Western Michigan vs Michigan State: 3 bold predictions

1. LeVante Bellamy will once again lead Western Michigan in rushing

With senior Jarvion Franklin and redshirt junior Jamauri Bogan back in Kalamazoo, it seemed like running back was the one settled position on offense for Western Michigan. Instead, a new star might be emerging before our very eyes. Against USC, it was neither Franklin nor Bogan that led the Broncos in rushing.

Instead, it was redshirt sophomore LeVante Bellamy who topped the individual rushing charts for Western Michigan in Week 1. Bellamy, officially listed as a receiver on the team roster, carried nine times for 102 yards at USC. He busted off runs of 22, 16, and 48 yards, showcasing big-play explosiveness out of the backfield.

New head coach Tim Lester and the offensive staff will still probably give the bulk of the carries to Bogan and Franklin. The duo split 27 carries fairly evenly between them against the Trojans, and that ratio will probably hold against Michigan State.

Last year a season-ending injury cut Bellamy’s season short in September. Thus his playmaking ability was not on display during the Broncos’ run to 13-0 in 2016. But when Lester and the coaches do call Bellamy’s number, he will keep opening the country’s eyes with another 100-yard showing. Look for Bellamy to get at least one big run of 30 or more yards, and to score his first touchdown of the season.