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