Jaziun Patterson didn’t just take his chance against Illinois - he ran right through it.
With Cam Edwards out for the season, Michigan State needed someone to step into the starting running back job and keep the offense moving. Patterson had his first shot the week before against Wisconsin, but the yardage was hard to come by. Against Illinois in Week 6, though, the Spartans got the version of him they were waiting for.
The game in East Lansing was a chaotic one, ending in a 38-37 overtime loss after Michigan State failed on a two-point conversion attempt. Even with the finish hanging over everything, Patterson was the player who left the biggest mark.
He opened his impact as a receiver, catching a touchdown when things were starting to tilt the wrong way for the green and white. Later, in the second half and again in overtime, he found daylight on the ground.
His biggest burst came on a 36-yard run, and from there he kept finishing drives. Patterson ended up scoring three rushing touchdowns to go with the one he caught earlier, giving him a four-touchdown day.
The numbers tell the story clearly: 17 carries for 93 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, plus three catches for 26 yards and another score through the air. In all, he piled up 119 yards and four touchdowns on 20 touches.
Michigan State has talked all along about being a ground-and-pound team, one built on controlling the clock and winning up front. But with the defense struggling at times to slow opponents down, the Spartans haven’t always been able to lean into that identity as much as they’d like. Pat Fitzgerald and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan still want that kind of team, and Patterson gave them exactly the kind of production that fits it.
The running back, nicknamed the "Jazmanian Devil," is starting to earn more than just a catchy label. He’s becoming a real piece of the offense.
Through six games, Patterson has 61 rushing attempts for 255 yards, a 4.2-yard average, and six total touchdowns. If the Illinois game was any indication, he may be settling into a much bigger role at just the right time.
Michigan State’s next chance to build on that comes against Northwestern, where the matchup could again tilt in Patterson’s favor. The Wildcats rank among the four worst teams in the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 147.2 rushing yards per game. That opens the door for another opportunity for Patterson to keep rolling.
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Tom Izzo May Be Leaning Toward A Surprise Starter Vs UConn
Michigan States first real test against UConn on Oct. 20 is still a little ways off, but Tom Izzo already seems to be sorting out one of the more interesting questions on his roster. Recent practice photos, along with what unfolded in the exhibition against Incarnate Word, point to true freshman Ethan Taylor as a possible starter at center, a development that would give the Spartans a different look in the frontcourt as they continue to build toward the regular season.
Anton Bonke was brought in to help stabilize that spot, so a freshman jump into the opening lineup would be worth watching closely. Izzo has never been shy about using the preseason to test combinations and see what sticks, and this appears to be one of those early decisions he is still weighing as Michigan State prepares for a challenging exhibition against a veteran opponent. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan States Deep Rotation Could Force A Big Cam Ward Shift
Michigan States preseason puzzle is less about finding enough bodies and more about fitting them all into the right spots. With a deep roster and multiple lineup combinations under consideration, the Spartans are weighing how to spread minutes in a way that keeps the group fresh while still maximizing the best matchups on the floor.
Cam Ward looks like one of the biggest variables in that equation. The sophomore forward could be in line for a larger role, and Tom Izzo has already acknowledged the possibility of using him at center to open up small-ball looks and add more tactical flexibility, a move that could end up shaping how the entire rotation settles in once the season starts. [Read more 🡒]
Jayden Savoury Is Becoming A Bigger Part Of Michigan State's Future
Through the first six games, Jayden Savoury has gone from a young tight end with promise to one of Michigan States most dependable targets. The redshirt freshman has made his mark in the passing game with 228 receiving yards, tying for the team lead in receptions and giving quarterback Alessio Milivojevic a reliable option in a season where the Spartans have needed steady production from unexpected places.
What stands out most about Savoury is how he is getting it done. His contested-catch ability and athleticism have made him a tough cover, and even without a touchdown yet, he has already shown why his role keeps growing. For Michigan State, the bigger takeaway may be that one of its most consistent offensive pieces is also one of the youngest, which makes his development worth watching the rest of the way. [Read more 🡒]