Michigan football could receive a major boost ahead of its highly anticipated rivalry clash against Michigan State, with Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic listed as questionable for the matchup.

College football insider Pete Thamel reported that the Spartans could potentially be without their starting quarterback for Saturday's crucial rivalry game.

“Michigan State QB Alessio Milivojevic is questionable against Michigan this weekend,” Thamel wrote.

Milivojevic's availability has become a significant concern for Michigan State after he missed the team's previous game against UCLA. The star quarterback sustained an undisclosed injury during the Spartans' matchup against Northwestern, and his status for the upcoming showdown remains uncertain.

Before the injury forced him to the sidelines, Milivojevic had become a key contributor to Michigan State's offense. Across seven appearances this season, he completed 121 of 185 passing attempts for 1,263 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

If Milivojevic is unable to return for Saturday's rivalry game, Michigan State will likely hand the starting job to Kayd Coffman once again. Coffman made his first career start against UCLA, finishing with four completions on 10 attempts for 42 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. However, without Milivojevic, the Spartans struggled to generate offense, managing only 156 total yards in a disappointing 28-10 loss.

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However, Milivojevic is not the only key Spartan whose availability remains uncertain ahead of the rivalry matchup. Safety Devin Vaught is also among the players carrying a questionable designation. Wide receiver Charles Taplin and cornerbacks Keshawn Williams and Tyran Chappell are also listed as questionable.

Meanwhile, Michigan will head into Saturday's showdown hoping to maintain its recent dominance over its in-state rivals. The Wolverines currently hold a 5-3 overall record and a 2-3 mark in Big Ten play, while Michigan State has struggled throughout the season, sitting at 2-6 overall and winless at 0-5 in conference competition.