Michigan State Football: 3 hot takes from impressive Miami win

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Sep 18, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) drops back before attempting a pass during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Payton Thorne is MSU’s best quarterback since Connor Cook

This might open some eyes because everyone who knows me knows how much I liked Brian Lewerke as a quarterback and his one healthy year in 2017 was special and he had an opportunity to become the best quarterback since Connor Cook and even approach some of his numbers, but his struggles in 2018 and slight bounce-back in 2019 weren’t enough.

But Payton Thorne looks to be right on track to becoming the best quarterback since Cook who helped lead Michigan State to its best stretch in decades which included a Rose Bowl win, Cotton Bowl victory, and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Is it too early to make this claim? Probably, but that’s exactly why it’s a hot take.

Thorne has been fantastic through two games, passing for 726 yards and nine touchdowns with a completion rate of 62 percent. He also threw four touchdown passes for a second straight game which is only the second time in school history a quarterback has done that — the first was accomplished by Cook.

Michigan State is in good hands moving forward and it looks like Mel Tucker made the right choice for his starter.

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