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Michigan State Football: Positional report card from Iowa victory

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Chris Frey #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after recovering a fumble by wide receiver Brandon Smith of the Iowa Hawkeyes and returning it 11 yards during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Iowa 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Chris Frey #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after recovering a fumble by wide receiver Brandon Smith of the Iowa Hawkeyes and returning it 11 yards during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Iowa 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 12: An extra point attempt goes through the goal posts during a college football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Spartan Stadium on November 12, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Knights 49-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 12: An extra point attempt goes through the goal posts during a college football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Spartan Stadium on November 12, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Knights 49-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

B. . ST. Michigan State. SPECIAL TEAMS

Unlike last week, the special teams made some mistakes against Iowa in Week 5. The Spartans punted quite a bit and Jake Hartbarger continued to be one of the most consistent punters in the conference. While the Spartans would rather not punt five-plus times in a game, it’s nice to know that he’s back there to boot the ball deep inside enemy territory.

Must Read: MSU Football: Game-by-game predictions for Big Ten play

As for the kickoff team, it was difficult to watch yet again as the returners were able to get Iowa into decent field position. OK, so maybe there were three good coverages on kick returns, but there has been one longer one in the past few weeks — this time it was 35 yards. Michigan State needs to get down the field quicker and contain the ball-carrier.

Matt Coghlin made a 38-yard field goal and both of his extra points, but he missed a crucial three-point try late in the game that would have effectively put the Spartans ahead for good. Luckily, Michigan State held on to the slim lead.

Next: MSU Football: 10 bold predictions for 2017 Big Ten play

Laress Nelson looked solid again in the punt return game, taking two up the field for 19 total yards and a long of 11. He looks to be exceeding expectations.

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