Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Big Ten power rankings entering Week 2: How far does Penn State rise?

By Alec Whitaker

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 04: Jahan Dotson #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates a touchdown with Caedan Wallace #79 during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 04: Jahan Dotson #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates a touchdown with Caedan Wallace #79 during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 14
Next
Sep 3, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs with the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the fourth quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs with the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the fourth quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

. Spartans . 8. team. 805. . 1-0 (1-0)

Michigan State turned some heads within the conference on Friday night, with their huge win over Northwestern.

After going 2-5 last season, expectations were not high for Mel Tucker’s team heading into this year. Those expectations may be changing a bit now.

One of the biggest problems with the Spartans in 2020 was their inability to run the ball. They averaged only 2.7 yards per carry last season and scored only two rushing touchdowns, neither by a running back. That script has been flipped.

Kenneth Walker III, a transfer from Wake Forest, ran for 264 yards and four touchdowns on only 23 attempts. It looks like Walker is transforming the Michigan State offense, quickly.

Now, Walker won’t perform like this every week, but the Spartans having a capable run game makes them so much more dangerous. Their defense still isn’t up to the standards were used to at Michigan State, so being able to control the clock and keep the other offense off the field  is important for this team.

This is a young team that will get better as the season goes on, with Walker leading the charge on offense, this has a chance to be a quality team.

Home/Penn State Football