This was one of the best games that Michigan State’s special teams played all year and it likely would have received an A if there was more consistency in the return game.
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For example, Cody White couldn’t get anything going on punt returns yet again and that will be crucial for future field position battles. Connor Heyward continues to be a strong kickoff return man, though. He’s not afraid to lay the lumber on would-be tacklers with a devastating truck stick.
Jake Hartbarger had a solid game punting the ball, yet again, averaging nearly 40 yards per punt and he pinned the Nittany Lions a couple of times as well inside the 20, and even inside their own 10-yard line.
The kickoff coverage was great. Brett Scanlon kicked the ball over Saquon Barkley’s head in the end zone for a touchback, preventing any huge returns. The unit also bottled the Heisman candidate up, allowing him to gain just 15 total yards on two returns.
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Lastly, how could we forget about McLovin? In case you don’t know, that’s what redshirt freshman kicker Matt Coghlin’s nickname is, according to his teammates. He nailed the game-winning field goal as time expired and got some style points for the slip-n-slide celebration.