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Jalen Berger, Michigan State RB, makes presence known against Western Michigan: ‘It’s been a long time coming’
By Michael Daly
Published:
Jalen Berger made a great 1st impression in his debut with Michigan State against Western Michigan on Friday night per the Detroit News’ Matt Charboneau.
In January, Berger made the switch from one B1G school to another. Previously, Berger spent the last 2 seasons at Wisconsin. He eventually decided to leave Wisconsin for Michigan State.
Friday’s game was Berger’s full introduction to his new fan base. Needless to say, Berger was excited to be wearing the green and white.
Berger had 120 yards rushing on 16 carries with 1 touchdown. That was his career-high in rushing yards. His longest run in the game was for 50 yards.
Berger, who hasn't played since week four last year at Wisconsin: "It's been a long time coming."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) September 3, 2022
Berger waited quite some time before he was able to play again. He had to wait nearly 12 months to get back on to the field, per The Detroit News’ Matt Charboneau:
“It’s been a long time coming,” Berger said.
https://twitter.com/mattcharboneau/status/1565903488550199296?s=21&t=VSJlNKgJXS1tC0UH0eN6pw
His rushing ability helped Michigan State pull away after Western Michigan threatened to come back. There was a noticeable play when Michigan State opted to run the ball with Berger instead of kicking a field. Berger would not have appreciated it if Michigan State kicked the field goal.
As a freshman at Wisconsin in 2020, Berger led the Badgers in rushing. He hopes to do the same at Michigan State.
Berger will be back in action for Michigan State when the Spartans host Akron on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. ET.