Last Week:
No senior quarterback Connor Cook? No problem. Michigan State made the most of a big situation and knocked off undefeated Ohio State with a last second field goal behind stout defense and a punishing ground attack. Cook’s status remains up in the air for this weekend’s game but a upset over the Buckeyes proves that Tyler O’Connor is plenty capable of making the Spartans a threat to play great football.
The Good:
Of all the impressive stats on Saturday night from Michigan State’s win, none raise your eyebrows more than 132 total yards of offense for the Buckeyes. A dominating effort in the trenches, Michigan State simply out worked and played a physical brand of football. The Spartans have been lethal on offense and strong on defense but neither until has liked at a high level against a high end opponent this season until the upset over Ohio State. 21.5 points against ranks 32nd in the nation while 31.0 points per game is tied for 53rd in the land. At the end of the day though, if not for a last minute loss to Nebraska, the Spartans would be in even more rarified air.
The Bad:
It’s hard to find much issue with a team just a few plays from being undefeated, but the Spartans are prone to giving up the big play from time to time. Hardly an insurmountable issue but the Spartans have allowed teams to stay in games because of it. That may not mean Penn State can take advantage of this enough to win, but a few good deep balls by Christian Hackenberg could keep Penn State in the mix if things stay close.
The Player To Watch:
If Cook can’t play on Saturday it will falls on the likes of running back Gerald Holmes to get the job done on the ground. Truthfully though it’s the entire offensive and defensive lines that will give Penn State a chance to win or lose on Saturday. The Spartans are a physically punishing team with very few weaknesses. Not a good formula for Penn State late in the season with a banged up roster and struggles on the offensive front.
The Prediction:
Final games can always have unexpected outcomes but it’s hard to pick Penn State in this one. Michigan State is looking at a Big Ten title shot and a shot at the college football playoffs. Penn State on the other hand is looking to pick up a win. Both teams have plenty to play for but only one has something substantial and tangible to grasp for with a victory. It will be close but Michigan State is too good to mess this up.
35-14 Michigan State
