Spartan kickers putting on a show
One of the most reassuring reports coming out of fall camp so far is the emergence of MSU’s two placekickers. There’s no way to gauge how many points Michigan State left on the field last season due to missed field goals or a lack of confidence in the kicking game. MSU fans have been used to NFL caliber kickers in recent years until last season. While freshman Brett Swenson and sophomore Todd Boleski are no shoe-ins to play on Sundays (yet), it appears that the duo may be just the answer to fans’ prayers. Several writers took notice of their performance in the first scrimmage including Shannon Shelton of the Detroit Free Press.
During the 145-play, 2 1/2 -hour exercise, freshman Brett Swenson hit all five of his field-goal attempts — kicks of 19, 36, 30, 49 and 27 yards. Sophomore Todd Boleski was 2-for-3, connecting from 50 and 52 yards.
“That was one of the most positive parts,” MSU coach John L. Smith said Thursday about the scrimmage, which was closed to reporters. “Swenson’s had a pulled groin, he’s been kicking a lot more here than he ever has. But he wrapped it up and he came out, he was 5-for-5.”