Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from win over No. 8 Northwestern

Nov 28, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Connor Heyward (11) leaps over Northwestern Wildcats defensive back A.J. Hampton (11) as he looses control of the football during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 28, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The starting quarterback for 2021 is not on the roster

I cannot reiterate this enough: Michigan State’s QB1 for next season is not currently on the roster.

The coaching staff continues to put their trust in Rocky Lombardi as he got the start over Payton Thorne yet again, but it seemed like a questionable decision and even though he threw two touchdown passes, he seemed to hinder plenty of drives instead of helping them.

So what does that say about the other quarterbacks? Well, it’s not exactly a glowing endorsement from the coaching staff when they go with a guy who has been an interception machine this season and is completing less than 50 percent of his passes over a couple of younger guys. It actually shows everyone that Rocky is the best option which is not ideal considering how pedestrian he has been.

Lombardi did have a 75-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to put the Spartans up 7-0 and then hit Jayden Reed for another touchdown early in the second quarter to go up 17-0 but he was inaccurate all game long.

Hamp Fay may be the guy next season.

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