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Penn State Football: Keys to the Game vs Michigan State
Penn State caps their regular season with a Senior Day showdown against the Michigan State Spartans. See what the keys are for the Nittany Lions to defeat their fellow Land Grant opponent.
In writing the season preview for Michigan State, I said the game against Michigan State could very easily be for third place in the Big Ten East. Well, Saturday’s matchup with the Spartans will take on even bigger importance for Penn State.
If Penn State emerges victorious Saturday, and Ohio State defeats Michigan, the Nittany Lions will win the Big Ten East. Before the Lions can look ahead at potentially a bigger picture, they first need to take care of business against Michigan State.
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The Spartans season has definitely not lived up to the expectations of head coach Mark Dantonio. Michigan State expected to take a step back from their 2015 Big Ten title winning squad, but no one thought a 3-8 season was in store.
Despite the disappointing season, the Spartans have still showed tenacity and resilience in the past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago Michigan State recorded their first Big Ten win by shutting out Rutgers. Last week only a failed two-point conversion kept them from beating No. 2 Ohio State. I fully expect coach D’Antonio to have his team mentally prepared to battle Penn State come Saturday afternoon.
Check out what Penn State needs to do to re-take the Land Grant Trophy and beat Michigan State in this week’s installment of Keys to the Game.
Game Keys:
Game Key No. 1 – Force Michigan State to Throw
Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Donnie Corley (9) celebrates after MSU defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 36-28 at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
The Spartans ground force, led by LJ Scott, has been rolling along the past few weeks. An area where Michigan State has lagged all year has been at quarterback. While the Spartans rank sixth in the Big Ten in passing offense, stats can sometimes be misleading. In Michigan State’s previous seven games, they have only passed for 200 or more yards twice. Comparatively, Penn State has thrown for 200 or more yards in five of their last seven contests.
Replacing Connor Cook has become a more difficult challenge than coach Dantonio initially thought.
The tandem of red shirt senior Tyler O’Connor and red shirt junior Damion Terry has been met with trials and tribulations. O’Connor has thrown for nearly 2000 yards and 16 touchdowns, but he has been wildly inconsistent along with throwing nine interceptions. Last week against Ohio State, O’Connor started well but finished with two interceptions and only 105 passing yards. Penn State must find ways to put pressure on O’Connor. See the video below.
Ohio State was able to pressure O’Connor with just its front four. Penn State should be able to do the same, especially with their defensive ends, Garrett Sickels and Evan Schwan. On Saturday, look for Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry to dial up pressure in situations where he expects a pass.
Game Key No. 2 – Penn State’s Offensive Line Play
Apr 16, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive line coach Matt Limegrove looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 37-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports
This seems to be a key each and every week. Penn State’s banged up offensive line should get some good news this week with the return of right guard Connor McGovern. The true freshman dressed last week at Rutgers but was not used. His extra week of rest should put him near full strength this week. It is a good thing, too! Michigan State possess a formidable defensive front despite the ankle injury to stud defensive end Malik McDowell.
The loss of McDowell though has certainly affected the Spartans pass rush. They rank last in the Big Ten in total sacks (10). They have also generated the fewest tackles for loss in the conference and allow teams a nearly 43 percent success rate on third downs.
The strength of the Michigan State defense lies in their linebackers and defensive secondary. Up front is an area that Penn State, despite their rash of injuries on the offensive line, can take advantage.
In Michigan State’s last nine games they have allowed their opponents to rush for at least 100 yards and have given up an eye-popping 16 rushing touchdowns. In contrast, Penn State has rushed for at least 100 yards in all but three games and have scored 28 rushing touchdowns (fourth in the Big Ten).
Even with the Nittany Lions banged up offensive line, they must be salivating at the chance to open up holes for Saquon Barkley.
#3 – Special Teams
Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions punter Blake Gillikin (93) prepares to punt in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams has been an area that this column has not focused on this year. To be fair, this area has seen the biggest one-year improvement on the entire Nittany Lions squad.
Penn State invested a scholarship in freshman punter Blake Gillikin. The Atlanta, GA native leads all Big Ten freshmen in punting average (41.4 yards). His ability to change field position has been a big factor in why Penn State has improved defensively this season.
Placekicker Tyler Davis has also evolved into one of the most consistent players on the Lions squad. His 20 of 22 conversions (90.9 percent) places him second in the Big Ten in conversion rate. He has ice water in his veins. Not only did he kick a game-tying last second field goal against Minnesota, but he also made four field goals last weekend in a swirling wind at Rutgers.
In the past Michigan State has relied heavily upon their kicking and punting game. This year, kicker Michael Geiger ranks eighth in placekicking, while punter Jake Hartbarger ranks seventh in punting average per game. Neither have been the standout players the Spartans are used to having.
The return game is another area that Penn State has seen significant improvements. Primary punt returner John Reid ranks fourth in the Big Ten in return average, while true freshman Miles Sanders has found a few explosive kick off returns.
On Saturday look for special teams coach Charles Huff to dial up something unique for the Spartans. I could easily see a fake punt or field goal as a way of pumping up the crowd.
Game Key No. 4 – Revenge Factor
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin greets safety Marcus Allen (2) as he comes off the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Michigan State embarrassed Penn State 55-16. Not only did the Spartans show up the Lions by scoring 35 second-half points, but also by using offensive lineman Jack Allen for a nine-yard score when the game was already out of hand.
This year, Penn State can exact a small measure of revenge. Of course, exacting revenge would be something nobody on the Nittany Lions’ sidelines would attest to, but it would be sweet nectar.
Head Coach James Franklin has once again maintained the focus should be on Michigan State, while all other outside factors need to be eliminated.
Penn State will need to block out all of the distractions of this game, including having approximately 250 Penn State Lettermen back to see the game. Having the lettermen present, the conference and national implications of the game, as well as the bulletin board material from last year’s game, should provide Penn State all the motivation necessary to defeat Michigan State.
The question remains, how will the young Nittany Lions handle the excitement and the lofty expectations for the game?
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