SPARTANS

MSU's Brian Lewerke starts vs. Maryland

Matt Charboneau
The Detroit News
Brian Lewerke throws a pass against Maryland as Gerald Holmes blocks in the first half.

College Park, Md. – Redshirt freshman quarterback Brian Lewerke will start his second straight game for Michigan State on Saturday night at Maryland.

Lewerke started last week against Northwestern and will do so again as the Spartans hope to end a four-game skid against the Terrapins. Fifth-year senior Tyler O’Connor, who started the first five games and relieved Lewerke last week, has been dealing with an ankle injury.

“He’s dressing but I don’t think he’s healthy,” Spartan Sports Network analyst Jason Strayhorn said on the pregame show. “Damion Terry, I think, will play, too.”

Only Lewerke and O’Connor were listed as co-No. 1 on the depth chart this week, but quarterbacks coach Brad Salem indicated earlier in the week that Terry remained in the hunt to see some playing time.

“He had a great week of throwing the football last week but he’s in the mix, too,” Salem said. “We’ve got to look at all three as we’re doing it this week, and who gives us the best chance.”

Michigan State was also without sophomore linebacker Byron Bullough and fifth-year senior defensive end Evan Jones, both out with undisclosed injuries. Junior linebacker Jon Reschke (ankle), who hasn’t played since week three, is out with an ankle injury while defensive back Drake Martinez (undisclosed) and offensive lineman David Beedle (knee) are also out.