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Michigan State Football: What worked and what didn’t against Indiana

By Thomas Nikundiwe

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Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans punter Jake Hartbarger (25) punts the ball to Indiana Hoosiers during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Special teams

The special teams turned from goat to hero in the span of 10 seconds against Michigan. They played a much more even game against Indiana — far less spectacular but much more consistent.

Must Read: Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Week 9

Jake Hartbarger was back at punter and boomed a 56-yarder –though he also had a very short punt. Kevin Cronin had several touchbacks on kickoffs. Still things were not completely smooth.

What worked: Return game

Spartan fans have been watching as opposing teams kick return units have run roughshod over MSU. Just once, we wanted to see our return team break a long one on them. Well it finally happened against the Hoosiers — R.J. Shelton returned the opening second half kickoff 58 yards. The great field position led to an MSU touchdown to start the second half.

In addition, Macgarret Kings Jr. had a nice 17 yard punt return. MSU’s punt return has been almost completely missing this year. If Kings can get a few more returns it will really help MSU’s field position game.

What didn’t: Field goal unit

On MSU’s first field goal attempt, long snapper Taybor Pepper snapped it too high for holder Matt Macksood and he was unable to get it down for Michael Geiger to attempt the field goal. Geiger also hit the upright on an extra point attempt.

Things just don’t look or feel right on the field goal unit. Bad snaps, bad holds, bad kicks, bad blocking — the entire unit has not played to the level it will need in order for Michigan State football to reach its lofty goals.

Next: MSU Football: 5 takeaways from win over Indiana

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