Michigan State Football: 3 bold predictions for NY6 audition vs. Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, PA - DECEMBER 12: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on December 12, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs past Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Jerron Cage (86) during the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes Football /

2. Kenneth Walker III bounces back with a big game

All indications are that Kenneth Walker III is playing on Saturday against Penn State after getting banged up a little in the Ohio State loss. If that is, in fact, the case, I think the Spartans are going to lean heavily on the junior running back.

After his worst game of the season in which he carried the ball just six times for 25 yards, Walker’s Heisman hopes were essentially dashed unless both CJ Stroud and Bryce Young have terrible season finales and he rushes for over 150-200 yards. There’s a slim chance, but he’s playing for a strong finish and likely NFL draft stock at this point.

I think Walker bounces back from that Ohio State performance and really rides off into the sunset with a huge game against Penn State despite that defensive front being really solid.

Penn State allows about 130 yards per game on the ground and that bodes well for the Spartans as I believe the line will do just enough to pave the way for a big Walker send-off — assuming he doesn’t come back for a senior season.

I’m going to predict 165 yards and two touchdowns to end the year.

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