Michigan State Football: Two unsung heroes from Michigan win

Rocky Lombardi, QB, Junior

Less than three weeks ago, it appeared to be a three-man competition for the starting quarterback position for Michigan State.

Rocky Lombardi emerged as the starter and opener the first game of the season for the Spartans. He did not have a great game against Rutgers as he attributed to multiple turnovers. He fumbled the ball when he was sacked that would eventually result in a Scarlet Knights touchdown and then he threw an interception in Spartan territory later resulting in another Rutgers score.

Late in the game, he threw another costly interception ending any chance of a come from behind victory for Michigan State. On the positive side, he did throw for three touchdowns and 319 yards. He looked to limit the turnovers against Michigan and lead the Spartans to victory.

Lombardi started the game playing very well against the Wolverines. He made his presence known when on the Spartans second offensive drive of the game, he found White on a 30-yard pass for a touchdown.

Even though the national telecast gave White most of the credit for catching the pass which he deserves the recognition for hauling in the pass, Lombardi also should get praise for making the throw for the touchdown that gave the Spartans an early 7-0 lead. He threw another touchdown to give Michigan State a 14-10 halftime lead.

Most importantly and unlike the last game, Lombardi and the Spartans did not commit any turnovers and they controlled the tempo by moving the ball against the Michigan defense.

Early in the second half, Lombardi and Michigan State marched down the field resulting in two field goals in the third quarter. In the fourth, Lombardi showed great leadership and poise leading the offense down the field resulting in his third touchdown pass of the game. It also must be noted that he did not throw any interceptions and did not fumble the ball once.

The Wolverines would score a late touchdown and the Spartans’ hands team recovered the onside kick attempt. Michigan would burn their final timeouts resulting in a fourth down with two yards to go for the Spartans. Lombardi executed a quarterback sneak getting Michigan State a first down and securing the victory.

Lombardi finished the game once again throwing for over 300 yards and he is statistically ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten among quarterbacks.

His passes may not have always looked crisp and perfect but they found their way to the receivers. Even when they weren’t completed, it sometimes resulted in pass interference calls against Wolverine defensive backs.

Lombardi showed that he is more than a game manager against Michigan and he rightfully deserves recognition for his play.