Michigan State football: 5 bold predictions for the 2023 season

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 02: Tre Mosley #17 of Michigan State runs toward the end zone against pressure from SaVeon Brown #23 of Western Michigan in the 4th quarter at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on September 2, 2022. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images) /

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MSU RB Nathan Carter participates in drills Tuesday, March 14, 2023, during the first day of spring practice at the indoor football facilty in East Lansing.Fb 7095 /

2. Nathan Carter rushes for 1,000 yards

Michigan State has two really good running backs that I think could start on a number of teams in the Big Ten. Outside of Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio State, I think Michigan State could end up having two legit RB1s this season and one of the best backfields in the conference.

Nathan Carter comes in from UConn after a really good four-game stretch to start 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury. He had over 400 yards in four games and was averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He’s receiving rave reviews during fall camp and many believe he’s going to be the Spartans’ starter this year. I agree.

While I still like Wisconsin transfer Jalen Berger and think he’s capable of being a really solid complementary option to Carter, I see the latter having a huge season.

Carter is going to get the start in the opener and never look back. He’ll put up 100 rushing yards against Central Michigan with that improved offensive line paving the way and that’s going to jumpstart a really good season for the first-year Spartan.

After a tough year in 2022 on the ground, Michigan State will get back to a successful rushing attack in 2023, led by Carter. He’ll become the second 1,000-yard rusher in the Mel Tucker era.

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