Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans will upset Penn State in Week 10

Michigan State football takes on Penn State in East Lansing this Saturday. Do the Spartans have enough intangibles to beat the Nittany Lions?

Never underestimate Sparty. This is something I have come to believe, even though I have picked the Nittany Lions over Michigan State. I would not be surprised if the Spartans pull off the upset, though. Mark Dantonio has been great against top-10 ranked teams, outside of teams named Alabama. This team will be focused and ready to play.

This really is the first true test for Michigan State. Notre Dame was not as highly-ranked when the two played. Michigan was in the top 10 but has since shown its true colors as the season has moved along. Penn State will be the measuring stick for how far this team has come since 2016. If this team can pull the upset, then it will keep its championship hopes alive.

Here are five reasons the Spartans will win Saturday.

5. Cody White has become a go-to receiver

True freshman Cody White has stepped up and become the star receiver that many predicted the under-the-radar recruit would be. He was not the No. 1 player in the state of Michigan in 2016, despite winning Mr. Football, as that honor and hype went to Donavan Peoples-Jones who picked Michigan. However, White arrived on campus and has been the playmaker the Spartans have longed for.

White has had his share of troubles with fumbles, but the Spartans can live with the mistakes as long as he continues to make plays. He is going to learn from his mistakes. Michigan State has asked much from all of its true freshmen and the class has proven its talent. White will continue his breakout season against Penn State.