The Spartans are heading into their biggest matchup of the season.

Most would agree this will be Michigan State’s toughest opponent yet as they head to Bloomington to face the third-ranked Indiana Hoosiers in a classic Big Ten Saturday showdown.

Through six games, it’s safe to say Indiana has looked like the far superior team — but the beauty of college football is that you still have to play the game. MSU won’t go down quietly and will do everything possible to play spoiler this weekend.

One key to that upset bid? Having their best players on the field — especially at the most important position: quarterback.

The Aidan Chiles Question

Aidan Chiles, MSU’s starting quarterback, enters the matchup with 1,019 passing yards, 186 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. It hasn’t been a perfect season, especially after a rough outing last week against UCLA. But Chiles remains the leader of this team — unless injuries force otherwise.

If the Spartans hope to show any signs of life and potentially salvage their season, they’ll need the speedy Chiles under center.

Chiles was injured on Saturday after taking a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit from a defensive lineman — a play that would be called targeting in nearly every college game since the rule was introduced. Except, apparently, this one. Chiles was shaken up, but the game continued.

Head coach Jonathan Smith said he’s “optimistic,” but noted that more will be known later in the week. As we enter the back half of hump day and inch closer to Saturday, the Spartan faithful continue to wait for word on Chiles’ availability.

If Chiles Can’t Go…

Redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic, out of Naperville, Illinois, could get the nod. The young quarterback might be the future of MSU football — but being thrown into the fire against the third-ranked team in the nation is no easy introduction.

Milivojevic has already seen some action this season. He impressed in limited time against Nebraska, going 6-for-7 for 71 yards and a touchdown. However, when Chiles went down versus UCLA, Milivojevic struggled, finishing 8-of-18 for 100 yards and a touchdown — not enough to spark a comeback.

The Road Ahead

No matter who’s under center, the Spartans face an uphill climb. The Hoosiers appear destined for the College Football Playoff with one of the easiest remaining schedules in the country. Meanwhile, MSU is fighting to stay bowl-eligible and searching for answers.

Whether it’s Chiles or Milivojevic leading the offense, Saturday will be a true test. Jonathan Smith’s seat is heating up, and he’ll need to find some David Goggins-level motivation to inspire the Spartans to pull off a miracle upset.