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Michigan State Football: Report card for first half of 2017 season

By Connor Muldowney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans recovers a fumble as quarterback Conor Rhoda #15 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles him during the first quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans recovers a fumble as quarterback Conor Rhoda #15 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles him during the first quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans drops back to pass during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans drops back to pass during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

. QB. Michigan State. BRIAN LEWERKE. B+

A whole position group just for one player? That’s what happens when no other passers have been given an opportunity, and there’s a good reason for that. While Messiah deWeaver and Rocky Lombardi are the future under center, and Damion Terry is also in the mix, Brian Lewerke has been effective enough to stave off any talk of competition for the starting job.

The sophomore dual-threat was leading the team in rushing until the Minnesota game, but LJ Scott took back the spot that was rightfully his atop the rushing leaderboard.

However, in terms of passing, Lewerke has been a work in progress. It’s not that he struggled through the air, but rather he is looking to gain confidence but hasn’t been able to in harsh weather conditions against Michigan and Minnesota. He has shown flashes of having a Kirk Cousins-esque arm, but sometimes locks in on one target and that dooms him.

Overall, he’s been above average to start the season and will only get better. He’s passed for 1,177 yards and nine touchdowns with only three interceptions and a 60 percent completion rate. He’s also rushed for 318 yards and three scores.

Lewerke gives this team the best chance to win.

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