Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from tight win over Utah State

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EAST LANSING, MI – AUGUST 31: Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans scores a third quarter touchdown while playing the Utah State Aggies at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 38-31. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4. Connor Heyward is going to be a nice spark

Let’s face it, the run game couldn’t really get going with LJ Scott in the backfield. While I don’t blame it all on the senior back as the offensive line wasn’t opening the holes, the run game got a nice spark from Connor Heyward off the bench. It was a spark that was desperately needed.

The sophomore running back who came to Michigan State as an athlete recruit played well against the Aggies on Friday night, rushing five times for 42 yards and two touchdowns.

Heyward made the most of his carries, lowered his shoulders and ran hard with the ball in his hands. He was tough to bring down and he showed that on kick returns as well. There’s a reason he was inserted into the game in the second half and he even kick-started the relatively stagnant rushing offense.

Scott will be the starter in the backfield this season, but if he can’t create for himself, it’ll be a long senior season. The offensive line will only take him so far and he must do the rest. Heyward is running hard and creating space for himself.

This will turn into a nice one-two punch in the backfield.

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