CLOSE Nov 11, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans punter Jake Hartbarger (25) nearly has his punt blocked by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Ward (12) during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. (Photo: Joe Maiorana/USA TODAY Sports) The skinny: Getting a sixth year of eligibility for punter Jake Hartbarger is an underrated storyline heading into this Michigan State football season. Hartbarger had turned himself into an NFL prospect during a stellar 2017 season, adding consistency to his booming leg and dictating opponents’ return game — especially against Western Michigan’s Darius Phillips. MSU went through five punters last season. Losing Hartbarger in Week 2 to a broken leg was a killer. Having him back is worth points and field position that’ll be difficult to equate. The Spartans also return All-Big Ten kicker Matt Coghlin, who made 18 of 22 field goals as a sophomore last season, including 4 of…
Continue Reading: 2019 Michigan State football preview – the kicking game: Return game remains in question
