Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from win over Michigan

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Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson (20) dives into the end zone for a game winning touchdown as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan State 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Bonus: Jalen Watts-Jackson is a legend

Lucky you; you get a bonus takeaway from this big win over the Wolverines. Watching the game until the very end, I bet the name Jalen Watts-Jackson didn’t pop into your head until the final play was unfolding.

Must Read: Don’t apologize for Michigan State football’s victory over Michigan

As primarily a special teams player — although he is a backup safety — Watts-Jackson doesn’t get as much recognition as he should. On a special teams unit that has struggled all season long to slow down the returns on kickoff an punt coverage, Watts-Jackson has played a somewhat-prominent role although we rarely hear his name.

On Saturday, he happened to play the role of hero.

For a guy who doesn’t usually see the field during regular drives for the MSU defense, Watts-Jackson has been making the most of his opportunities on special teams, and he came up with the play of his life against Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Rushing all 11 guys with no return man and 10 seconds left in the game, Michigan was forced to punt and Watts-Jackson probably wanted to be the guy to make the big block. However, that wasn’t the case as punter Blake O’Neill fumbled the snap and tried to pick it up to punt it, but it was tossed into the perfectly-placed arms of Jalen as Grayson Miller took down O’Neill.

The redshirt freshman returned it 38 yards for the game-winning score with no time left on the clock and his teammates piled on top of him, only to find out later that he broke his hip on his way into the end zone.

Jalen, you are a Spartan hero and you will forever be remembered with the Keith Nichols and T.J. Ducketts of the world. Congrats, and get well soon.

Next: MSU Football: Report card for Spartans' win over Michigan

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