Michigan State Football: 5 overreactions from victory over Rutgers

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 25: K.J. Gray #17 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights takes down LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

1. LJ Scott isn’t ready for the NFL

Running the ball consistently hasn’t exactly been in the cards for Michigan State this season which is a bit surprising seeing as that was the only thing that worked last year. LJ Scott finished with 994 yards in 2016 and was poised for a breakout campaign of over 1,000 in 2017.

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Against Rutgers in Week 13, Scott followed up his second 100-yard performance of the season with just 54 yards, which was only third on the team. In fact, Gerald Holmes finished with a team-best 59 yards on 10 carries and Brian Lewerke added 56.

Scott needed 18 carries to reach 54 yards and wasn’t exactly effective on the ground with his longest rush being just nine yards. He looked like he took some steps in the wrong direction after the Maryland performance, but a lot has to do with the play-calling and offensive line not opening holes up the middle.

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Fans have been quick to say he’s not ready for the NFL, but pro scouts know that Scott has the potential to be a strong running back at the next level — they don’t need the production to see that. He will make a decision at the end of the year, but he is an NFL-ready back.

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