Michigan State Football: Report card for crushing loss vs. Arizona State

Offense

While the offense moved the ball effectively, it wasn’t enough because it couldn’t finish drives. The Spartans found their way into Arizona State territory consistently but penalties and missed field goals left the game-winning points on the field.

Quarterback: B+

No one should be blaming Brian Lewerke after this one. Sure, he missed a couple of throws, but that’s expected when you’re throwing it 38 times. He completed 24 of those attempts for 291 yards and his receivers dropped about 5-6. He should have been closer to 30-for-38 and one of those may have resulted in six points. He was calm in the pocket, made smart decisions and moved the ball down the field. He just has to finish those drives.

Running Backs: C+

Elijah Collins got the start again and the offense was much more effective with him in the game. He finished with 72 yards on 19 carries to go along with his first touchdown as a Spartan but the staff still inserted Connor Heyward to take away from the momentum he was gaining. The junior running back was ineffective, as was La’Darius Jefferson on just one carry. Anthony Williams Jr. got two touches for nine yards and might be molding into the No. 2 back. Still, the run game was not much of a factor outside of a few Collins touches.

Receivers/Tight Ends: B-

Darrell Stewart Jr. is the second-leading receiver in the Big Ten behind Rondale Moore and he’s only getting better. He had a drop or two, but he also made some incredible catches, including one that looked like it was going to decide the game, but it was reviewed and called incomplete. He had a one-handed catch along the sideline in the second half and was spectacular for the second week in a row. He finished with nine catches for 121 yards. Cody White didn’t get much separation and had five catches for 39 yards. Matt Dotson dropped a couple of passes, but still had four catches for 42 yards.

Lack of separation was an issue yet again in this contest as the Spartans must address this moving into Northwestern in Week 4.

Offensive Line: C

Not good, not bad. The offensive line was just about what we expected and it suffered two more injuries as Kevin Jarvis left the game and didn’t return and Luke Campbell looked to get a knee-to-knee hit in the second half which led to a blown block and a sack. The line is better than it was against Tulsa, but it still has plenty of work to do.