Michigan State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Rutgers in 2020 opener

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Elijah Collins, Michigan State football Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Elijah Collins approaches 200 yards rushing

While there will be a raging quarterback battle taking place on Saturday afternoon, Michigan State’s backfield is all sewn up thanks to Elijah Collins’ breakout season in 2019.

Coming off a 988-yard, five-touchdown redshirt freshman season, Collins is hoping to kick off his second season as the full-time starter with a bang. He’ll have Anthony Williams Jr. and Connor Heyward pushing him for carries, but he’s going to get a bulk and he’ll put the offense on his back for most of the game.

Collins is going to run the ball 26 times for 188 yards and two touchdowns, approaching that 200-yard mark in the opener to set the tone.

Mel Tucker even admitted earlier this week that even when the entire stadium and everyone on TV knows Michigan State is going to run the ball, the Spartans need to be able to do so. We will see plenty of “pound, green, pound” on Saturday and it will lead to a monster game from Collins.

An improved offensive line will make this possible.

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