Why Milivojevic’s Comeback Matters Big for MSU

Milivojevic played impressive football, filling in for the injured Aidan Chiles, completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 1,267 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions in nine appearances. 

Throughout the offseason, the former coaching staff wanted to get Milivojevic game reps because he looked so impressive throughout fall camp. While he did not see the field much other than when Chiles was injured, he looked good running the offense. 

Milivojevic showed good control of the offense when he was the starter, protecting the football and making excellent throws downfield. He had a big game to conclude the season against Maryland, throwing for four touchdowns in the Spartans’ only Big Ten win. 

Fitzgerald has not yet compiled a staff, so he is trying to sell players on his vision with little to say. He has done a good job of getting players to buy into what he wants to do at MSU. 

Milivojevic, who has a chance to be MSU’s starting quarterback next season, being among those players is an impressive start to Fitzgerald’s Spartan tenure. He was clearly impressed with what he saw from Milivojevic and wants to build on that relationship. 

It’s fair to ask the question, “What does Michigan State do with Chiles?” 

Chiles was the starter before the injury, but Milivojevic arguably played better and was steadier when he stepped into the role. Chiles also came to MSU because of Smith, who is no longer the coach. 

Chiles has not made any decisions about his future, and as it stands, he remains a Spartan. There will at least be a quarterback competition throughout the offseason, as Milivojevic has earned the right to it. 

The Spartans may have their quarterback of the future in Milivojevic, and Fitzgerald just got him to buy into the vision.

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