Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from victory over Washington State

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans runs in a touchdown on a pass play against the Washington State Cougars during the first half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Nnamdi Oguayo #30 of the Washington State Cougars pressures Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans from the pocket during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2. Brian Lewerke has just scratched the surface

It’s hard to believe that Brian Lewerke is just a sophomore. He’s a redshirt sophomore so he’s been in the Michigan State system for three years, but he still has two years of eligibility left in the green and white.

After a slow start, he showed how truly good he can be under center. He passed for 213 yards and three touchdowns on 13-of-21 completions.

What makes that really impressive is that he started the game 0-for-4 and looked off. He finished strong, completing 13-of-17 passes for all of those yards and three scores and he didn’t even attempt a pass in the fourth thanks to an injury that forced Damion Terry into the game.

Lewerke showcased his skills on a national stage and even rushed 14 times for 73 yards, exhibiting major speed. However, he did get clobbered in the third quarter which forced him out, so running without sliding might be a no-no in the future. Try telling that to this kid, though. He’s tough as nails.

The sophomore has just scratched the surface of his potential. He can be scary-good in the Big Ten in 2018.

Home/Spartans Football