Michigan State Football: What can Spartans do differently vs. Penn State?

Michigan State football has struggled on offense for much of this season. Now it heads to Penn State on Saturday what can they do differently to compete?

Michigan State has struggled mightily through the first five games of the season. They have numerous injuries on the offensive line as well as key loses of star players like Cody White at wide receiver and LJ Scott at running back. This was supposed to be the year MSU took the next step and challenge for the Big Ten Championship.

Head coach Mark Dantonio praised the team’s chemistry and strong leadership in the offseason, however, it has yet to translate into success on the field.

There were times in the Northwestern game where the body language of the Spartans appeared to be bleak. The team is talented at skill positions and last year appeared to right the ship from a dreadful 3-9 campaign in 2016. Nevertheless, the similar problems of 2016 have reared their ugly head.

What can the Spartans do? Fire a coordinator? Change the offense? Most fans may love those things to happen, however, according to Dantonio in Tuesday’s press conference, that is highly unlikely. There is one thing that fans witnessed in 2017 that they have not seen much of and it was a crucial part of MSU’s success last year. What is it? It is quarterback Brian Lewerke’s legs.

One of the things Lewerke mentioned in the offseason was that he was going to work on staying in the pocket more in order to make plays downfield. He felt as if he missed some open receivers last year after he would tuck the pigskin and dash for a first down. Lewerke rushed for over 500 yards last year but has yet to even hit 40 yards in a game in 2018.

In 2017, it was Lewerke’s escapability and rushing that redeemed the dreadful play-calling. His legs bailed out an MSU offense that could not run the ball. The offensive line struggled. Sound familiar? It was Lewerke running for a touchdown against Michigan or keeping plays alive against Penn State.

In order for MSU to salvage this season they will need more from Lewerke and not his arm talent, but leg talent. Teams were not able to pin their ears back and bull rush but had to be on guard against him escaping the pocket. The Spartans need Lewerke to run more and to look to run.

Often times he hands the ball off when he could pull the pigskin back and run it. He can make the defenses they face pay for their laziness.

Michigan State will need more from their gunslinger on Saturday and it is not necessarily his arm, but rather more production from his legs.