Star Performance: Kenneth Walker

Kenneth Walker joined Michigan State after transferring from Wake Forest this off-season. He established himself with the Demon Deacons, but made the move to Michigan State after his role diminished as the 2020 season progressed. Walker proved he was a quality running back at Wake Forest, but his debut with Michigan State was outstanding.

Walker opened the game with a 75 yard touchdown on the game’s opening play racing through the Northwestern defense and setting the tone for the game. He didn’t stop there, finding the end-zone three more times Friday night. Walker showed the shiftiness, quick feet and burst that make him a dangerous runner and dominated the Northwestern defense in a 38 – 21 win.

Walker carried the ball 23 times for 264 yards and 4 touchdowns. He averaged 11.5 yards per carry for the game, picking up yards in sizeable chunks nearly every time he touched the ball. Walker was the best option in the running game for the Spartans, significantly outperforming the other running backs on his team who combined for 8 carries for 22 yards on the evening. With this performance has set himself up to be the workhorse for Michigan State this season.

Walker’s outstanding performance paved the way for Michigan State’s opening win over Northwestern. He was an efficient runner at Wake Forest, but Walker’s debut in 2021 was on another level. Michigan State is building around a new starting quarterback and knowing they can lean on their running back gives the offense a good foundation.

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