Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from huge win at Rutgers in Week 6

Oct 9, 2021; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) runs the ball ahead of Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Christian Izien (0) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 9, 2021; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) moves out to pass during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Payton Thorne has some elite weapons

Watching Payton Thorne utilize all of his weapons is a sight to behold. He looked really good all game long, was making strong throws and he might have one of the best deep balls in the country.

It’s hard to believe that Pro Football Focus ranked him the No. 53 quarterback in the country. He looked like one of the nation’s top quarterbacks and potentially second-best in the Big Ten behind CJ Stroud on Saturday afternoon, throwing for over 300 yards for a second straight game and adding three touchdowns to his total.

He did throw an “interception” but I’m going to say it has an asterisk next to it because, well, the ground helped the defender make the catch.

All season long, his connection with Jayden Reed has been elite, but over the past two weeks, he’s developed strong connections with Tre Mosley and Jalen Nailor. He has some elite weapons and we’re seeing how dangerous they can be with this offense rolling.

Thorne had another career day, passing for 339 and three touchdowns and Nailor had five catches for 221 yards and three scores.

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