EAST LANSING – Brian Lewerke took a shotgun snap and looked to his right, then to the left.

With pressure in his face, the Michigan State fifth-year senior quarterback stood in the pocket to hit receiver Cody White for an 11-yard touchdown.

It was a critical score for the No. 25 Spartans (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) just before halftime and they pulled away in the second half for a 31-10 win at Northwestern last week. It was also a play Lewerke was unable to make the second half of last season while playing injured, although that’s now in the past. He threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns in a turnover-free outing last week against the Wildcats.

“It was average,” Lewerke said of his performance after the game.

That comment says plenty about Lewerke’s play so far as the fifth-year senior has quietly put together a strong start this season while moving forward from a difficult 2018 campaign. For starters, he isn’t being asked anymore about the injured throwing shoulder he played through the second half of last year. That’s an obvious plus and his health now shows just how limited he was last year while playing hurt.

After being injured in a win at Penn State last season, Lewerke completed just 43.4 percent of his throws for 113.3 yards per game with no touchdowns and three interceptions in his final four starts, while also not lining up at quarterback in three games. He finished the season with eight touchdown passes and 11 interceptions – quite the difference from a breakout 2017 in which he became the first quarterback in program history to pass for at least 2,500 yards and rush for at least 500 in the same season, while also finishing with 25 total touchdowns.

Lewerke used the offseason to let his shoulder heal, refocused for his final year and has been efficient. He has completed 62.3 percent of his throws (86-for-138) for 1,025 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception.

“You see the experience, you see comfort, on the sideline demeanor, decision making, throwing the ball accurately,” Michigan State offensive coordinator Brad Salem said. “He’s standing in the pocket with confidence and he’s got receivers on the perimeter making plays for him too.”

Michigan State’s offense, which struggled mightily last year, is still looking for consistency this season but Lewerke has found a go-to target. Fifth-year senior receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. has 30 catches for 439 yards and a touchdown and ranks in the top 10 in the nation in receptions and receiving yards per game.

“I’m feeling good,” Lewerke said. “I think I’m doing a good job of getting yards and getting the ball to Darrell. Obviously, he’s the leading Big Ten receiver right now (in receiving yards) so as long as I can keep him No. 1, I’m doing my job right so I’m fine with that.”

Lewerke obviously hasn’t been flawless through the first four games with missed throws, a few questionable decisions and one fumble. However, he has erased any lingering concerns about his ability to rebound from an injury, while also cutting down on turnovers and leading the offense.

“I think our quarterback is playing well,” coach Mark Dantonio said, “and when your quarterback plays well, it always gives you a chance, and he’s playing very well with only one pick.”