Michigan State Football: 5 keys to victory vs. Minnesota in Week 7

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Tyriq Thompson #17 of the Michigan State Spartans leads the team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Brian Lewerke must take the next step

This game is almost as important as the Michigan game. Yes, you read that correctly. This is the classic trap game that would typically derail a Spartan season before Dantonio. They would be on an emotional high and then get too close to the sun like Icarus and come tumbling back to earth. However, this Spartan team has one of the Big Ten’s best-kept secrets: Brian Lewerke.

Lewerke is not a game-manager but a playmaker. His play has revitalized this offense and brought a new dimension. They will call on him again Saturday. He is the key for Sparty to have an opportunity to win the East division and they must take care of business with the Gophers.

The next step for Lewerke is to be on point with his passing. He did some of this against Michigan, he looked off receivers and made smart throws while still taking a few chances. Michigan State needs him to continue to progress to be a major player in the Big Ten.

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