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Michigan State Football: Report card for tight win over Indiana in Week 7

By Connor Muldowney

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 16: Members of the Michigan State Spartans defense celebrate with Cal Haladay #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after an interception returned for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers at Indiana University on October 16, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 16: Members of the Michigan State Spartans defense celebrate with Cal Haladay #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after an interception returned for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers at Indiana University on October 16, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Oct 16, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) attempts to keep the ball away from Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Bryant Fitzgerald (31) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Spartans win 20-15. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) attempts to keep the ball away from Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Bryant Fitzgerald (31) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Spartans win 20-15. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Payton Thorne: C

I’m so used to seeing Payton Thorne play nearly flawless football that Saturday’s shaky performance nearly left me in shock.

We knew coming in that Indiana had a solid defense as the Hoosiers held Desmon Ridder, Bailey Zappe, and Sean Clifford to their season-lows in passing yards and now we can say that they did the same with Thorne. He finished with just 126 yards and a touchdown, finishing the day just 14-of-26 through the air. He just didn’t look like himself.

Was it because he was feeling pressure throughout the game? That had something to do with it. Was it because his receivers were dropping a lot of passes? That was also a factor. But his confidence throughout the game was waning.

On the road when the run game isn’t working, Thorne needs to step up and put the offense on his back. He didn’t do that and it nearly costed the Spartans.

I will say, he did make some big-time throws to Jayden Reed in the second half and also grabbed a big reception on a trick play, but that only gives him a boost to a C instead of a C-.

Thorne will be much better moving forward.

Next. 3 takeaways from MSU's tight win at Indiana. dark

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