Senior kicker Brett Swenson was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday after his career-best performance in MSU’s 40-37 victory against Purdue on Saturday.
Swenson went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, making a 28-yarder, followed by two career-long 52-yarders before hitting a 21-yarder with 1:51 remaining to give the Spartans the lead and the victory in the senior’s final road game.
“He responded with two clutch 52-yarders in the third quarter, and both of those kicks provided must-have points,” head coach Mark Dantonio said. “I trust him explicitly, especially when the game is on the line. Brett doesn’t rush himself in those situations. He gets himself prepared on the sideline, so he’s extremely focused and confident when he goes in to kick.”
The Florida native is a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the nation’s best kicker. Swenson had converted 18-of-20 field goal attempts this season.
Swenson also was named a Lou Groza Star of the Week, which highlights three of the nation’s top kickers.
The Lou Groza Award winner will be announced on Dec. 10 in Orlando, Fla.
Swenson is MSU’s all-time leader in scoring, field goals and extra points and is fourth all-time in the Big Ten in field goals made.
“He has had a remarkable career at Michigan State, completely rewriting the record book,” Dantonio said. “With his accuracy and mental toughness, Brett is the finest placekicker in the country.”
Chris Vannini
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