Big Ten championships were more dream than expectation.

But following back-to-back 11-win seasons, the climate in East Lansing has changed, and the junior quarterback recognizes that patience is no longer in ample supply.

“I’ve always said I don’t want to be the piece of the puzzle that holds this back,” Maxwell said.
“I don’t want to be the piece of the puzzle that we have to wait on to be pumping on all cylinders to go. I don’t think I have been.”

Through three games, Maxwell has completed 57 percent of his passes for 710 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions, while the offense has averaged a little more than 20 points per game.

Yet in dealing with public criticism, the junior quarterback said he’s spoken to friends, family and former MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins, and said he’s grown accustomed to the rigors of playing quarterback at a high-end college football program.

“The quarterback is the face of the offense, (and) like it or not, more times than not, it’s the face of the team. In good times and bad, I’m the guy that is going to have to answer questions for the offense and the team,” he said.

“Whether it’s from Kirk, coaches or family, the term ‘thick skin’ has been thrown around since I’ve been playing quarterback.”

In addition to being the one to stand up and represent the team as its quarterback and captain, Maxwell also has made sure to help a young receiving corps maintain confidence through early growing pains.

The receivers were credited with seven dropped passes in the Spartans’ 20-3 loss to No. 11 Notre Dame last weekend, and Maxwell said he’s in constant communication with the group to make sure they’re on the same page.

“(From) the plays that I’ve seen them make (and) the talent that I know they have, I know the fire and desire they have to be the best players possible,” Maxwell said. “If they make a mistake (or) aren’t making a play, I know what’s going on inside of their head. They’re a lot like me: (when) I make a mistake, I’m my own toughest critic. They’re the same way.”

So, as Maxwell and his receivers get set to play Eastern Michigan (0-3) on Saturday at Spartan Stadium, the junior quarterback said the offense is hoping to regain its rhythm this week.

“We just want to get back on track as an offense,” he said.

“We don’t want to have any hangover this week in practice. … We want to come out on fire, come out with enthusiasm (and) have our best week of preparation yet and carry that over to the game.”