Michigan State Football: Report card for win over No. 24 Miami

Sep 18, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) hands the ball to running back Kenneth Walker III (9) during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 18, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs: A

As long as Kenneth Walker III is getting the bulk of the carries, I can’t see this grade being anything other than an A this season.

After a horrid 2020 season on the ground in which no running backs found the end zone on the ground, the Spartans hit the portal hard and landed Walker III from Wake Forest and Harold Joiner from Auburn. The former has been the lead back for the Spartans and he has taken advantage of the opportunity, putting up some gaudy numbers through three games.

In fact, Walker III has 493 yards and five touchdowns on 8.6 yards per carry and he just recorded his second 150-plus yard game in three opportunities to start the year. He rushed for 264 yards in the opener and then had 172 yards against Miami.

Although Walker III was the only back to have more than two carries, that’s all Michigan State really needed. He had a heck of a game, made some incredible plays with his legs, and even caught a touchdown pass to give Michigan State a 10-point lead.

Michigan State has now had a 100-yard rusher in each of its first three games.

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