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Photos and the narratives from Kenneth Walker III's 1st touchdown run vs Michigan

October 30, 2021
Junior running back Kenneth Walker III pauses in concern, following a touchdown run during the Spartans' 37-33 win against the Wolverines on Oct. 30, 2021.
Junior running back Kenneth Walker III pauses in concern, following a touchdown run during the Spartans' 37-33 win against the Wolverines on Oct. 30, 2021.

This is Kenneth Walker III’s world, and we’re just living in it.

The Spartans were down 10-0 in the second quarter and needed to show a sign of life to remain competitive against the No.6 Michigan Wolverines.

With a few sharp throws from redshirt sophomore quarterback Payton Thorne, the Spartans were driving down the field and had made their way into Michigan territory for the first time that afternoon.

For the first time on the drive, the Spartans huddled up after going up-tempo to catch the Wolverines off-guard. The offense debated on their next plan of action.

Thorne had another plan.

“Let's just forget the redzone; let's just score right here,” Thorne said.

Walker received the handoff from Thorne and found himself smack-dab in the middle of a blocking battle between the Michigan State offensive line and Michigan defensive line.

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Walker spun out left and had nothing but green grass in front of him as junior wide receiver Jalen Nailor set the edge with a key block.

“Overall, I don’t feel like it was a Heisman moment ... just a great team win,” Walker said, “I just gotta give credit to the O-line.”

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Walker utilized the space and took it to the house on a 27-yard score.

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As he walked in, the ball slipped from his grasp but just barely crossed the goal-line to make it a 10-7 ballgame.

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The touchdown would act as a catalyst for a huge day for Walker, who would go on to finish the day with 23 carries, 197 yards and five touchdowns, all of the Spartans' scores, to put himself securely in the Heisman race and earn a 37-33 win over Michigan.

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