Michigan State Football: Report card from upset win over Penn State

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: David Dowell #6 of the Michigan State Spartans runs back a second half interception in front of DeAndre Thompkins #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans jumps past the tackle of Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

. RB. Michigan State. RUNNING BACKS. C

Another week, another underwhelming performance from the running backs. The blame can’t all fall on the backs, though, as the offensive line struggled to open up holes against Penn State’s elite defensive front-seven.

LJ Scott finished with a game-high 43 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, which obviously wasn’t his best performance of the year, but he did reach the end zone more than Saquon Barkley. He also added four catches for nine yards and an impressive hurdle in the first half.

It’s looking more likely that Scott returns for his senior year to try and build his draft stock back up behind a more experienced offensive line in 2018.

Gerald Holmes also received some carries, but only totaled six yards on three touches. The senior has been a non-factor this season, which is somewhat of a surprise. The run game was expected to carry the offense, but it’s been the opposite lately.

The offense needs more pitches to the longer side of the field — no more short-side stretches and pitches. Heck, more options would work, too.

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