Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from huge win over Penn State

Nov 27, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates with offensive lineman Blake Bueter (69) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 27, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker looks down during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Mel Tucker proved he was worth the extension

How do you bounce back from a 56-7 thrashing by Ohio State? You pick up a big win over Penn State in a snow-filled early evening game in late November despite being down a handful of players to injury and illnesses.

The flu hit this team hard, according to Brett McMurphy, but the Spartans didn’t hold back and held the lead for most of the game. Why? Because Mel Tucker had them ready.

Michigan State had the right game plan and did everything it needed to in order to hold on for a big win over a tough Penn State team that’s probably better than its 7-5 record. The Spartans weren’t afraid to throw the ball despite the heavy snowfall and did a solid job through the air and they mixed in the run well.

Tucker had this team ready and they didn’t lack confidence after losing by 49 points last week which is all you can really ask for a team that’s not exactly fighting for a Big Ten title.

The second-year head coach proved he was worthy of the extension by keeping Michigan State motivated to win a 10th game and likely lock up a New Year’s Six bowl berth.

Next. 3 takeaways after loss to Baylor. dark

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