Michigan State football: 3 biggest offseason questions facing Mel Tucker’s Spartans

After a 2-5 season in year one, head coach Mel Tucker and Michigan State football have three critical questions to answer this offseason. 

It isn’t easy to evaluate how well head coach Mel Tucker did in year one at Michigan State. First, Tucker was hired very late in the cycle, well after the second signing day. Then, the world stopped because of COVID-19. Tucker’s first interactions with his players were virtual Zoom meetings. The Big Ten then canceled the season and decided to play again.

The Spartans did not have their first practice until August. That is late for offensive coordinator  Jay Johnson and defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton to install their philosophies and game plans. As a result, the Spartans struggled both offensively and defensively. Michigan State was 117th in scoring and 100th scoring defense.

This season, coach Tucker gets an entire offseason (presumably) for him and his staff to install everything and have a better opportunity to evaluate the talent on the field. Last season was the definition of a zero year; this season is a more accurate year one.

Some critical questions need addressing, however.

Michigan State football has more questions than answers

3. Can Anthony Russo stabilize the quarterback position this season?

Temple Transfer quarterback Anthony Russo was the first player the Spartans snagged from the portal this offseason. The expectation is the Doylestown, Pennsylvania native gives Michigan State some much-needed stability at quarterback for one season. Last season’s starter, Rocky Lombardi, transferred to Northern Illinois and Payton Thorne struggled when he played last season.

One could argue that the Spartans have not had consistent quarterback play since the day of Connor Cook. Brian Lewerke was a three-year starter but flashed one season (2017) and was streaky as a passer in addition to having injury issues. Rocky Lombardi was not a fit for Michigan State’s new offensive philosophy and transferred out.

Enter Russo. During his career at Temple, Russo completed just under 60 percent of his passes for 6,287 yards, 44 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. During his career at Temple, Russo did not put the team on his back and win football games. Russo was efficient, so the Owls’ defense and running game to carry the load.

In games where the defense and the run game struggled, the Owls rarely won. What are Russo’s responsibilities in the MSU offense with a shaky offensive line and poor run game? The Spartans are hoping Russo comes in and can be steady this season as Johnson and the offensive staff figure out who the quarterback of the future is.