EAST LANSING — Boos cascaded from the stands the last time Michigan State football played at Spartan Stadium.
Fans directed their ire at every facet of what they saw. At a defense that couldn’t get stops. At an offense that couldn’t move the ball. And toward a player who, a year ago, seemingly did little wrong in leading the Spartans to a surprising 11-2 record and a comeback Peach Bowl victory.
The criticism of Payton Thorne grew after the Spartans' 34-7 loss to Minnesota on Sept. 24. It grew further following MSU’s 27-13 loss last week at Maryland, in which the offense again sputtered in the second half.