Grading Michigan State’s loss at Penn State
Updated Dec 13, 2020;
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Here are snap-judgment grades for Michigan State in the loss:
Quarterback:
With Rocky Lombardi not in uniform after being injured in last week’s loss against Ohio State, Payton Thorne made his first career start. The redshirt freshman bounced back after throwing an interception on his first pass attempt to complete 11 of 13 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. However, Thorne and the offense couldn’t carry over that success into the second half. He finished 22-for-39 for 325 yards, three scores and a pick while setting program records for the most passing yards in a game by a freshman and the most for a Spartan in their first start. It was only Thorne’s fourth appearance for Michigan State and the first time he entered a game without facing a double-digit deficit. There were mistakes but, overall, he made a case to take over as the starter.