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Michigan State RB Connor Heyward sticks up for OC Dave Warner
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Michigan State’s offense has caught plenty of grief this season. The criticism hasn’t been unwarranted.
This season, the Spartans rank 13th in the B1G in scoring (20.3 points per game), rushing offense (120.6 yards per game) and total offense (346 ypg). They’ve also struggled to convert red zone appearances into touchdowns, finding the end zone just 52.8 percent of the time.
Catching a lot of the heat for the team’s failures is offensive coordinator Dave Warner. But should he be the one thrown over the fire? Sophomore running back Connor Heyward doesn’t believe so.
“I don’t think we haven’t been able to drive the ball, because we’ve been able to,” Heyward told Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. “It’s just whenever we get in the red zone. I don’t like when people are on Twitter saying it’s coach Warner and whatnot, because he’s called good plays. We’re just not getting in the end zone. We’re dropping balls, I missed that one hole.
“It doesn’t fall on coach Warner. I mean, he’s the OC, so everybody goes to him like, ‘What is going on?’ But honestly, I think it’s the players. He’s calling the right plays, we just have to make the plays. Make more plays than the other team, and then you win. That’s what the game comes down to.”
Heyward has totaled 439 yards and five touchdowns on the ground for the Spartans this season.
Michigan State has totaled just 12 points in the last two games against Ohio State and Nebraska and hasn’t reached the end zone. Saturday against the Huskers, the Spartans entered the red zone three times but came away with just two field goals.
Injuries to key receivers like Cody White and Felton Davis, issues along the offensive line and an ongoing shoulder issue with Brian Lewerke have also been contributing factors to Michigan State’s struggles offensively.
At 6-5, the Spartans have solidified their spot in the postseason. But it would be nice to see the offense rectify some of the problems on Saturday against Rutgers.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB