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Michigan State vs Purdue: Final grades for the Spartans

By Connor Muldowney

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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: D

Wow, this unit continues to be the most disappointing on the entire team. Sure, the secondary has its flaws, but the defensive backs are young and unproven, still looking to grow into starting roles and dealing with major season-ending injuries to their starting safety and cornerback.

Related: Conservative play-calling nearly costs MSU game against Purdue

First off, the kick coverage was solid as was the punt coverage, but that’s not what made this grade a ‘D,’ it’s what kept it from being an ‘F.’

Michael Geiger’s claim that his confidence hasn’t taken a hit despite his early-season struggles seems to be false as he missed yet another short field goal, this time from 35 yards away. Yes, it was rainy and a little windy, but that’s a chip shot for a good field goal kicker, especially when there is no problem with pressure to block it or a poor snap/hold.

Geiger sort of made up for it shortly after with a 30-yard made that gave Michigan State a 24-14 lead which should have been 27-14. In the end, the miss didn’t come back to hurt the Spartans.

Freshman punter Jake Hartbarger didn’t have his best game of the year, despite averaging over 40 yards per punt on a rainy, windy day. The reason I say he had a poor day is because he let a snap go through his fingers in the third quarter in Purdue territory and the fumble scooted all the way back to the redzone area where Purdue got to start their drive. That led to their first score and some momentum.

Special teams needs to improve moving forward.

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