Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions for November 2019

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 5: Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans fumbles the ball in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State recovered to set up their first field goal. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 5: Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans fumbles the ball in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State recovered to set up their first field goal. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 28: Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a four-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 28: Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a four-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

5. Elijah Collins reaches 100 yards three times

This might actually be the boldest of all the predictions I’ve had this season and it’s only No. 5 on this list, so that should tell you just how much more extreme they’ll get.

Elijah Collins had that breakout performance against Western Michigan early in the season where he rushed for over 190 yards and took over the No. 1 spot. He looked like the running back of the future and his emergence in the backfield caused Connor Heyward and La’Darius Jefferson to transfer. Heck, it may have even discouraged Weston Bridges’ move back to the running back spot.

But he hasn’t broken 100 yards since that game even though he’s been consistent, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on the season behind an offensive line that has struggled.

The yards per carry number may not be all that impressive, but when you consider how bad the line has been playing, you have to tip your cap to the kid. He is patient and finds slim lanes to run through and shows solid burst when he hits them. He runs hard and smart.

Collins will do just that this month with three 100-yard games against Illinois, Maryland and Rutgers.