Over the past month, a multitude of supposed 2021 Heisman Trophy contenders had golden opportunities to bolster their resume for the award in key games but failed to do so. When it was running back Kenneth Walker III’s turn in No. 8 Michigan State's home Big Ten clash against No. 6 Michigan, he wound up making the most out of each of his carries in the game.

Walker had the performance of his life in Michigan State's 37-33 statement win over rival Michigan. The junior running back totaled for an astounding 197 rushing yards, 11 receiving yards and five rushing touchdowns on the day.

Walker simply had his way over the game against a Wolverines defense that came into the contest allowing an average of 116.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked fourth in the Big Ten.

He essentially single-handedly carried the Spartans back into the game after being down 30-14 in the third quarter. He notched a trio of second half rushing touchdowns to seal the comeback win.

Walker's 58-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter was well singled out by many to be his Heisman moment.

After the game, Walker shied away from engaging in the talking point that he is now the favorite for the Heisman Trophy but rather simply noted that he is pleased with the win.

“I don't feel like it was a Heisman moment, just a huge team win,” Walker said.

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker lauded Walker for his standout performance and made a case on why the running back may very well be the favorite for the Heisman Trophy at this point in the campaign.

“He's a Heisman-type guy,” Tucker said.

“I don’t know what else I can say. This was a huge stage, the whole world’s watching, and you got a chance to see what type of player he is. Any recognition that he's getting for Heisman consideration is well deserved. He’s a difference-maker.”

Overall, Walker has now recorded 1,230 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns through eight games played in the season.

Michigan State now bolsters an 8-0 record with four conference games remaining on the schedule. More so, the Spartans have now made a strong case to at the least hold a top-five spot in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season, which will be released this coming Tuesday.