Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State's 30-27 win at Minnesota

Graham Couch
Lansing State Journal
Michigan State junior running back LJ Scott averaged nearly 8 yards per carry Saturday. His late fumble, though, was a reminder of why it's hard to completely trust him.

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts in the wake of Michigan State’s 30-27 win Saturday night at Minnesota. 

1. In one night, we saw the immense promise and dangerous inexperience of Brian Lewerke

Michigan State’s sophomore quarterback made a couple NFL throws during Saturday night’s win over the Gophers. One stands out in particular — a 21-yard pass to Felton Davis in the second quarter on third-and-12. Lewerke rolled to the right and flung it to Davis downfield in stride. It’s what separates him from most QBs who can run, that he is first a passer. He’s also a young passer, and it showed Saturday. At least three times he either stared down his receiver or missed a defensive back closing in from elsewhere on the play. Only once did it result in an interception. It easily could have been three INTs and, perhaps, a different outcome.

Lewerke, I believe, will be a big-time college quarterback in time and eventually an NFL prospect. He’s going to be a redshirt sophomore the rest of this season. So there are few more “Yikes” throws ahead — likely followed shortly thereafter by one that makes you go, “Oh.”

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2. LJ Scott reminded us how good he is and why it’s hard to trust him

Scott is a thoroughbred when he’s running downhill. He’s just different than most other running backs. He reminded us of this Saturday night, running with patience, vision and speed. He was smooth and subtle changing direction in traffic. And then he fumbled, the ball poked out just after taking a handoff early in the fourth quarter, his fourth fumble of the season. It led to Minnesota’s first touchdown. MSU went back to Scott after that and he was special again. I think MSU has to keep running him. The Spartans’ chance to compete with the best of the Big Ten includes having Scott in the backfield. But that fumble, man, it’s reason to hold your breath every time he carries it. 

3. Minnesota’s offense is bad, but MSU’s defense didn’t give the Gophers hope

The Gophers’ offense reminded me a ton of the Spartans’ 2012 attack — a severely limited passing game, an offensive line that can’t get enough push to do much for a couple of good rushers, a lot of third-and-6s. It’s hard stuff to watch. But, for the most part, MSU’s defense did a nice job of making sure Minnesota didn’t find any confidence Saturday night (even if things got a little dicey late).

Until late, all of the Gophers’ offense came when their offense had a short field after an MSU turnover. Twice in those situations, the Spartans held the Gophers to field goals. There were some shaky moments late. And this MSU defense will face tougher tests soon. Maybe against Indiana. Probably at Northwestern. For sure when Penn State visits. But through the midpoint of the season, this is a good defense — often disruptive, fairly sound in all phases, usually confident. I don’t think anyone saw that coming. It’s allowed this team to be 5-1 and 3-0 in the Big Ten, which no one predicted.