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Michigan State Football: Report card for first half of 2017 season

By Connor Muldowney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans recovers a fumble as quarterback Conor Rhoda #15 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles him during the first quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans recovers a fumble as quarterback Conor Rhoda #15 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles him during the first quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball against Adekunle Ayinde #4 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball against Adekunle Ayinde #4 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

RB. Michigan State. RUNNING BACKS. C+.

What’s a Michigan State football team without an elite run game? Well, it happens to be a 5-1 squad bordering on bowl eligibility. Through six games, this run game has been average, at best. Fortunately, it seems to be trending in an upward direction after a big showing against Minnesota on the road in Week 7.

The Spartans rattled off 245 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per touch vs. Minnesota, and that was with a negative-28 yard fumble (which counted as a rush) by Jake Hartbarger in the first quarter. The line seemed to open lanes successfully and the backs found them.

Let’s start with LJ Scott’s season. After struggling with fumble issues through five games, he put together a 194-yard performance against the Gophers in Week 7. He added two touchdowns on 25 carries and broke career-bests. He did fumble, but it might be a sign he’s turned the corner. He has been quite average this season with his 4.9 yards per carry.

Madre London seems to have eased into the No. 2 running back role. He has 54 carries for 229 yards and two touchdowns this season, averaging just 4.2 yards per touch, but not quitting on his runs. He seems to make the most of each carry, even if it looks to be blown up in the backfield.

Lastly, Gerald Holmes has been quiet. He is a senior leader, but might in place mostly for moral support as he has the least carries of the three backs. He has just 38 touches for 132 yards, averaging 3.5 per carry.

Overall, this group needs more consistency. Scott and Co. showed that patience is key and could lead to a much higher grade by season’s end.

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