Alessio Milivojevic Faces Huge Test of Grit vs. Iowa

Alessio Milivojevic, assuming he has the starting role, will need grit to get through the game against Iowa.

Nov 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) reacts to a tackle from Penn State linebacker Keon Wylie (32) in the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

After an unsettling loss against the Penn State Nittany Lions, there needs to be an offensive explosion through every healthy player left if the Michigan State Spartans wish to win once in their conference this year.

Their next opportunity will be against the Iowa Hawkeyes, who are no joke in the Big Ten this year, and every player will need to step up, even those who have been playing well.

Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic runs the ball against Penn State during the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

However, the team's quarterback, Alessio Milivojevic, will have the highest calling ahead of him out of the entire team, and it will be a test of his grit in his ability to bounce back as a leader as well as a player.

So what will he need to do, and should he be successful, what does it mean for next season?

What Alessio Milivojevic Needs To Do

Michigan State's quarterback Alessio Milivojevic huddles with the team before the game against Penn State on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

• Against Penn State, Milivojevic was sacked five times and pressured on 21 occasions; of course, it was mostly not his fault because of the faulty offensive line, but that number is far too high.

• He was getting thrown around by defenders, and even when he was clearly hurting, he was kept in the game.

Nov 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Keon Wylie (32) tackles Michigan State Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) in the second quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

• But with such soreness, he must persevere, especially with the season coming to a close so soon and the chances for a Big Ten win dwindling.

• He has overall been better than Aidan Chiles by statistical analysis, and he is the one with the best odds to win the Spartans a game.

Nov 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Penn State linebacker Keon Wylie (32) tackles Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) as the ball is thrown at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

• Unfortunately, the win has not become a reality yet, but if Milivojevic can pull it off despite how much he is taken to the ground, then it will mean a ton for the program's future.

What Will Happen If Alessio Milivojevic Succeeds

Nov 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) throws a ball during warmups before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

• In the case that Milivojevic can pull off a win off of pure grit despite what happened against the Nittany Lions, then it will be clear that MSU has their quarterback for the foreseeable future.

• This, of course, would be huge for the program, as funds for Name, Image, and Likeness, also known as NIL, deals would most likely be able to be put into rebuilding the offensive line that desperately needs it.

Nov 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) sticks his tongue out during warmups before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

• When something as crucial as that happens, the sky would become the limit. After all, Milivojevic is still early into his collegiate career, and so are his star receiver, Nick Marsh, and running back Makhi Frazier.

• Milivojevic must not take this opportunity lightly, and this test of grit will determine a lot for the future of MSU as well as his career.

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) and Michigan State Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) shake hands after the game at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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