Michigan State's Elijah Tau-Tolliver runs for a touchdown against Penn State during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State opened Senior Day with a flash of hope, as senior running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver ripped off a 57-yard touchdown run on the Spartans’ first play from scrimmage. “We knew it was gonna be a good one,” freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic said, crediting the offensive line for creating the perfect lane. That early jolt gave MSU a 7-0 lead and sent Spartan Stadium into a frenzy, but the momentum didn’t last. Penn State answered with a methodical 12-play drive capped by senior running back Kaytron Allen’s 8-yard score, and from there, the Nittany Lions dictated the pace. Despite a strong defensive start and a 10-7 halftime edge, Michigan State couldn’t sustain drives, and a 75-yard strike from freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer to senior wide receiver Devonte Ross flipped the game for good.
Penn State’s ground game proved decisive, piling up 240 rushing yards behind Allen’s season-high 181 yards and two touchdowns. Grunkemeyer added 127 passing yards and two scores, including the dagger, a short flip to Ross during a nine-minute, 76-yard march in the fourth quarter. Michigan State managed just 229 total yards, with Milivojevic completing 17 of 27 passes for 128 yards while enduring five sacks. “But I trust the offense, and I’m going to stick in there, I love it.” That trust was tested repeatedly as Penn State’s front seven dominated, leaving MSU 1-for-10 on third downs and scoreless after the first quarter.
SOCIAL MEDIA
(CONTINUED) The Spartans had chances late, aided by two roughing-the-passer penalties that moved them deep into Penn State territory. But a strip-sack ended their last hope. “They got us with a look at the end and yeah, ended up not our way,” Milivojevic said of the final drive. Execution woes loomed large, especially on short-yardage plays. “It’s just execution,” he reflected. “We just need to execute better.” Meanwhile, Penn State’s confidence grew with every run, culminating in Allen’s second touchdown, a 26-yard burst that sealed the 28-10 win.
Despite the loss, MSU players emphasized resilience and positivity. “When things aren’t going your way, there’s no point to get negative,” Milivojevic said. “Keeping that energy up, that’s what helps.” Defensive leaders echoed that sentiment, proud of the fight even as fatigue set in during Penn State’s punishing fourth-quarter drive. For the Spartans, the focus shifts to Iowa next week, hoping to end this seven-game losing streak.
