Michigan State Football: Report card for bounce-back win over Northwestern

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EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 21: Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans is chased by Blake Gallagher #51 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on September 21, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 31-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Offense

Michigan State was able to move the ball early and then struggled at the end of the first and most of the second quarter before heading into the half with a last-minute touchdown and a 14-3 lead. The offense was doing anything it wanted in the third quarter before the backups saw the field in the fourth.

Brian Lewerke: B

For most of the first quarter and into the second, Brian Lewerke struggled. He was missing receivers and his accuracy was questionable, but he led a touchdown drive right before the half and came out strong in the third quarter. If it wasn’t for a lull in the first and second quarters, Lewerke probably would have something closer to an A- because his bounce-back was impressive. He finished 18-for-31 with 228 yards and three touchdowns and is the Big Ten’s second-leading passer.

Running Backs: C+

Elijah Collins had an impressive game yet again, but didn’t get many carries for most of the second and third quarters, and that had to be frustrating as he was moving the ball when he did get his touches. He finished with 76 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Collins was really the only effective rusher as Connor Heyward had 17 yards on three carries, Anthony Williams Jr. had two yards on seven touches and La’Darius Jefferson only had three yards on three carries. Overall, Collins carried this group to a C+ grade.

Receivers/Tight Ends: B-

No one should be surprised at this point, but Darrell Stewart Jr. has officially become the Big Ten’s leading receiver after another big game. He caught five passes for 77 yards and just continues to be as sure-handed as they come and has 30 receptions for 439 yards and a touchdown on the season. Cody White also had a strong game with four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown and Matt Seybert had a breakout game, of sorts, with four receptions for 28 yards and two scores. The reason this grade isn’t higher is because no true No. 3 receiver is developing.

Offensive Line: C+

Let’s just say this, the offensive line wasn’t great, but it certainly wasn’t as bad as people were expecting with Cole Chewins, Kevin Jarvis and AJ Arcuri ruled out. The Spartans moved Tyler Higby over to left tackle and he didn’t do all that poorly. He was serviceable and that’s all you can ask from an interior offensive lineman. Lewerke was sacked twice and the Spartans averaged just 2.7 yards per carry, but the line kept the pocket clean for the most part and opened some lanes for Collins.

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