Michigan State football: Pros of Katin Houser and Noah Kim as QB1

The quarterback battle is still ongoing, but here are the pros and cons of Michigan State football picking either option.

The Michigan State football quarterback battle doesn’t look to be over yet so what are the pros of each guy as QB1?

Before I dive into this highly-controversial topic, I want to be clear about my intentions with this article. It all stems from where I think, and want this quarterback battle — and really the entire 2023 season — to go. I don’t know anything, and just like the rest of us, I need the Michigan State football season to start more than anything.

There are so many reasons to be excited about the talent all across this roster, and in many cases, the talent runs deep at each position. I don’t want this to be another typical quarterback battle article, that gets lost in all of the opinions being shared. I’m not going to try and dissect the limited highlight tape on social media, or the rumors or reports from fall camp. I’m trying to come at this from several angles, explain my thoughts, and let any reader decide for themselves what they want, or think.

I will be happy, and fully support any of the three (2) quarterbacks who are fighting for the spot, and I think we, as fans, have a lot to look forward to either way.

The last thing I want to preface before diving in is that I would bet we see both Katin Houser and Noah Kim for at least CMU, if not Richmond as well. You don’t have much to lose, and the real-game situation might be what separates the two. Also, I would like to believe that the games are out of reach, so much so, that you can experiment before Washington in Week 3.

Why Katin Houser

If I were to guess, through the film, background, recruiting, and word of mouth, whether that be a player, coach, or reporter, I would say that Houser is the more naturally talented quarterback in a battle between Kim and Houser. Sam Leavitt may not be as far behind as one might think, but right now it’s safe to assume he isn’t ready quite yet. Not to take away from Kim’s talent level, I believe it’s still high, and should not be overlooked.

My take is that Houser might win you more games with his passing ability and the “it” factor we are all so excited about. But with this, he might also lose you a game. Whether that’s a late pick or a slightly mismanaged game.

Obviously, football isn’t won or lost by one player or one coach, but the quarterback has more effect on the game by himself, by way of having the ball in his hands every offensive snap. Katin is a quarterback who, since the Elite 11 finals during his senior year of high school, has had his talent well-advertised. I think an under-appreciated aspect of Katin is going to be his IQ and preparedness. An incredibly mature, and willing-to-learn quarterback who, by all accounts, has acclimated to this level quickly.

One thing that I think gives Katin my vote, is that he sets up the future of the position well. He’s a testament to Mel Tucker and Jay Johnson’s talent evaluation at quarterback, and ability to develop a passer as well. He’s a guy you can use as an example to future recruits at the position and a player that, I think, can help the program continue to grow. The story would be awesome, and I think we are all ready for Mel and Jay to have their guy under center.

Why Noah Kim

With all the praise towards Houser, Kim deserves equal praise.

Still a really talented player, with a bit more mobility to his game, Kim is just 25-35 pounds smaller, per the size chart the program recently released. Kim has more game experience, technically, and has been in the program for more time.

My take on Kim is that he’s the safe choice. He’s more of the game manager, like Payton Thorne. Maybe he won’t go out and win you any games with the “X” factor, as I mentioned with Houser, but he also might not lose you many games. No game-ending picks, no learning curve with the playbook, or adjustment to the system or guys around him. He’s had some experience with this offensive line and has had more of an opportunity to learn more of what being a quarterback at this level requires.

But these pros towards Kim shouldn’t take away from Houser’s well-reported intelligence, and willingness to learn the position. Just as my comments about Houser’s talent level shouldn’t take away from the reality that Kim is a naturally-gifted quarterback as well.

In conclusion

What does all of this mean? Well, I think it means that there isn’t much separation. These guys’ strengths aren’t exclusive to themselves. This is why I’m emphasizing that whoever we see under center for the first snap of the season should get our full support, and be taken with a grain of salt. I’m going to be all in on either of these guys, and I’m expecting the position to be much better than in 2022.

Does Kim give a team in “win now” mode a higher floor? Maybe. Does Houser raise the ceiling of not only this team but 2024’s team? Maybe. Does Kim give you a game manager, while Houser gives you more buzz at the position being the highly-touted recruit? I tend to lean towards the younger guy being my pick for quarterback but I can go back and forth with myself every day on the topic.

I’ll leave you with a note.

The past, and most prominent Michigan State football quarterback competitions that I can remember had Thorne beating out an older Anthony Russo, Connor Cook beating out an older Andrew Maxwell, and Kirk Cousins beating out an older Keith Nichol. How did that all end? Just a Peach Bowl, a historically great stretch of seasons with a Rose Bowl that year, and Cousins ending up as a franchise quarterback in the NFL.

Lastly, although I think this program is in win-now mode, and maybe Kim is a safer choice, I also think that you need to figure out how to win now, and make a bowl game no matter who trots out as as QB1 in 2023.