WATCH: MSU Football QB Payton Thorne tosses 3 touchdowns in first half vs. Penn State

So I guess Payton Thorne is the guy for this program.

MSU Football came into their game against Penn State for the Land Grant Trophy as sizable underdogs. Michigan State QB Payton Thorne had other ideas.

Despite throwing one pick, Thorne was an absolute powerhouse in the first half, throwing 3 touchdowns to put the Spartans up 21-10 at the half. This performance might have just settled the long-standing quarterback battle in East Lansing. Thorne has looked so good that he should probably start game one next year.

Below, you’ll find each of his three touchdowns:

Here is his first (of two) to Jalen Nailor:

DEEP ball touchdown from @payton15thorne to @SpeedyNailor! 🎯@MSU_Football takes the lead. pic.twitter.com/B902lYU1XQ

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 12, 2020

Here is his second of the day, which went to Tre’Von Morgan for his first career catch and touchdown catch:

Tre'Von Morgan's first career catch is a double-coverage TD. 😱

Congrats to the @MSU_Football WR! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/W9hJWOOmuf

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 12, 2020

And here is his second to Jalen Nailor, completing the hat trick:

It's Payton Thorne szn. 🔥

That's his third touchdown of the quarter and second to @SpeedyNailor.@MSU_Football | @payton15thorne pic.twitter.com/O2bIqjRQuW

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 12, 2020