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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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is stopped on a fourht down rush by linebacker Joe Bachie #35 and defensive end Jack Camper #91 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Michigan State’s run defense

Just like the Indiana game a few weeks back, the strength of Michigan State’s opponent also happens to play into the Spartans’ favor. Penn State can run the ball and relies heavily on the ground attack but the Spartans have the No. 1 run defense in the country.

Miles Sanders has picked up right where Saquon Barkley left off and Trace McSorley is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. The Spartans could shut down the biggest part of the Nittany Lions’ offense, hampering their ability to move the ball effectively.

Having the top run defense in the country could make Penn State a one-dimensional team and force a not-always-accurate McSorley to throw the ball more than he — and James Franklin — would like.

Penn State’s strength may actually hurt them in this one against Michigan State.

Sure, the secondary, too, would have to step up in this case and cut out the underneath routes, but they should have learned from mistakes against Northwestern by now.

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