Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • B1

EVANSTON Ill. Almost nine months to the day af- ter Mel Tucker said he was going to do this, he put a Michigan State team on the at Northwestern that resembled every intention he had and promise he made after Ohio State kicked the tar out of the Lansing State Journal SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 1B SPORTS Enter for a Chance to Win a FREE PAIR of HEARING DEVICES Customized to Your Hearing Needs Just for Entering, You Will Receive $1000 Off Your Next Purchase The Most Trusted Name in Hearing Care for 80 Years! Call Today for Your Free Hearing Evaluation to Instantly Receive 1000 Off Your Future Purchase 38 in Michigan Ready to Take Your Call! Hurry! Offer ends CALL TODAY TO ENTER! one reward per person. Expires All entries must have hearing loss to qualify to win. (517) 253-9068 September 30, 2021 LJ-GCI0707390-01 Kenneth Walker III took the ball on the play of the game of the year and did something no Michi- gan State running back did in all of 2020: He found the end zone. The Wake Forest transfer took the up the middle, made one cut left around a crack block by Jay- den Reed and bolted 75 yards down the left sideline for the opening touchdown of a 38-21 route of Northwest- ern in Evanston that was only the beginning of a pro- gram-shattering night.Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III celebrates their victory after the game on Friday.

Michigan State won 38-21. JON TODAY SPORTS Walker III shatters expectations in debut Nate Atkins Lansing State Journal USA TODAY NETWORK MICHIGAN See WALKER III, Page 6B MICHIGAN STATE FOOTBALL MAKING STRIDES Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball for a touchdown against Northwestern during the quarter on Friday. JON TODAY SPORTS Graham Couch Columnist Lansing State Journal USA TODAY NETWORK MICH. Tucker delivering on his promise of a quick MSU remake See COUCH, Page 5B ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ronnie Bell had a 76-yard touchdown reception and returned a punt 31 yards before be- ing injured in 47-14 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday.

The Wolverines (1-0) won the game easily, but they may have lost their best player for a while. worried about Ronnie Bell right coach Jim Harbaugh acknowl- edged. Bell was hurt on a punt return in the second quarter and kept weight his right leg as he was helped the by a teammate and member. The senior receiver was later carted the and up the tunnel toward the locker room to be further evalu- ated. can you say other than you hope for the best, expect the worst, and wait until you get the MRI Harbaugh asked.

no matter what, be The Broncos (0-1) started strong making it 7-all on 2-yard run and trailing by just three points after the quarter but could not sustain success on either side of the ball. moved the ball fairly Western Michigan coach Tim Lester said. just drives, and we protect our QB well Michigan pulled away with 17 points in the second quarter, scoring on catch, Hassan 22-yard run and Jake 20-yard goal. Blake Corum, who had 111 yards rush- ing, opened the scoring with a 14-yard reception and his 30-yard touchdown run put the Wolverines ahead 40-7 early in the quarter. were a lot of naysayers going into this game that think we were going to do what we Corum said.

Michigan routs W. Michigan, WR Bell injured Larry Lage ASSOCIATED PRESS See MICHIGAN, Page 6B Michigan running back Hassan Haskins (25) rushes in the half against Western Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich. RICK TODAY SPORTS.