Michigan State coaches determined to have more success in run game this fall

East Lansing, Mich. – One of many themes that has emerged from Michigan State’s fall camp has been the Spartans’ emphasis on running the football effectively.

“We need to be able to run the ball better on a more consistent basis,” Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker said after practice Monday.

Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson and running backs coach Effrem Reed also spoke on the importance of the run game prior to the Aug. 12 scrimmage. Johnson feels Michigan State’s depth at the running back position will help the Spartans’ rushing attack overall.

Michigan State added transfer running back Nathan Carter this offseason. The former UConn product has impressed with his athleticism and burst this fall. South Florida transfer Jaren Mangham and last year’s starter Jalen Berger are also competing in the running back room.

“We have a lot of guys in the running back room who have played a ton of college football and guys that can do some different things, which will help us find some consistency,” Johnson said.

Reed said that a lot of Michigan State’s running backs tried to emulate Kenneth Walker III last season. While it’s good to have a guy like Walker to look up to, Reed wants his current players to focus on the basics first.

“No one is K-9,” Reed said. “We just need to find consistency and do the right things.”

Walker had many highlight-reel runs in 2021, but his attention to detail in pass protection and ability to make the correct reads are what set him up for that success. Michigan State’s running backs have worked to follow that mindset this fall.

Michigan State prioritzing positional blocking

Tucker said Carter had some explosive runs in Monday’s practice and in the Spartans’ scrimmage on Aug. 12, which came as no surprise to Reed.

“Nate has homerun, 75-yard touchdown potential on any given play,” Reed said.

Tucker pointed out that Carter’s big run in practice might not have happened without the help of redshirt freshman wide receiver Antonio Gates, Jr., however.

“If it wasn’t for Antonio Gates making a huge block, he wouldn’t have scored on that play,” Tucker said.

For Michigan State to succeed in the run game, tight end and wide receiver blocking will have to be a priority.

“You can have 10 guys doing their job, but if one guy’s not doing his job, like missing a block, you have a broken play,” Tucker said. “We’re trying to get everybody on the same page.”

Johnson mentioned that starting tight end Maliq Carr continues to improve his run-blocking ability after struggling in that area at times last season.

“We’ve always known he can run and catch the ball, but what he’s been able to do in the run game (as a blocker) has made him a complete player,” Johnson said of Carr.

The current state of college football, with NIL and the transfer portal, makes it harder for teams to gel quickly. Michigan State, however, prioritized team chemistry this offseason – a key component to the harmonious mindset needed for an effective rushing attack.

“The team chemistry is better and it’s obvious,” Tucker said. “Everyone is selfless and you see a different example of that everyday in practice.”

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