Lewerke-To-Davis Connection Blossoming For Michigan State In First Half Vs. Iowa
Coming off of a game where Michigan State did themselves in against Notre Dame with turnovers, the Spartans have taken care of the ball through 30 minutes to lead the Iowa Hawkeyes 17-7.
Michigan State's offense has found a lot of success throwing the ball and Spartan fans are seeing a chemistry grow between Brian Lewerke and Felton Davis III.
Lewerke's statline in the first half reads 10-17 for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
Davis' statline in the first half has him with seven receptions on 10 targets for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
Davis accounts for 70% of Lewerke's completions and 84% of the yards gained through the air. Plus the only touchdown strikes of the half were to Davis. Lewerke had eyes for Davis late in the half to try and connect for a third touchdown as well.
Davis has also set a career high for receptions in a game through the first half alone.
The Lewerke to Davis connection has been waiting to explode for some time now. After leading the team in targets in week one against Bowling Green, Davis has consistently been the leading receiver or yards away from it in previous games against Notre Dame and Western Michigan.
Coming into the Iowa game Davis trailed Darrell Stewart by three receptions and 17 yards overall. Davis had caught more touchdowns than Stewart and his lead has grown even more after the first half.
Michigan State's ball security woes also seemed to be cured as less players touch the ball through pass game distribution and backfield touches. Only seven different players have rushed or caught the ball in this game so far. Darrell Stewart registers in both categories as does Matt Sokol, though his only rush was a four yard loss where he dropped the handoff. Michigan State did recover the football.
The message is clear so far, if Dantonio calls a play for you in this game, he trusts you with the football
A clean half turnover wise, and a 10 point lead in to the locker room in the Big Ten opener. It is a welcome sight for Michigan State after where they were this time last week, but the Spartans need to keep their foot on the gas. Iowa has a +26 point differential in the 4th quarter this season.