EAST LANSING – Youngstown State closed a touchdown drive to pull within two scores and, one play later, Aidan Chiles’ pass was tipped behind the line and intercepted.

The sudden change put Michigan State on its heels against an FCS team late in the third quarter last week and the defense needed a stop.

Nikai Martinez was thrilled to simply be on the field but also needed to make a play. As the deep safety on third-and-15, he took a few steps back at the snap, then spotted quarterback Beau Brungard tuck the ball. Martinez sprinted through the middle of the field to make a tackle for a short gain and the Penguins missed the ensuing field goal.

“It was great seeing him back healthy,” linebacker Jordan Hall said after a 41-24 win, “making tackles, making plays. … You can tell from months ag

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