Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from mammoth upset of Penn State

2. Michigan State is still very much alive in the Big Ten East

The “we control our own destiny” cliche has been used many times by head coach Mark Dantonio, but the saying holds true, especially after essentially eliminating Penn State from the Big Ten East race. The Nittany Lions now have two losses — both to divisional foes — and the Spartans have just one.

That loss to Northwestern seemed to be a back-breaker, but all it took to get back on track was a win over Penn State. The Spartans went from dead in the water to back in contention in just seven days.

Winning at Penn State not only eliminates the Nittany Lions — presumably — from the conference title race, but it also puts Michigan State in a good spot. The Spartans have a decent schedule remaining with both Michigan and Ohio State coming at home. Win both of those games and take care of everyone else and you’ll see a motivated team heading back to the Big Ten title game.

Beating both Michigan and Ohio State will be tough, so will maintaining focus during the other games in-between the Wolverines and Buckeyes and in the final weeks of the year.

The Spartans proved they are not ready to roll over in the conference title race, making a statement in Happy Valley on Saturday.