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Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from thrilling Peach Bowl win over Pitt

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) celebrates after a touchdown catch with wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) and tight end Connor Heyward (11) against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) celebrates after a touchdown catch with wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) and tight end Connor Heyward (11) against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State football was in big trouble heading into the fourth quarter of the Peach Bowl before bouncing back to score 21 straight and win the game.

For about 55 minutes, it looked like Michigan State football was in trouble. The Spartans were up 7-0 early and then 10-7, but Pitt went on a 14-0 run to take control for the rest of the second quarter and third quarter.

Michigan State bounced back in the fourth with a couple of big touchdowns to take a 24-21 lead with under three minutes left.

And then Cal Haladay stepped up for the second time this season and picked Pitt off and took it all the way to the house after the Panthers were driving. Michigan State put the game away in the final quarter with 21 straight points to win 31-21.

What did we learn from this huge win by the Spartans?

3. Kenneth Walker III is the most valuable player in the nation

Michigan State fans were spoiled by Kenneth Walker III all season and that was never more evident than in Peach Bowl as Jordon Simmons and Elijah Collins struggled to move the ball.

Simply put, Walker’s absence was felt heavily by this offense on Thursday night because all of the pressure was put on Payton Thorne’s shoulders — and he was off for most of the night.

Without Walker, Michigan State was ineffective on the ground and Pitt was able to sell out on run plays and hit Simmons and Collins in the backfield. The Spartans finished with 56 yards on 36 carries. If not for a bounce-back quarter in the fourth from Thorne, the absence of Walker would have cost this offense a win.

Heck, the Spartans had just 10 points through three quarters.

It’s clear now that Walker is the nation’s most valuable player.

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