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Michigan State Football: 5 reasons MSU will be better than Michigan in 2018

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first quarter turn over by the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first quarter turn over by the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 25: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 25: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

1. Better, more proven quarterback

While some may argue Shea Patterson is the best NFL prospect in the 2019 class, Brian Lewerke is the one who has actually proved himself. 

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Sure, Patterson looked good against inferior foes as a member of Ole Miss, but Lewerke topped 400 passing yards against a couple of ranked opponents in 2017. 

Heading into the season, Michigan State feels much better about the quarterback position than the Wolverines. In fact, Lewerke is coming off a 2,800-yard season with 20 touchdown passes and rushed for 559 yards and five more scores. Patterson hasn’t played a complete season at the collegiate level and is coming off an injury. His backups are Brandon Peters, who looked shaky in 2017, Dylan McCaffrey and Joe Milton — the latter two have yet to attempt a pass at this level.

Lewerke’s targets add to the prowess at the position. While Michigan has plenty of talent at receiver with guys like Tarik Black and Donovan Peoples-Jones, not many would take them over Felton Davis III, Cody White and Darrell Stewart Jr. 

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The quarterback play is always crucial and this year it will make a difference, with Michigan State holding an advantage.

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