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Mel Tucker, Jay Johnson offer update on Michigan State’s QB battle
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Coming off the bench last season, Michigan State redshirt freshman quarterback Payton Thorne put together some decent numbers. After taking the starting role from Rocky Lombardi for the Penn State game, he threw for three touchdowns and ran up 325 passing yards.
Over the course of four games, Thorne completed 48-of-85 passing attempts for 582 yards, so the natural assumption would be that Thorne would assuming the starting role in 2021.
Well, never assume.
Spartans head coach Mel Tucker has yet to determine his starter for the season opener, as Temple transfer Anthony Russo has been putting pressure on Thorne for the starting role.
Mel Tucker still not giving any hints on the QB race. Still saying it’s tight. Also not saying when the decision will be made
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) August 17, 2021
Russo brings experience to the table, with 26 starts for the Owls. During 31 games behind center, he amassed 6,287 passing yards and threw for 44 touchdowns. But Russo struggles holding on to the ball, having been tagged with 32 interceptions. Russo had thrown for a pick in 26 of the 31 games while with the Owls.
Early reports had indicated just a two-man race for the QB spot, but Tucker has added that he likes what he sees from redshirt freshman Noah Kim as well.
Tucker has given no indication as to when a decision will be made, so we’ll just have to wait and see.
Mel Tucker won’t tip his hand on MSU’s QB battle coming out of Saturday’s scrimmage. Called it a “mixed bag” and said he likes what he’s seen from Noah Kim and Hamp Fay as well.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 17, 2021
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.