Brian Lewerke threw a costly pick-six in Michigan State’s loss to Illinois on Saturday and probably should not have been in the game.
The Spartans were up 28-3 in the first half and blew the game, losing 37-34. With his Spartans up 31-24 and under 10 minutes left in the game, Lewerke rushed for three yards on a second down play. He was kneed in the head on the play and a teammate called to the sidelines for a replacement, but his gesture was ignored.
Lewerke is hit in the side of the helmet by defender’s knee and looks dazed. He throws an interception the next play. pic.twitter.com/8qkZVlXXRt
— SpartanCenter (@SpartanCenterig) November 10, 2019
Lewerke remained in the game and threw an interception that was returned 76 yards for a touchdown on the following play, making it 31-30.
Lewerke stayed in the game on the ensuing possession, and the Spartans kicked a field goal to extend their lead to 34-30. They ended up losing 37-34 on an Illini touchdown with five seconds left.
The pick-six seemed to swing the game, and based on the hit to the head Lewerke took, Michigan State should be questioned for leaving him in the game.
