He was a Heisman candidate when the day began. He's the frontrunner now, and the finest runner in the country. An unknown a few months ago, a transfer from Wake Forest, Kenneth Walker III ran all over Michigan for everyone to see and he can keep running to New York City. The Heisman is now Walker's to lose, and the Big Ten is Michigan State's to take.
Walker churned up five touchdowns and 197 yards Saturday in the Spartans' heart-stopping 37-33 win, which is all the more impressive when you consider Michigan had him bottled up early on. Walker was stuck on 23 yards after the first quarter. He was unstoppable the rest of the way. He's the first Spartan to rush for five touchdowns in a game — and we remind you the Spartans rushed for two touchdowns as a team all last season — since Javon Ringer in 2008.
With due respect, Ringer did it against Eastern Michigan. Walker did it in the biggest game of the year, in the first top-10 clash between these rivals since 1964. Ringer's longest touchdown went for six yards. Walker had scores of 58, 27 and 23 yards. He ran through the mist and into the minds of Michigan fans, he ran through the haze and into the hearts of Spartan Nation.
Walker leads the country in rushing. Michigan State is one of four undefeated teams left in the Power Five. This is a dream season for the player and the program, neither of whom will be overlooked from here. Not they can afford to be with Ohio State and Penn State looming. Not that they were on Saturday.
The Spartans got Michigan's best shot, down by 16 midway through the third quarter. Then the Wolverines took one punch after another from Walker, the last one to the gut. Walker ripped through Michigan's defense with five minutes to go to put No. 8 Michigan State up for good.
"He's a Heisman-type guy," said Mel Tucker, who brought Walker here.
"I don't feel like it was a Heisman moment," said Walker. "Just a huge team win."
"I don't know what else I can say," said Tucker. "This was a huge stage, the whole world's watching and you got a chance to see what type of player he is. Any recognition that he's getting for Heisman consideration is well deserved. He's a difference-maker."
Walker was the best player on the field Saturday, on a field full of NFL talent. The Spartans looked vanquished when he willed them to victory. He shook defenders off his back to make room for his teammates, who climbed aboard and enjoyed the ride. He averaged more than 10 yards from the second quarter on, the stadium erupting whenever he got the ball. Because "every time he touches the ball, he's got a chance to do something special," said Tucker said.
"He can pop one at any moment. His full capability was on display today. He got the tough yards, he was explosive, he's a physical player. Everyone wants to know: if he's going to be considered for the Heisman, then in games like this you need to produce. And he was able to do that."
Walker's wrong: this was his Heisman moment, with others to be made next month. Tucker's right: what more can you say?
