Michigan State QB Andrew Maxwell emerging as star

(Video courtesy MSUSpartanAthletics)

Michigan State QB Andrew Maxwell isn't managing the offense or taking care of the ball. He's making plays.

"The ultimate thing you have to do as a quarterback is you have to create," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio told the Detroit Free Press. "You have to create with quick decision making. You have to create with a quick throwing motion or with your feet or with your eyes down the field at the end result. But that's what takes you to the next step.

"I think he's coming in that respect. He certainly has confidence, and he's not afraid to step in there and throw under pressure."

Maxwell and the team's young receivers struggled to generate first downs, let alone touchdowns, the first few games. But the unit has been clicking the past few weeks as the junior has a better grasp of the offense. The first-year starter asserted himself completing 24 of 40 passes for a career-high 290 yards with two touchdowns in a come-from-behind, 31-27, win over Indiana last week.

"It doesn't feel overwhelming," Maxwell told the newspaper. "It doesn't feel like I'm out of place. It feels like I'm where I'm supposed to be, and that comes from being comfortable in a system and being comfortable with the guys around me, being comfortable with the coaches.”

Maxwell averages 238 yards per game, second-most in the Big Ten. He also has thrown six touchdown passes against just three interceptions -- with all three coming in the first half against Boise State. The Spartans improved receiving corps has also helped. The unit has more than 20 drops this season, but only had two in the win over the Hoosiers.

“All he can do is his job, and let those receivers know that by still coming to them, he still has confidence in them,” Michigan State quarterbacks coach Dave Warner told The Detroit News. “And that's gonna help those guys get better to the point that we can rely on them more."

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