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Here’s what Mel Tucker said after Michigan State’s spring game
By Paul Harvey
Published:
After a disappointing debut season in East Lansing, Mel Tucker and the Spartans are putting in work for an improved 2021 performance.
In 2020, Tucker and company were able to pull off upsets of in-state rival Michigan and Northwestern. Unfortunately, those were the only positive results as Michigan State finished 2-5 with blowout losses throughout the shortened schedule.
One issue plaguing the Spartans was a stagnant offense that was defined by inconsistent quarterback play and an inability to run the ball effectively. Quarterbacks Rocky Lombardi and Payton Thorne split time with the duo combining for a 54.5% completion percentage on the year. On the ground, Michigan State averaged less than 92 yards per game and just 2.7 yards per carry with three running backs splitting the load.
Following Michigan State’s spring game, one position that Tucker felt a lot better about looking forward to the fall is the quarterback room. Lombardi has since transferred out of East Lansing, but the Spartans were able to bring in Anthony Russo out of Temple via the transfer portal.
Russo threw for over 6,000 yards in three seasons with the Owls. Combined with Thorne, that is a group that Tucker is pleased with in regards to competition and talent heading toward the season.
Here’s everything Tucker had to say as the Spartans wrapped up their spring period:
Mel Tucker beaming and says it was “incredible” to have fans in stands for spring game.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 24, 2021
Mel Tucker said he liked the way the QBs played. "I feel good about that position."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 24, 2021
Tucker on QBs: “You could see we have really good competition at that position.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 24, 2021
Tucker on the QB play today: "I thought they all showed some good things, they made some good throws, made some good decisions."
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) April 24, 2021
Tucker said he had no updates for the offensive linemen who were out today
— Colton Pouncy 🌴 (@colton_pouncy) April 24, 2021
Tucker says he doesn’t have any information on guys who were out, “but we might have something for you down the road.” https://t.co/SZpO3oxyuf
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 24, 2021
Tucker on RB Kenneth Walker III: "He's a complete player. I think you could see that today. … great addition to our football team."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 24, 2021
Tucker said after finals, players will have about 3 weeks, then start the summer program.
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) April 24, 2021
Tucker: “We made the most of the 15 practices we had.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 24, 2021
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.