Heading into the season, one of the most-secure positions on Michigan State's roster was punter.
Jake Hartbarger is a fifth-year senior and in his fourth season as a starter. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection last season and an often-underappreciated special teams weapon for the Spartans.
A hit he took to the right leg after a play was blown dead in a loss at Arizona State on Sept. 8 created uncertainty for Michigan State's special teams and led to a surprise.
With Hartbarger out, redshirt freshman backup quarterback Rocky Lombardi filled in with a 32-yard punt at Arizona State and was named the starter during the ensuing bye week.