Michigan State football: Give me Katin Houser at QB this fall

Michigan State football will have one of the more interesting quarterback battles this offseason but give me Katin Houser.

Basketball season is over, which means it’s time to talk Michigan State football.

With the spring game looming, and the season seemingly in sight, we’re here to push all the agendas, spread all the rumors, and overreact to the hottest new press conference drops.

Luckily, our beat reporters are asking all of the right questions. What I’m here to focus on, is the quarterback battle. The hottest topic this season, not named The Big House tunnel, was the quarterback position. Payton Thorne had an above average 2021 season, but fell short of a lot of expectations in 2022. Whatever you think of the position, I’m here to tell you that it’s going to be an apparently open competition, which can only be a good thing.

During Tuesday morning’s press conference with Jay Johnson, Matt Charboneau with The Detroit News reported that, according to the offensive coordinator, Payton Thorne, Noah Kim, and Katin Houser are getting “close to equal reps so far.”

The OC/QB Coach also noted that Houser made a “big step on Saturday” referencing MSU’s scrimmage.

Although there is no timetable for when a starter will be announced, at face value its anyone’s job.

MSU OC/QB coach Jay Johnson meeting with media. Says Thorne, Kim, Houser getting close to equal reps so far. On Houser after Saturday's scrimmage: "I felt like he took a big step on Saturday."

— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) March 28, 2023

Similarly to Mel Tucker’s first season where we saw Rocky Lombardi get the nod at quarterback, Thorne obviously has the experience and chemistry built up with the offense and coaching staff.

But don’t write that off as an easy decision.

Videos of Houser throwing to Keon Coleman and other receivers surfaced this offseason, which created a buzz that social media was all over.

Keon Coleman and Katin Houser starting to form a strong connection on the field #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/DDeyNImgig

— MSU Chief of Propaganda (@OdellBretthamJr) January 31, 2023

On the “SD4L Show” with Matt Sheehan and Justin Thind, Houser spoke about several things. One that stuck out to me was the growth that has already taken place for him. Houser seems like a smart kid, who gets what it takes to be mentally and physically prepared at this level, as he states, “I feel like this time around, I know what I need to do to put myself in position to get on the field and play.” 

People also forget that before the 2021 season, there was an open quarterback battle between Temple transfer Anthony Russo and Payton Thorne. I’m choosing to believe that this means the staff is open to change, but also aware of the talent Houser has.

I’m not say that if Houser wins the job he will be a finalist for Big Ten quarterback of the year, and I’m not even saying he is a lock to win the job this season.

If Thorne wins it, and is truly the best option for 2023, we’re going to have to live with it and trust the staff’s decision. It will probably have more to do with knowledge of the playbook, and experience at this level, than talent. Plus, Thorne was above average in 2021, and comments have been made about his health in 2022 hampering him. We have seen signs of him being a serviceable quarterback, and if we need one more year to bridge Houser into the system slowly, then so be it, but only as long as they are competent offensively.

Quarterback competitions will only force the hand of one of the three to come out on top. It creates healthy competition in the room and can only motivate guys to be better. 

My prediction and hope is that we see Houser start Week 1 against Central Michigan, and the staff never look back. Growing pains could be present, but I don’t think there is a Big Ten quarterback of the year on the roster (right now). I do think if Houser wins the job, he keeps it.

I could also see this article going in the “Freezing Cold Takes” HOF and Noah Kim trotting out with the offense for the first snap of the 2023 season.

Either way, this feels like a good way to welcome back, Michigan State football. We missed you.