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Michigan State Football: Preview, prediction vs. Penn State in Week 7

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Juwan Johnson #84 of the Penn State Nittany Lions can't make a second half catch next to Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans 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: Juwan Johnson #84 of the Penn State Nittany Lions can't make a second half catch next to Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans 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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Michigan State football faces its toughest test of the season, traveling to Happy Valley to take on Penn State in Week 7.

For a team that won 10 games a season ago and returned 19 starters, a 3-2 start to the season has been more than disappointing. Although Michigan State is coming off an ugly home loss to Northwestern, there’s still a glimmer of hope for a turnaround.

Must Read: 5 things that must happen for MSU to upset Penn State

Mark Dantonio has pulled off crazier things in the past, so no one would really be surprised if Michigan State did a complete 180 and finished the regular season with a 10-2 or 9-3 record.

Much of the turnaround would have to start on Saturday afternoon in Happy Valley against Penn State. The Spartans must take down the No. 8 Nittany Lions on the road to prove that there’s still hope for a Big Ten East title. The Nittany Lions, though, won’t go down easily.

Penn State is coming off a home loss to Ohio State followed by a bye week, so the Nittany Lions will be well-rested and ready to go, led by Heisman-hopeful Trace McSorley. The Penn State offense is high-powered and that’s even without Saquon Barkley. This team can score at will, but Michigan State must shut that down.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s big game in Happy Valley:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 13
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Spartan Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

This is actually more simple than it may seem. It’s much easier said than done, but the Spartans must contain Trace McSorley in the pocket and force him into some uncomfortable throws. He’s most comfortable when he’s either throwing on the run or just running in general, so Michigan State needs to limit the usage of his legs for yards. Contain him, shut down the underneath routes and force some uncomfortable throws in the pocket.

On offense, Michigan State must figure out a way to get momentum in the trenches. The main problem with the offense isn’t so much the play-calling (although that’s been awful, too) but rather the lack of a push from the line. If they can pave running lanes for the backs, the Spartans won’t be as one-dimensional and that could open the playbook even more.

Betting Odds

Courtesy of OddsShark

Line: Penn State -13.5
Over/Under: 53

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Prediction

It’s been a rough season for Michigan State but this is the type of game that could get a team back on track. Michigan State always plays Penn State tough — or at least most of the time — and the Spartans have won two of the last three in Happy Valley. Unfortunately, a solid performance from the green and white on the road will fall just short despite a strong showing from Brian Lewerke.

Final Score: Michigan State 24, Penn State 31

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