EAST LANSING — Jeff Pietrowski lined up at right defensive end, in his first collegiate start for Michigan State football. His first time playing in front of the Spartan Stadium crowd, already roaring from a first-play touchdown.
Youngstown State’s center snapped the ball. Pietrowski rocketed from his stance, Demeatric Crenshaw within his crosshairs. Pietrowski maintained his balance after a last-ditch nudge from the tight end, his left paw on the quarterback’s waist.
Until Xavier Henderson shot through a gap, hip-checked his teammate and cleaned up for the sack.
Sorry, youngster.
No worries, though.