Michigan State Football: 5 X-factors vs. Arizona State in Week 2

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) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – AUGUST 31: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a first half pass while playing the Utah State Aggies at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Brian Lewerke

This is a homecoming for Brian Lewerke. He has had many memorable moments as high school quarterback — he was the signal-caller for Pinnacle High School in Phoenix. He once played in a playoff game with a broken finger and turned in an amazing performance. He has been thinking of this game for a while and this is his time.

The Associated Press listed him as a dark-horse Heisman candidate. Lewerke is one of the most talented quarterbacks MSU has had under Mark Dantonio and he has a live arm and the ability to create and get out of sticky situations. His play has covered many sins of this offense.

Last year, when play-calling was stagnant it was Lewerke taking nothing and turning it into something. It was different than in 2016 and Tyler O’Connor. He was a serviceable quarterback, but did not have that X-factor that Lewerke does.

If the Spartans are to survive the desert then it will be Lewerke who carries them.

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