Michigan State Football: 3 things we learned vs. Maryland

Here are three things we learned from Michigan State football’s Week 8 loss to the Maryland Terrapins.

It was yet another tough week for Michigan State football. It seems like there are no easy weeks for this team as it has now lost five games in a row. In fact, the Spartans haven’t won since Week 3 against a mediocre Notre Dame team.

Mark Dantonio feels bad for his upperclassmen, and for good reason. This team might miss a bowl game for the first time in his tenure and it’s not for lack of talent. However, it seems like a lack of effort is doing this team in, along with mental errors. The loss to Maryland hurt, but it’s time to move on and learn from it.

Here are the five the three major things we learned from Michigan State football’s loss:

1. Brian Lewerke is the future

Sure, Lewerke completed under 50 percent of his throws, but that’s because he was constantly running for his life and throwing the ball away while under pressure. He did have a poor interception throw, but other than that he looked great. He can run, pass and he is an improving decision-maker. This kid is getting better by the week and he needs to remain the starter from here on out.

2. LJ Scott is the top running back

I don’t care what anyone else says about the backfield, LJ Scott is the top dog. Gerald Holmes is a more than capable backup and he should be splitting carries 65/35 or 70/30, but the bulk of the touches need to go to Scott. After two games in a row in which he had three carries in each, Scott broke out with 20 carries for 128 yards and a touchdown. He is back and needs to be treated like the No. 1 guy in the backfield.

3. Time to go with the young guys

After eight weeks of mediocrity, it’s time for Michigan State to stick with some of the younger guys and give the upperclassmen time off. Demetrious Cox struggled yet again and Khari Willis played very well in the secondary. Justin Layne got beat a couple of times, but he’s getting better at cornerback. Joe Bachie played at linebacker in place of Riley Bullough and looked solid.

The young guys are the future of this program and it’s safe to say that the future is very bright. Get these guys the experience they need now in order to build for 2017 and beyond.