CONNOR HEYWARD

We’re not here to break down the “grades” or decide “who won the draft” like so many others have, but rather, point out some fun facts or happenings from the NFL’s annual spectacle.

A year after its lengthy NFL draft streak was snapped, Michigan State had a solid showing. That represents the most picks for Michigan State since five players were taken in 2016. Those four won’t be the only Michigan State players from last season who will get an opportunity in the NFL. Guard appears to be his best fit but he moved outside when Michigan State was shorthanded at tackle. Panasiuk, 6-foot-3 and 253 pounds, spent five seasons at Michigan State and made 43 starts while appearing in a program-record 57 games.

As Connor Heyward went through the pre-draft process, he continually felt interest from the Steelers. So, this just means that much more to me.”Heyward’s first four seasons at Michigan State – including a stint in the transfer portal – were spent at running back. Heyward said the Steelers view him as a tight end/H-back/fullback and he plans on continuing to tackle special teams. “No matter what that is, I’m going to embrace it and I’m just excited to be a Steeler.”The Steelers, remarkably, are now up to four sets of brothers on the team. “He’s going to learn some things along the way, I’m going to let him experience it as well,” Cameron said.

The Michigan State fifth-year senior tight end who spent his first four seasons in college at running back, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 30th pick in the sixth round (No. 208 overall) in the 2022 NFL draft on Saturday. During the pre-draft process, Heyward said NFL teams viewed him in varying ways, from tight end/H-back to fullback. Heyward finished his Michigan State career with 96 catches for 711 yards and six touchdowns and 211 carries for 825 yards and five scores. Related Michigan State football stories:2022 NFL draft: Michigan State WR Jalen Nailor picked by Vikings in sixth roundNFL draft analyst: Seahawks get ‘tackle breaker supreme’ in RB Kenneth Walker III2022 NFL draft: Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III selected by Seattle Seahawks in second roundMichigan State LB Quavaris Crouch enters transfer portal againWith RBs devalued in NFL draft, Kenneth Walker III appears unlikely to go in first roundBreakdown of Michigan State’s 2022 NFL draft prospects

There were 259 picks in the 2021 NFL draft and not one was spent on a player from Michigan State. The 2022 NFL draft is Thursday through Saturday and Michigan State is looking to begin a new streak. Walker, tight end/H-back/fullback Connor Heyward and receiver Jalen Nailor earned an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in March and are Michigan State’s top draft prospects. Sticking with Michigan State pays off with NFL opportunity for Connor HeywardProjection: Day three. Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State closes spring with more depth, versatility at linebackerMichigan State CB Antoine Booth enters transfer portalEffrem Reed endured ‘wild three weeks’ to be Michigan State RBs coachMichigan State RB Donovan Eaglin enters transfer portalMichigan State defense shows ‘promise’ in spring, working to fix deficiencies

Luckily everything worked out.”One season at Michigan State has Kenneth Walker III living a dreamHeyward had a unique career at Michigan State after arriving as a three-star prospect who played a variety of positions in high school. The performance was enough for Heyward to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl, which he accepted instead of returning to Michigan State for a sixth year. In five seasons at Michigan State, Heyward finished with 96 catches for 711 yards and six touchdowns and 211 carries for 825 yards and five scores. I’ve worked out with NFL guys and I’ve worked out with the top college guys and I saw where I stacked up. I think the future and my career is only going to get better.”Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State’s Darius Snow adding linebacker to his versatile skillsetXavier Henderson returns to Michigan State with goals to improve NFL draft stockMichigan State QB Payton Thorne settles into veteran role while targeting next stepsFormer Michigan State players chase NFL hopes on pro dayWhy Michigan State WR Jayden Reed passed on NFL to return for another yearMichigan State turns page from last season with start of spring practice

“Guys have been working really hard since the end of the season to get ready for pro day. We have some guys that did a good job at the combine, guys really helped themselves there.”Training for the combine and pro day requires an adjustment for players. That’s in honor of Ian Pomeroy, a young Michigan State fan he met in 2017 who died of DIPG in 2018 at age 6. Current and former Michigan State players, along with family members of the pro day participants, watched and cheered on from the weight room and indoor field. Leaving Michigan State, leaving East Lansing, it’s hard but I know that there’s other guys in line to step up.

Spring break is over and Michigan State is heading into a crucial part of the offseason. Michigan State had notable roster losses, including All-American running back Kenneth Walker III, and key offseason additions. Here are brief recaps with links to the full stories:Quarterback:For the first time since 2019, Michigan State heads into the spring without a quarterback competition. Michigan State signed four receivers to its 2022 recruiting class, including four-star Germie Bernard who enrolled in January. Michigan State boosted special teams but needs to fill a huge spotRelated Michigan State football stories:MSU’s Connor Heyward hopes to continue NFL family legacyMichigan State football assistant coaches receive raises with three making at least $1 millionAfter pushing ‘red line’ last year, Michigan State strength and conditioning now ahead of pace

While none of the Wolverines’ eight invitees have spoken to reporters yet, Michigan State and Western Michigan each had two players go on Wednesday. And it showed with our season.” — Michigan State receiver Jalen Nailor on head coach Mel Tucker, who just wrapped up his second season in East Lansing. “To be able to get that Pitt win against a good team and a great quarterback, that was big. It was a blessing.” — Western Michigan quarterback Kaleb Eleby on his 23-for-34, 337-yard, 3-TD game vs. Pittsburgh. Skyy, Layke and Landyn.” — Western Michigan receiver Skyy Moore, on why he has an extra ‘y’ in his first name.

INDIANAPOLIS — His father was a star in the NFL, and his older brother is currently starring for the Pittsburgh Steelers. “Just enjoy it,” he says the message from his brother, Cameron Heyward, the three-time NFL all-pro defensive tackle, told him. It begs the question (and has NFL teams asking): Where will the 5-foot-11, 239-pound Heyward play at the next level? “I don’t care where I play,” Heyward said. With his dad and brother already playing in the NFL, Heyward is hopeful that he, too, will get an opportunity.

Note: This is the fourth installment in a series reviewing Michigan State’s position groups heading into spring practice. Today’s position: tight endIt was the summer of 2017 and Connor Heyward hadn’t even practiced for the first time in college. “You can’t be selfish and try to play one position,” Heyward said at the time. Moving Heyward to tight end showed Michigan State’s staff recognized a unique skillset and knew how to best use it. Beyond Heyward, Hunt and Carr, snaps and production were very limited for Michigan State’s tight ends.

Michigan State will be represented by a trio of players in the top showcase before the NFL draft. Michigan State football’s 2022 season opener vs. Western Michigan moved to FridayMichigan State had two players officially invited to last year’s combine in defensive tackle Naquan Jones and defensive back Shakur Brown, who both signed as undrafted free agents. After two seasons at Wake Forest, Walker entered the portal and transferred to Michigan State last January. In addition to the three players invited to the combine, Michigan State has other draft hopefuls. Related Michigan State football stories:2023 3-star Texas QB Bo Edmundson commits to Michigan State4-star DB Dillon Tatum learning quickly at Michigan StateHow 4-star WR Germie Bernard enrolled at Washington then joined Michigan State a week laterFormer Michigan State DB Emmanuel Flowers transferring to Samford4-star QB Katin Houser arrives at Michigan State with ‘it factor’ and plan on earning his spot

Less than two weeks after entering the transfer portal, Ma’a Gaoteote pulled his name out of it. A day after entering the portal, Gaoteote posted a message on Twitter, saying it was the toughest decision he ever had to make, while thanking the coaching staff and fans. Michigan State began its offseason strength and conditioning program on Jan. 18 and is scheduled to start spring practice on March 15. Gaoteote entered the portal after Michigan State in December signed a pair of linebacker transfers in Aaron Brule (Mississippi State) and Jacoby Windmon (UNLV). Gaoteote was one of 19 Michigan State players to enter the portal since September.

With Michigan State lined up to punt, Connor Heyward took a direct snap and ran the fake for seven yards and a first down. 10 Michigan State (11-2) to a 31-21 win against No. 12 Pittsburgh (11-3) in Thursday’s Peach Bowl in Atlanta. Heyward’s touchdown grab sparked a comeback as Michigan State scored 21 unanswered points to close out the win. To be at home, that’s just icing on the cake.”Related Michigan State football stories:Former Michigan State DT Kyle King commits to Ball StateFormer Michigan State DB Michael Dowell commits to PittsburghTakeaways, observations from Michigan State’s Peach Bowl win against PittsburghMichigan State WR Jayden Reed named Peach Bowl offensive MVP, undecided about futureOverheard outside Michigan State’s locker room: Emptying the bucket and in it to win it

ATLANTA – Michigan State capped a historic season in a fitting way. 12 Pittsburgh (11-3) on Thursday night in the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Here are notable quotes from Michigan State coach Mel Tucker and players following the game:“Our guys played extremely hard like they always do. “I still don’t have an answer at this moment.”- Reed, a redshirt junior, on if he will return to Michigan State for another year or leave for the NFL draft. Related Michigan State football stories:Who is in and out for Michigan State in Peach Bowl vs. PittsburghPeach Bowl is chance for Michigan State to cap historic season with springboard to futureMark Dantonio and ties that bind Michigan State and Pittsburgh in Peach BowlOn eve of Peach Bowl, Michigan State and Pittsburgh in ‘good shape’ with COVID-195 things to watch in Michigan State vs. Pittsburgh in Peach Bowl and a final score prediction

Payton Thorne’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed gave No. 11 Michigan State the lead with less than three minutes remaining and the Spartans overcame an 11-point deficit to beat No. 13 Pittsburgh 31-21 on Thursday night in the Peach Bowl.

Kenneth Walker III was instrumental in transforming Michigan State’s offense this season. 10 Michigan State (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten) faces No. “Yeah, that’s obviously a huge challenge,” Michigan State offensive coordinator Jay Johnson said on Tuesday. “Ken is, as we all know, a very special player.”After two seasons at Wake Forest, Walker transferred to Michigan State in January. The redshirt junior on Tuesday said he won’t discuss whether he is leaving for the NFL or returning to Michigan State next year until after the Peach Bowl.

Michigan State has one game left to play this season. 12 Pittsburgh (11-2, 7-1 ACC) in the Dec. 30 Peach Bowl in Atlanta to wrap up a resurgent season. And they don’t expect players to opt out of the program’s first New Year’s Six bowl game since 2015. “I haven’t heard from any of the guys that they’ve decided not to play,” second-year Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said on Sunday. He leads a group of Michigan State players with remaining eligibility who could leave for the NFL.

The Michigan State running back entered his name in the transfer portal and was shopping for a new program. He’s now just months into playing tight end/H-back and is going to get a shot at the NFL. The Senior Bowl on Monday announced Heyward accepted an invitation to play in the top all-star game heading into the NFL draft. 12 Michigan State (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten) hosts Penn State on Saturday. But, at 6-foot-0 and 230 pounds, he doesn’t have the length of a typical NFL tight end and expects his outlook to change based on the team.

The Michigan State starting receiver took the field at Ohio State wearing his jersey, along with sweatpants, a wool hat and a brace/cast on his right hand. There were additional injury concerns coming out of the loss at Ohio State as receiver Jayden Reed and safety Xavier Henderson were unavailable in the second half. Michigan State’s Mel Tucker mum on reported contract extension offerTucker takes a different approach than his predecessor Mark Dantonio by allowing NFL scouts more access. Tucker will have discussions with those players about their future and provide third-party feedback about their NFL outlook. Tucker called it a fluid decision but is open to players with remaining eligibility being part of senior day.

Michigan and Michigan State both have a finalist for the same national award. Michigan State receiver Jayden Reed and Michigan running back Blake Corum were named among five finalists on Wednesday for the Paul Hornung Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s most versatile player. Ball State receiver Justin Hall, Houston cornerback Marcus Jones and Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams are the other finalists. This is the 12th year of the Hornung Award and Michigan has one past winner in Jabrill Peppers in 2016. Michigan State fifth-year senior tight end Connor Heyward was a finalist in 2018.

EAST LANSING – When Michigan State tight ends coach Ted Gilmore scans his room, he sees an interesting group. That came as Michigan State was without starting receiver Jalen Nailor, who suffered an apparent hand injury in an Oct. 30 win against Michigan and wasn’t in uniform against the Boilermakers. After four seasons at running back, Heyward made the switch to tight end during fall camp and has been successful in the transition. But making the switch from receiver for the Boilermakers to tight end for the Spartans isn’t easy, given blocking responsibilities and alignment changes. There’s a small sample size of what Carr can do at tight end but also flashes of his potential.

EAST LANSING – Payton Thorne’s first in-person experience with the Michigan State vs. Michigan rivalry came when he was a senior at Naperville Central High School in Illinois. 8 Michigan State (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten), which hosts No. The next challenge for Michigan State will be to continue producing against a stingy Michigan defense. “They’re sound and solid,” second-year Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said of Michigan’s defense. He has a motor like (former Michigan State All-American defensive end) Kenny Willekes.”Although Michigan State’s offense is vastly improved from last year, it has been slowed down at times.

No. 17 Michigan State has already doubled its win total from coach Mel Tucker’s debut season.

EAST LANSING – Connor Heyward was lined up three yards deep in the backfield when the ball was snapped. The Michigan State tight end worked his way up the middle of the field and split a pair of Nebraska defenders before taking his route toward the left sideline. After four seasons deploying them at running back, Heyward is now utilizing those traits at tight end while thriving in the new role. “When he moved to tight end, we knew he had good hands because that’s just something you can see no matter what position you’re playing,” Thorne said. 17 Michigan State (4-0, 2-0 Big Ten) is off to its best start since 2015 and hosts Western Kentucky (1-2) on Saturday (7:30 p.m., BTN) in East Lansing.

Michigan State will welcome fans back into Spartan Stadium for the first time in nearly two years when they take on Youngstown State at Spartan Stadium. GAME INFORMATIONWho: Michigan State (1-0) vs. Youngstown State (1-0)When: 12:01 p.m.Where: Spartan Stadium, East LansingTwitter: Follow Matt WenzelLive updates: Join the MLive conversation at 10 a.m.Latest line: Michigan State -19.5HOW TO WATCHTV Network: Big Ten Network (Lisa Byington, Anthony Herron, Coley Harvey)Streaming-only optionsWatch & DVR College Football Live | fuboTV: Stream live TV with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN & top channels without cable. Fox Sports Go | Hulu + Live TV | Sling | YouTube TVMajor Cable ProvidersComcast: Channel 65/256(HD) | StreamingSpectrum: Channel 45/778(HD) | StreamingDish: Channel 410 | StreamingDIRECTV: Channel 610 | Streaming* Channel numbers listed are for Michigan subscribers and may change by geographic area. * Michigan State football players will soon have a little bit more money in their pockets. Thanks to a new NIL deal with United Wholesale Mortgage, they’ll be receiving $500 monthly stipends throughout the year (along with the Michigan State men’s basketball team.)

EAST LANSING – Michigan State coach Mel Tucker and some players met with the marching band before the season began. “I just said, ‘I’m Connor Heyward, I play offense,’” he recalled on Wednesday. Michigan State faced heavy scrutiny for a rushing attack that fell well short of expectations in recent years and was almost nonexistent last season. “He brings a unique skillset to the offense,” Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne said. He’s improved a lot on his blocking, he’s physical, he’s willing to stick his nose in there.

EAST LANSING – After being canceled last year due to the pandemic, Michigan State’s “Meet the Spartans” event returned on Monday night. Freedom and chaos: How the transfer portal is changing the sports landscape at Michigan and Michigan StateThe practice began at 6 p.m., ended shortly before 7:30 and featured stretching at the start and finish. 1, Michigan State WR Jayden Reed looks to take next step* There’s a crowded running backs room and it’s unclear how the carries will be distributed. White wasn’t part of the open spring practice in April, wasn’t seen in practice periods open to the media earlier in fall camp and Tucker hasn’t provided an update on his status. Related Michigan State football stories:Big Ten unveils revised COVID-19 policy: Forfeits, no contests on tableWhy Thomas Wilcher left Cass Tech to join Mel Tucker’s staff at Michigan StateMichigan State announces mask policy for Spartan StadiumBroken arm sent Ronald Williams on path from Alabama to Michigan StateHow dropping 80 pounds transformed Michigan State DT Dashaun Mallory

What is the portal and how it worksThe transfer portal streamlines the process and gives athletes more power. Michigan football: Mostly a one-way streetMore than three dozen Michigan football players have entered their name into the NCAA transfer portal since it launched. Is he learning anything from it?”Michigan State basketball: An offseason of changeThe effects of the transfer portal were slow to appear within Michigan State basketball. Michigan State football: A roster purgeAfter Dantonio retired following 13 seasons leading the program, Tucker was hired in Feb. 2020. That fresh start and immediate opportunity is thanks to the transfer portal, something that didn’t exist just a few years ago.

EAST LANSING – Michigan State was three offensive possessions into the season opener against Rutgers last year and the running game wasn’t working. Although it was a pandemic-shortened season, Simmons became the first true freshman to lead the Spartans in rushing since LJ Scott in 2015. “My family had a great relationship with Coach Tucker, already knew about him and the coaching that he does,” Simmons said. “I don’t really too much worry about the amount of carries,” Simmons said. “When my opportunity comes, I’ve just got to shine and just show what I can do.”Related Michigan State football stories:‘Sugar weasel’ Angelo Grose looks to build off breakout Michigan State freshman seasonObservations, notes from Michigan State’s first fully-padded practicePhysicality ramps up for Michigan State in first fully-padded practiceFinally healthy in 2020, Michigan State big-play threat Jalen Nailor eyes next stepPayton Thorne has the edge in MSU experience heading into QB competition

… I’m looking forward to seeing the film.”Tucker began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Michigan State under Nick Saban in 1997. “I didn’t notice a difference in terms of these guys know what to do, these guys don’t know what to do. The operation was smooth today, it really was.”With all the newcomers, Michigan State has position battles in all three phases of the game. “We tell them we’re going to play the best players and the tape of practice picks the team,” Tucker said. To see the way that these guys were running around today, to see the smile on these guys’ faces and stuff, I know their excitement is the same way.”Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State athletic director Bill Beekman stepping downWatch Michigan State football’s first practice of fall camp5 questions for Michigan State football heading into fall campMel Tucker lights victory cigar after Alex VanSumeren announces Michigan State commitmentMichigan State football’s ‘Meet the Spartans’ returns with a big change

A pair of Michigan State football players are being recognized for their diverse skillsets. Running back Connor Heyward and wide receiver Jayden Reed were among the 57 players named Thursday to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, which is presented annually to the most versatile player in the nation. He has 210 carries for 818 yards and five touchdowns, 61 catches for 385 yards and four touchdowns and 33 kickoff returns for 723 yards. Reed was a Freshman All-American at Western Michigan in 2018 who had to sit out the 2019 season after transferring to Michigan State. A selection committee of 17 sportswriters and former NFL players will vote for the Paul Hornung Award finalists and the winner while fans count as the 18th vote.

Michigan State ranked 109th of out 127 teams in the nation in total offense at 330.3 yards per game and 116th in scoring at 18.0. Michigan State topped 100 yards on the ground only twice and that came in its only wins – at Michigan and against Northwestern. Michigan State boosted the position with addition of Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III. Fixing the problem remains a huge focus for Kapilovic, who will have plenty of running backs looking to be part of the answer. Michigan State football’s transfer additions immediately boost competition in spring practiceMichigan State hosts unique and ‘vital’ pro day for NFL hopefuls

Note: This is the second installment in a series reviewing Michigan State’s position groups and looking ahead to the 2021 season. Today’s position: running backLess than two weeks after being hired as Michigan State’s new coach, Mel Tucker outlined goals for the offense. The outlook for Michigan State’s backfield in 2021 is a crowded room with the team on pace to have eight scholarship running backs on the roster. After using as many as five running backs in a game, Michigan State’s backfield rotation shrunk late in the season. Related Michigan State football stories:Former Michigan LB Ben VanSumeren transferring to Michigan StateMichigan State athletics reports first clean week of COVID-19 testing in six monthsNCAA extends recruiting dead period for eighth timeAn early projection of Michigan State’s depth chart on defense and special teamsAn early projection of Michigan State’s depth chart on offense

Reviving an ineffective running game was a priority for first-year Michigan State coach Mel Tucker and a new offensive staff this season. The continued lack of production – Michigan State finished 114th in the nation in rushing in 2018 and 113th in 2019 – came with a surprise in personnel usage. Michigan State hasn’t finished better than 62nd in the nation in rushing since 2014 and is attempting to remedy that in a backfield that is now very crowded. Michigan State also signed Davion Primm, a three-star prospect from Oak Park High School, to its 2021 recruiting class. Walker committed to Michigan State on Jan. 6, just two days after entering the portal.

As Michigan State’s exodus of players into the transfer portal continues, the program just pulled another name out of it. Drew Jordan, a graduate transfer defensive end from Duke, announced his commitment to the Spartans on Thursday night. With much gratitude, excitement, and humbleness I am proud to say I have Committed to MICHIGAN STATE to be a SPARTANDAWG! Michigan State redshirt junior running back Connor Heyward tweeted Wednesday night he was Little League teammates with Jordan. Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State CB Chris Jackson enters transfer portalMichigan State LS Jude Pedrozo enters transfer portalFinal grades for Michigan State football’s 2020 seasonMichigan State’s Antjuan Simmons, Shakur Brown named second team All-Big Ten by APIntriguing Michigan State QB competition takes center stage heading into 2021

Rocky Lombardi #12 of the Michigan State Spartans hands the ball off to Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Spartan Stadium on October 24, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. EAST LANSING, Mich. – The final game of the Michigan State football season has been canceled due to COVID-19 cases within the Maryland program. This is the second time this season Maryland has had to cancel a game with Michigan State due to COVID-19. There were six positive cases among staff over that same time period, resulting in a population positivity rate of 12.4%. Though the season as a whole was difficult, Tucker beat in-state rival Michigan and upset then-undefeated Northwestern along the way.

Four games into the season, Michigan State ranked 124th out of 127 teams in the nation in rushing at just 73.8 yards per game. “If you just look at the stats, it’s pretty ugly,” Michigan State offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Kapilovic said Tuesday. “Sometimes in the run game you have to get a rhythm going,” Kapilovic said. 4 Ohio StateWith leading rusher Jordon Simmons out, redshirt junior Connor Heyward led Michigan State with 96 yards on a career-high 24 carries. “The run game obviously is something that has improved,” Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said.

Through four games this season, Michigan State’s leading rusher was Jordon Simmons. And with Michigan State scheduled to host No. And Michigan State has others who remain questionable moving forward. Notable absences: Michigan State returned 10 offensive linemen who started at least one game last season. “Those guys are trying to work through some injuries and work through just getting improvement,” Michigan State offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Kapilovic said on Tuesday.

“The second series, after one of my runs, I was just like, ‘yeah, we’re going to run the ball on them today,’” the Michigan State redshirt junior running back recalled. Although the odds appeared stacked against Michigan State, Heyward was right. The Spartans (2-3) ran for a season-high 195 yards on 47 carries in a 29-20 upset win against No. Michigan State’s 195 rushing yards against Northwestern came after having only 295 total on 133 carries in the first four games this season. He talked about running the ball “on our terms,” but that hadn’t really happened until Saturday’s game against Northwestern.

“Obviously we needed this win as a team,” Michigan State redshirt junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi said. “Culture doesn’t change overnight, it just doesn’t,” first-year Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said. “We just really worked on our craft these past two weeks,” Michigan State redshirt junior running back Connor Heyward said. That was against a Northwestern team that was 13th in the nation in rushing defense at 100.6 yards per game and Michigan State playing without leading rusher Jordon Simmons. One play later, they fumbled, Michigan State recovered then tied the game with a 44-yard field goal by Coghlin.

We’ve seen two vastly different results in the first two games of the Mel Tucker era at Michigan State: a gut-wrenching home loss to Big Ten doormat Rutgers and a shocking road upset of rival Michigan last week. It’ll be a homecoming for Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi and a chance for Michigan State to build off of the momentum from a head-turning Week 2 win. Here’s everything you need to know:GAME INFORMATION* Who: Michigan State (1-1) vs. Iowa (0-2)* When: 12:02 p.m. That served as a reminder for Michigan State to “protect our bubble.”* Last week was a pseudo-homecoming for Rocky Lombardi, who was born in Ann Arbor. * A loss to Rutgers and win over Michigan has made for a roller coaster start to Mel Tucker’s tenure at Michigan State.

Michigan State scored three touchdowns in last week’s 27-24 upset win at Michigan. Elijah Collins took over as Michigan State’s starting running back and Heyward, after playing four games, entered the transfer portal on Sept. 30, 2019. He visited other schools but said his heart was still at Michigan State. The running game improved last week against a better opponent, finishing with 38 carries for 126 yards at Michigan. “Connor Heyward has done an outstanding job since he’s been back with us,” Tucker said.

This time, the Michigan State redshirt junior quarterback and the Spartans took the Paul Bunyan Trophy home with them after a 27-24 upset win against rival Michigan on Saturday. “They talk about, when we’re here, that 50-minute bus ride on the way home is the best 50 minutes of the season if we get that win,” Lombardi said on Monday. That meant Michigan State returned to the practice field a day after winning at Michigan. … It’s that next game,” Lombardi said. “It just about the next game because you’re judged on your last game.”Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State draws early kickoff vs. Indiana on Nov. 14Michigan State WR Ricky White shares Big Ten Co-Freshmen of the Week honorsIowa WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette suspended vs. Michigan State following arrestUp next for Michigan State: Iowa is 0-2 for first time in two decades‘He does not flinch’: Antjuan Simmons comes up big for Michigan State’s defense vs. Michigan

The Michigan State running back lost his starting job and entered the transfer portal in September 2019. Flash forward to Saturday and Heyward played a key role as the Spartans pulled out a 27-24 upset win at No. “I can’t speak for Connor,” first-year Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said. Heyward had a 2-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter for Michigan State’s second score of the game. Michigan State regroups from sloppy loss to deliver Mel Tucker upset win at MichiganThe contributions by Heyward on Saturday came as Michigan State is in the midst of an unexpected backfield shuffle.

Seven days after committing seven turnovers in a 38-27 season-opening loss to Rutgers, Michigan State punched back. He is the second Michigan State coach to beat Michigan in his debut in the rivalry. Here are observations for Michigan State, which snapped a two-game skid against Michigan:* So much for Michigan State letting the loss against Rutgers linger into another week. * Michigan State, under Tucker and offensive coordinator Jay Johnson, were conservative a few times in the first half. Michigan had five sacks in its season-opening win at Minnesota but zero against Michigan State on Saturday.

The Spartans (1-1, 1-1 Big Ten) appeared to be the better team all afternoon on both sides of the ball in Mel Tucker's debut as coach in the rivalry. Tucker became just the second coach to beat Michigan in his first attempt with the Spartans, joining Alabama coach Nick Saban, who did it in 1995. The Wolverines (1-1, 1-1) were favored to win by more than three touchdowns. Running back Hassan Haskins scored on a 2-yard run with 37 seconds left to help Michigan pull within three points. The onside kick was recovered by Michigan State running back Connor Heyward and Lombardi converted a fourth-and-2 from the Michigan 36 with a sneak to seal the victory.

After taking over as Michigan State’s new coach in February, Mel Tucker highlighted some offensive priorities. Michigan State finished with 39 carries for only 50 yards and zero touchdowns against Rutgers while featuring a surprising mix in the backfield. The outlook was different heading into this season under new offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Kapilovic. Michigan State has offensive linemen with experience at multiple positions so there were a number of possible combinations for Kapilovic to come up with. Regardless of the opponent or scheme, he expects Michigan State to be more effective on the ground.

Michigan State opened the postponed Big Ten football season in the wrong way. After Tucker took over Michigan State in February, the team had spring practice wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic. Some clarity was provided on Saturday when Michigan State debuted its 2020 team under new leadership. Michigan State rotated its secondary, including using Michael Dowell and Dominique Long, and the results were mixed. Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State draws early kickoff for Nov. 7 game at IowaMel Tucker explains Michigan State’s aggressiveness on fourth downMichigan opens as 23-point favorite over Michigan StateJayden Reed shows potential in roller coaster Michigan State debutOverheard outside Michigan State’s locker room: Out of control quick and a higher standard

EAST LANSING – Michigan State’s new offense featured a familiar problem. Michigan State finished with 39 carries for only 50 yards and zero touchdowns. “The run game is critical for the entire game,” Michigan State redshirt junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi said. “The run game opens up the pass game. You need to run the ball.”Seven turnovers make for ugly day in Michigan State’s loss to RutgersWhile production was severely limited, Michigan State’s use of running backs was somewhat puzzling under new head coach Mel Tucker and new offensive coordinator Jay Johnson.

Michigan State fifth-year senior center Matt Allen was named Wednesday to the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded annually to the nation’s top center. Michigan State has interesting mix at tight end, including punter Tyler HuntAllen is the younger brother of former Michigan State standout centers Jack and Brian Allen. Redshirt junior running back Connor Heyward was previously named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most-versatile player. Related Michigan State football stories:3-star Ohio safety A.J. Kirk commits to Michigan StateMichigan State ‘counting on’ TE Matt Dotson less than a year after torn AchillesGame-by-game predictions for Michigan State footballMichigan State’s season opener vs. Rutgers scheduled for noon kickoff

Michigan State is less than two weeks away from opening the season against Rutgers on Oct. 24. Reed, a Freshman All-American at Western Michigan in 2018 who had to sit out last year after transferring to Michigan State, should jump right into the starting lineup and be a key weapon. Berghorst joined the program as a defensive end before switching positions and burned his redshirt as a true freshman last year. Tate Hallock, who played four games on special teams as a true freshman last year, and true freshman Darius Snow are additional options while the team looks to fill out depth. Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State football depth chart still a work in progress as season inches closerMichigan State reports six new COVID-19 cases as daily testing beginsConnor Heyward planned on transferring but heart remained at Michigan StateSpartan Confidential podcast: Pads are finally popping at Michigan State football practiceMichigan State’s first scrimmage provides Mel Tucker and staff with new look

MarylandDespite not being very good in 2019, Maryland received solid production from its running backs. Nevertheless, it will be difficult for that trio to replicate what Leak and McFarland were able to produce last season. Michigan StateThe Spartans return every scholarship running back from last season, including redshirt freshman Elijah Collins, who was one of the few offensive bright spots for the team in 2019. Cain set a Penn State freshman record with eight rushing touchdowns, totaling 443 yards on 84 carries. Master Teague also is one of the most talented backs in the Big Ten after a breakout sophomore season.

The Michigan State running back had just entered the transfer portal and was looking for a new school. The former three-star recruit from Georgia played a variety of positions in high school and arrived at Michigan State as an athlete dedicated to filling whatever role was needed. But, my family and my friends, they just helped a lot.”Mel Tucker says Michigan State needs to develop entire roster amid COVID-19 uncertaintyHeyward remained in school at Michigan State and roommates with center Matt Allen but was no longer part of the team. … I feel pretty good, more explosive.”After entering the transfer portal, Heyward said he visited schools but had a gut feeling about remaining at Michigan State. He knows what he’s doing, he’s running more physical than he ever has.

Michigan State is a little more than two weeks away from the start of a postponed season. The guys we trust the most are the guys we’re going to put out there. He finished with 222 carries for 988 yards and five touchdowns, falling just shy of becoming Michigan State’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Jeremy Langford in 2014. He knows what he’s doing, he’s running more physical than he ever has. "We’re going to need more guys probably than what you would usually think going into a year.