Brandon Tullis Shines in First Start for MSU Against Minnesota
After stepping in for the injured teammate Makhi Frazier, Brandon Tullis made his first start as a running back for the Michigan State University (MSU) Spartans against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 14, 2023. Despite playing behind fellow rusher Elijah Tau Tolliver, who had a standout game, Tullis showcased his own strengths in a competitive matchup.
Tullis faced a formidable Minnesota defense renowned for its ability to contain rushing attacks, having recorded seven sacks during the game. Despite the pressure, he managed to maintain consistency. Tullis carried the ball 14 times, accumulating a total of 51 yards and averaging 3.6 yards per carry, along with scoring a touchdown. Although he did not receive any targets from quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, there remains potential for improvement in his receiving game.
Going forward, the question arises: does Tullis deserve to retain the starting position if Frazier remains sidelined? Frazier had previously delivered an impressive performance, rushing for 109 yards in a game against a defense similar to Minnesota’s. Should Frazier’s recovery take longer than expected, Tullis’s performance could influence the coaching staff’s decision.
The dilemma for the Spartans lies in the contrast between Tullis’s steady play and Tau Tolliver’s more explosive style. While Tullis provides reliability, Tau Tolliver’s ability to break big plays introduces a level of excitement that might be appealing as the season approaches its final stretch. As MSU navigates this pivotal moment, the coaching staff may opt for the more dynamic option, recognizing that the team has little to lose at this stage of the season.
Regardless of the starting position, Tullis remains a significant asset to the Spartans’ offense. His performance against Minnesota indicates a promising future ahead, whether it manifests in the remainder of this season or blossoms in the next. As fans and analysts alike evaluate his contributions, Tullis has shown that he can be a vital player for MSU moving forward.
For more updates and insights, fans can follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook and join the community group, Go Green Go White, to share their thoughts on Tullis and the team’s journey.
