Rocky Lombardi knew early in the week.
Even if everyone following Michigan State football was left in the dark when it comes to who would be the starting quarterback when the Spartans kicked off the season against Rutgers, the fourth-year junior got the nod that he was, indeed, Michigan State’s starter.
After two years as Brian Lewerke’s backup, including the 2018 season when Lombardi started three times, it was finally Lombardi’s job.
His numbers were solid, too: 31-for-43 passing for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
But there were two interceptions — though one might not have been his fault and the other was late in the game with the outcome decided — and, of course, the fact Michigan State lost, 38-27.