Michigan State Football: Report card for loss to Arizona State

Michigan State Football: Grading Spartans’ performance in Arizona State loss

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans drops back to pass during the first half of the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Spartans 16-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football past safety Jalen Harvey #43 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Spartans 16-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Running back: C-

Much of this grade is on the offensive line. Unfortunately, the Spartans’ front was unable to open holes all day long and that made it tough on LJ Scott and Connor Heyward.

Scott was injured early in the second half and didn’t return, but he finished with only 19 yards on seven carries. He added two receptions for 16 yards as he continues to grow as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Many are down on Scott, but if the offensive line was opening holes, we wouldn’t be talking about him losing carries to Heyward and even La’Darius Jefferson.

Heyward had five carries for a team-high 22 yards and caught four passes for 43 yards. He continues to look like the best option at running back even if the line is to blame for a lot of Scott’s struggles.

Lastly, Jefferson got some run in his first extended action and he looked alright. He had three carries for 20 yards with the biggest play coming on a beautiful option from Brian Lewerke.

This group needs a bounce-back against Indiana in two weeks after rushing for just 63 yards on 27 carries.

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