Michigan State vs Penn State: Predicting the final score

The writers of Spartan Avenue predict the final score of Saturday’s Michigan State vs Penn State contest.

There are big goals on the line Saturday in the Michigan State vs Penn State game. The Spartans are playing for a Big Ten East title and a trip to the conference championship game with a shot to make the College Football Playoff while the Nittany Lions could really make their season with a road win over No. 5 Michigan State.

Must Read: Michigan State vs Penn State: Preview, predictions and more

With the possibility of being Connor Cook-less on Saturday, the Spartans will have to hope for yet another solid performance out of Tyler O’Connor and Damion Terry if they get the nod. Cook’s a game-time decision as of right now and it will be interesting to see if he gives it a go on Senior Day.

The writers here at Spartan Avenue sat down to give their final score predictions for the game this afternoon at Spartan Stadium. Will Michigan State take care of business or will the Nittany Lions pull off the mammoth upset?

Connor Muldowney: Penn State’s offense is one of the worst Michigan State will see all year, but Christian Hackenberg is one of the better quarterbacks — on paper. However, the Penn State offensive line is so bad that Shilique Calhoun, Craig Evans, Lawrence Thomas and Malik McDowell should all have a field day rushing the QB. The secondary will step up for the third straight game and the special teams will draw up a nifty trick play to really ice the game late.

Prediction: Penn State 21, Michigan State 31

Evan Cruse: Although I am worried about a Cook-less offense, the team has proven that it can win and win decisively without him. I expect the defense to have anywhere from 3-5 turnovers and I’m predicting a pick-six for either Arjen Colquhoun or Darian Hicks. LJ Scott and Gerald Holmes will combine for 150 yards as the line dominates in the trenches for the second straight week. If Cook plays give me MSU 42-10.

Prediction: Penn State 14, Michigan State 28

Daniel Gottschalk: Tyler O’Connor may start again tomorrow in place of the injured Cook. With better conditions, he’ll be able to air it out more but the Spartans will still lean heavily on the ground game. MSU’s front-seven will have their second feast of the week going up against Penn State’s leaky offensive line.

Christian Hackenburg will struggle to have any time to throw. Michigan State will grind out another win to lock up the east division championship and advance to the big ten championship game for the third time in the last five years.

Prediction: Penn State 14, Michigan State 24

Jesse Ford: After  an impressive game against Ohio State last weekend, MSU will look to continue its drive towards Indianapolis, and beyond. Whether Connor Cook starts or not is a big question leading into this weekends clash against Penn State. If Cook doesn’t play, look for Michigan State to continue to use its quarterback rotation of Damion Terry and Tyler O’Connor.

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The option was effective last week in keeping Ohio State off guard and I have a feeling that with a little more game experience, both QB’s will be more productive. Quick note: Terry had a minor ankle injury near the end of last week’s game but the coaching staff stated that he was still available to finish the game against Ohio State.

On the Penn State side of the football, this game will boil down to quarterback Christian Hackenberg having enough time to find open receivers. If the line can’t provide adequate protection Penn State will surely struggle and will need mistakes from MSU to have a chance.

Another obstacle for the Nittany Lions is the availability of sack-master Carl Nassib who leads the nation with 15.5 sacks. Penn State is plenty viable up front, but the availability of Nassib will be critical in putting pressure on the MSU quarterbacks this Saturday.

Bottom line, MSU will coach this game to leave Spartan Stadium with a victory. Expect to see long drives, a few calculated shots downfield and if the Spartans get up early, it will rely on the running game and defense to close it out. Cook or no Cook, MSU will establish the run game, significantly pressure Christian Hackenberg — who has been sacked 36 times this year.

Prediction: Penn State 13, Michigan State 27