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Michigan State Football: Report card for loss to Northwestern in Week 9

By Connor Muldowney

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans fumbles the ball as he's hit by Montre Hartage #24 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans fumbles the ball as he's hit by Montre Hartage #24 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio prior to the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio prior to the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

C-. . ST. Michigan State. SPECIAL TEAMS

It was a little frustrating to see Michigan State march down the field twice in regulation only to miss field goals off the uprights. Twice freshman Matt Coghlin clanked his kicks off the crossbar which was arguably the difference in the game.

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If Coghlin makes one of those field goals, Michigan State wins the game on the Felton Davis III touchdown catch with about 20 seconds left. It’s tough to go back and think about it that way, but special teams was an issue.

On top of that, Cody White nearly cost the Spartans huge field position after botching a punt late in the game. He just took his eyes off the ball and let it slip right through is fingers. Michigan State needs more consistency in the return game.

Speaking of returns, Connor Heyward had a one on the opening kickoff, but it was called back due to a penalty which negated about 30 yards. The special teams units just seemed to be all over the place Saturday and the only consistent player was Jake Hartbarger. He averaged 41.8 yards per punt.

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