Michigan State Football: Report card for shutout win over Akron
![Michigan State's Derrick Harmon celebrates after a tackle for a loss against Akron during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.220910 Msu Akron Fb 224a Michigan State's Derrick Harmon celebrates after a tackle for a loss against Akron during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.220910 Msu Akron Fb 224a](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8f51e5caa69fd5275f06bfeb81b3caefde7ee9fce7602dd8a8c40c483941e55a.jpg)
Running backs: A
Through two weeks, I think the position group that I’ve been most impressed about outside of the defensive line has been running back.
There’s a two-headed monster in the backfield and they complement each other perfectly. Michigan State could honestly plug either one into the starting lineup and there would be no drop-off. Each has his own strength and they have been the perfect replacements for Kenneth Walker III so far this season.
Once again, Jalen Berger got the start and, once again, he rushed for over 100 yards. He finished the game with 107 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. Through two games now, he has 227 yards and four touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry. He has great vision, cut-back ability, and he’s a load to bring down. He’s not a burner but he’s still fast enough and he’s a truck.
Jarek Broussard is more of a speedy and shifty back like Walker was last year and he is always fun to watch. He finished the game with 81 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. On the year, he has 135 yards and two scores on 5.4 yards per touch. Not bad for a “backup” running back.
Elijah Collins came in and had a nice game of his own, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown on eight carries which was really nice to see. We now know who the RB3 is.
Michigan State rushed for 260 yards and six (!!!) touchdowns on the night.