The one outcome from last Saturday’s loss to Arizona State that may have the most long lasting impact on the Michigan State football season is the loss if punter Jake Hartbarger. The senior punter was hit on a dead play after the whistles had blown, and was lost for the next 6-8 weeks to a bone bruise or fracture in his leg.
In his absence, backup quarterback Rocky Lombardi will take over the punting duties for the Spartans. Lombardi had one punt for 32 yards coming immediately following the injury to Hartbarger.
The injury not only may have prematurely ended the career of the MSU punter, but it may also have a big impact on the way the coaching staff makes in game decisions.