The MSU special teams unit looks to make a positive impact against Notre Dame - a week removed from a horrendous performance.
In the 46-22 loss to California, the Spartans fumbled two kickoff returns and gave up a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown.
On the return, senior cornerback DeMario Suggs missed a tackle and junior linebacker Mike Labinjo was out of his coverage lane. And on another kickoff return, the Spartans missed several tackles.
Suggs said special teams coordinator Danny Crossman hasn’t focused much on the fumbles, but coverage assignments were emphasized during the week.
“They’re stressing it,” Suggs said. “We messed it up, not the coaches. They’re stressing more of the little things, the coaching tips and the little things that matter.
“It all lies on the players.”
With the Fighting Irish’s stingy defense coming to Spartan Stadium, MSU wide receiver Ziehl Kavanaght could be needed to make a big play in the game.
Kavanaght has been solid this season - he hasn’t fumbled and he usually runs north and south. His biggest mistake occurred against California when he decided not to field a punt, which pinned the Spartans inside their own 5-yard line, leading to a safety.
On 14 returns, Kavanaght has averaged 11.3 yards. To this point, his longest return is 49 yards, but he said it shouldn’t be long before he takes it to the distance.
“The field position could be a big factor in the game so I’m going to try to do my best,” he said. “I think that if special teams keeps on doing the same job, it’s going to happen.
“It could be a big difference.”
Another difference-maker could be junior wide receiver Charles Rogers.
This season, he only has returned one punt for 21 yards. But Crossman foresees the 6-foot-4, 205-pound split end to see action on special teams.
“He’s going to be involved in some things,” he said. “I don’t know how many times he will. It all depends on how the games goes.
“If we could, we’d like to see him back there as much as possible because he’s such a great player and brings a different facet to the football game.”
On the other side of the field, Notre Dame junior cornerback Vontez Duff provides the excitement.
He is averaging 19.7 yards per return and has a 76-yard touchdown to his credit. On kickoff returns, he’s averaging 26.7 yards.
“Playing DB you don’t get the ball too much, so when it’s kicked directly to you it’s a little easier,” he said. “All you think about is going all the way because you don’t get too many opportunities to get the ball in your hand.”
Suggs said special teams always play a major role in any game. Against Notre Dame, it will be no different.
“It seems that whoever wins special teams wins the game,” he said.
