EAST LANSING – For the first time in history, Michigan State and Richmond faced off on Saturday afternoon. 

“Really proud of the way our team came out. We did not do these guys lightly,” said Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker in the post-game press conference. 

Here are four takeaways from Saturday’s game:

The running game is making a comeback 

“I think we can rely on every running back that we have,” said MSU redshirt junior quarterback Noah Kim.

Redshirt sophomore running back and transfer from the University of Connecticut, Nathan Carter had 111 rushing yards and got three touchdowns. 

Kim had 21 rushing yards. 

Redshirt junior running back Jalen Berger had seven rushing yards for the game. Berger limped off the field in the first quarter and was seen on the sidelines with a boot on his right foot during the second half. 

Need for ball security and clean football

MSU struggled from fumbles and a dropped interception. 

The Spartans fumbled the ball twice in the second half turning it over to the Spiders. The first fumble resulted in a Richmond recovery and a 47-yard touchdown. 

“The ball security is job security,” said Tucker

Multiple holding calls were called against the Spartans. It hurt them most after the big 31-yard pass from Kim to Redshirt junior tight end Maliq Carr for a touchdown, and they got pushed back to first-and-20.

The offense needs to get into a rhythm quicker

Last week, MSU had a slow start against Central Michigan. It was the same story against Richmond. MSU started with only a 50-second possession before having to kick it back to Richmond. 

“We could still come out a little faster,” said Kim. “We should look to start a little faster.”

The Spartans needed to make the big plays quicker, but there were some impressive plays once they got into their rhythm.

The 31-yard pass from Kim to redshirt freshman wide receiver Jaron Glover. Carter recorded a 44-yard rush touchdown. And Carr’s one-hander for a 22-yard gain. 

Kim totaled 292 passing yards. 

MSU needs a strong defense for next week against Washington

MSU sacked Richmond redshirt sophomore quarterback Kyle Wickersham three times. The first sack was in the first quarter by Brandon Wright and Simeon Barrow. Wickersham was sacked again in the first quarter by Derrick Harmon and Aaron Brule. Then in the second quarter, Wright sacked Wickersham again.

With Washington coming to East Lansing next week, the Spartans need to be ready to defend the Husky offense. Last season, MSU traveled to Husky Stadium and lost 39-28. Will the Spartans redeem themselves on their home field? We will see next week. 

The Spartans will host the Huskies at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 16 at 5:00 p.m.