Michigan State defeated Eastern Michigan 35-7 on Saturday, September 12, with multiple wide receivers contributing to the victory. Head coach Harlon Fitzgerald emphasized a committee approach at the wide receiver position, with five different players making catches and nine total players receiving passes.
Charles Taplin, who did not play in Week 1, had a standout performance, making three catches for 65 yards and his first career touchdown. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (12-20, 170 yards, two touchdowns) connected with Taplin for a critical 19-yard gain on fourth-and-11, and Taplin later scored a 38-yard touchdown. Milivojevic noted Taplin’s increased confidence, stating, “I think one thing that’s grown with him is his confidence… I’m just really proud of him.” Fitzgerald added that Taplin “has been grinding” to earn playing time, and that he wants to play more players.
While Alessio Milivojevic is the starting quarterback, Cam Fancher also saw action, completing all six of his throws for 44 yards. A wildcat formation led to a touchdown run by Cam Edwards, with three different players taking snaps on the drive. Fitzgerald expressed confidence in the quarterback situation, saying, “We feel great about our quarterback situation… but we’ve got a weapon in Cam, and we’ve got to find ways to make it work where he can be a part of the game plan.” Fitzgerald even joked about trying to recruit basketball point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. to play receiver, acknowledging that Tom Izzo likely wouldn't allow it.
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