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Rapid Reaction: Spartans use Connor Heyward’s big day to scoot past Maryland
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With L.J. Scott out of the picture, there was some uncertainty about how well Michigan State would be to run the football against Maryland on Saturday afternoon. Connor Heyward didn’t have much trouble at all.
Heyward rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, leading the Spartans to a 24-3 victory over the Terrapins to improve to 6-3 on the season and 4-2 in B1G play. The victory assures that MSU is bowl eligible for the 11th time in 13 seasons under Mark Dantonio.
Michigan State had trouble moving the football offensively early, but a few big plays from the backup running back was enough of a spark to propel the Spartans to a win. The Spartans needed an effective rushing attack, as the passing game was subpar.
Despite missing last weekend’s game against Purdue due to a shoulder injury, Brian Lewerke started the game, but wasn’t overly impressive in the outing. He completed just 11-of-20 passes for 87 yards with an interception. Late in the game, Dantonio opted to put Rocky Lombardi into the game, but things didn’t get much better.
Lombardi threw just two passes, one of which was an interception.
Michigan State’s defense deserves plenty of credit, as well. The Spartans held Maryland to just 100 total yards of offense and 26 yards on the ground just a week after the Terrapins registered 712 yards and 63 points against Illinois.
The Terrapins picked up just nine first downs in the game.
Heyward put his mark on the victory late in the game, ripping off an 80-yard touchdown run to give the Spartans a 21-point lead with 11 minutes to play, essentially sealing the contest. His big play came just one play after Maryland fumbled an interception, setting up a new set of downs for Michigan State.
All season long, the Spartans have struggled to run the football against just about everybody. And with Scott out of the lineup, the ground game was a concern in College Park. But Heyward answered the call and put up the best numbers of his career.
Heyward wasn’t just the hero Saturday, but he could become the go-to guy for the remainder of the season.
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