Michigan State Football: Report card for Week 4 win at Indiana

BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 22: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to throw the ball under pressure from Charles Campbell #93 and Nile Sykes #35 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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BLOOMINGTON, IN – SEPTEMBER 22: La’Darius Jefferson #15 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the ball as Cam Jones #34 of the Indiana Hoosiers punches the ball away causing a fumble during the first half of action at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

RUNNING BACKS. C-. . RB. Michigan State

The run game continues to struggle and it has to be growingly frustrating for Mark Dantonio who has prided himself on having an elite rushing attack year after year. The Spartans usual “pound, green, pound” mentality has been more like “pass, green, pass” this season.

LJ Scott sat this one out because of an injury even though it looked as if he might have toughed it out in the pre-game. He was a game-time decision and it gave Connor Heyward an opportunity to prove himself as the true No. 1 back. He couldn’t get more than two yards per carry behind the struggling offensive line.

Heyward rushed 12 times for 23 yards while La’Darius Jefferson had a decent game with 34 yards on 10 rushes, but he had a crucial fumble in the first half.

Jalen Nailor, a receiver, was the leading rusher, so that should tell you just what kind of day the running backs had. Overall, this is a collective effort from the line and the backs, but this unit needs to get back on track versus Central Michigan.

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