Michigan State Football: Report card for epic win over No. 6 Michigan

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Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III runs for a touchdown against Michigan during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.211030 Msu Michigan 190a /

Running Backs: A+

How could you give Kenneth Walker III any other grade than an A+ here? He had the best game of his playing career and he’s already had quite the impressive start to his Michigan State career.

Walker was the best player on the field on Saturday afternoon, rushing for 197 yards and five touchdowns on 23 carries. He had his best game of the season against one of the best defenses in the Big Ten and no running back had been able to do that against the Wolverines in 2021.

We knew it was going to be a special day when Walker had a big run to score the Spartans’ first touchdown, making it 10-7. He almost coughed up the ball on his way into the end zone, but he now knows not to be free with the football on an early celebration again. But his vision on that first touchdown run was incredible.

Michigan added a field goal and then he ran in another touchdown to give Michigan State its first lead of the game in the second quarter.

In the second half, he scored on touchdown runs of 1, 58, and 23 yards. He showed great vision and burst all afternoon long and had over 150 yards after contact. He forced eight more missed tackles and looked like the Heisman favorite.

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