Michigan State Football: 5 things that must happen for Penn State upset
3. Spartans shut down underneath routes
Although Penn State averages the second most passing yards per attempt in the Big Ten at 8.7, the Spartans need to shut down those underneath routes and force the Nittany Lions to try and burn them deep. Not many teams have been able to consistently hit the down-field throws on the Spartans — though Northwestern hit some 20-30 yards passes — which has been a positive.
Michigan State has been gassed in the fourth quarter all season long because the defense is tired from being on the field as opponents pass the ball 50-plus times on them.
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It’s not that the passing defense is weak, though the numbers would indicate otherwise, but rather the secondary hasn’t figured out how to shut down those underneath routes. The staff, too, seems OK with allowing 5-10 yard passes as long as they don’t get gashed.
If the secondary can step up and force Trace McSorley to stand in the pocket longer than he’s comfortable with, the defensive line — and blitzing backers — can get pressure on him and force him into throwing the ball away, into coverage or just taking a sack.
Everything else will work itself out if the underneath routes are squashed.