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Michigan State Football: 5 biggest questions facing the Spartans in spring 2018

By Connor Muldowney

PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs past Robert Taylor #2 of the Washington State Cougars for a touchdown during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs past Robert Taylor #2 of the Washington State Cougars for a touchdown during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

3. Is LJ Scott ready to be the workhorse?

This can be argued already seeing as LJ Scott already took command of the backfield in 2017 and rushed over 200 times while the next closes back, Madre London, had just over 80. He finished with a team-high 898 yards and eight touchdowns, finishing the season on a high note with over 100 yards in the Holiday Bowl.

The common assumption after the loss was that Scott would declare for the NFL draft and when he announced his return, the expectations for 2018 immediately increased.

However, Scott proved to have some issues throughout the 2017 campaign, becoming a fumbling machine. He coughed the ball up a few times in crucial situations and it seemed as if his confidence took hits, especially after being benched, following the fumbles.

Can he be the workhorse and hold on to the ball in 2018? He needs to prove he can be a 250-plus carry back and potentially approach 300 carries without losing the ball too much. He certainly has the potential to be a star.

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