Michigan State Football: Brian Lewerke and offense moving forward

Saturday night, Michigan State football lost to Notre Dame, but the Spartan offense may have found itself.

I was never a good quarterback. In fact, I was never an average quarterback. I was typically the MVP for the opposing team. After reviewing the film of Saturday’s aftermath, I realized that the final score was not indicative of the game. Michigan State could have been closer to competitive in this game.

Must Read: MSU Football: What went wrong vs. Notre Dame?

I was fully expecting the Irish defensive line to control this game and they did, but not as much as I thought. There were miscues all throughout this game. There were dropped touchdown passes such as Darrell Stewart Jr.’s early in the fourth quarter.

Also, the pass to Felton Davis III in the second quarter that Lewerke left short, otherwise it could have been six points. Little things that a veteran team would be able to execute.

The LJ Scott fumble in the end zone or the Lewerke pass that was intercepted for six the other way — it was almost as if they were not aware of the moment or that the moment was too big.

Execution was the problem for Sparty Saturday. The offense moved the ball. Albeit they were more successful out of shotgun with the RPO (run pass option) than the traditional pro set that MSU loves to operate out of. They ran the ball better out of this as well as passed better.

The Spartans shouldn’t consider changing the offense but rather going with what works, and the RPO is working. This offensive style is easier for the offensive line to block and for a young line it could help until they get their footing. We have seen some of it and I anticipate that we will see more of it in the coming weeks.

Lewerke is a good quarterback. He will someday be among the elites in the Big Ten. However,   there were some critical mistakes that he will need to bounce back from. He stared down receivers at times then was not as careful with the football. Both mistakes are coachable and he can correct going forward.

He always looks comfortable in the two-minute offense and this is something MSU could consider to gain momentum.

Michigan State used the two-minute offense late in the first half versus Bowling Green and Lewerke appeared comfortable and at home. This plays to his strength as well because he does not have to think.

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There is talent and promise on this team. If they eliminate the turnovers, then they are a tough out for any team. Without the self-inflicted wounds this team could have a different outcome. Iowa is a serious test and hopefully MSU can rebound.