Air Force vs Michigan State: 5 players who earned a game ball

Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) turns the corner on the Western Michigan Broncos defense prior to a game at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

After an absurdly quiet start to the season, junior slot receiver R.J. Shelton really turned on the jets in week three’s win over Air Force. It seemed like he finally got back to his old self and looked more comfortable catching passes in the open field rather than only getting used for reverses and screen passes.

Must Read: Air Force vs Michigan State: What worked/didn’t work for the Spartans

Shelton caught a season-high five passes for 68 yards and even added an eight-yard rush. He ran crisper routes and really looked like that threat in the passing game that Mark Dantonio and Connor Cook hopes he would be with more of an opportunity to shine this year.

There was really no clear No. 2 receiver in this game against Air Force besides Shelton because of the injury to Macgarrett Kings that knocked him out early in the game. Kings is back this week, so it will be interesting to see if Shelton can repeat his performance against Air Force.

On the season, Shelton only has nine catches for 80 yards and no scores, but after a confidence-building game like this one, I expect those numbers to rise steadily by the week.

Shelton could be the Spartans’ not-so-secret weapon moving forward.

Next: 2. Connor Cook, QB