Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from disappointing loss to Rutgers

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Rocky Lombardi #12 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with wide receiver Jayden Reed #5 of the Michigan State Spartans after his touchdown in the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Spartan Stadium on October 24, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

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Rocky Lombardi, Michigan State football Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Rocky Lombardi was better than expected

This may seem harsh, but Rocky Lombardi isn’t going to make the Spartans a ton better at quarterback. He brings leadership, he has a strong arm, but his accuracy was an issue on deep passes against Rutgers.

Still, he was better than anyone expected heading into the game, but you have to realize this was Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights’ defensive backfield wasn’t all that impressive but he did get pressured on almost every drop-back. He was running from pressure but he wasn’t quick in the pocket and his awareness was lacking on a few plays as he was stripped a couple times.

But you still have to be impressed with what he did on Saturday when no one expected him to be the starter or even pass for anywhere near 300 yards. He did finish for 319 yards and three touchdowns on 31-of-44 completions and he kept the ball moving all afternoon.

Sure, there were some ducks, some really bad misses on wide open receivers (Jalen Nailor and Jayden Reed) but he was serviceable outside of two picks.

A little more mobility wouldn’t hurt, though. And he still may not be the answer.

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