Michigan State Football: 5 Spartans who need to step up vs. Northwestern in Week 9

Whenever I hear pundits talk about Michigan State on the radio or TV, they always comment on sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke. Analyst Jesse Palmer and Brady Quinn have praised him for his play and say he has elevated Michigan State.

I’d agree with them on that note. He has certainly elevated the Spartans, however, there are times that he looks like a first-year starter. I’m fine with that because the big-play potential he brings is huge for this conservative offense.

All that said, it’s time for him to put it together because the Spartans are getting to that point on the schedule when the defense may not be able to bail out the offense. However, not all of the struggles on offense are his fault because Michigan State has yet to tap into what Lewerke can do. It’s almost as if the coaching staff is bringing him along slowly in order to not overwhelm him.

Lewerke has potential to be one of MSU’s best quarterbacks in the school’s history. I do not write that lightly knowing what Connor Cook and Kirk Cousins did for the program, but the key word is potential. He has the arm, the legs and the brains and if he can put it all together, he could take the program to new heights.

Yet that key word is “potential” and it remains to be seen if he can be “that guy” at this point. It’s time for him to take the next step.