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Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from Northwestern loss in Week 9

By Shawn Ekwall

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Brian Lewerke really grew up on Saturday

Questions were aplenty about whether the sophomore quarterback could lead the Spartans against elite competition. Lewerke entered with modest numbers, but Saturday’s effort was the best of his career.

With Northwestern loading up to stop L.J. Scott and the Spartans run game, Lewerke came through in the passing game. His four touchdowns and 445 yards were career highs. Of his many terrific throws, none were better than his 13-yard touchdown toss to Felton Davis III with 25 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game.

Lewerke looked comfortable in the pocket and made the throws that the Wildcats gave them. Yes, his interception in the end zone on the game’s final play was forced. But he showed great poise to recover the ball after being hit and stripped. His play single-handily gave the Spartans an opportunity to win.

In the overtime periods, Lewerke put the ball on the money in scoring strikes to Davis and Cody White. His confidence was evident, and even though the Spartans ended up on the short end of the scoreboard, head coach Mark Dantonio can feel good about his quarterback play moving forward.

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