There may be a lot of different numbers in Michigan State’s backfield this season. New running backs coach William Peagler says he’s not afraid to mix it up if necessary as the Spartans enter the year.

Speaking with the media on Thursday, Peagler talked about what he’s expecting out of Michigan State’s running back group this fall. Players like Elijah Collins and Connor Heyward will likely be the two most prominent ball carriers, but Peagler says he won’t be afraid to use three or four running backs in a game.

It’s not just an effort to find talent, but the “unique nature” of the season has Peagler wanting to keep players healthy and fresh throughout the course of the game. Especially in the B1G East, the Spartans will need to be as efficient as possible in the running game.

Peagler also said that “everybody has bought into a team attitude,” according to Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. Reps are being split up among players during the offseason.

Michigan State really struggled to run the football during the 2019 season. The Spartans averaged 127.2 yards per game, the second-worst in the B1G last fall.

The Spartans open the season against Rutgers on Oct. 24.