Michigan State vs Oregon: 5 players to watch

Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Madre London (28) runs the ball against the Western Michigan Broncos prior to a game at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

In his first career start as the Spartans’ running back, redshirt freshman Madre London surprised some folks. No, people didn’t expect him to play terribly, but not many saw him having as much success, and looking like a seasoned vet, as he did.

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London, along with true freshman L.J. Scott and sophomore Gerald Holmes, looked like a solid option at running back and losing Jeremy Langford didn’t hurt as much as people had anticipated.

During that start against Western Michigan in the season opener, the first-year player notched two touchdowns on the ground as well as 59 yards rushing. He only averaged 4.5 yards per touch, but that number would have been much better had it not been for a 57-yard TD on the opening drive of the game called back due to holding.

Dantonio believes in the young running backs enough to allow a redshirt freshman to start and a true freshman to finish out the contest.

Michigan State has been known for its run game over the past eight-plus years as guys like Javon Ringer, Edwin Baker, Le’Veon Bell and Jeremy Langford have all come through the program to make it to the NFL.

Expect London to join that list and the hype will begin after a big game at home against Oregon.

Next: 3. Kani Benoit