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Michigan State’s Jayden Reed explains punt return decoy that led to game-tying TD vs. Nebraska
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Michigan State used a brilliant decoy in a key spot to even the score vs. Nebraska on Saturday night.
Trailing by 7 in the game’s final minutes, the Huskers punted the ball back to the Spartans. The problem? Nebraska’s punt defense went the wrong way.
Michigan State had two returners back deep, and it fooled the Huskers. While Nebraska went right, the ball went left and into the arms of star receiver Jayden Reed. He did the rest, easily taking the ball to the house and tying the game.
Here’s the play:
Jayden Reed with the house call for #MichiganState!#Spartans and Cornhuskers tied at 20 heading to OT! pic.twitter.com/Ud840zpIVv
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) September 26, 2021
After the game, Reed said the Spartans have been working on this decoy play in recent practices. He said as he knew the play would work soon after the ball had left the punter’s foot.
MSU's Jayden Reed says the punt return "is something we've been working on" for a few weeks. Nailor decoy took the defense. Credits special teams coach Ross Els for making the call. Knew it would work "2 seconds after it was punted."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 26, 2021
Michigan State went on to win the game in overtime after Chester Kimbrough picked off Adrian Martinez on Nebraska’s opening drive. The Spartans then drove the ball near the goal line and let kicker Matt Coghlin do the rest.
The result was a 23-20 Michigan State victory and a 4-0 record for the Spartans.
Michigan State hosts Western Kentucky next week.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.