Incumbent Andrew Maxwell named Michigan State's starting QB

Andrew Maxwell will try and rebound from a difficult 2012 season. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Andrew Maxwell has won Michigan State's starting quarterback competition, a position he struggled in last season.

Maxwell beat three players out for the job. The fifth-year senior started every game in 2012 as the Spartans limped to a 7-6 record. Tasked with succeeding Kirk Cousins, Maxwell completed 53 percent of his passes for 2,606 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against TCU, Maxwell was pulled after going 6-for-15 with 28 yards. Then-freshman Connor Cook took over in the third quarter and led a touchdown drive. The Spartans won, 17-16.

Unsatisfied, head coach Mark Dantonio declared it an open competition in fall camp. In the end, Maxwell's knowledge of the offense gave him the edge, Dantonio said.