Michigan State Football: 5 breakout candidates vs. Northwestern in Week 9

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Wide receiver Hunter Rison #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by defensive back Tony Fields #19 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans passes the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

If you’re wondering why a quarterback who is eyeing his eighth start of the season and has led Michigan State to a 6-1 record is on a list of “breakout candidates”, it’s because he truly hasn’t had a breakout game yet in his career.

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It could be argued that he had one against Michigan last season, but that was more of a breakout quarter, not en entire game. He needs to put four quarters of solid ball together. Oh, but what about the Bowling Green game where he had over 300 yards of total offense? I’d argue that the opponent negates the breakout effort.

Notre Dame? Well, he did have his best career passing game with 340 yards and two touchdowns, but a lot of that production came in garbage time when the game was already decided and he still had two crucial turnovers in that one.

This will be the first game in which he actually takes over and looks like a Connor Cook or Kirk Cousins-type of quarterback.

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Lewerke will throw for over 300 yards and he’ll add a couple of touchdowns while rushing for another 30-40. This kid is due for a true breakout game and he will get one Saturday.

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