Michigan State Football: 5 most important games in 2018

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Kendall Sheffield #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Tuf Borland #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes wrap up Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans after a short gain in the third quarter at Ohio Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan State 48-3. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans battles for yards next to Brandon Smith #47 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Last year, no one gave the Spartans a chance to upset the No. 7 Nittany Lions in East Lansing, but they pulled off the unthinkable, even after a multi-hour rain delay which sent fans to the exits.

Michigan State needs to get off to a hot start in Happy Valley as Penn State is a difficult team to beat at home. The Nittany Lions return Trace McSorley, arguably the best quarterback in the Big Ten, but lose Saquon Barkley which could hurt the offense in a big way — depending on how well Miles Sanders adjusts to the No. 1 role.

Penn State presents a difficult test to the Spartans, but Michigan State needs to take care of business in its third conference game of the year. This is the second of a tough three-game stretch, kicked off with a home game against Northwester (the No. 5 game on this list).

If the Spartans can slow McSorley while Brian Lewerke has a repeat performance of his 2017 showing against the Nittany Lions, they can pull off the road “upset”.

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