Michigan State Football: Grading the Spartans in non-conference play
Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans place kicker Michael Geiger (4) kicks a field goal out of the hold of wide receiver Matt Macksood (86) during the 2nd half of a game at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams: C-
The special teams at the beginning of the year would have gotten an ‘F’ grade. Kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns allowed along with missed field goals, the special teams were really struggling.
The long returns have seemed to been sured up, players are staying in their lanes and no longer missing tackles. If Drake Martinez can come back soon he will definitely add value to these units.
Related: MSU Football: What worked/what didn’t against CMU
Michael Geiger made a 47-yard field goal with ease against Central Michigan and although Spartan Nation will still hold its breath when he lines up for a kick, we can all hope that this is the start of a long streak of makes. He claims that his confidence has never wavered, even through the struggles, but we have yet to see him really pull it all together since his freshman year.
The bright spot, bringing the grade to a ‘C-‘ of the special team unit, has been punter Jake Hartbarger. Replacing Mike Sadler is no easy task, as he was continuously used as a weapon to pin teams deep in their territory. Hartbarger has not been asked to punt in a pressure situation yet but these non-conference games have shown that he has the booming and accurate leg to do so.
Next: 5 reasons 5-star SF Miles Bridges will commit to Michigan State
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