takeaways from the topsy-turvy game?

1. Alessio Milivojevic earned the role of QB1

Alessio Milivojevic got the nod for the first time in his young career. After starting his career with the dubious distinction of 0-for-2 with two interceptions, one being a pick-six, the Illinois native has reached a new level at quarterback.

The original fear for Milivojevic was that he was facing base, prevent defenses. However, facing a brutal Minnesota pass rush, the quarterback threw for 305 yards and a touchdown. When asked about the hits he took, the signal caller said “it’s Big Ten football.”

He becomes the first quarterback to pass for over 300 yards in his first start since Rocky Lombardi did so against Purdue in 2018. Milivojevic was put in to provide a spark, and A-Mili certainly provided it. His start had a few ups and downs, but the positives easily outweigh the negatives. He played poised, and refused to let the numerous hits (seven sacks, and multiple hard hits as he released the ball or ran it) thwart his confidence or execution.

2. The play

We all know the play I am referring to. In overtime, facing a third and three, Alessio Milivojevic lets a pass rip to Rod Bullard Jr. in the end zone. Bullard is just short of the ball, but there is a flag. Defensive pass interference is called. Then, three minutes, 180 seconds later, with PJ Fleck protesting the whole time, the flag gets picked up, and Martin Connington trots out to attempt a field goal.

My issue is not the pass interference not occurring. At best, it was a borderline call. Personally, I think you should keep the yellow flag in the pocket for a call like that in overtime. However, you cannot un-call a penalty after spotting the ball and three minutes pass.

That said, you cannot solely blame the referees. The Spartans should not have been in this position. The game should not have gone to overtime. The Spartans missed two field goals on drives that easily could have been touchdowns with better play calling. You cannot send a kick out of bounds, then get a facemask penalty, then bail out Minnesota with penalties, and blame the refs after Minnesota drove 65 yards in 1:21 of game time.

Especially after this season, Michigan State football does not get the right to blame the refs for this loss. The Spartans had the players and execution to win. The play calling in both halves let them down.

3. Heads should roll, but not Jonathan Smith’s

I know, unpopular take. However, Smith’s team did not give up on him. This team went into the locker room down 10 points. They could have given up and let Minnesota go out and run the ball for four touchdowns. Instead, they came out motivated, and delivered a 71-yard touchdown to Rod Bullard Jr. to provide the spark. The defense did not allow a point for the first 29:31 of the second half.

Smith had Michigan State football ready to fight, scrap, and claw their way into a game. This was not a coach putting his house on the market. For the first time in 15 Big Ten conference games, Smith outscored an opponent in the second half. This team showed the fight fans wanted.

It was the playcalling that killed the team today. Joe Rossi’s unit has the stock trending up. The same cannot be said for the offensive play calling. As shown today, the unit has the weapons. Three backups, Milivojevic, Bullard, and Tau-Tolliver, provided game-changing plays. Where were these players reps all season? Why did the playcalling turn so basic in the first and goal following the play to Nick Marsh? How is the hand-picked, top-100 prospect in the nation unable to progress while the freshman thrives in his first action?

There is one name that is responsible for most of that decision making. That is what I will say.

What is next for Michigan State football?

The Spartans host their senior day against the Penn State Nittany Lions after a bye week. The kick time and network is yet to be announced for the November 15 game.