Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from loss to No. 4 Ohio State

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne hands the ball to running back Elijah Collins during warmups before the Ohio State game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020.
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne hands the ball to running back Elijah Collins during warmups before the Ohio State game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 24: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans throws the ball during warm ups before a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knightsat Spartan Stadium on October 24, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 24: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans throws the ball during warm ups before a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knightsat Spartan Stadium on October 24, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. It’s Payton Thorne’s time

After Rocky Lombardi went down, everyone just assumed that the offense that was already struggling to move the ball against Ohio State would just break down even more under a less veteran quarterback with fewer live action reps this season.

That wasn’t the case.

Payton Thorne came in and completed his first 11 passes and moved the ball consistently against the Buckeyes. He was in a great rhythm and even showed the ability to run the ball.

Rocky finished the day just 5-for-11 with 33 yards and an interception while Thorne was much more effective, totaling 147 passing yards and 42 rushing yards with a touchdown.

While the season is just about over (likely just two games left), Michigan State needs to go with the redshirt freshman. The offense just runs smoother with him in the game and when he’s confident, there aren’t many throws he can’t make.

It’s time to turn to Thorne for good.

Home/Spartans Football