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MSU QB Rocky Lombardi talks rivalry with Michigan: ‘Everybody knows it’s a huge game’
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It’s Rivalry Week, Michigan-Michigan State style.
The Wolverines have topped the Spartans twice in a row in the series, and Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has won three of the last four meetings after losing his debut in 2015 on a bobbled punt snap and Spartan return for a TD.
All-time, the Wolverines have dominated MSU, 71-36-5. This marks the first back-to-back games in Ann Arbor since 1967-68.
The Spartans went with experience at the QB spot to open the season, with redshirt junior Rocky Lombardi taking the snaps in Saturday’s season-opening game against Rutgers in East Lansing.
Lombardi first took the field with Michigan State trailing 7-0 after Rutgers scored on the opening possession of the game. On his first snap, Lombardi completed a pass to Jayden Reed, who fumbled after a 19-yard gain and Rutgers recovered at the Michigan State 44-yard line.
At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, along with his size Lombardi brings some experience to the spot after MSU lost three-year starting quarterback Brian Lewerke to graduation after last season. He has appeared in 16 career games and was 2-1 as a starter in 2018.
The Spartans quarterback had plenty to say about getting ready for the big weekend.
Lombardi on facing U-M: “This is a huge game for us. Everybody knows it’s a huge game for our program.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
Lombardi says Mel Tucker “has been here before. He understands the importance of this rivalry.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
MSU QB Rocky Lombardi says “it’s a little different” preparing for Michigan having an established staff vs. Rutgers’ new staff.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
Lombardi on U-M defense: “They got a really strong front 7.” Says scheming around Hutchison is a key.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
Lombardi said he and Simmons talked to the MSU freshmen Monday about how “this is not just any other game.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 27, 2020
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.