Former Iowa RB Jaziun Patterson Steps Up After Michigan State Loses Star Cam Edwards for Season

Michigan State's ground game took a major hit this week when coach Pat Fitzgerald confirmed that standout running back Cam Edwards will miss the rest of the season with a leg injury suffered in Saturday's 31-13 loss to Nebraska. The news vaults former Iowa Hawkeyes running back Jaziun Patterson into a featured role for the Spartans.

Edwards, a transfer from UConn who rushed for 1,240 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, was carted off the field after his right leg twisted awkwardly on a sideline tackle. He had 60 carries for 288 yards and three touchdowns through the first three games, establishing himself as Michigan State's clear offensive leader.

Fitzgerald confirmed the season-ending diagnosis on Monday, calling it a disappointing blow for the team and for Edwards personally.

How Michigan State plans to replace Edwards in the backfield

With Edwards out, the Spartans (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) will lean on a committee of backs, headlined by Patterson. The Iowa native and former Hawkeye earned the bulk of the carries after Edwards went down, rushing 16 times for 54 yards and a touchdown against Nebraska.

Fitzgerald praised Patterson's performance, noting he graded out very high and nearly broke several big runs. The coach expressed confidence that Patterson can handle the increased workload moving forward.

Do I think he can handle it? Yeah, absolutely.

Patterson spent four seasons at Iowa, totaling 195 carries for 858 yards and four touchdowns. He transferred to Michigan State in January, knowing Edwards was already on the roster.

Fitzgerald recalled the recruitment pitch, saying he told Patterson the Spartans might have a starter but wanted him as a strong 1B option. Patterson's response sealed the deal.

He goes, I don't care who you bring in, I'm going to play and make a difference, Fitzgerald said. I was like, OK, we want this guy.

Next-man-up mentality for the Spartans

Beyond Patterson, Michigan State has several other options in the backfield, including Marvis Parrish, Brandon Tullis, Kenneth Williams and Zion Gist. Together, that group combined for just 33 carries and 143 yards through the first three games.

Fitzgerald said the injury doesn't change the offensive gameplan overall, pointing to the depth and coaching in the running back room.

Anytime there's adversity like Cam is facing, it's horrible for that person but part of the next-man-up opportunity is to be ready for the opportunity when it presents itself, Fitzgerald said. I think that whole room is being very well coached and I think they're all ready for whatever opportunities present themselves at running back or in the kick game.

Edwards vows to bounce back from injury

Edwards addressed the setback on social media Monday, thanking those who reached out and promising to return stronger.

Things can happen in this life that don't make sense, Edwards wrote. While you can't control what life throws at you, you can control how you rebuild and rise above things that turn your world upside down. Your heart may be in pieces for some time but this feeling will not last forever.

What's next for Michigan State at Wisconsin

The Spartans travel to Wisconsin (3-1, 1-0) on Saturday for a noon CT kickoff. With eight games remaining, the running back rotation will be tested against a Badgers defense that has been solid against the run.

For Patterson, it's a chance to prove he can be a featured back at the Big Ten level after playing a supporting role in Iowa City.

Frequently asked questions about the Michigan State running back situation

Who is Jaziun Patterson?

Jaziun Patterson is a running back who played four seasons at Iowa before transferring to Michigan State. He had 195 carries for 858 yards and four touchdowns with the Hawkeyes.

How did Cam Edwards get hurt?

Edwards injured his right leg during a screen pass play against Nebraska on Saturday. He was tackled at the sideline and his leg twisted awkwardly, forcing him to be carted off the field.

When do the Spartans play Wisconsin?

Michigan State faces Wisconsin on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. CT) in Madison. The game will be broadcast on BTN.