Michigan State football: Offensive Snap Counts vs Indiana Revealed

After a disastrous showing against one of the worst defensive teams in the Power Four, there was not a lot expected from Michigan State football against Indiana. However, the Spartans surprised against the No. 3 Hoosiers, putting up 10 points between their first two drives. The wheels fell off the bus after, with MSU unable to finish their drives.

How did the snap counts break down for Michigan State football? As always, starters are italicized. Snap counts and their percentages are out of 65 this week. For last week’s snap breakdown against UCLA, click right here.

Quarterbacks

Aidan Chiles: (58) 89%

Alessio Milivojevic: (7) 11%

Aidan Chiles had a brilliant game, and the game plan was designed around the junior getting the ball out fast. It worked, and it enabled the Spartans to drive down the field twice. Chiles completed 20 passes in a row at one point, something that has not been seen much, if it all, with Michigan State football. Chiles also added a career-long 64-yard run late in the contest. He also contributed a pooch punt on the day, too.

Alessio Milivojevic looked consistent and solid in his seven snaps at the end of the game, helping drive the Spartans to field goal range with connections with Evan Boyd.

Running backs

Makhi Frazier: (33) 51%

Elijah Tau-Tolliver: (21) 32%

Brandon Tullis: (9) 14%

It appears that there has been a shakeup on the depth chart, as Elijah Tau-Tolliver played over double the amount of snaps as Brandon Tullis. Tau-Tolliver added a few solid runs to start the game, but the Spartans could not get their run game going. For the second year in a row against the Hoosiers, a non-running back led the team in rushing.

Wide Receivers

Omari Kelly: (57) 88%

Nick Marsh: (56) 86%

Chrishon McCray: (52) 80%

Evan Boyd: (10) 15%

Rod Bullard Jr.: (8) 12%

Bryson Williams: (2) 3%

For the first time since Boston College in week two, Michigan State football played six wideouts in a game. Williams made his debut and was targeted instantly, recording a catch-and-run for eight yards.

Marsh was targeted early and often, and led the team in receiving yards and scored the only Spartan touchdown of the day. McCray added a few nice catches in the return to his home state, and Kelly added a pair of deep receptions late. Boyd had a great connection with Milivojevic late. Overall, not a bad day for the receivers.

Tight Ends

Jack Velling: (52) 80%

Michael Masunas: (24) 37%

Short list this week for the tight ends. With Brennan Parachek and Jayden Savoury out, the Spartans elected to rely on three-wide receiver sets more often. Wyatt Hook made his Spartan debut on special teams, and the only other tight end to travel was Kai Rios, who underwhelmed in reps last week.

Masunas also entered the game limited in practice, and his blocking did suffer, via the PFF grades. He added a catch for eight yards. Velling added four catches, but all for a handful of yards each. The senior was included in the gameplan, but Indiana was waiting on it.

Offensive Line

Gavin Broscious: (65) 100%

Conner Moore: (65) 100%

Matt Gulbin: (65) 100%

Caleb Carter: (65) 100%

Rustin Young: (39) 60%

Rakeem Johnson: (26) 40%

Four Spartans had an ironman performance against the Hoosiers. For Broscious and Carter, this is a first in their careers at MSU. With Kristian Phillips and Ashton Lepo (season) out, it was a necessity for the Spartans.

Young got the start at right tackle, a spot he previously had not played in-game during his time with Michigan State football.Johnson swapped in after the second series, which is the usual offensive line rotation. The Idaho native did allow a sack to end the first half, too. Overall, the redshirt freshmen played well, but not much was put on their shoulders with Aidan Chiles getting the ball out quick.

Also a quick shoutout to another offensive lineman, Mercer Luniewski, on making his Spartan debut on the field goal unit.

Michigan State football’s next snaps mean more, according to most people around the program. They host the Michigan Wolverines next Saturday.