New competition could help Michigan State get running game back on track

The numbers are so bad, they’re hard to ignore.

For a program that’s foundation was built by running the ball, Michigan State last season became one of least productive teams in the country when it comes to moving the ball on the ground.

The old “Pound Green, pound,” mantra has lost its luster as the Spartans have been unable to consistently run the ball, a trend that has been slowly going in the wrong direction dating to the playoff season of 2015.

In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, things didn’t get any better under new coach Mel Tucker and offensive coordinator Jay Johnson. Yes, the new staff had little time to prepare and it’s hard to find any cohesion with a limited preseason camp and…