Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans can upset Penn State

Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans can upset Penn State in Week 7

EAST LANSING, MI - AUGUST 31: Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first half interception with teammates while playing the Utah State Aggies at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 08: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a pass against Saleem Brightwell #9 of the Pittsburgh Panthers on September 8, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

4. Trace McSorley’s accuracy has dipped significantly

While Trace McSorley is widely considered one of the top Heisman candidates in the nation heading into Week 7, he’s had plenty of issues despite the solid numbers.

If you were to ask McSorley what’s frustrated him most this season, he would have to admit it’s his completion percentage. After completing 66 percent of his throws as a junior, McSorley has taken a major step back, completing just 53 percent this season. His yards per attempt, too, are a career-low since he’s been a starter as well as his adjusted QB rating.

McSorley is killing teams with his legs, rushing for 410 yards and six touchdowns after accounting for 491 yards and 11 scores a season ago. He has almost surpassed those rushing totals in half the time.

The inaccuracy of McSorley could work into Michigan State’s favor because it could force second and third-and-longs and make the Penn State offense one-dimensional.

If Penn State struggles to run against the No. 1 defense in the country, it’ll have to pass. If McSorley can’t improve on that completion rate, the Lions’ offense could be in trouble.

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