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Wisconsin returns to Camp Randall after a surprising road victory over then-No. 13 Penn State and sits at 3-1. Their next opponent is Michigan State, a 2-2 team led by first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald; the Spartans have beaten Toledo and Eastern Michigan and lost to Notre Dame and Nebraska.
Fitzgerald’s program is built on a physical identity, but Michigan State has shown limited depth this season — notably after losing running back Cam Edwards for the year. Below are four Spartan players Wisconsin fans should keep an eye on Saturday.
Alessio Milivojevic, Quarterback
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Milivojevic, a redshirt sophomore, earned the starting job after opening eyes late last season. Through four games this fall he has passed for 748 yards with a 67.0% completion rate, posting three touchdowns and three interceptions.
All three passing touchdowns came against Group-of-Six opponents; the interceptions and a fumble arrived in the tougher matchups over the past two weeks. Voted a team captain, Milivojevic is primarily a pocket passer with limited rushing ability. Pro Football Focus data cited in team reports lists him with eight turnover-worthy plays, tied for sixth most in the FBS. Wisconsin’s recent performance containing veteran Rocco Becht suggests the Badgers will try to pressure Milivojevic and force mistakes.
Jaziun Patterson, Running Back
With Edwards out for the season, Michigan State’s backfield has been a committee, yet Patterson looks likely to lead the rotation. The fifth-year senior has 26 carries for 100 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns through four games, and he did not touch the ball in the loss to Notre Dame.
He carried the load more heavily against Nebraska, taking 16 snaps and finishing with 54 yards and a score. Patterson’s 221 career carries in Power Four programs give him an experience edge over recent transfers such as Marvis Parrish and Brandon Tullis. Expect him to receive early opportunities, though a true bellcow role is not guaranteed.
Jordan Hall, Linebacker
Hall is the defensive anchor when healthy. In three appearances this season the two-time captain has totaled 21 tackles (12 solo), three tackles for loss and earned a team-high 87.3 PFF grade.
But injuries have been a persistent problem. He missed Week 2 with a right arm issue and was carted off with an apparent left-leg injury in the third quarter at Nebraska. Michigan State has not issued a follow-up update, leaving Hall’s availability for the Madison game in doubt. With fellow starter Brady Pretzlaff already sidelined, the Spartans’ second-level depth could be stretched thin if Hall cannot play, forcing less-proven reserves into heavy responsibilities.
Eli Coenen, Defensive Lineman
Coenen has been one of Michigan State’s early impact players on the defensive front. The junior leads the team with three sacks — all recorded in the Week 2 win over Eastern Michigan — and totals 12 tackles (six solo) along with a pass deflection. His 11 pressures are the most among Spartan defenders.
That pass-rush productivity has come mostly from the interior, but his tackling has been inconsistent. Coenen, a Baldwin, Wisconsin, native, carries a low 24.4 PFF tackling grade and has been credited with four missed tackles. Wisconsin can benefit by scheming to keep him away from quarterback Colton Joseph on passing downs and by testing him in the run game.
