Michigan Football: 5 things to know about Michigan State

Breaking down Michigan football’s opponent this week: Michigan State. Here’s what you need to know about the Spartans. 

This week’s opponent does not need much introduction. The Paul Bunyan Trophy is on the line along with Big Ten East and possible CFP implications.

Motivation also should be no issue after the embarrassing loss Michigan football suffered last season. Here are five things to know about the rival Michigan State Spartans.

1. Kenneth Walker III paces the Spartans offense

There may have been heated debates about who the best running back in the state of Michigan has been this season.

I’ll still take Blake Corum but it is hard to ignore what Walker III has been doing this season. In seven games, the Wake Forest transfer has 997 yards and nine touchdowns. He is second in the country in rushing yards, first in rushing yards per game, and tied for 18th in rushing TDs.

Walker III has been Michigan State’s workhorse this season. He has 152 carries while Jordan Simmons is second on the team with 37. However, in the games Walker III could not get on track, MSU really struggled offensively.

Against Nebraska and Indiana, Walker had 42 carries for 145 yards (3.7 YPC). In those games, Michigan State averaged 21.5 PPG, 247.5 yards of total offense, and won by a combined eight points.