Michigan State Football: 10 storylines to follow ahead of 2018 season

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos with wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (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) /

3. Brian Lewerke’s down-field accuracy

“Let him air it out.”

That was one phrase that seemed to be muttered throughout each of the first 6-7 weeks of the 2017 season as Brian Lewerke seemed to only be trusted with short passes and the occasional 10-15 yard throw.

It wasn’t until the Northwestern game that the coaches really let him loose. He responded by passing for over 400 yards and did so again the following week against Penn State. Mark Dantonio let him flash that arm but his down-field accuracy was hit-or-miss.

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There were times he had open guys streaking down the middle of the hashes, but he sent it flying way over their heads. Other times, he threw it deep into coverage but, on occasion, he hit that deep ball and it was a thing of beauty.

The coaching staff will surely let him air it out as a second-year starter in 2018 after passing for nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2017. He has set accuracy goals for himself — 65 percent completions — but how will his down-field throws look?

If Lewerke can hit the 30-40 yard passes on the money, the Spartans are going to be almost impossible to beat. Keep a close eye on his down-field accuracy.

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