Michigan State Football: What worked/didn’t work against Rutgers

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

The running back group had stayed away from the injury bug until last week. Then we didn’t see L.J. Scott in the first half with some kind of minor injury. It looked MSU would keep him out the entire game until Madre London went down with a much more serious injury. London was unable to put any weight on his right leg as he left the game.

Subsequently, Delton Williams was activated for the first time all year, effectively ending his redshirt season. It’s doubtful Coach D would burn Williams’ redshirt if London was going to come back very quickly.

What went well: LJ Scott to the rescue

Gerald Holmes was splitting duties with London early in the game and looked quite good. But when the game was on the line, the coaches turned to Scott. Scott seems to have that “it” factor and it was on display on the game-winning touchdown drive.

"Back on top! LJ Scott scores from three yards out to give @MSU_Football the late lead. http://t.co/lj90BehHUd — Michigan St. on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) October 11, 2015"

 What didn’t: Losing Madre London

Every week in this space, the “What didn’t” go well category includes a major injury to some position group. This week, it’s the running backs.

With Scott, Holmes, and Williams behind London, it’s not the most devastating injury, but we have seen how these things can quickly spiral out of control. Additionally, London was first-string for a reason.

Next: Wide Receivers