Payton Thorne
FILE - Ohio State quarterback Jack Miller throws on the sideline during an NCAA college spring football game in Columbus, Ohio, in this Saturday, April 17, 2021, file photo. With two-time Big Ten player of the year Justin Fields departing for the NFL, returning backups C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller III and five-star January enrollee Kyle McCord took the snaps in spring practice. Stroud was believed to be the front-runner entering the spring, but coach Ryan Day said a starter might not be determined until the week of the Sept. 2 opener at Minnesota.(AP Photo/Paul Vernon, File)
Ohio State among 5 Big Ten teams auditioning quarterbacks

By Eric Olson Apr. 26, 2021 03:46 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2020, file photo, Temple quarterback Anthony Russo looks for a receiver during an NCAA college football game against Navy in Annapolis, Md. Michigan State still has uncertainty at quarterback, and coach Mel Tucker is in no rush to clarify it. Russo, a transfer from Temple, joins the mix this offseason, and Payton Thorne is back after playing four games as a redshirt freshman. (AP Photo/Gail Burton, File)
MSU's competition between Russo, Thorne just getting started

By Noah Trister Apr. 24, 2021 02:35 AM EDT

FILE - Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald walks on the field during the fourth quarter of the team's NCAA college football game against Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich., in this Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, file photo. Pat Fitzgerald figures he'll add a few more gray hairs by the time No. 15 Northwestern steps on the field to face No. 3 Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday, Dec. 19. Then again, if Northwestern wins? “Not gonna lie to you, it would be a helluva ride home on I-65,” Fitzgerald said. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
Big Ten Champions Week has game for title and 4 on undercard

By Eric Olson Dec. 17, 2020 01:44 AM EST

Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) celebrates his touchdown reception with teammates during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Michigan State at Penn State 12/12/2020

Dec. 12, 2020 01:47 PM EST

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford reacts after a touchdown against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. Penn St. won 23-7. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Penn State, Michigan State close out tough regular seasons

By Travis Johnson Dec. 10, 2020 05:12 PM EST

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker is shown against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
No. 3 Ohio State has no problem with Spartans in 52-12 win

By Noah Trister Dec. 05, 2020 04:01 PM EST

Ohio State's Master Teague III rushes against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Ohio State at Michigan State 12/5/2020

Dec. 05, 2020 02:55 PM EST

Northwestern quarterback Peyton Ramsey throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. Northwestern won 17-7. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
No. 11 Northwestern brings unbeaten mark to MSU matchup

By The Associated Press Nov. 27, 2020 01:47 PM EST

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald talks to players on the bench during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Unbeaten Northwestern rolls into matchup with Michigan State

By Noah Trister Nov. 27, 2020 01:41 PM EST

Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) throws a pass over Iowa defensive end Joe Evans (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 49-7. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Uncertainty returns to Michigan State's QB situation

By Noah Trister Nov. 17, 2020 06:02 PM EST

Indiana tight end Peyton Hendershot (86) jumps over Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Penix, Fryfogle, No. 10 Indiana blank Michigan State 24-0

By Noah Trister Nov. 14, 2020 03:28 PM EST

Indiana tight end Peyton Hendershot (86), defended by Michigan State cornerback Angelo Grose makes a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Indiana at Michigan State 11/14/2020

Nov. 14, 2020 01:49 PM EST

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 file photo, Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) throws a pass in front of Nebraska linebacker Dedrick Young II (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. Mel Tucker's success in his first season as Michigan State's coach may be determined in large part by who is playing quarterback. Lombardi made three starts at quarterback in 2018 as a redshirt freshman, and he threw for 173 yards and a touchdown in a win over Rutgers that year. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)
Tucker still mum on QB as Michigan State opener approaches

By Noah Trister Oct. 20, 2020 09:00 PM EDT

Temple's Ray Davis carries the ball against Navy during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Temple at Navy 10/10/2020

Oct. 10, 2020 07:47 PM EDT

Wake Forest, Michigan State set for chilly Pinstripe Bowl

By Dan Gelston Dec. 26, 2019 02:24 PM EST
Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson attended the same college as members of the Steinbrenner family and even got to meet "The Boss." That would be, of course,...