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Michigan State’s Bowl Hopes Fading After Loss To Maryland

By Colton Wesley

Oct 22, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) tackled after gaining yards on a run against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) tackled after gaining yards on a run against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins running back Kenneth Goins (30) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins running back Kenneth Goins (30) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

Spartans face uphill battle for bowl eligibility

It would have seemed ridiculous when the season started, but Michigan State is on a five-game losing streak, including all four of their conference games so far, and is in serious danger of not automatically qualifying for a postseason bowl game with six wins. Technically, a 5-7 Michigan State team could be invited to a bowl, especially if more than two Big Ten teams get New Year’s Six bids, but in order to guarantee a spot in a bowl game the Spartans would have to win at least four of their last five games, and with #2 Ohio State and #3 Michigan coming to East Lansing in the next month, not to mention a season finale trip to giant-killing Penn State, Michigan State has its work cut out for it if they want to play a game in December.

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Lewerke unimpressive in second start, Hills efficient for Terrapins

After stating earlier this week that his starting quarterback would be a “game-time decision“, head coach Mark Dantonio opted to start redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke over fifth-year senior Tyler O’Connor for the second week in a row despite pulling Lewerke from last week’s 54-40 loss to Northwestern. Lewerke completed only 11 of 24 passes for 156 yards and a first quarter interception against Maryland on Saturday in his first full game and also carried the ball ten times for 79 yards. Seven of those completions were to R.J. Shelton, who finished with 79 receiving yards.

Lewerke’s counterpart at quarterback for the Terrapins, senior Perry Hills, was effective but not flashy, completing 21 of 28 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns while leading his team to a win.

Both teams excellent in ground game

Michigan State’s ground game was significantly more effective than its passing game, led by L.J. Scott with 128 yards on 20 carries, including a 48-yard touchdown run. Gerald Holmes was also effective, carrying 13 times for 59 yards and a score.

While the Spartans were efficient on the ground, the Terrapins were dominant. Both Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison finished with over 100 rushing yards, Johnson rushing for 115 yards on nine carries and Harrison carrying 17 times for 105 yards and a touchdown. Kenneth Goins Jr. also carried four times, gaining 23 yards and a touchdown.

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