Michigan State football: 3 things to work on before facing No. 6 Michigan

1. Consistency

This might seem like a lot to ask out of a first-year quarterback and youngish Michigan State football team, but this is the next level we’ve been talking about.

Payton Thorne, for the most part, has been incredible. In one play, he showed off incredible athleticism as he made a double-coverage catch while managing to somehow stay inbounds. The drive led to a 12-yard touchdown pass, putting Michigan State up 17-9.

In the preseason, expectations for the Spartans were that they would go 6-6. Mel Tucker explained that “long gone” are the days of waiting for a 3-4 year rebuild. He’s getting started right away and the Spartans have a good chance to go 9-3.

The schedule so far has been kind to Michigan State. They’ve faced a dwindling ranked opponent in Miami. Teams like Indiana have not had the same luck. Indiana has played Iowa, Penn State, Cincinnati, and Michigan State. All games against ranked opponents. All losses.

The Spartans could lead a 10-2 season, but it will take some changes, specifically in performance. They’ll need a win against Michigan, Penn State, or Ohio State.

Thorne has had some great games, with his best coming against Rutgers. He was able to see schemes before they develop. He really excelled with his pocket presence, but there’s a pattern of great-game, average-game, poor-game. He’s mixing it up. Some more of great-game would be preferable.

The same could be said for other players on this team. Jayden Reed has been exceptional all year, but he ended up dropping a breakaway pass that would’ve given Michigan State yet another explosive touchdown play.

The offensive line did not show up against Indiana, especially in the first half.

Yes, Indiana is a good opponent, and much better than their record shows. It’s still hard to see this team as anything but a 9-3 football team. Michigan State is going to need to clean up their penalties, run a more efficient game, and play better on a weekly basis if they want to exceed their goals this season.