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Penn State Football: causes for concern against the Michigan State Spartans

By Nick Kreiser

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: The Michigan State Spartans and Penn State Nittany Lions face off at Spartan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: The Michigan State Spartans and Penn State Nittany Lions face off at Spartan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 19: Mitchell Tinsley #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions catches a kick as Max Melton #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights closes in at SHI Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Penn State defeated Rutgers 55-10. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 19: Mitchell Tinsley #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions catches a kick as Max Melton #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights closes in at SHI Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Penn State defeated Rutgers 55-10. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Michigan State’s punt game

Ok, yeah, it’s not much, but it is something; and when you’re talking about a 9-2 team taking on a 5-6 team at home, it’s tough to find too many causes for concern that stand out.

Michigan State has the best average yards per punt (48.2) in the Big Ten, as well as the best net yards per punt (45.0).

If the Spartans’ offense struggles to move the ball, they can at least flip field position very well and force the Penn State offense to have to go the length of the field to find the endzone.

Not having Parker Washington back deep to return punts also isn’t helpful. He was much more of a threat with the ball in his hands than his replacement: Mitchell Tinsley.

If this game does end up being a close one, field position could be a huge difference maker.

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