There aren’t many big changes with Michigan State’s depth chart for their game with Arizona State this Saturday (4 p.m. FOX), but the biggest one is also the least surprising.
After a breakout game Elijah Collins is now alone at the starting running back position. Collins rushed for 192 yards on 17 carries against Western Michigan and Mark Dantonio says he will start and get the majority of carries against Arizona State. Behind him Connor Heyward, La’Darius Jefferson and Anthony Williams Jr. are all listed as second-stringers.
Against Western Michigan Jefferson received the second-most carries with many coming short yardage or goal line situations. Heyward only recorded three carries but did line up in the slot for a big catch to convert a third down. Williams saw the field in mop-up duty and had 6 carries for 35 yards.
Elsewhere in the depth chart Matt Allen is now the lone starter at center. He previously had be listed as a co-starter with Blake Bueter. Allen was the center on eight of MSU’s ten series with the starters. Also on the line Luke Campbell is now the starting left guard and Matt Carrick and Tyler Higby are listed as co-starters at right guard.
As a formality CJ Hayes is officially the starting Z (outside) receiver with Darrell Stewart as the starting F (slot) receiver in the wake of Jalen Nailor’s injury and his indefinite absence. Stewart is also the starting kick returner now and Cody White is the starting punt returner.
Tyler Hunt has replaced Jake Hartbarger as the primary holder and Evan Morris and Cole Hahn are listed as co-starters at the kickoff specialist spot. Hahn kicked off against Tulsa while Morris kicked off against Western Michigan.
