Andrew Maxwell may have taken just about every snap for Michigan State last year, but the quarterback job for the Spartans in 2013 is apparently far more open than anyone outside (or, potentially, inside) East Lansing could have imagined.
Mark Dantonio said Monday that the QB competition is now a “four-horse” race after freshman Damion Terry emerged from the weekend’s scrimmage with easily the best performance of the group. Terry completed 10-of-14 passes for 240 yards — he ran for another 40 yards as well — and three touchdowns in live situations (meaning he can be hit).
“I don’t care whether he’s a senior, junior, sophomore, redshirt freshman or freshman. That’s the best thing to do,” Dantonio said. “Damion has to prove consistency in performance. The other guys have to move the ball with more consistency, and they’ve got to break away from their own three-man race. Everyone is going to get an opportunity today, and it’s going to be important how they perform.”
For the record, Maxwell was 9-of-19 for 77 yards; Connor Cook was 4-of-9 for 67 yards, a touchdown and a pick; and Tyler O’Connor was 11-of-16 for 102 yards, two scores and an interceptions.
Dantonio said Maxwell is the starter as of right now, but it would seem his grip on the job isn’t completely secure. The Spartans open the season against Western Michigan in just 11 days. And if four quarterbacks are legitimately competing for playing time, we’re hoping Dantonio opts to experiment with the four-quarterback offense against the Broncos (Sparty yes!).
