One MSU Unit Falling Apart — And It’s Not Defense

Many of the Michigan State Spartans units were highly touted going into the 2025 season, receivers like Nick Marsh, quarterbacks like Aidan Chiles, or special team players such as Ryan Eckley, and the rushing room was one of those units.

MSU, Makhi Frazie — Sep 6, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State running back Makhi Frazier (5) runs the ball in the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

It seemed as though the rushing room was succeeding through their first four games as well, playing clean football and fumbling minimally with a good 4.1 yards per carry, with Head Coach Jonathan Smith coaching them well.

Unfortunately for MSU, though, they have declined over a full yard, dropping to around 3.0 YPC in a much more static offense, and in need of a shake-up after a ghastly performance, the team has a few options.

Tullis Taking Over The Starting Position

MSU, Brandon Tulli — Oct 18, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Brandon Tullis (7) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Rolijah Hardy (21) and defensive back Louis Moore (7) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

In light of Makhi Frazier's tough game against the Indiana Hoosiers, in which he had seven carries for one yard, it could be useful for his backup, Brandon Tullis, to take over.

However, his stats in recent games don't add up to anything of note either, having ten carries in his past three games, amounting to only 12 yards.

Tullis has been on a downswing alongside Frazier as the season has gone on, and while he could surprise as a starter, he isn't what the rushing room would need to truly shake things up.

Tau-Tolliver Taking Over The Starting Position

MSU, Elijah Tau-Tollive — Michigan State's Elijah Tau-Tolliver celebrates his touchdown against Youngstown State during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In opposition to Frazier and Tullis, freshman running back Elijah Tau Tolliver has been on an upswing in the team's past few games, at least comparatively.

Against Indiana, for example, he had five carries for 13 yards, which is undesirable but much better than seven carries for one yard.

In other games, he has had very little chance to shine, only receiving one carry across both, but his team already recognized his talent by increasing his workload in the game against Indiana.

His time against Indiana was hardly planned for, and when he could be planned around, the offense could undergo the major shake-up that it needs.

The Spartans have many options available to them in their rushing room, and they need a shake-up of some sort, or a rebound game from Frazier, against the Michigan Wolverines, to get their season back on track.

MSU, Jonathan Smit — Oct 18, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith throws the football prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Keep up with all our Michigan State football content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on what MSU should do with their rushing room when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.