Michigan State Football: Final score predictions vs. Penn State in finale

Penn State comes to town on Saturday evening for a huge battle of Big Ten East foes. If Michigan State football beats the Nittany Lions and Michigan loses to Ohio State, the Spartans will finish second in the division after coming in dead last a year ago.

The Mel Tucker era is in full effect and things are trending in the right direction for this program.

But Penn State is going to give the Spartans all they can handle in East Lansing on Saturday. The Nittany Lions may be just 7-4, but they’re as talented as anyone in the conference not named Ohio State and they have a veteran quarterback. This will be a tough one for the Spartans.

Here’s what our writers think will happen in this one.

Connor Muldowney: After watching Michigan State’s secondary give up a million yards through the air against Ohio State, I’m a little worried about what Sean Clifford may do. But I just think the defense will fare better in East Lansing against a far less explosive offense. Kenneth Walker III is also going to have a big game and Payton Thorne will get some revenge for last season’s loss. This won’t be a pretty win, but you’ll take it and a 10-2 regular season.

Final Score: Penn State 24, Michigan State 28

Carter Landis: The Spartans may be without some of their heavy hitters, but this is still a deep team and a more talented team than Penn State. Tucker wants to close out the regular season with a win in front of the home crowd. MSU will lock in against Jahan Dotson and win a close one.

Final Score: Penn State 21, Michigan State 23

Conner Linsner: Michigan State had a tough loss last week but it has a chance to redeem itself against Penn State. A win gets them a New Year’s Six game, so there is still plenty to play for. The Injury bug has been going around Michigan State so it’s tough to know who’s available, limited, etc., on the team. Penn State battled a flu issue, so that’s also something to monitor. The Nittany Lions play good defense but their offense is a liability. Lucky for them, Michigan State’s pass defense isn’t too good, so they still have an opportunity for points. I think ultimately the Spartans fall at home in a close one.

Final Score: Penn State 21, Michigan State 20

Jack Williams: Michigan State has not been the scoring threat in recent weeks that they were when the season began. The Spartans have failed to hit 30 points in three of their last five games and I don’t see that changing against Penn State. There are no more excuses for the pass defense — it’s awful. I think Penn State wins a close one.

Final Score: Penn State 28, Michigan State 24

Stephen Robb: MSU head coach Mel Tucker is not the only coach in the Big Ten getting a raise this past week. Penn State coach James Franklin received a huge contract as well. I’m not optimistic about this game given last week. Penn State has a really good defense. Michigan State’s secondary could be the cure to the Nittany Lions’ passing game. The Spartans have many injuries that will make this a game for them to win.

Final Score: Penn State 35, Michigan State 17