A closer look: Le’Veon Bell’s career night

In case you missed it Friday night, Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell put on quite the performance against Boise State. The junior star had his “Heisman Moment,” one could argue, touching the ball 50 times and totaling 265 yards and two touchdowns in the Spartans’ 17-13 comeback win at Spartan Stadium. Bell on his big night: “I had no idea how many carries or yards I had. It was the most I’ve had in my collegiate career,” he told The AP. “But I’ve still got a lot of things to work on to get better.” That’s a scary thought for Big Ten defenses. Read more about Bell’s big night in this post.

THE NUMBERS

• 44 carries were most by a Spartan since Javon Ringer had the same in 2008 (Indiana)
• First Michigan State RB to rush for at least 200 yards since Javon Ringer gained 201 in 2008 (Notre Dame)
• Career-best 265 all-purpose yards
• Career-high 44 carries and 210 rushing yards
• Career-high six receptions and 55 receiving yards
• Outgained Boise State, 265-206
• Third opener in as many years with two rushing touchdowns
• His rushing yards were the most by a Big Ten player in an opener since Purdue’s Ralph Bolden had 234 in 2009 (Toledo); they also were the most for a Big Ten player against a ranked team since Ohio State’s Maurice Clarett reached 230 in 2002 (Washington State) – @BTNStatsGuy

THE TWEETS

People knew Bell was good before tonight, right? Feel like this shouldn't surprise anyone — Le'Veon Bell is really freaking good.—
Alex Cook (@Alex_MnB) September 01, 2012

Ironic that a former 2 star recruit (LeVeon Bell) is doing this to Boise?—
Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) September 01, 2012

Big win for MSU, 17-13 final. Le'Veon Bell, your Heisman campaign has begun. His 44 carries tied for fourth-most in MSU history.—
Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) September 01, 2012

Holy hell Le'Veon Bell.—
John Veldhuis (@JohnVeldhuis) September 01, 2012

Le’Veon Bell=workhorse. Michigan St ran 90 plays Friday night. Bell got 50 touches on those snaps for 265 yds. Wow.—
Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) September 01, 2012

MORE VIDEO

And here is post game interviews with coach Mark Dantonio and Le’Veon Bell.

Brent Yarina is a web editor and blogger for BTN.com. Find all of his work here and follow him on twitter at @BTNBrentYarina.