Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from home loss to Northwestern

Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from tough home loss to Northwestern

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 6: Running back Weston Bridges #27 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by linebacker Paddy Fisher #42 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 6, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 6: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans passes against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 6, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Confidence is lacking for Brian Lewerke

Where did the confident Brian Lewerke go? It seems like it’s been months since we’ve seen Lewerke act like a confident quarterback in the pocket.

Sure, he looked solid in the opener against Utah State and decent against Arizona State, but he was mediocre against Indiana, Central Michigan and now against Northwestern. You may look at his numbers and think he played well, but he looked uneasy in the pocket, and some of that is due to his offensive line making him always look over his shoulder.

It’s clear he has no confidence in his line, which is why he rushed plenty of his throws on Saturday afternoon. His mis-reads were evident as well, throwing an awful pick in Northwestern territory in the first half which was right at the Wildcat defender.

With the Spartan offense continuing to struggle without a run game, Lewerke’s confidence is decreasing.

Michigan State will only go as far as he takes them, but without confidence, that won’t be a great distance.

Home/Spartans Football