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So much can change from week-to-week, and that is especially true with Michigan State football.
Coming off an upset of then-undefeated Northwestern, the Spartans were dismantled by short-handed No. 4 Ohio State on Saturday, 52-12. There were many to blame for this blowout loss, and that included the offense led by Rocky Lombardi — who generated only one first down and 51 total yards on seven drives before Lombardi was knocked out of the game after suffering an apparent head injury.
After last week’s upset victory of highly-ranked Northwestern, I felt Lombardi had earned the starting quarterback spot throughout the rest of this season and heading into the off-season. However, that statement is already being challenged by another struggling performance and injury for Lombardi, combined with some positive results from redshirt freshman Payton Thorne.
So it appears the quarterback situation at Michigan State remains uncertain for yet another week. This is something that has become the norm this season.
As a whole, the Spartans have failed to show consistency from week-to-week this year and the quarterback position has definitely been part of that struggle. Lombardi has put together some really solid performances, including playing a key role in each of the Spartans’ upset victories this year. However, stringing together consistent game-to-game efforts has been a problem for the junior signal-caller.
Thorne has shown some flashes in his brief game experience this season, with Saturday being his best performance yet. Thorne completed 16-of-25 passing attempts for 147 yards and one interception. He was also able to utilize his running ability with 42 yards and one touchdown.
Outside of the stats, the offense seemed to just jell and play more efficiently with Thorne at quarterback. He doesn’t appear to possess the same deep ball threat as Lombardi, but he was able to take what the defense gave him and move the ball down the field with more ease against Ohio State.
“Payton (Thorne) did some good things, obviously we’re able to move the ball, whatever sustained drives consistently, but we weren’t able to move the ball as spurts,” head coach Mel Tucker said during his post-game press conference. “So, we need to be able to build on those things that we did well, just like every week. Spurts are not going to get it. You can’t play in sections, can’t play in spurts. You got to be consistent in performance and it’s not just up to one guy.”
With the severity of Lombardi’s injury and his status unknown — Tucker didn’t confirm any details on his injury — this could be the opportunity for Thorne to get a test run as the starting quarterback position. The coaching staff has road with Lombardi all season so I wouldn’t be surprised if no change occurs, but an injury preventing Lombardi from playing could be all that Thorne needs to showcase why he should be the starter.
MSU has only two games left on the season — a road trip to Penn State next week and a crossover game against a Big Ten West opponent on Dec. 19. These on paper are going to be two winnable games, and opportunities for the Spartans to grow. If there’s any chance Lombardi isn’t at full strength, then it’s time to give Thorne an audition at quarterback.
I said last week Lombardi earned the right to be the starter moving forward, but if he’s hurt then it’s time to give Thorne his chance. Like Lombardi, he has also earned that opportunity through his play this year so let’s give Thorne a chance to show us what he brings to the table long term.
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