Michigan State football stock watch following Western Michigan win

Stock down: Payton Thorne

I know, it was one game. I promise I am not trying to parrot the Michigan fans everyone saw on Twitter Friday night. That being said, Payton Thorne did not look great on Friday.

He finished the game only completing half of his passes as well as taking a sack. Of those completions, however, one-third (4-of-12) went for touchdowns. Thorne’s throw to Coleman was one of his best of the night, along with a touchdown pass to Daniel Barker being very noteworthy in the highlight department.

Thorne was among the Spartans who got injured Friday, taking a hard hit and immediately cramping after (according to his post-game press conference), which could have affected his rhythm. Thorne’s worst play of the night was his interception, by far. The one reliable factor in his play last year was his ability to not make the ‘dumb’ play. Thorne lets the play develop and takes what the defense gives him. On this play, the defense gave him a first down run, but Thorne got greedy. He saw Germie Bernard with a step on a receiver and tried to lead the receiver, but the ball hung.

While not an issue in a 22-point victory, these are plays that need to be eliminated before Washington, Minnesota, or any of our Big Ten opponents, really. Thorne also overthrew multiple receivers on go routes where they had a step on their coverage.

After a record-setting year, Thorne had a good game statistically. In reality, it was very inconsistent, and I hope for a better outing on Saturday. Thorne did not play amazing in the opener last season as well, so hopefully, he has eased into the season again and stands out in a few weeks.

I truly believe that Thorne can break out this year. He has all the tools to do so. After seeing how Cade McNamara performed (50 percent completion rate, no touchdowns), the Michigan detractors are hopefully a bit quieter.

Stock analysis

To be determined. This is his second year as a starter, and he should be expected to take a leap. This was not a horrible game for the Naperville product, it just was not the step up. This game does not define a season.