In just 15 seconds, the stinging noise in Spartan Stadium fell to a transfixed lull. The 75,000-plus fans in attendance halted in disbelief.
Vault — Northwestern’s running back-turned-wide receiver and kick returner extraordinaire — took the kickoff off the bounce and dashed 95 yards to the end zone, giving the Wildcats a nine-point lead just after Michigan State had scored its second touchdown in under four minutes.
At his best, Vault is a momentum-killer, a game-breaker and a blur. He’s the best kickoff returner the Chicago area has seen since Devin Hester. Offensively, his role isn’t quite as clear.