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Michigan State Football: Top 5 X-factors vs. Utah State in Week 1

By Stephen Robb

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on after scoring on a pass play against the Washington State Cougars 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)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on after scoring on a pass play against the Washington State Cougars 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) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the second quarter of the game against 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: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the second quarter of the game against 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) /

A year ago, there were many questions surrounding quarterback Brian Lewerke. Could he be good enough to help the team get to a bowl game? Could he win a big game? Could he overcome that injury he suffered in 2016?

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Lewerke silenced any doubters with his play on the field. He was able to take the Spartans to Ann Arbor and defeat their rival as well as get some revenge against Penn State. Now he leads this team into 2018 with aspirations of competing for a Big Ten Championship.

As Lewerke goes, so does this team. Not only is he the unquestioned leader, he is a playmaker — either by extending plays with his feet or making them with his arm. I anticipate that he will play much of three quarters and with the game in hand, redshirt freshman Rocky Lombardi will take some snaps as well as true freshman Theo Day.

The Spartans will have some rust as they get back into the grind of football. I would not be surprised if Lewerke makes a few plays early on in order to give MSU some breathing room. Also, he has been working on his deep pass and will be looking to hit one of his wide receivers.

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Michigan State should win the game handily, however, Utah State is a gritty team will not go away quietly.

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