Michigan State came close to its first conference win, but lost on a walk-off touchdown from Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey in overtime.
The Spartans (3-6, 0-6 Big Ten) lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2) 23-20 on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Michigan State had a 17-10 lead with less than two minutes left in the game, but Minnesota scored a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter to force overtime and then held Michigan State to a field goal in the first overtime period before Lindsey’s third-and-goal touchdown run finished off the Spartans.
After starting the season 3-0, the Spartans have now lost six games in a row, including losses to UCLA and Michigan that have put Smith firmly on the hot seat. Many college football experts believe Smith to be one of the next coaches to be fired, though Spartans athletic director J Batt hasn’t said much about the subject.
After starting the season 3-0, the Spartans have lost five games in a row, including losses to UCLA and Michigan that have put Smith firmly on the hot seat. Many college football experts believe Smith to be one of the next coaches to be fired, though Spartans athletic director J Batt hasn’t said much about the subject.
Smith’s best shot at staying employed in East Lansing may come by making the Spartans bowl-eligible in 2025, something they haven’t been since 2021. Now with a loss to Minnesota, that will only happen with wins in their final three regular-season games.
Here’s how it all went down.
Drake Lindsey wins it for Minnesota on game-winning touchdown
Table of Contents
- Drake Lindsey wins it for Minnesota on game-winning touchdown
- Michigan State takes 3-point lead in overtime
- Minnesota wins coin toss and will defend first
- Michigan State going to overtime
- Drake Lindsey ties game with 29 seconds left
- Minnesota in the red zone, less than a minute left
- Brandon Tullis scores go-ahead rushing TD
- Elijah Tau-Tolliver rips off 85-yard run before 2-minute warning
- Michigan State defense holds strong again
- Martin Connington misses 24-yard FG attempt, game remains tied
- Michigan State takes over with chance to take lead
- Martin Connington ties game with 34-yard FG
- Michigan State in the red zone as the quarter ends
- Spartans punt after seven-play drive
- Milivojevic back in for third quarter, throws 71-yard TD pass
- Minnesota misses field goal attempt right before halftime
- Milivojevic sacked for fifth and sixth time
- Milivojevic sacked for fourth time
- Minnesota kicks field goal to make score 10-0
- Michigan State turnover on downs
- Michigan State driving at end of first quarter
- Fame Ijeboi scores opening touchdown for Minnesota
- Michigan State goes three-and-out on second possession
- Michigan State defense forces another punt
- Martin Connington misses 46-yard field goal
- Alessio Milivojevic marching the Spartans offense down the field
- Drake Lindsey incomplete pass, Minnesota goes three-and-out
- Michigan State wins toss and chooses to defer
- Brandon Tullis to start at running back
- Alessio Milivojevic to start
- Joe Rossi to stay on sideline for Minnesota game
- Grady Kelly named honorary captain
- Minneapolis weather forecast
- Makhi Frazier out
- Aidan Chiles or Alessio Milivojevic?
- What channel is Michigan State vs. Minnesota today?
- Michigan State odds, spread vs Minnesota
- Michigan State prediction vs Minnesota
- Michigan State football 2025 schedule
FINAL: MINN 23, MSU 20
Michigan State’s defense looked like it had forced a fourth down on Minnesota in the first overtime period, but a pass interference call on defensive back Malcolm Bell gave the Golden Gophers 1st-and-goal on the 4-yard line. The Spartans front line stopped Minnesota running back Fame Ijeboi twice to set up a 3rd-and-goal, but a designed rollout from Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsay scored the game-winning touchdown for the Golden Gophers.
Michigan State has now lost six games in a row and is still looking for its first conference win.
Michigan State takes 3-point lead in overtime
1OT: MSU 20, MINN 17
On a 3rd-and-3 pass, Milivojevic couldn’t find Rodney Bullard in the end zone. But a pass interference call on Kerry Brown gave the Spartans a fresh set of downs on the Minnesota 3-yard line — until it was suddenly overturned, giving the Spartans a 4th down.
Spartans kicker Martin Connington hit the 36-yard field goal to give the Spartans a 20-17 lead.
Minnesota wins coin toss and will defend first
Michigan State will start with the ball on the Minnesota 25-yard line.
Michigan State going to overtime
End 4Q: MSU 17, FROM 17
Michigan State went three-and-out and punted on the last play of regulation. The game is tied and we are going to overtime.
Drake Lindsey ties game with 29 seconds left
4Q, 0:29: MSU 17, FROM 17
A three-yard third-down conversion from Fame Ijeboi and a 10-yard completion to tight end Jameson Geers set up the Golden Gophers on the MSU 8-yard line with 34 seconds left in the game. A pass interference in the end zone by Spartans defensive back Malik Spencer set up the ball on the 2-yard line.
Freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey punched in the quarterback sneak to score the critical touchdown, which was upheld after a long review. The point-after tied the game at 17, and there are 29 seconds left before an overtime period begins.
Minnesota in the red zone, less than a minute left
Minnesota got the ball on the 35-yard line after an out-of-bounds kick from the Spartans to start the drive. A facemask penalty on Spartans linebacker Jordan Hall then brought the ball into Minnesota territory, and the Golden Gophers converted on a 3rd-and-4 to bring the ball to the MSU 27-yard line.
Minnesota has a 3rd-and-2 from the MSU 20 yard line with 46 seconds left in the contest.
Brandon Tullis scores go-ahead rushing TD
4Q, 1:52: MSU 17, FROM 10
Michigan State has their first lead of the game.
Running back Brandon Tullis punched it in from one yard out to give Michigan State a seven-point lead with 1:52 left. It’s up to the defense now to hold it.
Elijah Tau-Tolliver rips off 85-yard run before 2-minute warning
Running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver took a handoff up the middle 85 yards to the Minnesota 3-yard line, caught from behind from Minnesota defensive back Koi Perich before he could score.
We’re at the two-minute warning and the Spartans have a 1st-and-goal with a great chance to score.
Michigan State defense holds strong again
Minnesota’s offense gained only 12 yards (plus five yards on an MSU penalty) on their possession, punting it back to the Spartans.
Michigan State will take over with the ball on their own 12-yard line with three minutes left and another chance to take their first lead of the game.
Martin Connington misses 24-yard FG attempt, game remains tied
On 3rd-and-4 and facing heavy pressure up the middle, Milovojevic tucked the ball and scrambled for six yards, picking up a first down on the MSU 36-yard line. He found tight end Jack Velling for a 12-yard completion on the next play, bringing the Spartans near midfield.
Receiver Nick Marsh found tons of space on the left side, and Milivojevic connected with him near the 10-yard line, with Marsh gaining another six yards after the catch. Two plays later, after a hard hit on Milivojevic trying to run the ball into the end zone, the Spartans faced a 3rd-and-goal from the Minnesota 3-yard line. A designed run for Milovojevic went nowhere, however, setting up a 24-yard field goal on the right hash for kicker Martin Connington.
With the tough angle on the short attempt, Connington couldn’t get it through the goalposts, and we remain tied after the missed field-goal attempt.
Michigan State takes over with chance to take lead
The Spartans defense recorded its first sack of the day, with edge rusher Isaac Smith getting to Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey on the first play of the new drive. The defense couldn’t recover a fumble from receiver Malachi Coleman one play later and gave up a catch to tight end Jameson Geers for a third-down conversion near midfield, however
But three plays later, Michigan State’s defense held firm and forced another punt. They will start with the ball on their own 19-yard line with an opportunity to take their first lead of the game.
Martin Connington ties game with 34-yard FG
4Q, 14:16: MSU 10, FROM 10
With 20 yards to gain to the end zone, Michigan State only gained five on two plays, setting up the game-tying 34-yard field goal from Martin Connington.
Michigan State in the red zone as the quarter ends
End 3Q: MINN 10, MSU 7
Driving into the sun, Milivojevic found receiver Nick Marsh for a 16-yard gain on the second play of the drive to bring the Spartans to midfield. Two plays later, he found receiver Omari Kelly for a 22-yard completion up the middle to bring the Spartans within field-goal range.
A play-action rollout from Miliovojevic led to an 8-yard completion to freshman receiver Charles Taplin, marking Taplin’s first-career college catch. Three plays later, the Spartans found themselves in a 1st-and-goal on the Minnesota 8-yard line, but the Minnesota defensive line blew up a pass play to record their seventh sack of the game on Milivojevic. It’s 2nd-and-goal from the 20-yard line for the Spartans as we head into the 4th quarter.
Spartans punt after seven-play drive
After another stop by the Michigan State defense, the Spartans responded with runs of 14 yards and five yards from running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver. Brandon Tullis then gained 11-yards on a third-down conversion, keeping the drive alive and bringing the Spartans to their own 36-yard line.
A third-down pass attempt from Milivojevic to receiver Nick Marsh, however, fell incomplete, leading to another punt. Minnesota will start on their on 10-yard line.
Milivojevic back in for third quarter, throws 71-yard TD pass
3Q, 14:05: MINN 10, MSU 7
Michigan State kick returner Elijah Tau-Tolliver fumbled the kickoff to open the second half, but a strange play ended in a touchback with Tau-Tolliver having called a fair catch and first possessing the ball in the end zone.
Milivojevic came out to start the drive instead of Chiles, who took the final snap of the first half. A delay of game looked to lead to another three-and-out, but Milivojevic rolling out on 3rd-and-6 found receiver Rodney Bullard for a 71-yard touchdown pass.
The Spartans, somehow, are back in this game.
Minnesota misses field goal attempt right before halftime
Halftime: MINN 10, MSU 0.
A 35-yard completion from Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey to receiver Javon Tracy brought Minnesota to the MSU 30-yard line with a little over one minute to play. A second-down completion from Lindsey to tight end Jameson Geers then gave the Golden Gophers a 1st-and-10 on the MSU 14-yard line.
The Spartans defense forced an incompletion and a negative completion on back-to-back plays, setting up a 3rd-and-12 in the red zone. Tracy dropped a pass near the line-to-gain to force a fourth down, which Minnesota turned into a big miss on the 33-yard field-goal attempt.
Worth nothing: Chiles took the final snap of the first half following Milivojevics’ first-career start and presumably is back in the game for Milivojevic. Minnesota will kick off to start the third quarter.
Milivojevic sacked for fifth and sixth time
Milivojevic overcame his fifth sack taken with a 15-yard completion to receiver Omari Kelly on a 3rd-and-7 from the MSU 21-yard line.
With Minnesota’s front line bringing the pressure, Milivojevic made a nine-yard completion to Kelly to force a 3rd-and-6 from the MSU 40-yard line. He couldn’t find a receiver on the third-down play, however, taking his sixth sack of the half and losing five yards on the play.
For the record, the often-sacked Aidan Chiles has never been sacked more than four times in a game in 2025.
Milivojevic sacked for fourth time
Milivojevic has looked pretty good when he can get his throws off, going 8-for-11 on pass attempts for 90 yards. But he’s taken four sacks already in the first half — the latest one finishing off another three-and-out — as Michigan State remains scoreless.
Minnesota kicks field goal to make score 10-0
2Q, 9:10: OF 10, MSU 0
Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey found receivers Javon Tracy and Le’Meke Brockington for back-to-back completions of 11 and 17 yards, respectively, bringing the ball to the MSU 29-yard line. On 3rd-and-8 from the 27, Lindsey found running back Cam Davis for an 11-yard completion on a screen, putting the Golden Gophers into the red zone for the second time this game.
An incomplete pass and a short gain from running back Fame Ijeboi set up another third down for Minnesota, which the Spartans held by pressuring Lindsey into throwing the ball away.
Kicker Brady Denaburg then nailed the 30-yard field goal to make the score 10-0 early in the second quarter.
Michigan State turnover on downs
On 2nd-and-17 from the MSU 48, Milivojevic found Rodney Bullard for a 16-yard gain, setting up a 3rd-and-1 on the Minnesota 36. After a timeout, a toss to running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver lost one yard, setting up a 4th-and-2.
Milivojevic’s pass towards Tau-Tolliver on fourth-down, however, was broken up by Minnesota defensive back Kerry Brown. The Spartans turn the ball over on downs, with Minnesota taking over at their own 37-yard line.
Michigan State driving at end of first quarter
End 1Q: MINN 7, MSU 0
Milivojevic shook off a sack on the first play of the drive, his second time sacked this game, to record two straight completions — one to receiver Omari Kelly for nine yards and another to tight end Jack Velling for 16 yards and a first down.
With a 1st-and-10 on the Minnesota 45-yard line, Milivojevic took his third sack of the game right at the end of the quarter. Michigan State has the ball at their own 48-yard line.
Fame Ijeboi scores opening touchdown for Minnesota
1Q, 2:44: MINN 7, MSU 0.
Minnesota running back Fame Ijeboi burst through for a 49-yard run up the middle on the first play of the drive, setting up the Golden Gophers at the Michigan State 14-yard line. Ijeboi would have run into the end zone if it wasn’t for a tackle near the sideline by Michigan State defensive back Nikai Martinez.
Three plays later, Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey found receiver Jalen Smith for an 13-yard gain, and then Ijeboi punched it in for a one-yard touchdown on the next play. Minnesota is up early.
Michigan State goes three-and-out on second possession
The turf might have something on these quarterbacks.
One series after Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey slipped on the turf resulting in a negative-yardage play, Milivojevic seemed to have done the same, with a third-down completion to Omari Kelly landing well short of the marker. Michigan State punts for the first time.
Michigan State defense forces another punt
A pass interference called on Spartans defensive back Malcom Bell gave Minnesota an instant 15 yards to start the drive. However, a trip-up from Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey followed by a one-yard run from Cam Davis set up 3rd-and-14, with an 11-yard pass to Le’Meke Brockington getting the Golden Gophers to midfield short of the line to gain.
The Spartans defense once again forces a punt. We’ll see if the offense can finish a possession with points this time.
Martin Connington misses 46-yard field goal
An incompletion targeting Marsh in the end-zone and a conservative run play for running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver set up a fourth-and-long on the Minnesota 28-yard line. Michigan State sent out their field-goal unit to attempt a 46-yard field goal, but kicker Martin Connington yanked it wide.
Minnesota takes over possession.
Alessio Milivojevic marching the Spartans offense down the field
Milivojevic completed an 11-yard play-action pass to receiver Rodney Bullard on his first play of the game, and then followed that up with an 8-yard completion to receiver Nick Marsh.
Sophomore running back Brandon Tullis got seven yards on his first carry as a starter for the Spartans, and Milivojevic eventually found transfer receiver Omari Kelly for a 23-yard gain to bring the Spartans into Minnesota territory. An interesting play design got Milivojevic handing the ball off to Kelly on an end-around for a 29-yard run near the end zone, but a holding penalty on Marsh brought it back to the Minnesota 23-yard line.
A sack on Milivojevic lost eight yards for Michigan State, setting up the Spartans with a 2nd-and-18 on the Minnesota 31-yard line.
Drake Lindsey incomplete pass, Minnesota goes three-and-out
Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey couldn’t find running back Cam Davis in the flat on 3rd-and-3 from his own 32-yard line, recording a three-and-out for the Golden Gophers on the opening drive of the game. Minnesota punts and the Spartans start on their own 21-yard line.
Michigan State wins toss and chooses to defer
Minnesota will start the game with the ball at their own 25-yard line.
Brandon Tullis to start at running back
With Michigan State starting running back Makhi Frazier out, sophomore running back Brandon Tullis will get the start in his place. Tullis has 142 yards on 37 rushes so far through eight games this season, adding three touchdowns on the ground.
Alessio Milivojevic to start
Well this is somewhat of a surprise.
Without much hint all week that junior quarterback Aidan Chiles would be benched, Smith announced on a pregame radio show that redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic will start today’s game against Minnesota over Chiles.
Milivojevic has appeared in five games this season, mostly in garbage time, going 22-for-37 on pass attempts for 281 yards and three touchdowns. This will be his first-career start.
Joe Rossi to stay on sideline for Minnesota game
Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi moved from his usual spot in the coaches room upstairs to the sidelines during the Spartans’ loss to Michigan last Saturday, aiming to give his team a jolt of energy. And while the Spartans didn’t win, the experiment was deemed successful enough for Rossi to be on the sidelines again for Michigan State’s game against Minnesota.
Grady Kelly named honorary captain
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Grady Kelly has been named the Spartans’ honorary captain for today’s game against Minnesota. Kelly started his college career at Colorado State from 2021-23 before transferring to Florida State in 2024 and then Michigan State in 2025. He has played in seven games and has made three starts for the Spartans this season.
Minneapolis weather forecast
It’ll be a chilly afternoon in Minneapolis, with the weather forecast showing 44℉ around kickoff and a 37% chance of rain per AccuWeather.
Makhi Frazier out
The Spartans have a lengthy availability report ahead of the Minnesota game. Starting running back Makhi Frazier and transfer wide receiver Chrishon McCray are out, while offensive lineman Stanton Ramil and defensive lineman Ben Roberts are also listed as out.
Aidan Chiles or Alessio Milivojevic?
Junior quarterback Aidan Chiles had a rough game against Michigan, going 14-of-28 on pass attempts for 130 yards and zero passing touchdowns. And with a number of other unimpressive performances from Chiles this season, that has some Spartans fans wondering whether backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic will see some significant playing time against Minnesota.
Chiles will likely get the start against the Golden Gophers, but with the Spartans needing to win at least three of their last four games to become bowl-eligible, the hook on Chiles might be quick if Smith thinks Milivojevic will give them a better chance of winning.
What channel is Michigan State vs. Minnesota today?
The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
- Kickoff: 3:30 pm ET.
- Channel: Big Ten Network.
- Streaming: Fubo.
- Radio: WJR-AM (760).
You can stream Michigan State’s game against Minnesota on Fubo, which carries the Big Ten Network.
Watch the Big Ten Network on Fubo
Michigan State odds, spread vs Minnesota
Michigan State is an underdog heading into their road matchup against the Golden Gophers.
- Spread: Golden Gophers by 3½ points.
- Over/under: 44½ points.
- Moneyline: Michigan State (+145), Minnesota (-175).
Odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday morning.
Michigan State prediction vs Minnesota
Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press: Coming off a rivalry loss and mired in a monthlong misery, it is hard to pick the Spartans in what essentially is a toss-up game. Expect Chiles to start and give the Golden Gophers fits until MSU’s offensive line begins to wear down in the second half, and the secondary withers late against Drake Lindsey to get Minnesota bowl-eligible and further increase heat on Jonathan Smith and his staff. The pick: Minnesota 24, MSU 21.
Michigan State football 2025 schedule
Week 1: W, 23-6 vs Western Michigan.
Week 2: W, 42-40 vs Boston College.
Week 3: W, 41-24 vs Youngstown State.
Week 4: L, 45-31 at USC.
Week 5: Bye week.
Week 6: L, 38-27 at Nebraska.
Week 7: L, 38-13 vs UCLA.
Week 8: L, 38-13 at Indiana.
Week 9: L, 31-20 vs Michigan.
Week 10: at Minnesota, Nov. 1, 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network).
Week 11: Bye week.
Week 12: vs Penn State, Nov. 15, TBA.
Week 13: at Iowa, Nov. 22, TBA.
Week 14 vs Maryland, Nov. 29, TBA (game at Ford Field).
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
