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After turning the ball over seven times in a loss to Rutgers last year, No. 11 Michigan State turned to the the big-play approach with its new cast of players. It worked to perfection. Jalen Nailor caught touchdown passes of 63, 63 and 65 yards from Payton Thorne and transfer Kenneth Walker scored on a school-record 94-yard run as the Spartans remained unbeaten with a 31-13 victory over the reeling Scarlet Knights on Saturday. Michigan State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) is off to its best start since it won its first eight games in 2015, when it reached the College Football Playoff. The loss was the third straight for Rutgers (3-3), all against ranked opponents. The Scarlet Knights fell to No. 9 Michigan two weeks ago and No. 7 Ohio State last week. Overall, Rutgers has dropped 33 straight to ranked teams since beating then-No. 23 South Florida 31-0 on Nov. 12, 2009. It was the fifth time in FBS history a team has had a 300-yard passer, a 200-yard rusher and a 200-yard receiver in the same game. - Michigan State/AP College Football

(DS#42 WR) rJr/2022

WR *Jalen Nailor, Michigan State
News Source: Michigan State/AP College Football
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10/03/21 - *Kenneth Walker III, Jr/2022, Michigan State, 5-09, 209 (DS#2 RB) + More +

Kenneth Walker and Jayden Reed combined to score five touchdowns in the first half to help No. 17 Michigan State build a 26-point lead and the Spartans went on to beat Western Kentucky 48-31 on Saturday night. The Spartans (5-0) have won their first five games for the first time since starting 8-0 in 2015, when they ended up earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Hilltoppers (1-3) moved the ball through the air effectively, but settled for three field goals in the first half and struggled to stop Michigan State until the second half when it was too late.

Reed returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown and had 46-yard reception for another score in the first quarter, helping the Spartans take a 21-10 lead. Walker ran for his second and third scores in the second quarter, putting Michigan State ahead 42-16. He finished with 126 yards rushing, a week after being held to 61 yards in an overtime win over Nebraska. Payton Thorne was 20 of 30 for a career-high 327 yards yards and a touchdown for the Spartans. Bailey Zappe, who was 46 of 64 for a career-high 488 yards, threw two touchdown passes early in the fourth quarter to pull Western Kentucky within two touchdowns. Jerreth Sterns set career highs with 17 catches for 186 yards and had a touchdown reception for the Hilltoppers. - Michigan State/AP College Football

(DS#2 RB) Jr/2022

RB *Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
News Source: Michigan State/AP College Football
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09/27/21 - Jayden Reed, rSr/2023, Michigan State, 5-11, 191 (DS#17 WR) + More +

SEPT 27 BIG TEN SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jayden Reed, Michigan State, WR – Jr. – Naperville, Ill. – Naperville Central (Ill.),...With Michigan State trailing Nebraska 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown to tie the game. The Spartans went on to defeat the Cornhuskers 23-20 in overtime...The 62-yard return marked Michigan State's first punt return for a touchdown since Keshawn Martin returned a punt 57 yards for a score at Northwestern on Nov. 26, 2011...Finished the game with 192 all-purpose yards (69 kick return, 62 punt return, 59 receiving and two rushing) and hauled in a 35-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Also returned a kick 41 yards in the first half to set up a field goal...Garners the first Special Teams Player of the Week honor of his career...Last Michigan State Special Teams Player of the Week: Matt Coghlin (Nov. 30, 2020). - Big Ten Football

(DS#17 WR) rSr/2023

WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State
News Source: Big Ten Football
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09/26/21 - Jayden Reed, rSr/2023, Michigan State, 5-11, 191 (DS#17 WR) + More +

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said he showed his players video highlights of special teams units around the country making game-changing plays. His 20th-ranked Spartans delivered a local adaptation on Saturday night. With the offense sputtering, Jayden Reed returned a punt 62 yards for a tying touchdown with 3:47 left in regulation, and Chester Kimbrough's huge defensive play in overtime helped send the Spartans to a 23-20 win over Nebraska. Matt Coghlin's 21-yard field goal on MSU's overtime possession kept his team unbeaten and set off a celebration at Spartan Stadium. MSU has won nine of its last 11 night games and is out to its best start since the 2015 team opened 8-0.

Kimbrough's interception came when he stepped in front of Samori Toure just as the ball was arriving on third down. Kimbrough's ran it back deep into Nebraska territory but he couldn't make it to the end zone. "I was just playing my coverage, trusting my coverage and trusting my technique," Kimbrough said. "We excelled it, man. I'm proud of my team." On Reed's game-turning play, Nebraska wanted a directional punt to the right, but Daniel Cerni sent it left. Jalen Nailor, also back as a return man, acted as if he would field the punt as coverage closed in on him, but it was Reed who caught the ball. With most of the coverage on the other side of the field, Reed was able to find plenty of running room. "That's something that we've been working on," Reed said. "We had a little decoy." - Michigan State/AP College Football

(DS#17 WR) rSr/2023

WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State
News Source: Michigan State/AP College Football
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09/20/21 - *Kenneth Walker III, Jr/2022, Michigan State, 5-09, 209 (DS#2 RB) + More +

The move to Michigan State has been a career booster for Kenneth Walker III, who leads the nation in rushing through his first three games with the Spartans. Walker has had his two highest rushing totals as a collegian since transferring from Wake Forest in January. He's averaging 164.3 yards per game after running for 172 yards on 27 carries in the Spartans' 38-17 win at Miami on Saturday. The 5-foot-10, 210-pound junior generated 114 of his yards after contact and forced 20 missed tackles against the Hurricanes, according to Pro Football Focus. Walker averaged 72.4 yards per game last season to rank 72nd nationally. - AP College Football

(DS#2 RB) Jr/2022

RB *Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
News Source: AP College Football
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09/18/21 - Tommy Schuster, rSr/2025, Michigan State, 6-0, 200 (DS#999 QB) + More +

Tommy Schuster threw for 234 yards and a pair of scores and North Dakota beat Drake 38-0 on Saturday. The Fighting Hawks (2-1) amassed 527 total yards of offense as Isaiah Smith ran for 125 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown and Luke Skokna collected 123 yards on eight carries and a score. It's the second time in the calendar year North Dakota has topped 500 yards in total offense having done it on March 13 against Western Illinois. Skonka got North Dakota going sprinting 51 yards untouched down the left sideline for the game's first score with 6:04 left in the first quarter. A little more than four minutes later, Schuster threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Bo Belquist for a two-score lead. Drake (1-2) managed just 163 yards total offense. - AP College Football

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2025

QB Tommy Schuster, Michigan State
News Source: AP College Football
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09/16/21 - Tommy Schuster, rSr/2025, Michigan State, 6-0, 200 (DS#999 QB) + More +

SEPT 13 MISSOURI VALLEY TOP PERFORMANCE: QB Tommy Schuster, North Dakota - Schuster recorded numerous career-highs at FBS foe Utah State, finishing with 345 passing yards while completing 29-of-43 passes. In addition to career-highs in those categories, he also registered one passing touchdown as UND built a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter against the Aggies. The 300-yard passing game was his second in 11 career appearances. - Missouri Valley Conference Football

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2025

QB Tommy Schuster, Michigan State
News Source: Missouri Valley Conference Football
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09/06/21 - *Kenneth Walker III, Jr/2022, Michigan State, 5-09, 209 (DS#2 RB) + More +

SEPT 6 BIG TEN OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State, RB - Jr. - Arlington, Tenn. - Arlington (Tenn.),...Rushed for a career-high 264 yards and a career-high four touchdowns on 23 carries (11.47 avg.) in Michigan State's 38-21 win at Northwestern. His 264 yards rushing marked the seventh-highest single-game total in Michigan State history and his four rushing touchdowns were the most by a Spartan since Edwin Baker rushed for four touchdowns vs. Minnesota in 2010. Became just the seventh player in the Big Ten since 2000 to register more than 260 yards rushing and four-plus touchdowns and the first player to do so since Melvin Gordon ran for 408 yards and four touchdowns vs. Nebraska in 2014...Sprinted for a 75-yard touchdown on the game's first play from scrimmage to give Michigan State a 7-0 lead. Also added touchdowns of 3, 5 and 6 yards...His 264 yards mark the highest single-game rushing yardage total by any player in the FBS through Week 1...Earns his first career Offensive Player of the Week award...Last Michigan State Offensive Player of the Week: Felton Davis III (Oct. 2, 2017). - Big Ten Football

(DS#2 RB) Jr/2022

RB *Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
News Source: Big Ten Football
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09/06/21 - *Kenneth Walker III, Jr/2022, Michigan State, 5-09, 209 (DS#2 RB) + More +

Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III turned in the best rushing performance in a season opener in seven years when he went for a career-high 264 yards against Northwestern. Walker's total in the Spartans' 38-21 win Friday was the highest in an opener since South Florida's Marlon Mack went for 275 yards against Western Carolina in 2014. Walker had the highest rushing total in an opener against a fellow Football Bowl Subdivision opponent since West Virginia's Kay-Jay Harris ran for 337 yards against East Carolina in 2004.

Walker had a 75-yard touchdown run on Michigan State's first play from scrimmage, and his four rushing TDs were the most by a Spartan since 2010. The Wake Forest transfer was the first MSU player to go over 200 yards since Le'Veon Bell had 266 against Minnesota in 2012. Three other players had 200-yard games in Week 1: Duke's Mataeo Durant had a school-record 255 in a loss to Charlotte, North Texas' DeAndre Torrey had a career-high 244 against Northwestern State, and Missouri's Tyler Badie had a career-high 203 against Central Michigan. - AP College Football

(DS#2 RB) Jr/2022

RB *Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
News Source: AP College Football
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09/03/21 - *Kenneth Walker III, Jr/2022, Michigan State, 5-09, 209 (DS#2 RB) + More +

Kenneth Walker III ran for a career-high 264 yards and a personal-best four touchdowns in an impressive debut with his new team, and Michigan State beat Northwestern 38-21 in the season opener on Friday night. Walker finished with the highest total for Michigan State since Le'Veon Bell ran for 266 against Minnesota on Nov. 24, 2012. His previous best was 131 yards for Wake Forest in a loss to North Carolina State last season. He never ran for more than three TDs in two years with the Demon Deacons. Walker set the tone in this one when he broke off a 75-yard touchdown on the game's first play from scrimmage and scored from the 3 on the next possession to make it 14-0. - Michigan State/AP College Football

(DS#2 RB) Jr/2022

RB *Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
News Source: Michigan State/AP College Football
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08/30/21 - Jarek Broussard, Sr/2023, Michigan State, 5-08, 192 (DS#67 RB) + More +

Running back Jarek Broussard earned Pac-12 offensive player of the year honors in 2020 because of what he did with the ball in his hands, rushing for 813 yards during the five-game regular season. Broussard and running backs coach Darian Hagan both believe he's improved in all areas, especially as a pass blocker. "I hit the weight room pretty hard this summer," Broussard said. "It's a confidence thing. You just can't be scared to make contact with that guy and stick to your fundamentals. "Wanting to (do it) is one big thing, but another thing is setting that tone. We have a deep backfield and if I'm able to go out and make a big play or put somebody on their back, that's going to bring energy to the offense, to the whole group in general. Setting the tone is the biggest thing." - Daily Camera

(DS#67 RB) Sr/2023

RB Jarek Broussard, Michigan State
News Source: Daily Camera
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08/23/21 - Harold Joiner III, rSr/2024, Michigan State, 6-3, 219 (DS#70 OLB) + More +

There can only be one quarterback, typically, but Michigan State football's backfield has another ongoing position battle that may continue all season. And Harold Joiner III stands head and shoulders above the rest of his fellow running backs. At least in terms of size. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Auburn transfer is competing with incumbent starter Jordon Simmons, 2019 starter Elijah Collins and Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III for carries in a crowded competition. "I really liked what Harold Joiner did in (Saturday's) scrimmage," MSU coach Mel Tucker said Tuesday. "He was able to get his pads down and run with some authority. And he's got excellent ball skills out of the backfield." Joiner is significantly bigger than the other three he is competing with, with more of a tight end or linebacker body than a traditional running back.

Walker is 5-10 and 210 pounds, Simmons is 5-11 195, and Collins is 6-1 225. A fifth player, Connor Heyward, is shifting into more of an H-back hybrid role and is 6-foot and 230 pounds. MSU offensive coordinator Jay Johnson feels despite Joiner's size, the junior from Birmingham, Alabama, can give MSU's offense additional versatility in the running and passing attacks. "He's long, he can run and he's shown good ball skills to this point. So I think you could move him in a lot of different areas," Johnson said. "And we've tried to do that a little bit with him. I see him as being very multiple in use." - Lansing State Journal

(DS#70 OLB) rSr/2024

OLB Harold Joiner III, Michigan State
News Source: Lansing State Journal
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08/22/21 - Jarek Broussard, Sr/2023, Michigan State, 5-08, 192 (DS#67 RB) + More +

On the second play of Colorado's scrimmage on Saturday, Jarek Broussard took a handoff, made a cut and went 66 yards for a touchdown. A few minutes later, on his second carry of the day, he went 42 yards before being chased out of bounds. "That's just Jarek Broussard," receiver Dimitri Stanley said. "You guys saw it last year. He's just a breakaway runner. He can make anything happen. He can fit in the tightest holes and just gets it going." The 2020 Pac-12 offensive player of the year, Broussard looked to be in top form during the Buffs' first scrimmage of preseason camp.

Although a couple of carries later in the scrimmage netted only six yards, he unofficially averaged 28.5 yards per rush (114 yards on four attempts). "Jarek looked good early," head coach Karl Dorrell said. "We got his reps and got him out." CU's star running back spent most of the day watching his fellow backs get their carries, and the Buffs showed off their depth. Alex Fontenot, Deion Smith, Joe Davis and Jayle Stacks all had some nice runs, as did walk-on Charlie Offerdahl, who scored a late touchdown. - Daily Camera

(DS#67 RB) Sr/2023

RB Jarek Broussard, Michigan State
News Source: Daily Camera
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08/22/21 - Jarrett Horst, rSr/2023, Michigan State, 6-6, 298 (DS#21 OT) + More +

There is a reasonable argument to be made that the single most important Michigan State football player of the last decade is Jack Conklin. The Spartans went 36-5 in the three seasons he was their left tackle, sealing the edge, protecting Connor Cook's blind side. They're 29-29 since. They haven't had a consistent push up front or adequately protected the quarterback on a regular basis post-Conklin. The numbers beyond their record are just as telling and, recently, grim. And, thus, there again is a reasonable argument that an offensive lineman is the most important player on this MSU football team - at least the most important newcomer. That player is Arkansas State transfer Jarrett Horst, a senior from suburban Madison, Wisconsin, who was an All-Sun Belt Conference left tackle last season.

"He's got an intensity to him. He's got this will to finish that not a lot of people have," MSU offensive line coach and run-game coordinator Chris Kapilovic said this past week. "...He brings something to the table that we were really counting on." Like a true, bona fide tackle, with a mean streak. Rather than an offensive guard playing out of position, like has so often occurred on at least one side of the line over the last few seasons. Horst and returning tackle A.J. Arcuri give the Spartans two true tackles with loads of experience. - Lansing State Journal

(DS#21 OT) rSr/2023

OT Jarrett Horst, Michigan State
News Source: Lansing State Journal
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08/21/21 - *Jalen Nailor, rJr/2022, Michigan State, 5-11, 192 (DS#42 WR) + More +

The first time Jalen Nailor ever ran a double move is still seared into the memories at Bishop Gorman High School. It was his sophomore season, his first on varsity at one of the nation's powerhouse programs, located in Las Vegas. A quiet kid lined up out wide in a team drill as the ball snapped. He moved like a blur. Up the seam, diagonally to the sidelines and then back across the middle, Nailor made three motions look like one. "He runs that route like I've never seen," said former Bishop Gorman offensive coordinator Louie Rodriguez, who is now a head coach in Texas. "Running a corner-post route in the middle of the field at full speed is unstoppable...how he transitions his feet and his body to do it full-speed. It's unfair to the DB." On 28 different occasions over the next three years, Nailor took the ball and outraced everyone to the end zone. He was the go-to receiver on a team won the state championship all three seasons. Over time, the people watching gave him a nickname: Speedy.

The name has stuck more than five years later, now that he's two time zones away. Now a redshirt sophomore, Nailor is the top returning weapon for a Michigan State offense hoping to become explosive. It's the feeling they get when they watch Nailor run. "Jalen Nailor, that's a guy," fellow starting receiver Jayden Reed said. "When I watch him, I try to model stuff he does and try to add it to my game. I look up to Jalen as a receiver because he can do a lot of stuff that I can't." - Lansing State Journal

(DS#42 WR) rJr/2022

WR *Jalen Nailor, Michigan State
News Source: Lansing State Journal
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