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Spartans outrun Wildcats 38-21 in season opener, Game Recap

The Michigan State Spartans kicked off the 2021 season in a Friday night cross-division showdown at Ryan Field against the Northwestern Wildcats. If second year head coach Mel Tucker was looking to make a statement to the Big Ten after a dismal debut season hampered by COVID-19 logistical problems, oh boy did he ever. The Spartans rode Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III roughshod over the Wildcats as he became the first Spartan since Le’Veon Bell to run for more than 200 yards in a game (264 total on 23 attempts) and the first Spartan to score four rushing touchdowns since Edwin Baker in 20010.