Michigan State Football: Report card against the Wolverines
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
Special teams: C+
It was really tough to give this position group a grade. My emotions were as mixed as ever since the special teams would have gotten an ‘F’ going into the final play of the game, but the punt block unit made Michigan punter Blake O’Neill shaky enough that he fumbled the snap and flipped the ball into Jalen Watts-Jackson’s hands as he ran it in for the game-winning score.
Must Read: Watch the incredible final play in the MSU-Michigan game
That brought the grade up to a ‘C+’ but it cannot entirely excuse the poor play of the special teams units on Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor.
Dantonio proves he has little faith in the field goal kicking game — still — as he opted to go for it on fourth down in field goal range twice. Once might have been against the wind while the other would have been a 30-40 yard try. That proves that there is a problem with Michael Geiger’s confidence — and if there wasn’t before the game, there is now.
Tyler O’Connor took over punting duties for most of the game, but didn’t do a great job in that regard, averaging just 38.3 yards per kick — and that doesn’t include the long run backs, so the net was much worse. Jake Hartbarger’s one punt traveled just 33 yards. Before last week, Hartbarger was the bright spot of the special teams groups.
Jabrill Peppers had a couple of big returns for the Wolverines, setting up very short drives for Michigan scores that otherwise wouldn’t have happened as it had trouble moving the ball all day long against the Spartans.
Special teams needs improvement — and fast.
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