Michigan State vs Rutgers: Report card for the Spartans

Oct 10, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Darnell Davis Jr. (59) brings down Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) during the third quarter at High Points Solutions Stadium. Michigan State Spartans defeats Rutgers Scarlet Knights 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Running backs: B

It’s hard to really blame the lack of success on the ground all game long to the backs as they were facing a defense that had been blitzing nonstop and plugging gaps much in the way Air Force did a few weeks before.

When you sit down and really look at the stats, the only running back who really struggled in the game was Madre London who was getting the bulk of carries all game before a devastating injury that looked to be serious as he was unable to put any weight on his leg, being helped off the field.

London finished with 27 yards on 15 carries, but ran hard all game long and picked up what he could with an offensive line struggling to really get a read on the Rutgers’ blitz scheme.

As for the other two running backs — well, three now that Delton Williams’ redshirt was burned — they played very well. Gerald Holmes continues to make the best of his opportunities, rushing for 37 yards on five carries. Williams finished with just six yards on two carries after London’s injury.

The real hero of the game, yet again, had to be L.J. Scott. The true freshman was an absolute star for the Spartans, coming into the game late after not playing for the better part of three quarters with an apparent leg injury, and picking up 42 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

Next: Receivers