Michigan State Football: 5 breakout candidates vs. Michigan in Week 6
By Stephen Robb
![EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by defensive back Amani Hooker #27 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by defensive back Amani Hooker #27 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/db97fb98b9a799ae83a889dbde788cfc34d4fe89d20b4e144baa1bda0a8c1adb.jpg)
This is a huge game for Michigan State and it will need all of its playmakers to step up. It’s time for LJ Scott to join everyone else in the 2017 season. He has had a rough go of it early on with fumbles in the end zone (Notre Dame) to a fumble at the goal line against Bowling Green.
This is the type of game that he has traditionally shined in. He performed well against Ohio State last season as well as in the Big Ten Championship of 2015.
In order for the Spartans to have any running game, then Scott will need to be “the guy.” The other two running backs, Madre London and Gerald Holmes, have had their moments but neither has seized the opportunity that was placed before them. Some of that is due to an ineffective offensive line.
However, the running back’s job is also to hit the opening by going downhill. Look for Scott to be involved heavily in the running and passing game.