Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from win over Michigan

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) carries the ball between Michigan Wolverines linebacker Joe Bolden (35) and Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Willie Henry (69) during the 1st quarter of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

4. Run game needs work

Playing this week without Madre London was already going to be a tough task for the run game, but when you throw in an offensive line without unquestioned leader Jack Allen, you have a team that will likely struggle to open holes against one of college football’s stingiest run defenses.

Michigan State was out-gained 62-58 in the run game, marking only the fourth time in the last 46 meetings between these two teams that the team with less rushing yards actually won the game.

True freshman L.J. Scott got his first career start for the Spartans and he only finished with eight carries on the day, but he scored on 25 percent of his touches. Scott finished with just 16 rushing yards, but it was clear that there was no running room all game long for Michigan State, leading Mark Dantonio to believe he’d have to get it done through the air — which he did.

Gerald Holmes was the team’s leading rusher with 33 yards on eight carries while Delton Williams added 15 yards on the ground, also with eight touches.

The longest run of the day happened to be an 11-yard touchdown scamper for Scott which broke Michigan’s scoreless streak in the second quarter — the Wolverines had not allowed a score of any kind since Sept. 19.

Hopefully London can make a return soon as well as Jack Allen so this run game can get back on track. This is the second time this year in which the backs have struggled to get anything going — the first was Air Force.

Next: 3. Aaron Burbridge is the real deal