Michigan State fans are ready to bench Payton Thorne in a hurry
By Mark Powell
![Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10): (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports) Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10): (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/660609a2e25f1b871a223e8389966e9df7153b7120dd3670788bf5f9e42d3f56.jpg)
Michigan State Spartans fans are ready to bench Payton Thorne and more in the Peach Bowl. It’s been a tough start for Thorne.
It’s a Peach Bowl performance to forget for Thorne — or at least that’s how the Spartans quarterback has played thus far.
Michigan State had to rely heavily on their passing game, which goes against the very nature of their offense. Kenneth Walker III is an NFL-caliber running back, and because of that opted not to play in Michigan State’s bowl game in Atlanta. In similar fashion to Pitt Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett, he will prepare for the NFL.
Walker III is projected to be one of the top running backs taken, which could mean a Day 2 selection.
Michigan State football: Could Spartans bench Payton Thorne?
An actual benching is unlikely, as the Spartans need to rely on a player like Thorne without Walker III in the starting lineup. Thorne is a very capable passer and should only grow from this, even in his struggles.
On the season, Thorne entered the game at near 3,000 yards passing, and 24 touchdowns to go with nine interceptions.
Something just has looked off with Thorne
— Gavin: Jake Rogers #1 fan (@Lions_superbowl) December 31, 2021
Payton Thorne … may be the worst quarterback for the entire bowl season; and keep in mind, #Iowa’s in the Citrus Bowl. #PeachBowl
— Jay Clemons (@ByJayClemons) December 31, 2021
Seriously, is something wrong with Payton Thorne? Everything is under thrown or a straight miss.
— Benjamin Miller (@MillerBenjaminA) December 31, 2021
Payton Thorne has had a really rough game
— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) December 31, 2021
Apparently Kenneth Walker III also masked Payton Thorne.
— Detroit Jock City (@DetroitJockCity) December 31, 2021
Can Payton Thorne throw a deep ball in stride instead of a underthrown or back shoulder throw????
— JuJu (@JuJu_Da_Gamer) December 31, 2021
Payton Thorne... currently not it.
— Alex Reno (@alex_reno) December 31, 2021
Payton Thorne is not a dual threat qb , stop running him like he is .
— coach parker (@CoachParker420) December 31, 2021
payton thorne without kenneth walker: pic.twitter.com/iKX0yXlBw0
— 𝔒 (@o2nine_) December 31, 2021
There were many, many more.
Thorne has the potential to be a capable player. He’s only a sophomore, so Thorne has plenty of time to become a pro-level passer.
For now, though, he’ll have to learn the wrath of Spartan Nation. It’s not a fun place to be.
Next. 25 best college football stadiums to watch a game. dark
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.