Michigan State football facing must-win vs. Penn State in Week 9

It has been a long bye week for Michigan State football with transfers and enduring the losing streak. Can it bounce Saturday against Penn State?

The first crack in the armor was the loss to Arizona State and, in my opinion, if Michigan State won that game then it could make losing to Ohio State and possibly Wisconsin palatable for fans. However, the loss only served as a chilling reminder of Bobby Williams and John L. Smith’s eras.

Do the Spartans stand a chance against the Nittany Lions? It is difficult to get a read on Penn State because they are such an explosive team yet they look beatable at other times.

The Penn State defense is helmed by sophomore linebacker Micah Parsons. The defense as a whole has been stingy yet Michigan was able to find opportunities and a scrambling Shea Patterson kept many drives alive. Senior quarterback Brian Lewerke is the key to a Spartan victory Saturday as he has had much success against PSU.

Lewerke has to find the open receivers and make sure everyone is lined up correctly to avoid self-inflicted wounds on offense. Penn State will pressure him, however, he has been good against the blitz as long as he doesn’t try to do too much. If he can use his legs to get key third-down conversations then MSU has a chance in this game.

The defense has to stop making excuses or should I write pundits need to stop making excuses for it. Yes, the defense has been on the field for long lengths of time but let’s be honest, they should be used to it by now — meaning, they should have the endurance to do it. What I have watched is an unfocused, undisciplined Spartan unit.

Head coach Mark Dantonio has not lost his touch, but he has had many recruiting misses and that has led to a unit that is not as good as many hoped it would be. Can the Spartans pull off the upset against Penn State? Unfortunately, no. Penn State has too many athletes and speed in space.

Prediction: Penn State 31, Michigan State 21