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Michigan State Football: 5 reasons LJ Scott could be Big Ten’s best RB in 2017

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 12: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans tries to run past defensive lineman Darnell Davis #59 and linebacker Trevor Morris #15 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during a college football game at Spartan Stadium on November 12, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 12: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans tries to run past defensive lineman Darnell Davis #59 and linebacker Trevor Morris #15 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during a college football game at Spartan Stadium on November 12, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

1. Played behind a mediocre offensive line in 2016

How many running backs in the Big Ten could average 5.4 yards per carry behind an offensive line that was arguably the worst in the conference? The answer: not many. Saquon Barkley’s offensive line wasn’t great during his freshman season and he put up crazy numbers, but it’s slowly improving so it’s tough to tell if he could have done what Scott did behind that MSU line in 2016.

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The Spartans’ offensive line was as mediocre as it comes in 2016 and Tyler O’Connor, Damion Terry and Brian Lewerke can attest to that. They were constantly sent running for their lives while the running backs were forced to make something out of nothing on almost every play.

Toward the end of the season, the line started to play better as younger players were given a chance in the trenches. Guys like Cole Chewins, Tyler Higby and recently-departed Thiyo Lukusa played well and opened up some running lanes for Scott.

However, the line will be much better in 2017 and if Scott can average 5.4 yards per carry behind the 2016 version of the Spartans’ offensive line, just imagine what he will do behind a much-improved unit.

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I wouldn’t be shocked to see his yards per carry approach 6.0 nor would I be surprised to see him approach 1,500-plus yards and 10-plus touchdowns. Do you think he could be the Big Ten’s best running back in 2017?

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