Michigan State Football: 5 players who must step up vs. Washington State

Michigan State Football: 5 players who need to step up vs. Washington State

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Tyler Johnson #6 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball for a touchdown against Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 25: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans passes against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Quarterback Brian Lewerke has a great year as a first time starter with 17 touchdowns and throwing for 2,580 yards. He did throw seven interceptions often due to attempting to do too much and not allowing the game to come to him. It’s a first time starter mistake and Lewerke certainly has the mental game to overcome this. However, he will need to be sharp in his passing against Washington State’s aggressive defense.

This air-raid offense of Washington State will push Michigan State to throw as well. Lewerke excelled in the games he had to throw often in like Penn State and Northwestern.

The offense looked great in those times and the passing game even opened up holes for the running game. Penn State coach James Franklin said ‘they ran the ball just enough to keep us honest.’ There were times this season that Lewerke had poor mechanics and it is something that he’ll need to improve upon. Michigan State needs him to execute his throws for the Spartans to win.

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