Michigan State Football: Top 5 X-factors vs. Central Michigan in Week 5
By Stephen Robb
![TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9d49746cfb5c03446682723062e26d7316611e6f548d077e44f54213904289db.jpg)
This is the game for quarterback Brian Lewerke to develop that confidence that he’ll need going forward. He has been sacked too much already and he has tried to do too much as well.
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The constant pressure has been a learning experience for him. It has been something that opposing teams have studied about him and now are peeling their ears back and coming for him. He has handled it well, all things considered.
These are the games that young teams need. Michigan State still is a young team, next year they will have a majority of returning starters on both sides of the ball coming back once again.
While most commentators and pundits (including myself) thought that this could be the year Michigan State returns to the College Football Playoff, it’s shaping up that they may still be a year away from that. However, much can change, but there are many ‘ifs’ for that to happen and it still is a young season.
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Lewerke has tried to do too much thus far and it is a testament to his character and focus on doing all he can for the team. This could be a game where he learns to allow the game to come to him. This will be key for him and the Spartans going forward. They need to put CMU away early and these X-factors will have great games.