Michigan State University is pinning its hopes for a resurgence on a revitalized rushing attack, a unit that has languished near the bottom of the FBS in recent seasons.
Under first‑year head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Spartans are emphasizing a return to the power‑running identity that defined earlier eras of the program.
Rebuilding the line and the backfield
Fitzgerald has overhauled the offensive line, bringing in transfers such as Ben Murawski to anchor the front, while also adding depth at running back with newcomers like Cam Edwards, Marvis Parrish and Jaziun Patterson.
The move is not just about raw talent; it is about restoring balance. Nick Sheridan, the new offensive coordinator, says the staff will manage carries carefully, ensuring that the most capable backs see the field in key moments.
The historical context is stark. Since 2014 the program has produced only one 1,000‑yard rusher — Kenneth Walker III — who briefly lifted the team to 53rd nationally in 2021. Since then, Michigan State has failed to lead the Big Ten in conference rushing yardage and finished 109th in the FBS with just 122.8 yards per game last season.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Two of the worst rushing offenses in school history have come under recent coaches, with averages below 128 yards per game since 2018, including a low of 89.5 yards in 2023.
Despite the bleak backdrop, the new coaching staff talks confidently about reclaiming the Big Ten’s dominance in the trenches. Fitzgerald often references the legacy of Mark Dantonio, under whom six of the program’s 24 1,000‑yard rushers were produced.
Edwards himself brings a proven track record, having rushed for 1,240 yards at UConn last season and posting three consecutive 100‑yard games to close the year. His experience, combined with his willingness to block, receive passes and handle special teams, makes him a versatile centerpiece.
Looking ahead
The season opener against Toledo on September 4 will be the first test of this rebuilt unit, and Fitzgerald has already stressed that early success could set the tone for a campaign aimed at a national championship.
With a mix of seasoned transfers and promising newcomers, the Spartans hope to turn a historically weak ground game into a weapon that can open up the passing attack and control the clock.