Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from loss to Oregon in Redbox Bowl

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: CJ Verdell #34 of the Oregon Ducks carries the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled after a reception 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) /

3. LJ Scott was clearly the top option at running back

Even though the Spartans will have to go another route next season, LJ Scott proved to be the best option at running back for the green and white in the Redbox Bowl.

Connor Heyward just didn’t look to have the burst in the backfield and there’s a good chance the Spartans could be starting either La’Darius Jefferson, Weston Bridges, Elijah Collins or one of the two freshman backs next season as Scott is set to graduate. Heyward looks like a candidate to switch positions as he might be better suited in the slot.

Scott showed a few signs of life and had a couple of good runs — one of 13 and another of 14 yards — as he finished the game with 84 yards on 24 carries.

No, it wasn’t the best game of his MSU career, but the offense needed his production to move the ball like it did. In fact, Michigan State’s offense out-gained the Ducks for a majority of the game which surprised some people.

Scott will be missed in a Spartan uniform, and this game proved it.

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