Michigan State Football: Top 5 X-factors vs. Central Michigan in Week 5

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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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) /

Connor Heyward has the talent, power and speed. This could be the game that Spartan fans witness the sheer power and force of Connor Heyward. He runs with a passion, much like his father.

Central Michigan has struggled against the run and pass but did allow Kansas to get over 200 yards on the ground against them. Northern Illinois had 180 yards on the ground.

While he may not be the feature back heading into this one, he may be filling in as starter yet again thanks to an injury to the Spartans’ No. 1 back. He could prove to be the most effective rusher, albeit behind a shaky offensive line, on Saturday but he has a lot of work to do after a lackluster performance against Indiana.

Senior LJ Scott is nursing an injured ankle and will most likely be out another week. This is Heyward’s chance to be a 100-yard rusher. He punishes defenders who attempt to tackle him. Michigan State will want to establish the run early and it will turn to him.

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