There has been a lot of accountability surrounding the Michigan State football program after last weekend’s disappointing loss to Washington on the road.
The latest pair of Spartans to face the media and review the performance were offensive coordinator Jay Johnson and Payton Thorne on Tuesday.
You can check out their thoughts on the game below.
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Johnson notices lack of 'complimentary football'
MSU offensive coordinator Jay Johnson says the film showed him "the lack of complementary football." Points to defense getting goal-line stand and offense having just one-play drives after (safety, interception).
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 20, 2022
Johnson on running game
Johnson: "We pride ourselves in running the football, and we didn't do it."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 20, 2022
Johnson on Payton Thorne
Johnson says he thought QB Payton Thorne "played his ass off. He kept competing." Said his interceptions this season have been from "trying to do too much."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 20, 2022
Johnson on transfer TE Daniel Barker
Johnson says TE Daniel Barker has a good skillset, has been growing every week and expects that to continue.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) September 20, 2022
Johnson on Elijah Collins
Johnson says he gives a lot of credit to RB Elijah Collins. "We just felt comfortable" to give him opportunities late vs. Washington and sees potential for him to get more chances moving forward.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 20, 2022
Johnson on absence of Jayden Reed
Johnson says missing Jayden Reed – "a pretty dynamic individual" – affects playcalling somewhat. Changes "some focal points."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 20, 2022
Johnson on Keon Coleman
Johnson says Keon Coleman has grown a lot and is playing physical with his body and hands.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) September 20, 2022
Thorne on missing Reed
Thorne on not having WR Jayden Reed: "Not having him out there sucks, but it's my job to play with the guys that we have. And so I feel like we have good players, no matter who's out there."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 20, 2022
Thorne: 'It's not time to freak out'
Thorne: "It's just getting back to what we do. It's not time to freak out and to go try change everything."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 20, 2022
Thorne on the offensive line
Thorne says the offensive line is often thrown under the bus and takes heat that isn't deserved.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) September 20, 2022
