Grading Michigan State's Holiday Bowl win against Washington State

Mark Dantonio

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, center left, holds up the Holiday Bowl trophy with his team after a 42-17 win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in San Diego. (Denis Poroy | AP)

Michigan State grades

By Matt Wenzel | mwenzel2@mlive.com

SAN DIEGO – Michigan State capped a resurgent season with a 42-17 win against Washington State in Thursday’s Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

Here are snap-judgement grades for the No. 16 Spartans (10-3, 7-2 Big Ten), who set a program record for the biggest single-season turnaround at seven victories following a 3-9 record in 2016.

Brian Lewerke

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Washington State on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in San Diego. (Denis Poroy | AP)

Quarterback

Brian Lewerke shook off a few missed throws early – and a punishing hit in the third quarter that briefly sent him to the sideline – with a strong performance. He finished 13-for-21 passing for 213 yards and three touchdowns and had 14 carries for 73 yards to be named the game’s offensive MVP. Grade: A

LJ Scott,Robert Taylor

Michigan State running back LJ Scott (3) looks back at Washington State defensive back Robert Taylor (2) as he scores on a 28-yard touchdown run during second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in San Diego. (Denis Poroy | AP)

Running backs

LJ Scott had one of his best games of the season as he racked up 18 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns to go with two catches for 26 yards. He also announced after the game he will return for his senior season instead of leaving for the NFL. Madre London and Gerald Holmes combined for 10 carries for 19 yards. Grade: A

Cody White

Michigan State wide receiver Cody White (7) celebrates a touchdown catch against Washington State during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in San Diego. (Denis Poroy | AP)

Wide receivers/tight ends

Felton Davis capped a breakout junior season with four catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. Cody White had three receptions for 41 yards and two touchdowns to break the single-season record for receiving yards for a true freshman with 490 on 35 grabs, to go with four touchdowns. Grade: A

Mark Dantonio

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, center, celebrates with his team after their 42-17 win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Offensive line

Michigan State finished with 227 yards rushing – its fourth-highest total of the season – and three touchdowns on the ground. The Spartans averaged 4.7 yards per carry and allowed just one sack against a Washington State team that entered the night averaging 3.0 per game. Redshirt junior starting left guard David Beedle left the game in the first quarter with what appeared to be a right leg/knee injury and didn’t return, but it didn’t prove costly. Grade: A

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