Payton Thorne admits health has not been 100% during Michigan State's losing streak
Payton Thorne admitted this week that he’s been playing at less than 100% for most of the season. Still, the junior quarterback isn’t letting that be a crutch to Michigan State’s poor offensive showing 6 weeks into the season.
Outside of Kenneth Walker III, Thorne was MSU’s top offensive option last season on its way to an 11-2 record. This season, Thorne has been limited as a runner due to injuries, thus factoring into the Spartans’ 4-game losing streak.
“My body hasn’t been necessarily 100% since Week 1, so my running has not been the same as it always is, unfortunately,” Thorne said, via Chris Solari of the Detriot Free Press. “I’m working my best to get back to that point. I have a few different things going on right now that don’t allow me really to run full speed, which is tough. But there’s times and places where I do have to run.”
Michigan State football's Payton Thorne: No excuses, but QB admits he's hurting. “My body hasn't been necessarily 100% since Week 1, so my running has not been the same as it always is.” https://t.co/a4eTfmm8mO
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 11, 2022
Last season, Thorne rushed for 177 yards off 72 carries and totaled 4 rushing touchdowns. This season, he’s managed to rush for 22 yards off 32 carries.
Not all the blame can be put on Thorne’s shoulders. Last season, the Spartans’ offensive line allowed just 21 sacks in 13 games. This season, Thorne has already been sacked 10 times for a loss of minus 81 yards at the season’s midpoint.
As a passer, Thorne has been far from picturesque. Through 6 games, he’s completing 63.9 percent of his throws for 1,234 yards and 9 touchdowns against 7 interceptions. Last week in the Spartans’ 49-20 loss to No. 3 Ohio State, sophomore Noah Kim played the final 4 drives, going 6-of-10 passing for 82 yards and a touchdown.
The Spartans will look to pick up their first conference win on Saturday against Wisconsin at home.