Two Spartans accept invites to Reese's Senior Bowl
Michigan State football looks to secure bowl eligibility this weekend when they host Indiana in the Spartans' final home game of the 2022 season. However, two MSU seniors will go bowling regardless after accepting invitations to the annual Reese's Senior Bowl on Feb. 4 in Mobile, Ala.
Wide receiver Jayden Reed and punter Bryce Baringer were bowl presented the opportunity to play in the Senior Bowl, where NFL Draft hopefuls get a chance to be coached by NFL staff members and improve their draft stock.
Reed has not had the senior campaign that he or many others expected him to when he chose to return to East Lansing following an excellent junior season.
Last year, Reed had 59 receptions for 1,026 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2022, the senior has battled a couple injuries that caused him to miss one game. So far this season, Reed has 45 receptions for 548 yards and five touchdowns.
The Draft Starts in Mobile 🚀@JaydenReed5 x @seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/xVzCj93BbH
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) November 17, 2022
Baringer, meanwhile, has been arguably the best punter in the country this season. The senior leads the nation in punt yard average (49.6) and net punt yard average (46.0).
The Associated Press named Baringer a first-team midseason All-American, and he's a two-time Ray Guy Award National Punter of the Week honoree. Baringer has made five appearances on the "Ray's 8" weekly honor roll.
Out of 42 punts this season, Baringer has 21 of 50-plus yards and eight of 60-plus yards. He has also downed 20 punts inside the opponent's 20 yard line, including eight inside the 10 yard line.
Last season, Baringer set a school record with a 48.4-yard punting average, which was the second-best punting average in Big Ten history.
The journey continues 🏁
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) November 17, 2022
Bryce Baringer is @seniorbowl bound! pic.twitter.com/xBphwKTHzn
Reed and Baringer will look to add to their numbers with two final regular season games, and hopefully a bowl game in December.
