Michigan State Finally Breaks Free from a Season of Struggles with a Dramatic Win Over Maryland
By Matt Wenzel | mwenzel2@mlive.com
Updated: Nov. 29, 2025, 10:56 p.m. | Published: Nov. 29, 2025, 10:47 p.m.
DETROIT – Imagine carrying the weight of an eight-game losing streak, the longest in over four decades, and facing the possibility of a winless conference season for the first time since 1953. That was the reality for Michigan State heading into their season finale against Maryland. But in a thrilling turn of events, the Spartans (4-8, 1-8 Big Ten) emerged victorious with a 38-28 win, snapping their skid and avoiding a historic low. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this win a sign of hope for the future, or merely a fleeting moment in a season of disappointment? And this is the part most people miss—the game was a microcosm of Michigan State’s entire season, filled with both resilience and glaring weaknesses.
The Spartans’ victory at Ford Field in Detroit was hard-fought, with redshirt freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic shining in his fourth career start. Milivojevic completed 27 of 39 passes for 292 yards and a career-high four touchdowns, including a crucial late score to secure the win. Receivers Nick Marsh, Omari Kelly, and tight end Jack Velling were unstoppable, combining for 17 catches, 229 yards, and three touchdowns. On the ground, Eljiah Tau-Tolliver led the charge with 95 yards on 13 carries, providing a much-needed balance to the offense.
Maryland (4-8, 1-8), however, refused to go down without a fight. Quarterback Malik Washington torched the Spartans’ defense, completing 38 of 61 passes for 459 yards and three touchdowns. Receivers Jalil Farooq and Shaleak Knotts were his primary targets, hauling in 18 receptions for 249 yards and three scores. Despite their efforts, the Terrapins couldn’t overcome their own mistakes, including a costly blindside block penalty that stalled a critical drive.
Here’s a bold interpretation: While Michigan State’s win was a much-needed morale boost, it also highlighted the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. Maryland’s ability to move the ball at will through the air raises questions about the Spartans’ ability to compete consistently in the Big Ten. Is this a one-off victory, or can Michigan State build on this momentum?
The game also marked a significant personal achievement for receiver Alante Brown, whose 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was his first career score. Brown’s journey, marred by injuries that sidelined him for the last nine games, made this moment all the more emotional. But here’s a thought-provoking question: How much of Michigan State’s struggles this season can be attributed to injuries, and how much is a reflection of deeper systemic issues?
As the season concludes, all eyes are on head coach Jonathan Smith. With the Spartans missing a bowl game for the fourth straight year, his future remains uncertain. Athletic director J Batt has been silent on the matter, leaving fans and analysts speculating. Is Smith the right man to lead Michigan State back to prominence, or is a change needed?
The game itself was a rollercoaster. Michigan State built a commanding 17-point halftime lead, scoring on all four red zone trips. However, Maryland stormed back in the third quarter, outgaining the Spartans 229-53 and scoring three touchdowns to narrow the gap. The Spartans’ defense, which had been porous for much of the season, came up big in the fourth quarter, forcing a turnover on downs and sealing the win with an interception by Aveon Grose.
Here’s another controversial point: While the win was celebrated, it also exposed the team’s inconsistency. Can Michigan State address these issues in the offseason, or will they continue to haunt them next year? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think this win is a turning point, or just a temporary reprieve?
For now, Michigan State fans can savor this victory, a rare bright spot in a challenging season. But as the dust settles, the bigger question remains: What’s next for the Spartans? Only time will tell.
