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Here’s what Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said after the Spartans’ victory at Northwestern
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Michigan State came away with an impressive 38-21 road victory at defending B1G West champion Northwestern in its season opener.
Michigan State raced out to a 21-0 lead and led by as many as 21 points twice. Michigan State was anchored by an incredible debut from transfer running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker III amassed 264 yards and four touchdowns.
Here’s a sampling of what Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said after the Week 1 victory:
Tucker: “This is not the end, this is just the beginning.” Continues to say he wants MSU players to understand “that was just one football game. Now we have a marker, and this is where we are.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2021
Mel Tucker: “I was proud of the performance today. … We knew it was gonna be a four-quarter game and we wanted to start fast. And we did that.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2021
Mel Tucker on Kenneth Walker III:
“We see that every day in practice from him. That’s what he does.”
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) September 4, 2021
Michigan State safety Xavier Henderson apologized afterwards for not letting the media know about Walker III’s capabilities.
Xavier Henderson comes on and apologizes to the media. “I’m sorry I didn’t hype Kenneth (Walker) up enough.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 4, 2021
Walker III arrived at Michigan State from Wake Forest. On the first play of the game, Walker III burst free for a 75-yard touchdown. Walker III added another three-yard touchdown in the first quarter, as well as a five-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and a six-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Walker III now holds the program record for most rushing yards in a debut, according to MLive.com. Walker III is the first Michigan State running back with 200-plus yards since Le’Veon Bell in 2012 and the first with four rushing touchdowns in a game since Edwin Baker in 2010.
Walker III is effusive in his praise for the role of the offensive line.
“I give credit to the offensive line. … It starts off with our O line and they did a great job tonight, an excellent job,” Walker III said via MLive.com.
Next up for Michigan State is its home opener vs. Youngstown State on Sept. 11 (12 p.m. EST/BTN).
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.