Michigan State Football: What worked and what didn’t against Purdue

Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Madre London (28) is tripped up by Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Danny Ezechukwu (36) and linebacker Ja

Running Backs

Michigan State was able to establish the running game in a way it hadn’t all season long. Freshman LJ Scott was the star, running for 146 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns. Madre London was just three yards shy of eclipsing the century mark, as well. Last week’s hero, Gerald Holmes, didn’t record a carry.

Purdue had at least nine men in the box all game, but the MSU running backs were able to make that one guy miss or run through the one tackle to turn three-yard runs into eight-yard runs. This was a true “Pound Green Pound” game.

What went well: LJ Scott has some wiggle

Through the first four games, LJ Scott showcased incredible balance, very good power and good vision. In this game, Scott showed off his moves, as well. It was a clear sign of a running back gaining more confidence. It seems that Scott may have moved up to that No. 1 spot many were hoping he would claim.

What didn’t: Third down runs 

Okay this might be nitpicking a bit since the run game was so effective against Purdue, but there were three third down runs late in the first half and in the second half that MSU was not able to convert.

London was stopped for no gain on third-and-one on a play that basically ended the first half with the Spartans looking like they might be able to seal the game. Scott was stopped for a one-yard gain on third-and-three which eventually led to Jake Hartbarger’s fumble and Purdue’s first touchdown. And then London went for 2 yards on a third and six, which led to a missed field goal attempt.

To be fair, London gained a first down on the previous run, but R.J. Shelton lined up incorrectly and the play was nullified with a penalty.

Next: Wide Receivers