PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Rocky Lombardi burst on to the scene last week in the victory over Purdue by throwing for 318 yards and two touchdowns. The redshirt freshman was not perfect in his first career start but he provided a spark to the offense that has been missing much of the season. He has a strong arm and runs like a big back, which endears him to teammates but could leave him vulnerable. But with junior Brian Lewerke likely out with a shoulder injury, it’s Lombardi’s job for now.
–WR Darrell Stewart Jr. has become Michigan State’s most reliable receiver and will be a favorite of Lombardi considering senior receiver Felton Davis is done for the year with a ruptured Achilles and sophomore Cody White has missed the last four games with a broken hand. Stewart has always been a tough receiver who isn’t afraid to go over the middle and he connected with Lombardi for his first touchdown of the season last week. Expect more of the same as the two continue to play together.
–CB Justin Layne is quickly becoming one of the top corners in the Big Ten while adding some work on the offensive side of the ball, as well. The junior regularly covers the other team’s top receiver and with the injuries MSU has had at receiver, he’s played there the last two weeks, as well, getting his first reception against Purdue. Originally recruited as a receiver, it’s been a smooth transition for Layne, who should continue seeing time on both sides of the ball even as Michigan State gets some players back on offense.
–LB Tyriq Thompson has quietly had a solid season for the Spartans. The junior has started all but one game on the outside and has 18 tackles while he’s recovered a pair of fumbles and has an interception. That interception came last week when he jarred the ball loose from Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins this grabbed the ball before it hit the ground. He’s not piling up some of the stats of his fellow linebackers, but Thompson has been as steady as anyone on the Spartans’ defense.
SERIES HISTORY: Michigan State leads Maryland 7-2. The Spartans won the last meeting, 17-7, in East Lansing last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “As far as the air guitar, I thought it was a nice dance and everything, but it again set us back and put us inside the 10. But you know, he had good rhythm.” — Coach Mark Dantonio on Thompson’s celebration after the interception that resulted in a penalty.
