Freshman kicker Matt Coghlin (4) kicks an extra point during the game against Western Michigan University on Sep. 9, 2017 at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Broncos 28-14.
—Matt Coghlin holds a program record and is starting to get nationally recognized for his efforts this season.
Coghlin was listed as one of 20 semi-finalists for the Lou Groza Award on Thursday, which is given to the nation's top kicker. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission will announce three finalists Nov. 20 and the winner Dec. 6. Michigan State has never had a kicker win the award since its inauguration in 1992.
The sophomore has hit 11-of-12 field goals (91.7 percent), including his career-long 49-yard attempt against Utah State on Aug. 31. He's 20-for-20 on all extra point attempts, and is 3-of-3 on field goals at least 40 yards or more.
The 5-foot-9, 190 pound Cincinnati native, extended his MSU record for consecutive field goals made with 18 against Purdue, before he was blocked by the Boilermakers with 8:46 left in the third quarter.
Coghlin also ran a 6-yard touchdown on a fake field goal in a 35-21 win against Indiana on Sept. 22.
The Spartans (5-3, 3-2 in Big Ten) take on Maryland (5-3, 3-2) at noon Saturday on ESPN2 in College Park.
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