Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions vs. Penn State in Week 10

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans shakes hands with head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions after the game on November 26, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Michigan State 45-12 clinching Big Ten East Division Champions. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 28: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions returns the opening kick off 97-yards for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

3. Saquon Barkley held under 100 rushing yards

It’s hard to believe that Saquon Barkley has had just three 100-yard rushing games this season, but the junior running back has still found ways to be explosive. In fact, he has become one of the best receiving running backs in college football.

Last week, the Buckeyes held him in check outside of a 97-yard kick return to open the game. He rushed for just 44 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries and had four receptions for 23 yards. He will have just as hard a time running the ball against the Spartans.

For the second straight game, the junior will struggle to find open running lanes and he will be held in check with 78 rushing yards on 18 carries. He will catch five passes out of the backfield for over 50 yards, which will hurt the Spartans, but for yet another week, Michigan State will hold an opposing starting running back to under 100 yards.

Barkley might be one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but his chances will take a big hit with his second straight mediocre run game.

Home/Spartans Football