Penn State Nittany Lions

Michigan State Football: Game preview, prediction vs. Penn State

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Michigan State football is traveling to Penn State on Saturday and here is everything you need to know.

The Michigan State football team has not had the best of seasons. In fact, this is the worst year for the Spartans under Mark Dantonio and in recent memory. Sitting at 3-8 with Penn State looming on Saturday, a win could build some confidence heading into next season.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 bold predictions for November

Trace McSorley, Saquon Barkley and a tough Penn State defense could present some problems for the Spartans, but this is far from the best team Michigan State has faced all year. However, the Nittany Lions might be the hottest team in the Big Ten.

If Ohio State wins on Saturday afternoon, the Buckeyes will be rooting for the Spartans to beat Penn State. If the Nittany Lions beat MSU and Ohio State beats the Wolverines, Penn State will be playing in the Big Ten title game.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Michigan State football game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 25
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: University Park, PA
Venue: Beaver Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Just like the Spartans tried to do with J.T. Barrett last week, they need to attempt to contain Trace McSorley. The first-year starting quarterback likes to run with the ball and Michigan State needs to hold him in check. The same goes for stopping Barkley on the ground.

Offensively, feeding the hot hand is key. No more switching in Gerald Holmes or Madre London for an entire drive when LJ Scott is in the middle of a nice stretch. The pass game might not work, so the offensive line needs to open holes on the ground.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Penn State -12
Over/Under: 55

Prediction

Michigan State is going to come out strong on the first drive yet again. It’s not going to be easy to take down a motivated Penn State team with plenty to play for on Saturday. Tyler O’Connor is getting the start again, most likely, and he will need to have one of his best games of the year. Fortunately, LJ Scott will have yet another big game, but unfortunately, O’Connor will turn the ball over too many times.

Final: Michigan State 24, Penn State 28

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