Michigan State football: 4 things to watch for during 2023 spring game

2. Route combinations and QB accuracy

Sticking with the offense, the next thing I’ll be watching is how Jay Johnson alters this passing offense. We all know that statistically, they really took a step back and it will be detrimental to the season if Johnson rolls out the same old “screw it, Keon Coleman’s down there somewhere” routine.

That’s not to say that big plays are meaningless because they are important to keeping the defense honest, but there were several times last year when that was the only play that moved the offense and it’s called a 50/50 ball for a reason, and for half of the possessions if that big play didn’t work, it’s another stalled drive.

There were times when Johnson would call a good play to scheme a receiver open only to have Payton Thorne try to rocket a pass or throw behind a receiver seven yards away.

I’ll also be looking for what quarterback can facilitate the offense better. Deep balls are sexy, but sustainable drives are what really get me hot and bothered.