Michigan Football: 3 Michigan State players to watch against Wolverines

Payton Thorne

Walker is the main attraction and everyone knows that, but Michigan State isn’t just about running the football and Thorne has put up some really stellar numbers.

He is completing 61 percent of his passes this season and has thrown 15 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions. Yet, in three of four Big Ten games, he has thrown for less than 200 yards, although one game was a blowout.

Where he really excels is in the play-action passing game. The Spartans have two really good receivers in Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor. They have combined for 11 touchdown receptions this season and both average more than 19 yards per reception.

The Wolverines have to focus on Walker first because if he’s successful, it’s going to be much easier for Thorne to be able to hit those guys deep.

But this Michigan State passing attack has the ability to be explosive and that’s just as worrisome as Walker, who is also a home-run threat just about every time he touches the ball.