Jay Johnson has helped transform Michigan State’s offense into one of
the best in the Big Ten and the FBS. Last year, the Spartans ranked
109th in total offense (330.3 ypg), 116th in scoring offense (18.0) and
122nd in rushing offense (91.4 ypg). This year, MSU ranks 26th in
scoring offense (34.6), 23rd in total offense (449.6) and 27th in
rushing offense (197.8).
MSU has the leading rusher in the FBS, Kenneth
Walker III, who is averaging 147.3 ypg. Johnson also coaches the quarterbacks, and Payton Thorne, who is in his first year as the starting QB, ranks second in the Big Ten and 21st in the nation in passing efficiency (158.6 rating). Thorne has thrown 21 touchdown passes in 10 games, second in the league and 18th in the FBS.