Michigan State notes: An intentional safety and huge game by Kenny Willekes

EAST LANSING - Late in the third quarter, Michigan State lined up to punt from its own 1-yard line while trailing Ohio State 7-6.

True freshman walk-on punter William Przystup stood at the back of the end zone but never received the ball. That's because Ryan Armour snapped it over his head for a safety.

It certainly appeared to be intentional and coach Mark Dantonio confirmed it was, following Michigan State's 26-6 loss to Ohio State in East Lansing on Saturday. He said the decision was based on wanting to avoid a potential blocked punt and Przystup was making his college debut in the game.

"So, I just told our snapper to snap it through the end zone and even with that William asked me 'should I catch it?' I said 'no,'" Dantonio recalled, resulting in laughter.

Intentional or nah? [?] pic.twitter.com/y9AoGD6nao
-- Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 10, 2018

Taking the safety, which was a questionable decision, gave Ohio State a 9-6 lead and Cole Hahn sent the ensuing kickoff out of bounds to give the Buckeyes the ball at the 50-yard line. Ohio State punted on that drive and Michigan State went on to commit three turnovers in the fourth quarter that resulted in 17 points for the Buckeyes.

Another punter: Michigan State lost punters Jake Hartbarger and Tyler Hunt to season-ending injuries and Przystup became the fourth to play at the position this season - not counting quarterback Rocky Lombardi, who had one punt in an emergency role in a Sept. 8 loss at Arizona State.

"We may have the most depth at punter in the nation," Dantonio said.

Michigan State offense fails again in loss to Ohio State

Redshirt freshman walk-on Bryce Baringer became the third starter but has struggled lately and averaged just 30.3 yards on three attempts against the Buckeyes. That led to him splitting time with Przystup on Saturday and the newcomer performed well.

Przystup averaged 46.2 yards on five punts with two of at least 50 yards and two downed inside the 20-yard line.

"I thought he did an outstanding job for never having punted in a college football game," Dantonio said. "It was quite a feat I would say."

Monster game: On Ohio State's first offensive snap, Kenny Willekes stuffed running back Mike Weber for a 1-yard loss. It was a sign of what was to come as the redshirt junior defensive end had a monster game for the Spartans.

Willekes, a former walk-on, turned in one of the best performances of his career. He finished with career highs in tackles (13) and tackles for a loss (3.5), to go with a sack, a pass break-up and a quarterback hurry.

"I noticed he make a couple big plays early and was a factor all day," Michigan State defensive coordinator Mike Tressel said. "And, you know he's going to be."

Michigan State wastes another defensive gem in loss to Ohio State

Willekes wasn't made available to speak with reporters following the game. He has 64 tackles, including 17 for a loss, 8.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble this season.

"That's who Kenny Willekes is, that's what coaches, teammates, media and fans have come to expect and that's what we love about him," Tressel said. "He was definitely intense today, you could see it in his eyes before the game and he played on their side of the ball."

Players out: Michigan State's dress list against Ohio State indicted a number of key players could return. That didn't happen.

Running back LJ Scott, center Matt Allen, guard David Beedle, guard/tackle Luke Campbell, receiver Jalen Nailor and cornerback Tre Person all dressed but didn't play on Saturday. Additionally, starting receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. left the game due to injury and cornerback Josh Butler missed his fifth straight game.

Michigan State RB LJ Scott will redshirt and return for fifth year

Following the game, Dantonio said Scott will not play the rest of the season in order to take a redshirt and return for his fifth year.

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