Flawed but effective, Hoyer shows maturity

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Brian Hoyer isn't perfect. And he's not afraid to admit it, either.

But when there's a play to be made, Michigan State's resilient quarterback is eager for the chance to make it.

"That's something we've preached about for a long time is handling those ups and downs, handling the good and the bad, handling the adversity," Hoyer said.

On MSU's second play from scrimmage Saturday against Notre Dame, Hoyer fumbled a snap on the Spartans' 8-yard line. The Fighting Irish recovered for a first-and-goal, then powered the ball into the end zone for their first offensive touchdown of the season.

"We go out and fumble the snap on the second play, and you just can't let it affect you," Hoyer said. "I put those seven points on me. That has nothing to do with our defense. You put the defense in a tough situation - that goes on me."

But Hoyer - who finished 11-of-24 for 135 yards, a career-high four touchdowns and an one interception - looked forward to the opportunity to redeem himself.

On the Spartans' second possession, he led them downfield on an eight-play, 67-yard drive that ended with a 7-yard touchdown strike to junior receiver Devin Thomas.

"We bounced back," Hoyer said. "We came out and marched right down the field and scored a touchdown and really set the tone."

While Hoyer had some struggles, he also showed the ability to deliver in pressure situations.

"Well, I thought he stayed the course," MSU offensive coordinator Don Treadwell said. "I mean, it's a testament to him. I know that we maybe didn't pass for a lot of yards. But I tell you what - when we needed the throw to be there, it was on the money."

With MSU holding a 17-14 lead in the third quarter and facing a third-and-17, Hoyer threw a perfect pass to Thomas for 19 yards. Hoyer later showed his emerging veteran savvy on MSU's 'fumblerooski' - a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Davis on fourth-and-2.

"That's something we have in our trick book, but we've been waiting to run it," Hoyer said, "And I think that was the perfect time to run it."

"Brian's an excellent quarterback," MSU coach Mark Dantonio said. "He's got vision, he's got good presence in the huddle, and he makes good decisions at the line."

Treadwell said Hoyer is showing the talent and dedication necessary to play winning football and lead the team.

"He's like an extension of the coaching staff on the field, and that's what you want," Treadwell said. "And then he speaks to the team and he leads by example, but they also respect him in his command."

While it wasn't flawless, Hoyer said he's happy with his performance.

"Anytime you can throw four touchdown passes, you gotta be pretty pleased," he said. "It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."