EAST LANSING ~ Starting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic’s week one performance sets the standard as Michigan State prepares for Saturday’s matchup with Eastern Michigan and former MSU quarterback Noah Kim. The game pairs the Spartans’ current starter against the player who once held the same role in East Lansing.
Fitzgerald said Monday that Eastern Michigan’s seventh‑year quarterback brings experience that shows on film. “I think Noah is a heck of an athlete…he’s played a lot of football. He’s seen a lot of football. He’s seen a lot of coverage.” Kim began his college career at MSU in 2020 and started for the Spartans in 2023 before an injury ended his season. He is playing his first year with the Eagles in his final season of eligibility.
Though only a sophomore, Milivojevic enters the matchup with an edge as a returning Spartan. He started four games last season and opened 2026 already with 10 touchdowns passes for MSU. He added another in last week’s fourth‑quarter comeback when he connected with Rodney Bullard Jr. on a 5‑yard throw that helped secure the win.
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Kim’s experience shaped MSU’s defensive preparation. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi said Wednesday that the staff studied Kim’s film closely. “I think he’s athletic. I think he’s accurate. I think he makes good decisions with the ball,” Rossi said. He added that Eastern Michigan’s offensive line “works together well,” meaning MSU will need to capitalize on breakdowns when they appear.
Fitzgerald said he doesn’t expect Kim’s return to East Lansing to carry added emotion. “He’s got a job to do. You just go play the game.” Eastern Michigan will face Michigan State on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Listen to 760 WJR’s live tailgate show beginning at 12:30.
