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Michigan State Football: Preview, prediction vs. Penn State in Week 10

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State football will be hosting Penn State in a major Big Ten bout in Week 10 and here’s everything you need to know.

After a tough loss in Evanston last week, Michigan State (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten East) will host Penn State (7-1, 4-1) for a potential major rebound in Week 10. While the Nittany Lions are also coming off a loss, they have aspirations that extend to the College Football Playoff.

Must Read: MSU Football: Report card for loss to Northwestern

Michigan State, though, has hopes of a Big Ten title. A win over the Nittany Lions would keep them alive heading into Ohio State next week. Brian Lewerke has been a major reason for the success, although some would argue his numbers aren’t up to par. He silenced doubters against Northwestern with a school record 445 passing yards.

LJ Scott hasn’t quite gotten going on offense yet, though. The Spartans are hoping to get the ground game back on track after a two-game lull.

As for the defense, both Michigan State and Penn State feature top-25 units nationally. The Spartans rank eighth in total defense and fourth against the run, which could give Saquon Barkley fits. The Heisman candidate and potential top player in college football is coming off a so-so performance, sans a kickoff return, against Ohio State.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 4
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Spartan Stadium
TV: FOX
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go

Keys to Victory

On the offensive side of the ball, Michigan State needs to mix it up more. This season, the Spartans have either been all run (Michigan, Minnesota) or all pass (Notre Dame, Northwestern). It’s time to find a middle ground and if the Spartans can get the run game back on track while building on Brian Lewerke’s confidence-builiding game against the Wildcats, this one could be close.

Defensively, the Spartans can’t key on any one player like they did last week against Northwestern. They were able to stop Justin Jackson all game, but slowing down the pass game was another issue. While slowing Saquon Barkley is important, this team cannot forget Trace McSorley. Be able to slow both the run and the pass, don’t focus on one or the other.

Next: MSU Football: 5 bold predictions for November

Prediction

Despite the Nittany Lions being fairly overwhelming favorites, the Spartans are going to keep it close. Don’t listen to all the experts saying this will be a blowout because Mark Dantonio has his teams ready for big games. The Spartans aren’t just going to roll over and let the Nittany Lions do whatever they want. However, I do think they will come away with a double-digit win just because of a late touchdown by Saquon Barkley to seal it. The game will be down-to-the-wire until that score.

Final Score: Penn State 31, Michigan State 21

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