As we all know the 2018 season was less than ideal for the Michigan State Spartans. They finished 7-6 and had an offense that resembled one of a high school team. Injuries plagued the offense. At points it seemed as if every wide receiver was hit by an injury. Along with the wide receivers the quarterbacks were also banged up. Especially Michigan State’s Brian Lewerke, who was coming off a great 2017 campaign.
2017 Lewerke
Coming into the 2017 season the Spartans had a first year starter at the quarterback position. Michigan State’s Brian Lewerke was tossed into the starting role after the team could only win a measly 3 games the year prior. Lewerke had the pressure put on him to lead the team. Frankly, I don’t believe anyone knew what was going to happen that 2017 season, but Lewerke stood up to the challenge. The sophomore QB threw for 2,793 yards on 59% completion percentage. He added 20 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions. Along with his passing stats he also impressed on the ground. He was second on the team in rushing with 559 yards and 5 touchdowns. Lewerke helped lead the team to a 10-3 record and a bowl win over Washington State. At the end of the season Spartan fans couldn’t wait to see what Lewerke could do the upcoming year.
2018 Lewerke
Brian Lewerke had a very up and down year in 2018, along with the whole offensive side of the ball. To make matter worse, midway through the year he was sidelined due to an injury to his right shoulder. Which threw backup Rocky Lombardi into the starting job. Once there Rocky could never really find his footing. Though this wasn’t all his fault. The whole offense was a dumpster fire. Which led to Lewerke playing partially hurt and flip flopping between him and Rocky. Lewerke’s stats declined due to his injury and splitting time with another QB. He threw for 2,040 yards on 54.3% completion percentage. He tossed for only 8 touchdowns and threw 11 interceptions. The 2019 season will be huge for Lewerke who insists that he is ready to go.
Which Lewerke will we see?
Now I want to start this off by saying I believe in Lewerke. He has all the talent in the world. With the coaching staff changes this offseason, hopefully he can find his inner 2017 self. When healthy, Lewerke is a dynamic dual threat quarterback. We can only hope that new OC Brad Salem isn’t as in love with the short side option play as Dave Warner was. If Lewerke can get and open pocket he can make the throws and also can use the whole field to get yards on the ground. Again, I am a fan of Lewerke and I want to see him shine this year. If the injury bug stays away from him, watch out because he will be on a mission to prove that he can lead this team to another bowl win.
