Oregon Football: Ducks edge Michigan State in Redbox Bowl

2. Brian Lewerke solid in his return at quarterback for Michigan State

After being knocked out of the Ohio State game back in the second weekend of November, Brian Lewerke had not seen the field in the final two regular-season games for the Spartans. Michigan State was forced to turn to Rocky Lombardi, who completed only 34 of his 84 attempts in his first two starts.

Once it became aware that Lewerke was healthy enough to return to the field, Mark Dantonio and his staff made the decision to go with the redshirt junior in the Redbox Bowl. It was a wise move, as Lewerke did an admirable job leading the Michigan State offense on a day when both defenses were playing solid football.

The Spartans starter went 21-of-39 for 174 yards, throwing an interception along the way but also adding 63 rushing yards. Where Lewerke fell short, though, was in putting points on the scoreboard as the Ducks kept Michigan State out of the endzone.

It was ultimately a losing effort, but Lewerke’s impressive comeback game should give Michigan State fans plenty of hope entering 2019. His return to East Lansing next year will make the Spartans a dark-horse to keep an eye on in the Big Ten East next season.