Michigan State Football: Positional report card from Iowa victory

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Chris Frey #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after recovering a fumble by wide receiver Brandon Smith of the Iowa Hawkeyes and returning it 11 yards during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Iowa 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 09: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks past linebacker Caleb Bailey #8 of the Western Michigan Broncos for a touchdown during the second half at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

D+. . RB. Michigan State. RUNNING BACKS

Whether this was on the play-calling, the offensive line not opening holes or just not running with a purpose, Michigan State’s running backs looked as mediocre as they have in years under Mark Dantonio. No one could find any running room, and that led to one of the worst offensive outputs from the backfield since Dantonio took over in 2007.

The “pound, green, pound” adage didn’t quite come into play in this one as the Spartans attempted to gain some yards on the ground, but instead got sent backward by Iowa’s strong front-seven. The defensive line for the Hawkeyes won the battle in the trenches during run plays.

LJ Scott carried the ball 14 times for just 28 yards, Gerald Holmes had four carries for eight yards and Madre London ran six times for four yards. That’s not the type of production you want to see from your backs with 24 carries — 40 yards.

When the quarterback is constantly leading the team in rushing, there’s something to be said about the backfield needing major fixes. Scott, Holmes and London need some help from that offensive line, but far too often Saturday, they ran timidly.

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