Brian Hoyer is not playing like a quarterback who has only four career starts.
Hoyer, a junior, has been called on to assume the role of Michigan State’s primary signal caller. He replaces departed starter Drew Stanton, who is now playing in the NFL for the Detroit Lions. During his days as Stanton’s understudy, Hoyer came to admire the current Lion's work ethic.
"What I appreciated most about Drew Stanton was the way he attacked everything whether it was in the film room, in the weight room or on the field," Hoyer said in an e-mail. "He always gave 120-percent effort."
Hoyer is definitely a quick study. To date, he has taken the transition in stride, leading the Spartans to a 4-0 record. The perfect start is the first of its kind in Michigan State history under the direction of a first-year head coach, Mike Dantonio.
Hoyer credits his offensive line and stingy defense for his current success. Still, acting as the field general for the Spartans, Hoyer isn’t afraid to take command of his teammates or offer advice.
"Brian is a natural leader by the way he approaches the game, but I have seen him step out of himself by trying to assume a more vocal role," quarterbacks coach Dave Warner said. "He hasn’t hesitated to speak out, encouraging his teammates when necessary, but also getting on them when the situation arises."
Prior to this season, the North Olmsted, Ohio, native appeared in 13 games, throwing six touchdowns and three interceptions, but never was the full-time starter. In last season’s finale, he threw for 291 yards in a 49-14 rout of Penn State.
With the responsibilities of leading the offense all on him, Hoyer came into this season as hungry as ever, literally.
To add muscle and give him extra stability in the pocket, Hoyer put himself on a 6,000–calorie-a-day diet. He tried to eat every two hours, focusing on chowing down chicken, pasta and protein shakes.
The commitment has paid dividends early this season. Through four games, Hoyer has averaged 192.2 passing yards per game to go with seven touchdown passes against three interceptions. His 140.5 passer efficiency rating is good enough to place him fourth in the Big Ten for that category.
"The first thing I noticed right off the bat about Brian Hoyer is that he’s truly a student of the game," Warner said. "As far as his physical attributes, Brian has great arm strength and a quick release. He does a great job throwing the football."
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the junior, as he struggled a bit in MSU's first three games. However, last week against Notre Dame, he opened up the floodgates, throwing for four touchdowns.
With each win, Hoyer becomes more sure of himself, and the surprising Spartans continue to prove they belong.
The Michigan State coaching staff is continually gaining trust in its first-year starter and Warner had more praise for Hoyer this week.
"I’m really impressed with his all-around game: his attitude, his physical abilities and his presence in the huddle," he said.
The coaches confide in their quarterback so much that they reached deep into the playbook and called the infamous "fumblerooski" play on fourth-and-two during the third quarter last week against Notre Dame. Hoyer fumbled the snap on purpose, picked up the ball, and threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kellen Davis.
Following Hoyer’s lead, Michigan State has a No. 23 ranking in the USA Today Coaches poll.
With Wisconsin ranked No. 9 in both the Associated Press and USA Today polls, the stage is set for a major Big Ten showdown between undefeated teams this Saturday.
"We're going to face a tough Wisconsin team in a tough, tough environment," Hoyer said. "We've come off big wins in the past and then flopped the next week; we have to use it as a confidence-builder but stay humble in the same process."