East Lansing, mich. – Michigan State‘s quarterback situation is uncertain heading into Saturday’s game against Iowa, as both Alessio Milevojevic and Aidan Chiles are dealing with injuries. The potential unavailability of the two signal-callers could force the Spartans to turn to true freshman Leo Hannan for his collegiate debut.
The injuries add another layer of difficulty to a challenging season for Michigan State, which is currently on a seven-game losing streak - tied for the third-longest in program history. The team’s quarterback depth is now being tested at a critical juncture, potentially impacting their ability to break the losing streak against a stout Iowa defense.
Milevojevic has completed 67.3% of his passes for 439 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in two starts. He was 17-for-27 for 128 yards against Penn State. Chiles has been the primary starter, completing 63.1% of his passes for 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions in eight starts. He also has 424 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 60 non-sack rushing attempts.
Coach Smith indicated the Spartans could utilize both quarterbacks in different packages if they are both available. Should neither be able to play, Hannan would be the likely starter, with redshirt freshman Ryland Jessee as the other scholarship quarterback option.
Iowa currently ranks No. 6 in the FBS in total defense, allowing 261.2 yards per game, and eighth in scoring defense, giving up 14.3 points per game. However, the Hawkeyes have recorded only 19 sacks in 10 games.
