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Michigan State Football: Report card from first month of 2021 season

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State running back Connor Heyward (11) warms up before the Youngstown State game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Michigan State running back Connor Heyward (11) warms up before the Youngstown State game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. /
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Sep 25, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans punter Bryce Baringer (99) punts the ball during the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans punter Bryce Baringer (99) punts the ball during the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams: B+

Michigan State is a handful of missed field goals away from earning an A on special teams through the first month. Matt Coghlin has been decent, but 5-for-9 isn’t the best conversion rate for a sixth-year kicker. He did hit a game-winner against Nebraska, I’ll give him that, but he needs to be much more consistent.

Bryce Baringer has been the star of this group as he leads all Power Five punters with a 53.2 yards per punt average. The coverage team has also been fantastic and he’s pinning teams deep. The field position battle is so important and the former walk-on is helping the Spartans win constantly.

Should we get #Baringer4RayGuy trending?

Jayden Reed has been the star of the return game and had a huge touchdown on a punt return in Week 4 to help the Spartans against Nebraska. He scored the game-tying touchdown with under five minutes left and that changed the momentum in the game. I see more return touchdowns in his future as he’s electric with the ball in his hands.

Overall, I’ve been very impressed with special teams and it’s been one of the most improved groups under Mel Tucker.

Next. MSU football: 5 bold predictions for October. dark

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