Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from meltdown loss to Penn State

Dec 12, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) makes a catch and runs the ball in the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 12, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) drops back in the pocket during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Payton Thorne is the future

If there was any doubt about the quarterback position heading into Saturday’s game, that may have been silenced with the play of Payton Thorne.

The redshirt freshman caught fire after throwing a pick on his first pass attempt and starting 0-for-2 through the air as he completed his next 12 passes and threw three touchdown passes in the second quarter. He struggled a bit in the third and fourth quarters as his protection collapsed on him and receivers weren’t getting open, but he made throws all game long.

Although the second half was a disaster, that was mostly a defensive issue and the offensive line not giving him much time as he was always running for his life.

Thorne finished the day with 325 yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-39 passing and he really settled down after throwing a pick on his first pass.

The future is clearly in the hands — and arm — or Thorne.

Next. MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for December. dark

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