Michigan State Football: Report card for loss to Northwestern in Week 9

The only reason I’m not giving these guys an A, or even an A+, is because of the fumble inside the Wildcats’ red zone by Cody White in the first half. That could have led to a crucial score which would have extended Michigan State’s lead to either 13-0 or 17-0, depending on the following series of plays.

That type of lead could have sucked all the life out of Northwestern and given Michigan State nothing but momentum heading into halftime. If that were the case, the game could have ended differently. However, we will never know for sure.

Despite the fumble by White, he had his best game as a Spartan. He looked the part of a No. 1 receiver and finished with nine catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He might be the offensive weapon that Lewerke was waiting for.

Darrell Stewart Jr. was also solid, catching a career-best 11 passes for 98 yards. He was about as reliable as they come within 10 yards late in the game. Felton Davis III was also a big star, catching eight passes for 95 yards and two scores. He even had the game-tying touchdown catch with 20 seconds left on an impressive leaping, fingertip grab.

Matt Sokol had three catches for 30 yards and Hunter Rison had two for 16. This corps of wide receivers is deep. Guys like Cam Chambers and Trishton Jackson may have had some big gains if not for some overthrows by Lewerke.