WATCH: Xavier Henderson thanks Taylor Lewan, Braylon Edwards for bulletin board material

Michigan State safety Xavier Henderson gave a special thank you to two former Michigan Wolverines stars. Current Tennessee Titans tackle Taylor Lewan and former NFL receiver Braylon Edwards provided the Spartans with plenty of bulletin board material. And all of that helped propel Michigan State to the victory over their bitter rival. 

After the game, while speaking to the media, Henderson delivered his thank you speech to the two former Wolverines. 

“Thanks Taylor Lewan, thanks Braylon Edwards. I bet you know Chuck Brantley’s name now don’t you. it sounded good but I don’t know what they’re going to talk about now,” said Henderson 

In the week before the game, Edwards stirred the pot call with a hot take on the Michigan State defense and Lewan continued the trash talk by calling Michigan State “little brother.” In the interview, Edwards claimed the Spartans’ defense was average at best. Then doubled down saying you would be hard-pressed to name someone on their defensive side of the ball. 

“But thanks Spartan nation for being out there and sticking with us through the game, while we were down,” said Henderson “They stayed with us I did not see anybody leave, so we appreciate y’all from the bottom of our hearts.” 

#MichiganState Senior Xavier Henderson with thanks to Taylor Lewan and Braylon Edwards. pic.twitter.com/cKVWNh9cuE

— Rico Beard (@RicoBeard) October 30, 2021

Michigan State Heisman hopeful saves they day

At one point the Spartans were down 16 to the Wolverines late in the third quarter. But were able to really behind the play of their Heisman candidate running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker had a performance for the ages running the ball against the Michigan Wolverines. On his own, he outrushed the entire Michigan team. The junior running back rushed for 197 yards on 23 attempts with five rushing touchdowns. In comparison as a team, Michigan rushed for 146 yards on 34 carries with no touchdowns. His five rushing touchdowns on the day are more than the Wolverines allowed in the season (3) coming into the game.

Unsurprisingly, head coach Mel Tucker was pleased with the performance and even dropped the “H word” in his postgame press conference.

“He’s a special player, he’s a team player, and we all know he’s a Heisman type guy,” Tucker said after the win. “And credit to our O-line, our receivers blocking downfield, but we’ve got to give the guy credit where credit is due. He’s a Heisman guy.”

Walker now has 1,192 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. He is averaging 6.8 yards per carry. 

Heading into Saturday, Walker trailed only Syracuse’s Sean Tucker in rushing yardage nationally. And it’s likely Walker will lead Power Five running backs in touchdowns by the conclusion of the Saturday slate.