Michigan State vs Western Michigan: 5 things to watch for

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Delton Williams runs the ball during the 1st half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

3. Successful run game

There are some new faces in the backfield, including first-year starter and redshirt freshman Madre London who Mark Dantonio named the No. 1 running back just a week ago.

Must Read: College Football Playoff preview from MSU perspective

Besides London, there’s sophomore Gerald Holmes, true freshman L.J. Scott and junior Delton Williams who will all be carrying the load for the rushing attack. It will be interesting to see if the run game is as successful as it was with Jeremy Langford leading the way.

London will start the game with Holmes and Scott likely splitting duties and the future for Williams has yet to be decided as Dantonio is pondering whether or not to redshirt the junior who’s playing without a scholarship this season.

It seems like there’s a ton of talent and depth at this position, which there is, as all four guys could easily win the starting job or even be first-stringers on most of the other Big Ten squads.

With an average, at best, Western defense on the other side of the ball, the Spartans will look to set the tone early and run the ball down the throats of the Broncos. Pound green pound will be in full force and London will break out early as a star.

Next: 2. Emergence of Montae