Michigan State Football: Report card for tight win over Indiana in Week 7

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 16: Members of the Michigan State Spartans defense celebrate with Cal Haladay #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after an interception returned for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers at Indiana University on October 16, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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Oct 16, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Noah Pierre (21) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Spartans win 20-15. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs: C+

Grading running backs isn’t easy, especially when the offensive line struggles like Michigan State’s did all afternoon long against the Hoosiers.

Elijah Collins looked like he was out yet again and Harold Joiner actually got the snaps as the Spartans’ RB2, picking up just 12 yards on two rushes. It was surprising to see Jordon Simmons not get a single carry, but it looks like the coaching staff is trying to get Joiner going.

Heisman candidate Kenneth Walker III’s resume took a bit of a hit with just 84 yards on 23 carries which was good for just 3.7 per carry. His longest run of the day was 13 yards and honestly, it’s impressive that he even finished with 84 yards because I felt like he was getting hit immediately all afternoon.

Moving forward, I’d like for Jay Johnson to call more run plays to the outside instead of between the tackles because the line is not playing well.

Walker III and Co. get a C+ because the line didn’t do its job, leading to an ugly day.

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