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Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2018 preview vs. Penn State

By Stephen Robb

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks for yards after a second half catch in front of Manny Bowen #43 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks for yards after a second half catch in front of Manny Bowen #43 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Last year’s win against PSU became an instant classic and this year’s game will rival it. What does this matchup for Michigan State football look like?

This is a way-too-early-preview of the Michigan State versus Penn State game. Several factors could happen between now and game time including injuries, departures and depth chart changes, so things can change from now until the start of the season.

Must Read: 5 reasons Brian Lewerke’s will be Mark Dantonio’s best QB

Being hailed as the best quarterback in the Big Ten, last year Trace McSorley proved it by passing for over 3,200 yards and 26 touchdowns. However, this year there is no Saquon Barkley to hand the ball off to. Miles Sanders takes the helm and while he was a five-star recruit it is unfair to compare the two — he was also heavily recruited by Michigan State.

The Spartans held Barkley in check in 2017 and will do the same with Sanders in 2018. McSorley no longer has tight end Mike Gesicki to bail him out. Look for McSorley to again make plays with his legs and keep Penn State in the game. However, MSU’s offense will be too much the Nittany Lions.

Next: MSU Football: Post-spring 2018 game-by-game predictions

Prediction: Michigan State 31, Penn State 27. Spartan quarterback Brian Lewerke is a difference-maker. The MSU defensive line is better than advertised and now with a year of experience they will be able to control the line of scrimmage. Sanders will be held to 50 yards on the ground while McSorley will pass for 250 yards. Penn State will fall behind early, but their comeback will fall short with a game ending interception.

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