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Why Michigan State football didn't use Elijah Collins much in run game

EAST LANSING — Of all the problems Michigan State football had entering the season, running back appeared to be the least of new coach Mel Tucker’s worries.

The Spartans brought back sophomore Elijah Collins, the Big Ten’s top returning rusher who fell just short of 1,000 yards in 2019. He seemed poised to add to his breakout debut behind a line that was supposed to finally be getting healthy.

But junior Connor Heyward started Saturday, true freshman Jordon Simmons got the bulk of the carries, and Collins spent much of the day on the sidelines during MSU’s 38-27 season-opening loss to Rutgers.