Payton Thorne: Michigan State had ‘opportunity in adversity’ with road upset of Illinois

Payton Thorne knows things haven’t been easy for Michigan state the past few weeks. That continued again in Week 10 with some especially windy conditions on the road against Illinois in Week 10.

After the game, Thorne addressed the adversity facing the program. He revealed his dad reminded him there’s “opportunity” in the adversity that’s presented, something Thorne is trying to take to heart this season.

MSU QB Payton Thorne: “It’s a good feeling. We talked about it during the week. I remember my dad telling me there’s a lot of opportunity in adversity. We had a lot of adversity this weeks.” Says the Spartans “played their butts off.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 5, 2022

As for the conditions on the field, Thorne did not undersell what it was like playing in Champaign. Like much of the B1G, Illinois received some heavy winds throughout the day.

According to Thorne, it was one of the toughest environments he ever experienced for throwing the ball.

Thorne on the wind today: “That was probably the toughest conditions I’ve ever had to throw in.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 5, 2022

All things considered, Thorne handled the conditions very well. He completed 19-of-29 passes for 2 touchdowns. He did have an interception but that came on the very first play of the game.

Paul Harvey

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.